We’re beginning a new section (Congratulations to you! You are still with us!) Once we get past the churches and the opening visions, we get into the judgments. There are four pictures of the judgments (seals, trumpets, conflicts, and bowls) and though John received the visions consecutively, they are all happening at the same time, describing the same events, but from differing perspectives. Dr. Campbell likens this to the four gospels, which all happened at the same time but from differing perspectives. The first series, the seals, is seen from the perspective of how judgment refines believers.
When we get to the next series, the trumpets, the emphasis is on judgment for unbelievers. The judgments reveal who are truly His and who are not. Spurgeon puts it like this:
Both the seals and trumpets escalate in intensity, and the final ones happen in the end times. Interesting, like the plagues of Exodus, the beginning ones affect the sources of life like the land and the water, but the final ones affect human life itself. It does make me wonder about our first worldwide plague of Covid 19.
This week we will see the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty when our worlds are shaken. No matter what interpretive camp of Revelation you are in, this is vital to all.
God’s sovereignty is such a comfort to me when my world falls apart, as it seems to do rather often. I know He knows what He is doing, and that helps me to put my trust in Him.
But many, when God shakes their world, are shaken to the core and back up from Him, throwing away their only lifeline and giving Satan a victory.
This week we will be strengthened to trust and have victory.
This week will help us not only understand why He shakes our worlds, but will also, once again, affirm to us how all of Scripture is woven into the same story, giving us confidence that all of it is the very word of Almighty God.
There are many passages that Revelation 6 alludes to, but one of the strongest is Ezekiel 14, which was the basis of my book, Idol Lies. This is where we see the phrase “idols of the heart.” Once you realize that idols are not just visible things like statues, but all the ways we endeavor to meet our needs apart from God, you then also realize you are a recovering idolater. Seeing “the sin beneath the sin” (idolatry) is half the battle.
Once we see we are trusting in our way instead of God’s way, we know what to do. We must repent, but then, also, run to Him, trust in Him, and He will give us His peace and make all things beautiful in His time. That is what He is doing for me — I’m just sorry it took me decades to understand idols of the heart. Please listen to this 3 minute explanation from the late David Powlison on Idols of the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXUApsdmgT0
He shakes our worlds for our sake! He wants to release our hands from our heart idols. His purpose in bringing the four horsemen is to punish the world and to purify the saints. Revelation helps to jolt me into looking up to where my real life is so that I walk in repentance if a heart idol is involved, and so that I am not undone by the troubles in my transitory world. I am just passing through!
He speaks in “pictures that are puzzles” in Revelation, but Jesus actually told us the same thing in plain language in Matthew 24, when he told us that deception, famine, wars, and earthquakes were coming.
In Revelation 6, the “Lamb” begins opening the “seals,” and with the first four, out thunders each of the “four horsemen of the apocalypse.”
With the fifth seal, we hear the voice of the martyrs crying out under the altar, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe…
How sobering this is, but how it makes us set our affections on things above. One of my favorite reads this year was “Mama Maggie,” the “Mother Teresa of Egypt” who is rescuing so many homeless children. She has spunk! One of my favorite stories was when she, who was a wealthy socialite, wanted to sell all her jewelry to help the children and her husband asked, “But what about the pieces I gave you that have sentimental value?” She told him to buy them back after she got the money for the children! She had been jolted awake as to what really mattered in this life.
The 20 Coptic Christians who were beheaded for their faith several years ago were “her boys.” The story is that each bravely refused to deny Christ, and the 21st man, who was not one of them, was so moved that he converted on the spot and followed them in confession and death. Watch just the first three minutes of this interview with Mama Maggie (or more, if you like!)
https://video.foxnews.com/v/4151374928001#sp=show-clips
And with the sixth seal, the number of fallen man, we see, according to Dr. Campbell and other commentators I respect, a picture of the very end of the age, of the last judgment. When you get to the vision of the bowls, you will see that this earthquake is like none the world had ever seen before.
Oh Lord, be with us, as You trust us to look into Your secrets. Give us tender hearts and bold faith.
Word Document for Lesson 12
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from anything about:
A. Idols of the heart
B. Why God brings trouble into our world (the four horsemen)
C. Martyrs and Mama Maggie
D. Anything else!
Monday: Background for Revelation 6
2. Read Ezekiel 14:1-6
A. In verses 1-6, what was the trouble with the elders of Israel? What does God tell all the people?
B. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry?
3. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
A. What does God tell Ezekiel He will do to an unfaithful country?
B. What three men are mentioned repeatedly? Thoughts?
C. What does this passage tell you about what God wants most?
4. Read the opening two paragraphs in Mystery Explained under The First Six Seals and share his main points.
Tuesday: The Four Horsemen
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Why or why not?
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
Wednesday: How Long, Sovereign Lord?
These judgments may indeed be the beginning of the answer to the cries of the martyrs whose souls are kept safe under the altar.
9. Read Dr. Campbell’s paragraphs after the horses beginning with “Various Old Testament text” up to the paragraph that beings “The first four seals” and share what you learn.
10. Read aloud Revelation 6:9-11 and share what you learn about the martyred saints.
11. Read the following three paragraphs about the fifth seal and share what you learn.
12. How can clinging to our life be a form of idolatry? Give an illustration of clinging to your life.
Thursday: The Sixth Seal: The Last Judgment
Dr. Campbell believes this is the last judgment. Keith Mathison, in Age to Age, argues that the prophets “regularly use such metaphorical language to describe judgments that have already occurred without involving the literal end of the world, such as Babylon (Isaiah 13) and Judah (Jeremiah 4) so he thinks it is both. Greg Scharf, whom I often quote, and was the back-up speaker to John Stott, would explain it like this: “Every judgment we see in the Old Testament is a foreshadowing of the great and final judgment.”
13. What thoughts do you have about these different views and how they impact you?
14. Read Revelation 6:12-17 and describe what John sees.
15. Read the rest of Dr. Campbell’s section and share his main points.
Friday: Worship and Prayer
Optional song written by Michael Card and sung by Steve Green on Revelation 6:9-11, followed by my favorite by him! Let them lead you into worship and prayer. Feel free to pray silently or write out your words here.
Saturday:
16. What is your take-a-way and why?
122 comments
What stands out to you from anything about:
A. Idols of the heart I remember when I first did the Idol Lies study and realized that idols weren’t just a one time thing I could ever be free of, but that they are constantly competing for my attention.
B. Why God brings trouble into our world (the four horsemen) To shake us up and get our attention. It also makes me long for a life beyond the one we know.
C. Martyrs and Mama Maggie I’m definitely going to read the Mama Maggie book. Both martyrs and those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others help me to see what is really important and to draw from them what I should be focusing on right where I’m at (I hope that makes sense).
D. Anything else! I’m excited about this weeks study!
I’m excited you are excited, Dawn!
What stands out to you from anything about:
A. Idols of the heart: David Powlison speaks about how when our reaction to this world is destructive, we know we are holding tight to an idol. Dee says, once we can see this we know to repent and run to Him, trusting Him to make things beautiful in His time. These are clear instructions on how to handle idols in our lives.
B. Why God brings trouble into our world (the four horsemen) : God uses trouble in the lives of Christians to show us where we need to release idols and trust in Him. These can be such painful lessons.
C. Martyrs and Mama Maggie: I watched the whole video. The person interviewing was dramatically aggressive in comparison to Mamma Maggie, who was so quiet and humble in spirit. It was obvious at one point how disarming this was to her. Only the love of Christ can have this effect on a person.
D. Anything else! I’m amazed at how the Lord continues to draw me to Him through this lesson. Life has made it very challenging to participate, but I’m back, for whatever He allows me time & energy to complete. I love the Charles Spurgeon quote. There are people in my life that I see hardened and it’s hard to see. I’m comforted in knowing He is in control.
You listened to the whole interview! Loved your description.
Good to see you back, Chris.
I am so happy you are back, Chris. Life can pull us so many directions, it is hard to keep up sometimes. I have felt that lately too. I love your comments! I totally felt the same way about the interview with Mamma Maggie. She was filled with the love and grace of Christ and she could not be shaken. What a beautiful woman living her life totally for Jesus and bringing others into His kingdom. I ordered the book immediately. I am so thankful He is in control.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from anything about:
A. Idols of the heart
”An idol…endeavoring to meet my needs apart from God” I have an idol in my life that I am trying to figure out the root, what need am I trying to meet apart from God? It has been really hard, but maybe the first step is realizing it is an idol.?
B. Why God brings trouble into our world (the four horsemen)
He shakes our world to release our hands from our heart idols, purify us, jolt us into turning our eyes upon Him and having a heart of repentance.
C. Martyrs and Mama Maggie
I watched the whole interview and will leave it at that. Maybe the book goes into more detail what her faith was.
D. Anything else!
I enjoy the vision of the 5th seal…calling Him Sovereign Lord…they know He is in control and they’re each given a white robe. This brings much joy and hope in knowing what a Mighty God we serve and His love for us.
Reading between the lines, you didn’t see much faith! 🙂 She is a Coptic Christian which I think is a form of Catholicism, and it could be concern for the poor is what matters most. The book emphasized her intense prayers — when she spoke at Willow Creek she lay flat on the floor in the beginning for ten minutes praying for them. 🙂 The whole sanctuary was quiet and sensed a great anointing. To be honest, I didn’t watch the whole interview!
We have a number of Coptic Christians in our community. In my conversations with the family I know from our school, her family is very Christ centered. I am not familiar with the statement of faith from their church. I look forward to reading about Mamma Maggie.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from anything about:
Idols of the heart- Of course it pricked my heart to see David Powlison, he feels like a familiar friend to me. My dearest friend has taken a job at CCEF, we are helping her move there this weekend, a joy and a heartache, I will miss so much having her in close proximity.
I have leaned so much about idolatry here, from you Dee, and from Keller and CCEF. I have learned that repentance is a privilege and a gift. I am frustrated but not surprised how often I lean towards comfort and approval, thank you Lord for showing me the emptiness of these things.
B. Why God brings trouble into our world (the four horsemen)–
Judgement is scary, I keep thinking that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, about Aslan not being safe but good. Those who are not in Christ should be afraid and we should be afraid for them.
“He shakes our worlds for our sake! He wants to release our hands from our heart idols.”
Trouble really does show our idolatry as worthless, when I have really suffered, the things I normally took refuge in were absolutely empty.
C. Martyrs and Mama Maggie
Watching her interview made me think of this from Alasdair Groves, he presented this at a plenary session at a CCEF conference and it made such an impact on me. Mama Maggie is laying up treasure in heaven:
https://www.ccef.org/treasuring-others/
D. Anything else!
“Revelation helps to jolt me into looking up to where my real life is”
I am feeling this too.
You being immersed in CCEF has brought a richness to the blog, Chris.
Thank you for sharing that CCEF article, Chris. It is an excellent article. What a wonderful perspective and a great way to think about our treasure in heaven.
Yes, I think about idols often after taking your study on that, Dee. So often I catch myself getting too wrapped up in something too earthly.
I love the description of the Horsemen~ their colors, their titles, their purpose…the visual is a great way to remember. Thank you, Dee!
I’m sure, as an artist, that you are a visual learner, Patti.
I love all of the visuals and sermons you include in this study, Dee. They really do help me remember! xo
Chris, thanks so much for the article!!
2. Read Ezekiel 14:1-6
A. In verses 1-6, what was the trouble with the elders of Israel? What does God tell all the people?They have taken idols into their hearts, God will answer them in a way that will reveal they idols and take hold of their hearts.
B. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry?
I seek to relieve the pain and stress of living by making myself comfortable, with food, sleep, sometimes choosing not to be engaged socially. I choose the approval of men, worried about how I am perceived by other people than how I am perceived by God.
I am learning to process my emotions in prayer, but comfort is the first direction I turn to via my natural self. When I choose to retreat to sleep, food, watching a movie to escape, I ‘set up a stumbling block’ and refuse to turn to the only comfort and approval that matters. So dumb.
I like thinking of those temptations as stumbling blocks. Makes them less attractive!
Chris, you gave me a helpful word picture about idols: thinking of them as a stumbling block that I set in the way of getting to God. I can literally “trip over” them, or the idol is a complete obstacle standing in my way of getting to God. And yes, sometimes I am the one who refuses to remove the obstacle.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from anything about:
A. Idols of the heart
Dee: are the ways we endeavor to meet our needs apart from God; the sin beneath the sin. Dr. Powlison: Idols are a shorthand of “what am I doing with God or with something that is not God when something bad is coming out of my life?”
B. Why God brings trouble into our world (the four horsemen)
To punish the world and to purify the saints
C. Martyrs and Mama Maggie
I watched the interview till the end and Mama Maggie was so calm compared to the rapid-talking interviewer. The latter seems to act skeptically and showed an attitude of “I can’t believe what I am hearing!” I am not sure what Coptic Christians are.
D. Anything else!
He wants to release our hands from our heart idols.
Set your hearts on things above and not on things on earth. Colossians 3:2
Yes, I think that is a very helpful definition — meeting our needs apart from God.
I borrowed the Mama Maggie audiobook from Hoopla. I can’t wait to listen to it.
Hoopla is a great resource. Let us know your reaction!
Monday: Background for Revelation 6
2. Read Ezekiel 14:1-6
A. In verses 1-6, what was the trouble with the elders of Israel? They had set up idols in their hearts and embraced things that made them fall into sin. What does God tell all the people? To repent from their idols and stop all their detestable sins.
B. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry? I too have set up idols in my heart and fallen into sin. I know it’s making something else of more importance than the Lord which therefore leads to sin. It seems to be a constant battle within my life and there are times when I don’t recognize or want to recognize the idol. What am I thinking about the most and how is that affecting my relationship with the Lord? It’s interesting because not only does it affect my relationship with Him but with others as well.
3. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
A. What does God tell Ezekiel He will do to an unfaithful country? Bring judgement upon them.
B. What three men are mentioned repeatedly? Noah, Job and Daniel Thoughts? Noah was a righteous man but only he, his family and some animals were saved through the judgement of the flood. Job was a righteous man who lost everything expect his wife and life. Daniel, who lived during that time was a prime example for the people then. Even though he was righteous the people weren’t spared captivity and punishment.
C. What does this passage tell you about what God wants most? He wants our hearts, to be first place in our lives
Monday
4. Read the opening two paragraphs in Mystery Explained under The First Six Seals and share his main points.
The seals: first of a series of 3 parallel sets of visions ( others being trumpets and bowls).
All 3 depict judgments of God during the church age and their purpose being to refine believers by testing their faith and harden hearts of unbelievers who refuse to repent in spite of God’s disapproval of their sin.
This process began in the letter to the churches. Believers being exhorted to remain faithful in the face of persecution and temptations to compromise their faith.
The basis of the exhortation: the assurance that God is sovereign over all that’s happening.
The opening of these seals was precipitated when Christ took His heavenly authoritative seat which demonstrates God is ruling over all subsequent events of history. Also bringing comfort to suffering believers.
Christ opens the seals which were initiated by His death.
Christ is executing the judgement of which the first 4 are war, famine, death and plague.
The time from Christ’s resurrection until His return will be marked by recurring periods of varied judgements.
Suffering presents an opportunity for Christians to find their strength in God even while hearts around them are being hardened.
I wanted to share that nearly all Christians in NE Nigeria have lost family members in attacks by Islamic extremists and entire congregations have been displaced. Famine threatens many because their farms are being overtaken by these extremists. I share this because what is happening in these seals is happening now…many Christians are suffering in ways I can’t comprehend and it breaks my heart. To be in the trenches of the suffering like Mamma Maggie has got to be so hard and I’m driven to conviction in my reaction to her, please forgive me Lord as You know her heart. Dee, please forgive me as well.
Sharon, you have written such a detailed summary. I cannot add to it. I appreciate your information about Christians in Nigeria. I would venture to say that there is great suffering where we live as well, though it may be a more comfortable suffering for some in material means. The perversion of justice, drugs/crime, the failure of the family, and so much more occurring in our country, along with the erosion of the Truth in our churches is undermining our country at its core. The effects will be felt for generations. What church has not felt the impact of the pandemic? Many have dwindled in numbers due to division. Many people have left the church all together. I agree physical suffering such as Nigeria is facing is unimaginable, but I would argue that the spiritual decline where we live is a darker road to travel as we can be deceived more easily when we are not suffering physically. This is certainly not to minimize the suffering in Africa, but only to draw attention to the spiritual ‘suffering’ here which is certainly a part of the judgement as well.
Chris, thank you for your response and reminder. It is interesting that where there is physical persecution there is more spiritual growth and other countries are sending missionaries here to America. Oh how I need to get on my knees in prayer and stop being comfortable when there’s a war going on.
Sharon, I confess that something bothered me as well about the interview. Especially, with the spiritual deception going on in our country, we need to be on guard. I have someone in my life who is a believer but definitely has some significant flaws in her beliefs. This has been hard for me to accept, as she has had a huge positive influence in my life. My pastor said something that has helped: God can forgive our theological errors. Probably none of us has it exactly right, though us reformed believers tend to think we do. It is important to give grace even in areas we feel strongly about doctrinally. As you say, God knows her heart.
Sharon — I always appreciate honest reactions. I was convicted that I hadn’t listened to the whole interview!
And this is astounding and shows how easy we have and how much we should pray:
nearly all Christians in NE Nigeria have lost family members in attacks by Islamic extremists and entire congregations have been displaced. Famine threatens many because their farms are being overtaken by these extremists. I share this because what is happening in these seals is happening now…many Christians are suffering in ways I can’t comprehend and it breaks my heart.
Wow, this is heavy stuff…
1. What stands out to you from anything about:
A. Idols of the heart
It’s difficult to get rid of idols.
B. Why God brings trouble into our world (the four horsemen)
Have never heard of the four horsemen??
I suppose He brings us trouble so we know what bad and good are? The difference?
C. Martyrs and Mama Maggie
I could never do what she has done. It makes me sad to admit that. I’m sad that so many children are living in those conditions. She is brave.
Pretty amazed that the men would be beheaded in our modern world. I remember it and still have a hard time understanding how someone could do that to someone else.
D. Anything else!
This week kind of seems depressing so far….I have not looked ahead.
Laura — we often hear you say “I could never…” but I wonder, as I see you doing what I think I could never do.
You might be right. Maybe I should say I wouldn’t choose a certain path, however when in the midst of it all, I would probably perform to the best of my ability.
2. Read Ezekiel 14:1-6
A. In verses 1-6, what was the trouble with the elders of Israel? What does God tell all the people?
The elders had set themselves up with sin in their hearts. They loved things that were sinful.
God tells them that He will answer their requests by saying to repent, and turn from their si ful behavior.
B. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry?
I have released some control that I used to hang on to. I still have idols that lead me and I need to get rid of those also. It is very difficult to break the habit of an idol. It’s easier to live in the present than to think about living in the future or for eternity. Life is “in your face,” whereas Jesus has to be sought. I am weak. He is strong. I wish I had the faith in myself that He has in me. (Mary Magdalene, The Chosen) I am better, but not yet quite right.
I feel the same way, Laura. I have to depend on my faith in Him and His faith in me. I don’t have it myself. I know that He is holding the ropes to the swing I am swinging on….and I need to let go of fear and depend only on Him and know that He holds me and keeps me from falling. It is so hard…I keep giving it all to Him and I find I try to take back control…. then I let go again….I think that is one of the things I love about The Chosen. It says it so well!!!
Love the imagery of Him holding the ropes we swing on! Thank you for that. Letting go is so hard. I just have to keep trying.
Laura, I get you about being like Mary Magdalene from The Chosen (I do love this series and sad we have to wait till next year for Season 3), I am better, but not yet quite right. Some days all I can do is lie down and pray to God to keep me going. I am tired these days and not feeling too good.
Am glad you are here, though.
I’m sorry you aren’t well Bing! You are retired and supposed to be in a lovely place right now! I hope you are better soon.
I should have put the quotations in on the quote….sorry about that. Her quote is from season 2 episode 6. She says something like, “I wish I had the faith in me like He does.” I didn’t quote it because I’m not sure it’s exact.
Laura and Dee, thank you for your concerns. I have had chronic back pain for many years now because of osteopenia. My mother had it. All the lifting and cleaning probably have not helped. Thankfully, I am in no time frame to hurry with these things. Retirement has allowed certain insecurities to rise up but I know I am where God wants me to be.
I remember Mary M saying something like what you quoted above, Laura. Interestingly, my daughter and I had a long talk one late evening. She told me that I am a type-A personality! I never thought of myself as such but then she said I have mellowed through the years. LOL I think I knew it all along but refused to acknowledge that I am type A. Tried to be a different type but it put me in trouble (saying the word while humming the Chosen song, Trouble). I need to be who God created me to be and let Him smooth my edges.
Prayers for you, Bing!
Yes, prayers! 🙏🙏🙏
Monday: Background for Revelation 6
2. Read Ezekiel 14:1-6
A. In verses 1-6, what was the trouble with the elders of Israel? What does God tell all the people?
They have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. He wants the people to repent and turn from their idols and renounce all detestable practices.
3. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
A. What does God tell Ezekiel He will do to an unfaithful country?
He will stretch out His hand against it to cut off its food supply and send a famine upon it and kill its people and their animals.
B. What three men are mentioned repeatedly? Thoughts?
Noah, Daniel, and Job
The three men were mentioned repeatedly since they are examples of men who were spared due to their righteousness and obedience to God despite their circumstances; Noah has gone through an evil generation without fear of God and was spared along with his family although his wife was not; Daniel, spared from the lion’s mouth; and Job, his life was spared. All three men were righteous men.
Whatever calamities are sent by God, righteous men and women will be spared either to continue living here on earth or be taken to Heaven and be spared more suffering. Whatever His will is will be for His honor and glory. As the apostle Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.., but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Philippians 2
Do we stand in the gap for others?
C. What does this passage tell you about what God wants most?
God wants our hearts and to be devoted to Him.
4. Read the opening two paragraphs in Mystery Explained under The First Six Seals and share his main points.
God rules over all events of history and Christ has the authority to open the seals.
The 6 seals depict judgment of God through the church age commencing in the first century and continuing until Christ returns.
First 4 judgments of the sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague and will be recurring and not seen as isolated incidents.
Purposes: to refine believers and to harden the hearts of unbelievers.
Bing, I will be praying for your back pain. It is so debilitating!!! I have had severe back pain and it is hard to think and sleep when you are in pain! I will be praying daily. I have had to do lots of dietary things and exercises which, thankfully, have helped some.
I am pray too Bing- and Patti, I also have had to change my lifestyle, especially how I eat and exercise to deal with inflammation and chronic pain.
A friend called it temple maintenance 🙂
I love that, Chris! Temple maintenance!! Yes, it is! The spirit, soul, mind and body are all parts of the temple!
Love, love the phrase “temple maintenance”. Patti and Chris, I was wondering what dietary changes you both have made to deal with pain and inflammation? Thanks so much for your prayers and for others as well.
2. Read Ezekiel 14:1-6
A. In verses 1-6, what was the trouble with the elders of Israel? The elders had taken their idols into their hearts. What does God tell all the people? Repent and turn away from their idols.
B. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry? Idolatry is deceptive. It seems like the best answer in the moment and makes us forget the Lord’s sweet, strong love for us. I have sought comfort and approval over truth and trust in my God to work out hard things in life. I have learned to stop in the hard parts of life and remind myself of my Lord’s love for me. I need to make a practice of doing this daily in the mundane moments of life as well.
3. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
A. What does God tell Ezekiel He will do to an unfaithful country? It will be judged.
B. What three men are mentioned repeatedly? Thoughts? Noah, Daniel, & Job. They are held up as an example of righteousness.
C. What does this passage tell you about what God wants most? God wants our hearts to obey Him above all.
3. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
A. What does God tell Ezekiel He will do to an unfaithful country?
He sets up 4 situations that could/will (?) occur because of their unfaithfulness. The first is to limit food, the second is to allow wild animals to take over, the third is to wage war, and the fourth is to allow disease to take over.
B. What three men are mentioned repeatedly? Thoughts?
Noah, Daniel, and Job are repeated. Each of these men were truly faithful no matter the consequences. No one would change their minds. They were devoted.
C. What does this passage tell you about what God wants most?
God wants us to listen, to be faithful, to love Him more than anything else.
4. Read the opening two paragraphs in Mystery Explained under The First Six Seals and share his main points.
Christ has been given authority to open the seals and begin the judgement. The seals are the first of three judgements. It is the time for believers to demonstrate their faith and unbelievers to harden their hearts: a distinction between the two. Believers will be persecuted and need to remember God is in charge. Christ ascended to heaven and sits on the throne. This is supposed to bring us comfort. He rules over history.
The four judgements (war, famine, plague, and death) are modeled from Ezekiel. Jesus also mentions death and persecution in Matthew. They are to punish the unbelieving and purify the righteous (? Ugh….). It includes all now, not just the Israelites. Both Ezekiel and Jesus said these thing would happen together, or isolated or one after another. We believers are to find our strength in God.
I realized I have skipped this question:
A. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry?
I tend to sleep or watch Youtube shows (picker-upper) when I am discouraged. Comfort is a predominant idol in my life among others. I am learning to see suffering (chronic achy back pain) as a gift to keep me humble and dependent on God.
Surprisingly, The Chosen series has been a blessing. I am seeing suffering in bite-size pieces among the characters but have not shied away from them but have embraced and felt their pain. Baby steps.
Picker-upper or Fixer-upper? 🙂
Fixer-upper. And they do not really “fix” me.
🙂
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? A white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him and he went out conquering and to conquer.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? Thunder signifies judgment. The white horse and rider are based on Zechariah’s picture (Zech 6: 1-8) of four horses sent by God as emissaries of punishments. The horses and riders are demonic in nature, bringing war, plague and death. According to Campbell, this rider does operate under divine authority ~ sent out as a result of Christ opening the seal. The crown was given to him. This implies that God is still in charge. I found this comforting. God has bound the devil (Rev 20:2 and Luke 11:22) with the result that the enemy operates after the Resurrection and Ascension only within the boundaries God has set.
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Why or why not? I agree that this is probably the great deceiver. According to Campbell, it is likely the first rider represents deceptive activity of Satan, as he seeks to conquer the saints. I believe this is true and I see evidence of how cleverly Satan disguises evil in attempting to draw people to him, under the guise of a “fake” version of loving others in our day. We see it so clearly today, as young people are taught that evil values and behaviors are to be made acceptable. There are no parameters that define godly behavior in much of the teaching in our own schools. So many areas are becoming shades of gray. The upside down culture that has come about in the past twenty years, demonizes good behavior and makes sinful behavior acceptable. Satan has a way of making every subject divisive.
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? A red horse went out. To the rider of this horse, it was granted to take peace from the earth. If the white horse is conquest from without, the red horse may be internal revolution. I found this one to be a bit confusing. It almost implies internal war; which actually sounds a bit like what is happening in so many countries around the world right now, including our own.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? Campbell references Matthew 10:34: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” He believes that these verses point to the persecution of believers, as use of the word “slay” elsewhere in Revelation alludes to the death of Christ or of those who believe in him. I was thankful he brough up “even as Jesus prophesied in Mark 13:17-20, where the sufferings of all people who be cut short for the sake of the elect.
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? The third horse is black; and the rider who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. The scales seem to allude to rationing out food for high prices due to drought and famine. Much of this has happened during Covid. Many crops were lost or rotted in storage. Famine has always been with us in so much of the world. This seems to have escalated due to so much drought and strange weather worldwide in recent years.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? In the Roman world food was rationed and prices were increased during famine. Many time Christians may be affected more than others, because they will not compromise their values with the values of the pagan society. Christians are being persecuted more in all countries, even our own. Christians in America are becoming a disliked minority.
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? The 4th horse was ashen; the rider who sat on it had the name Death, and Hades was following him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine, with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? According to Rev 20:13-14, Death and Hades designate the place where the unsaved dead are kept prior to the day of judgment. Thus they are linked with the realm of Satan. I am thankful that Campbell continues, “In 1:18, Christ declares he has the keys of Death and Hades, and this verse once again affirms God’s control over all Satanic forces. Their evil activities ultimately are turned for good by God. ” I love this: “Those whose hearts are open will be awakened by these judgments to turn their hearts to Christ. Those who are already believers are given an opportunity to bear witness and demonstrate their faithfulness, in the assurance that God will use the trials to draw them closer to himself and thus foreshadow their eventual eternal reward.”
It is interesting that the first four judgments affect only a fourth of the earth, so that do not affect every person, every region or every nation, but are occurring on a regular basis at various points throughout the world, whether on a small or larger scale. ….”Although Christ has won the victory over evil, this victory will not be consummated until his return.” Lord come quickly!!
Patti has described this so well — and it is truly almost hard to believe, but it is happening:
I believe this is true and I see evidence of how cleverly Satan disguises evil in attempting to draw people to him, under the guise of a “fake” version of loving others in our day. We see it so clearly today, as young people are taught that evil values and behaviors are to be made acceptable. There are no parameters that define godly behavior in much of the teaching in our own schools. So many areas are becoming shades of gray. The upside down culture that has come about in the past twenty years, demonizes good behavior and makes sinful behavior acceptable. Satan has a way of making every subject divisive.
Patti and Dee-I have seen this in our schools and my heart is pricked each time.
Me too! I am fighting it right now as we speak. Many don’t want to come off as “haters,” so they go along.
I think the biggest place that I see this today is in churches! I have a nephew who was raised in a strong Christian home and the only music they were allowed to listen to was Christian music. I really believe that he, in the last 5 years got really caught up in Bethel church in Redding because of their music. Please know, I think we need to be discerning in even music that is being sung and that not all of it is bad, it’s what certain churches are doing with it. Bethel Church in Redding is a cult and under the disguise of “church” it is leading many people astray. My nephew constantly posts about “deconstructing” his faith and quotes from the pastor of Bethel. If you have read Alyssa Childers book on Progressive Christianity you will know what that means. It is very sad but Satan knows exactly what he’s doing and where to do it.
Sharon, This is so disheartening. I know it is true, because it is in many churches here. It sounds like love, but in the end it is something very divisive to separate, not unite. It is so important to build bridges, but the godly bridges. Moats only divide…and the deconstruction divides. I pray for the churches in this country too. We need to know Jesus.
I realized I have skipped this question:
A. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry?
I tend to sleep or watch Youtube shows (picker-upper) when I am discouraged. Comfort is a predominant idol in my life among others. I am learning to see suffering (chronic achy back pain) as a gift to keep me humble and dependent on God.
Surprisingly, The Chosen series has been a blessing. I am seeing suffering in bite-size pieces among the characters but have not shied away from them but have embraced and felt their pain. Baby steps.
Tuesday: The Four Horsemen
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
A white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
That this rider is Satan and was allowed by God to work under the latter’s boundaries.
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Why or why not?
I agree that this is Satan and not Christ. I think of the story of Job and how Satan was only allowed certain limits to test his faith. “He came out conquering and to conquer” does not have the sound of humble servanthood. And the use of the word “bow” connotes destruction/judgment to me.
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
“A fiery red one. Its rider was given the power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.”
Comment: to him was “given” a large sword.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
This refers to the persecution of believers.
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
“ A black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.”
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
There will be famine and prices of necessities will skyrocket (toilet paper and other forms of hoarding during the pandemic!
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?’
“A pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.”
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
Hades and Death designates the place where the unsaved are kept prior to the day of judgment and are linked with the realm of Satan. Christ has the keys of Death and Hades and therefore affirms God’s control over all Satanic forces.
2. Read Ezekiel 14:1-6
A. In verses 1-6, what was the trouble with the elders of Israel? They have heart idols and it is what is causing them to stumble. What does God tell all the people? That they need to repent and turn away from their idols.
B. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry? Coming to God to fix what is outwardly wrong in my life when my idols is what is really the cause and I’m using them to try to fix it myself.
3. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
A. What does God tell Ezekiel He will do to an unfaithful country? Destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it, and eliminate from it both human and animal life,
B. What three men are mentioned repeatedly? Noah, Daniel and Job Thoughts? You cannot be saved because of your association to a godly person. I’m not sure why these 3 in particular were mentioned and not Lot, Moses or many others who were brought through life threatening situations.
C. What does this passage tell you about what God wants most? A heart that truly seeks to follow Him.
4. Read the opening two paragraphs in Mystery Explained under The First Six Seals and share his main points. Jesus broke the seals at His resurrection. All four judgements are being poured out continually. They will harden the hearts of unbelievers and purify believers.
Good question to ponder on why these three!
3. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
A. What does God tell Ezekiel He will do to an unfaithful country?famine, cut off from man and animal, predatory beasts that ravage and kill the children, a sword going through the land no way to protect ones family, disease.
B. What three men are mentioned repeatedly? Thoughts? Noah, Daniel, & JobThe right relationship with God is individual, we can’t transfer or borrow it to or from another.
C. What does this passage tell you about what God wants most?He wants us to be faithful to Him.
Tuesday: The Four Horsemen
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
The horse is white and the rider has a crown- he is conquering.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
That he believes the rider to be demonic- but given power to do what he is doing by God.
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Why or why not?I will say first that I feel unqualified to offer an opinion, but that the rider would be demonic on a white horse with a crown seems hard to swallow ?
I get that, Chris. Yet Satan does appear as an angel of light. Later in the book he gives more evidence. But scholars disagree — so, I agree, it is very hard to know.
Oh yes! Thanks for reminding me of the passage in Isaiah (?) that says Satan is also the light. I never understood that, as I thought it was reserved for Christ?
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? The horse is bright red, the rider permitted to take peace from the earth.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
The word slay points to the persecution of believers -unbelievers will suffer as well.
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?The horse is black, the rider has a pair of scales in his hand.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?That the scale represents rationing due to famine and that the reference to wine and oil are because they are luxury items, not necessarily needed to sustain life.
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
The horse is pale, the riders name was Death.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
Death and Hades are where the unbelieving dead are kept until judgment – Christ has the keys to death and hell.
9. Read Dr. Campbell’s paragraphs after the horses beginning with “Various Old Testament text” up to the paragraph that beings “The first four seals” and share what you learn.The judgements of the earth are to awaken faithful believers and harden the hearts of unbelievers. The 1/4 of the earth means the judgements are not everywhere at once or all at the same time. God allows suffering to refine his people, he is in charge of what is being allowed. The end of evil is sure.
10. Read aloud Revelation 6:9-11 and share what you learn about the martyred saints.They are ‘under the altar’ crying out for judgement- they are given white robes and told to rest a little longer until more martyrs are killed.
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
It is a white horse with a rider that has a crown and a bow. The rider has a deep voice that says “Come.”
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
Apparently this is not Christ, rather a demonic representation. God has given the punishment to this rider, so it appears to be Christ. The horses represent the judgments of war, plague, death, and famine. The white color and bow are meant to through us off (like a false prophet). Campbell says the devil is allowed to misrepresent himself (2 Corinthians 11:14) and this is a misrepresentation of Christ.
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Why or why not?
I guess? His arguments seem plausible. I’m not sure I can argue the point however myself. The white, to me, represents Christ (or the light). The rider is going to “gain victory” in many battles. That could be for or against Christ. He wears a crown. That means “king” to me. I don’t see satan as a king, although I suppose he could be a king of hell? I guess that because he is one of four, and there are four “judgements,” I can see too, that each of those are represented by one of the four riders.
Tuesday: The Four Horsemen
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? Horse is white. Rider carries a bow, has a crown on his head and rode out to win many battles and gain victory
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? This first rider is Satan, an imitator of Christ.
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Definitely!! Why or why not? He seeks to conquer the saints. Christ conquers evil. Satan only has a bow. Christ has a sword.
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? Red. Rider is given a mighty sword and authority to take peace from the earth…there was war and slaughter everywhere.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? It’s now called the 4th? It points to the persecuted ones but it will also affect unbelievers as well.
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? Black. Rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand and told not to waste the olive oil and wine.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? It’s a time of famine. I found this interesting from Campbell because of what persecuted Christians are going through in Nigeria, they may be experiencing famine or persecution because they are a “disliked minority.”
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? Pale green. Rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. Both were given authority over 1/4 of the earth, to kill with the sword, famine, disease and wild animals. I watched one of the shark shows this week and in the Bahamas people have swam there with no incident of shark attacks up until 2019 and since have had several, They have researched why and came up with a few theories but none known for sure. Here on the NC coast we’ve also had more shark attacks. It also seems that bears and bobcats are attacking more as well, but maybe we’re just hearing more about them, but something to think about.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? Death and Hades are linked with the realm of Satan.
Wednesday
9. Read Dr. Campbell’s paragraphs after the horses beginning with “Various Old Testament text” up to the paragraph that beings “The first four seals” and share what you learn.
Four in the Bible is the number of the earth. These 4 horses are Gods judgements on the whole earth throughout the church age. Hearts will be hardened and some will be awakened to receive Christ. Those who are already believers can use this opportunity to witness and remain faithful. Only 1/4 of the world is affected at one time but occur on a regular basis. Wondering why a loving God would send these judgements on believers, we must remember He uses trials to work good…it’s a refining. Christ’s victory will not be consummated until His return.
10. Read aloud Revelation 6:9-11 and share what you learn about the martyred saints. Their souls are under the altar, were martyred for the word of God, for being faithful in their testimony. They shout out to the Lord wondering how long before He judges the people who belong to this world and avenge their blood for what they’ve done to them. They were each given a white robe, told to rest a little longer until the full numbers of their brothers and sisters, fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred, had joined them.
Wednesday
11. Read the following three paragraphs about the fifth seal and share what you learn.
This vision describes all faithful deceased saints.Altar: Place of God’s protection after earthly suffering is over. Place of God’s presence.
Physical Altar of tabernacle: place of earthly sacrifice, real but limited sense of God’s presence.
Heavenly Altar: place of Christ’s sacrifice.
“In this life we can enter God’s presence and experience His spiritual protection but these saints have entered in that presence and protection in an ultimate manner.”
Not primarily crying out for revenge, but that God’s own justice and revelation that He is just, is made known! Wow!
God’s justice: shown by His judgement of sin in His own Son. The sins He previously passed over have now been judged in Christ’s own death. Why?…in order that God be shown to be completely holy and true.
In understanding the phrase “a little longer” we need to look at things in terms of God’s attitude toward time. 2 Peter 3:8, “With the Lord, 1 day is as a 1000 years and 1000 years as one day.” These deceased saints are experiencing time from God’s perspective.
12. How can clinging to our life be a form of idolatry? We look to the things in our lives as more important, more necessary than giving it all up for Him, Give an illustration of clinging to your life. Clinging to things of comfort, doing what I want when I want. Making my children or grandsons my first love. Ashamedly, the illustrations are many!
1. What stands out to you from anything about:
A. Idols of the heart
Idols are not just visible things like statues, but all the ways we endeavor to meet out needs apart from God. Yes, I realize that I am a recovering idolater, and not only that, but that battling idolatry will be a lifelong endeavor. I am learning to identify the sin beneath the sin, which is half the battle. The actual giving up of the idol is the most difficult part. Also, idols are sneaky. I can think that I’ve given one up, only to later discover that I just replaced it with another one.
From Powlison: Whenever there is a destructive strand to my emotions and thinking, actions or words, there’s something underneath that we could call an idol.
Example: I demand that you treat me with respect. If you don’t, then I will behave like some pagan god and throw lightning strikes at you. God is supposed to be my refuge, my ever-present help in trials or afflictions….yet, whenever I’m in trouble, I run to the TV, or to the refrigerator….behind my action, there’s a spiritual action saying that the ice cream or the television or my will be done, is what’s really driving me. My actions, thoughts, and emotions will show if I am really worshipping God, or something else.
B. Why God brings trouble into our world (the four horsemen)
God’s purpose in bringing the four horsemen is to punish the world and to purify the saints. He wants to release our hands from our heart idols, to get us to look up to where our real life is, to lead us to repentance.
C. Martyrs and Mama Maggie
It is sobering to think of the judgment that God will bring when He avenges the blood of the martyrs. I looked up Mama Maggie on the Internet, as I had not heard of her before. I didn’t know that she had a connection to the Coptic Christians who were beheaded for their faith.
D. Anything else!
The four pictures of the judgments (seals, trumpets, conflicts and bowls) are all happening at the same time. Like the plagues of Exodus, the beginning ones affect the sources of life, such as land and water, and the final ones affect human life. Yes – it makes me wonder, too, about CoVid 19. A worldwide plague. And its not over yet. It’s hard to sit with the truth, though, that it’s not just unbelievers who suffer so greatly from this, but also believers. I think of the intense loneliness of those in nursing homes who were cut-off and isolated from their families. People dying in hospitals with a total stranger in what looked like a space suit holding their hand. The enormous toll this has taken on the front-line health care workers. I remember as a brand new nurse on the oncology floor, having three patients die on my shift over the weekend. They were all “DNR” (Do not resuscitate) because they had terminal cancer, but I was undone. I’d never been with a dying person before. So to think of the doctors and nurses and other workers who have witnessed death after death. It’s just really sad.
I also don’t understand all that is happening, but I do trust that God wants to be with us in the midst of these trials.
Thanks for giving us a nurse’s persepective of this last year, Susan. I have a nephew married to a gerontologist and it has been a grim, grim year for them. It also makes me think of Spurgeon in the time of the plagues, as a brand new pastor, conducting so many daily funerals.
2. Read Ezekiel 14:1-6
A. In verses 1-6, what was the trouble with the elders of Israel? What does God tell all the people?
I did a little extra reading on this passage. So some of the elders came to Ezekiel seeking direction and guidance from the Lord. These were not men who went to pagan temples and worshiped false gods. No, outwardly they appeared respectable, godly. They approached Ezekiel, appearing as godly men seeking God’s direction. But, God knew their hearts, and said, in effect, to Ezekiel, “These men have secret sins in their hearts – they are lying.” The Message says, “These people have installed idols in their hearts. They have embraced the wickedness that will ruin them.” God says that not only these men, but all the people of Israel have deserted Him for their idols, and He is about to do something to recapture their hearts.
B. How have you been like the people of Israel, and what have you learned personally about idolatry?
Oh, this is so convicting. That I can outwardly appear “godly” – doing my Bible studies, reading spiritual books, praying, talking about God to others, even going to Him in prayer seeking His direction and guidance….and all the while knowing that I have an idol in my heart that I am keeping secret; it may be something that He has dealt with me before. Yes, I have “deserted” God for my idols. I have learned that idolatry can be that I want power/control, approval/affirmation, or comfort/security, and that I look for them in other things besides God. Why does my husband so often tell me, “Quit directing me!” It is because I have an idol of control and I want things done my way, or I don’t want him messing up something I’ve just cleaned. Why do I often not “bother to love”? Because it interferes with my own comfort. Why do I tell a “little white lie”? Because I don’t want to lose approval/affirmation, or worse, face rejection. What Powlison said in his video about the pagan god throwing lightning bolts? I can do that with my husband when I am angry at something he’s done or said. I have learned to look beneath the outward behavior, words, or actions that are wrong to identify what is the idol beneath. I have identified that I have a very real problem with relational idolatry, looking to other people to make me feel okay about myself, or to “fix me”, or to make me feel secure, instead of looking to God.
3. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
A. What does God tell Ezekiel He will do to an unfaithful country?
God says that He will cut off its food supply and send a famine, killing both men and their animals. Or, He may send wild beasts through that country until it becomes desolate and no one can pass through it. He may allow war, resulting in the death of the people and their animals. He may send a plague into that land, killing both people and animals. God calls these His “four dreadful judgments” – sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague.
B. What three men are mentioned repeatedly? Thoughts?
Noah, Daniel, and Job. God says that even if these three men were alive when He decides to send these judgments, only they themselves would be saved. Perhaps they are held up as examples here because all three were righteous men who walked with God and were spared the judgments of their times; if God’s people were following God in the way these three men had in their lifetimes, then God wouldn’t be about to punish them. Though Job suffered loss, it wasn’t because he himself had sinned, nor Daniel, who was in captivity, but not because he was being punished, and he remained faithful to God. But these three are still only human, and they cannot save others. Only God through Christ can truly save people from their sins when people put their faith, hope, and trust in Him.
We can never look to another human being to save us, no matter how righteous or godly they are.
C. What does this passage tell you about what God wants most?
He wants us, He wants our hearts to belong only to Him. In The Message, God tells Ezekiel that there will be survivors – some of their sons and daughters will be saved. “When they come out to you and their salvation is right in your face, you’ll see for yourself the life they’ve been saved from. You’ll know that this severe judgment I brought on Jerusalem was worth it, that it had to be.” Wow. God says that His severe judgment was “worth it”. He wants to rescue us no matter what He has to do, even if it brings heartache and suffering, which of course, we recoil from. God wants His children home.
4. Read the opening two paragraphs in Mystery Explained under The First Six Seals and share his main points.
Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man approaching the Ancient of Days was fulfilled when Christ received authority from the Father.
The seals are the first of a series of three parallel sets of visions (seals, trumpets, bowls) with all three depicting judgments of God during the church age.
The purpose of these judgments: to refine believers by testing their faith, and to harden the hearts of unbelievers who refuse to repent.
The letters to the 7 churches show that this process of judgment has already begun.
Believers can take their assurance from knowing that God is sovereign over all that is happening.
The seal judgments as well as the others thus commenced in the first century and continue until Christ returns.
The seals are opened by Christ Himself; He is the one executing them.
The judgments of the first four seals consist of war, famine, death, and plague, and these fulfill the prophecy of Ezekiel concerning four judgments of sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague.
Ezekiel’s prophecy is now universalized to include believers and unbelievers among all nations.
These trials should not be seen as isolated incidents which take place one after the other, but rather as generally characteristic of the entire period in which they occur.
We will see recurring periods of such varied judgments.
This is really making me think that there isn’t going to be some future tribulation time when all believers will be raptured away and spared from these judgments, but rather it’s convincing me that these things started way back in the early, first churches. It is something to think about.
I was fascinated by your extra reading. How God knows our hearts!
You always are so honest and thoughtful, Susan.
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? A white horse and the rider has a bow and a crown. He goes out conquering.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? That this represents Satan trying to imitate Christ, but dealing out punishments.
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Why or why not? Yes. Christ is our advocate, not our punisher.
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? A red horse with a rider who has a sword and has been given the power to take away peace from the earth.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? It refers to the persecution of the believers, but unbelievers will a suffer as well.
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? A black horse and a rider with a scale measuring wheat and barley
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? It denotes a time of famine. It is a time where Christians will mostly suffer more in areas where they are persecuted or disliked.
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? An ashen horse with Death as the rider and Hades following with the authority to eliminate 1/4 of the people.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? While this will affect both believers and unbelievers alike it will have a different affect on each. Unbelievers hearts will be hardened and believers will be strengthened in their faith through trials as God works these evils for His good.
Christ our Advocate, not our Punisher!
Wednesday: How Long, Sovereign Lord?
These judgments may indeed be the beginning of the answer to the cries of the martyrs whose souls are kept safe under the altar.
9. Read Dr. Campbell’s paragraphs after the horses beginning with “Various Old Testament text” up to the paragraph that beings “The first four seals” and share what you learn.
God’s judgment on idolatry is 4-fold …throughout the entire period of the church age. These judgments can either harden the hearts of unbelievers or awaken them to turn their hearts to Christ. The believers will be given opportunity to witness and demonstrate their faithfulness.
10. Read aloud Revelation 6:9-11 and share what you learn about the martyred saints.
They are under the altar and praying for their vindication. They were told to wait a little longer until all martyrs die. They were given a white robe, a symbol of their righteousness in Christ.
11. Read the following three paragraphs about the fifth seal and share what you learn.
The fifth seal reveals all the faithful deceased saints being under the altar. This refers to the place of God’s protection after their earthly sufferings are over.
“A little longer” should be seen as time from God’s perspective always looking at our afflictions as light since it is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Seeing beond the “seen” while I wait for Christ’ return. There is a spiritual battle going on.
12. How can clinging to our life be a form of idolatry? Give an illustration of clinging to your life.
Clinging to one’s life means self is still on the throne so it is a form of idolatry. I am here for God’s purpose and He has established my days on earth. I often have to speak to my soul to remind me of this as I have a tendency to worry about the future especially in regards to my loved ones. I am not indispensable to the well being of others. Moreover, my contribution to people’s lives is only made possible by God. Without Him, I cannot do anything. The triune God is all they need.
Beautiful from Bing:
Clinging to one’s life means self is still on the throne so it is a form of idolatry. I am here for God’s purpose and He has established my days on earth. I often have to speak to my soul to remind me of this as I have a tendency to worry about the future especially in regards to my loved ones. I am not indispensable to the well being of others. Moreover, my contribution to people’s lives is only made possible by God. Without Him, I cannot do anything. The triune God is all they need.
Oh, Bing! I agree with Dee! That is so true!! I am going to save this to my files, to read again and again. So perfectly stated! I worry the very same way! I need to get off the throne of thinking this way daily!! Thank you for this beautiful statement!
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
The horse is red. The rider has a mighty sword and is given authority to take peace from the earth. War ensues.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
Jesus said He came not to bring peace to the world. The death of Jesus is referenced in Revelation several times. At least once it is a mockery, when the beast is slain. Somehow the word “slay” alludes to this? Not sure I understand why though.
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
The horse is black and the rider is holding scales. Does it mean of a fish or a scale to weigh things on? The rider says to not waste food and prepare for inflation!
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
He answers my question, it weighing scales, which represent famine. Food was rationed this way. No need to destroy the extras since no one would buy them anyway due to the cost. Christians might suffer worse than others in the pagan society because of their beliefs. They may not get help. He says it even happens in today’s world.
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
The last horse is pale green. The rider represents death and is commissioned to go out and kill those with famine, disease, and wild animals. He has a companion with him who represents Hades (NLT).
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
Death and Hades are where the unsaved souls reside until judgement day. Christ has said He has the key for that world previously in the first chapter of Revelation. God is in control.
Hi all! I am on vacation this week and spending time with family in Ontario, Canada. The first time to see my son and family for two years due to the pandemic! I am doing what I can to keep up on the study but am just popping on after listening to Steve Green’s songs. Pondering of those persecuted and being martyred for their faith is very sobering. Oh, may those who are around us and who come behind us find us faithful!
Dee, that song by Steve Green “Find Us Faithful” is you through and through! I am so grateful for your faithfulness in the Lord to teach us and mentor us all these years! May God continue to bless you! Hugs!
So happy for you to visit your son. Is the border open for travel by car? I have a friend who’s son & in- laws are in Hamilton. Such a long wait for you! 2 years!
Awww, Diane, thanks. So glad you can finally see your family! Canadians must be so grateful to have the border finally open. May this time be sweet!
Catching up!
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? A white horse and its rider had a bow and a crown was given to him, he came out conquering.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? The thunder signifies judgment, this vision is based on Zechariah’s picture of horses sent by God as punishment. Because Christ opened the seal, the rider operates under divine authority. It is unlikely the rider is Christ, remember that Satan presents himself as an imitator of Christ. But we are to be comforted, knowing God is still in control.
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Why or why not? Christ opened the seal to set this in motion. The thundering voice of one of the four living creatures called the rider and horse forth. I don’t think Christ would be called forth in this way or carry out the punishments that are to come. Campbell says the riders/horses bring war, plague and death and are demonic in nature. This parallels Zechariah’s vision and we use scripture to interpret scripture. Campbell also tells us that “Four” in the Bible is the number of the earth. The four living creatures are angelic representatives of the physical creation. The four judgements represent God’s judgement on the whole earth throughout the church age. Believers are given this time to demonstrate their faithfulness to God and draw closer to Him in their trials, while unbelievers hearts are hardened by these trials.
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? This horse is bright red. This rider brought death as it was permitted to take peace from the earth and was given a great sword.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? These verses point to the persecution of believers.The use of the word slay in Revelation alludes to the death of Christ or those who believe in Him.
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? This horse is black. The rider has a pair of scales in his hand.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? This rider brings famine. In the Roman world food was rationed in times of famine and weighed out by means of scales. The prices mentioned were 8 to 16 times normal!
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described? This horse is pale and brings death. The rider is given authority over a fourth of the earth to kill with the sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this? Death and Hades designate the realm where the unsaved are kept until the day of judgement. Christ declares he has the keys of death and hades and so affirms God’s control over Satanic forces which ultimately are turned for good by God.
That was so interesting about the prices in the Roman world back then. I sense we are to about to face enormous inflation.
These judgments may indeed be the beginning of the answer to the cries of the martyrs whose souls are kept safe under the altar.
9. Read Dr. Campbell’s paragraphs after the horses beginning with “Various Old Testament text” up to the paragraph that beings “The first four seals” and share what you learn. The “Four” living creatures are angelic representatives of the physical creation. The four horses and riders represent God’s judgement on the whole earth throughout the period of the church age. The power of evil will remain until Christ’s return consummates his victory. God uses these trials in the lives of believers for good.
10. Read aloud Revelation 6:9-11 and share what you learn about the martyred saints. The martyrs reside under the altar. They behold God as sovereign, holy and true. They yearn for their blood to be avenged. They are given white robes and told to rest a little longer until the remaining martyrs have been killed. sobering.
11. Read the following three paragraphs about the fifth seal and share what you learn. The altar is pictured as a place of protection after earthly sufferings are over. As believers we have Christ’s spiritual protection even now, but these saints have this in a more complete manner.
12. How can clinging to our life be a form of idolatry? Give an illustration of clinging to your life. I agree with Bing, that I struggle with feeling responsibility to help family and close friends as if I have the ability aside from God—it is ONLY through His direction/divine power that I am given the privilege to be a blessing to others. I find myself anxious for family members struggles, knowing I can’t fix their problems or possibly be everything to everyone. I struggle with finding peace about this, though I know God has it handled. Lord forgive me for not trusting You.
I think I am trusting, I give my worries to the Lord, and I take them back a few minutes later. I remember once when I was troubled this way, Dee commented that I needed to Abide In Him. That was many years ago, yet those words come back to me often. I need to stop being anxious. One of the toughest battles in my life.
I agree! I used to take time for journaling my prayers and was so much more detailed. During that time I had more peace. I need to get back to journaling.
Chris — I too understand about anxiety about family — He’s been pressing on my heart to pray — for prayer is doing something powerful.
12. How can clinging to our life be a form of idolatry? Give an illustration of clinging to your life.
I cling to my life when I selfishly want my own way, so often when my husband doesn’t do exactly what I would prefer, my heart rises up in a way I am ashamed of.
When I do good things at work and someone else gets the credit- man, some ugly thoughts go on in my head.
When someone calls me who is hurting and I have just gotten ready to relax after a full day and I want to pretend I missed their call.
My clinging to my comfort or my reputation or being right is idolatry.
I want MY kingdom in those moments, I have crawled back onto the throne of my heart- I am the center of all things.
I am forever thankful for the picture of the Father running to cover the sins of the prodigal, that when I turn- he is abounding in steadfast love to me.
Love your honesty, Chris!
13. What thoughts do you have about these different views and how they impact you?
I suppose all the differing views make me reluctant to settle on a point of view that I fell like sticking to, I still feel like really getting what is being described here is a little beyond an unredeemed humans comprehension.
Maybe I am being lazy or maybe I am knowing what it too high for me to grasp?
14. Read Revelation 6:12-17 and describe what John sees.Utter destruction that defies adequate description.
Up to now, the differing views don’t profoundly impact application. However, if you think this has all already happened, or will only happen in the end times, it seems less relevant. What are your thoughts on this? I am asking you because I really respect you, Chris. I too believe it is mysterious, yet it seems strange to me that God would close with a book that is not relevant to most of us. But, I’m certainly not saying that is impossible. What are your thoughts on this?
So funny, I thought the same thing about this text (13). Like it was way over my head or something. I wondered if I was being lazy in that I should look up all the scripture references and such, or maybe I just couldn’t think of the time it would take to fully understand 🤷🏻♀️.
I thought I’d be able to dive back in this week, but have only been able to read along. Makes me sad. Will try again next week.
9. Read Dr. Campbell’s paragraphs after the horses beginning with “Various Old Testament text” up to the paragraph that beings “The first four seals” and share what you learn.
This gives me hope, especially for my kids. “Those whose hearts are open will be awakened by these judgments to turn their hearts to Christ.”
I agree that these trials are ongoing, right today.
Interesting that it only affects a fourth of the earth, as if it has been planned that not everyone will believe?
Evil still exists on earth until Christ returns. However, He is still working it for good for His people.
10. Read aloud Revelation 6:9-11 and share what you learn about the martyred saints.
The martyred saints were held under the altar. They were martyred because of their faith in the Word of God and their testimony. They ask God when the people who martyred them will be punished. They are given white robes and told to be patient and wait until the rest of the martyred join them.
I wonder why all martyred saints wouldn’t all be together under the altar? Why do they have to wait?
The mysterious verse about why they have to wait is Revelation 6:11. Thoughts about that — anyone?
I think this verse is so puzzling! I looked up a few references…. I am not sure what I think, but these are interesting things I found…
..In response to the martyrs’ question about how long it would be before God avenged their shed blood, God gave each of them a white robe and told them to rest a little longer. God would delay His vengeance until the number of future martyrs was complete. When will vengeance take place? Revelation 19:11–15 makes it clear that it will occur when Jesus returns to earth in a blaze of glory.
The martyrs’ white robes signify their purity. The robes were likely long, flowing robes, the kind that was worn at celebrations. The angel who sat near the open tomb after Jesus had risen from the dead was wearing a white robe (Mark 16:5). Perhaps the angel’s robe signified he was celebrating Jesus’ victory at Calvary and His subsequent resurrection. Also, the robe the prodigal’s father gave him when he returned home was a described as “the best,” making it a symbol of honor and praise (Luke 15:22). The father was ready to celebrate his wayward son’s restoration (Luke 15:23–24).
Thanks for doing the research Patti! It helps.
I was wondering that myself, Laura! It makes me want to say, Come, Lord, Jesus so the martyrs can be vindicated sooner. God’s thoughts on time are so different than ours.
I have been waiting for our new bed for a while and the wait has been frustrating for me. During my more sane moments (hah), I keep remembering a line from one of our children’s Christmas pageants-“Good things come to those who wait.” So simple but so true. Only in God’s time is everything good and beautiful.
Today, my husband is at a furniture store to pick up our bed. I am holding my breath and have cheerfully asked God to show me the ‘good” in this wait. And btw, the bed and everything will need to wait to be put together on Monday. So, 48 hours more to go. I hope you get a kick out of this comment, Laura. lol
Too funny Bing! Yes, you made me smile! I hope you have the best sleep ever on the new bed!
5. Read Revelation 6:1-2 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
The horse is a white horse. Its rider is given a crown and is holding a bow. He rides out as a “conqueror bent on conquest”.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
Well, his explanation of this is a bit confusing to me. Campbell says that it’s unlikely that the rider on the horse is Christ, and that the riders and their horses are demonic in nature. He said about war, plague, and death – that God is never the ultimate author. That confuses me. God sent plagues upon the Egyptians. He sent plagues that killed His own people when they rebelled against Him in the wilderness. In the OT, we read of God’s people and their land being taken over aggressively (war); their cities destroyed and many people killed or taken captive. Is he saying that this is Satan, or a demon, riding this horse? In the book of Exodus, at the Passover, God sent a “destroying angel” out into the land. Why couldn’t this be an angel sent out, if not Christ?
C. Do you agree this is probably Satan and not Christ? Why or why not?
I guess I answered this above….I’m really not sure about this. So if there is not a rapture in which believers are spared from all of these terrible things that were set in motion with Christ’s death and resurrection, meaning that believers will also have to endure these judgments….I get that because of the many Christians martyred since the beginning of the early church….but it doesn’t seem “right” that Satan is “let loose” on believers as well? Although Campbell says that this rider represents Satan’s attempt to conquer the saints through deception. So that wouldn’t mean “conquering” as we think of it by using force, suffering, even death. I may be looking at this horse and rider too literally? If this is only a “picture” of the deception that many believers will be led into.
6. Read Revelation 6:3-4 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
This horse is fiery red, and its rider is given power to take peace from the earth, to make men slay each other. He is given a large sword.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
He says that the word “slay” used elsewhere in Revelation is talking about the death of Christ or the death of those who believe in Him. He says that these verses point to the persecution of believers.
7. Read Revelation 6:5-6 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
This horse is black, and its rider is holding a pair of scales in his hand. John hears a voice saying “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine.”
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
The scales represent a time of famine because in the Roman world, rationed food was measured out on scales. A day’s wages would buy a quart of wheat and three quarts of barley. The rider is instructed not to destroy the oil and wine because no one will be able to afford them anyway. Campbell says that Christians may be denied help in times of famine because they are a disliked minority.
8. Read Revelation 6:7-8 out loud.
A. How are this horse and rider described?
This horse is a pale horse and its rider is named “Death”, and Hades is following close behind him. They are given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts.
B. What do you learn from Dr. Campbell’s paragraph about this?
Death and Hades represent the place where the unsaved dead are kept until the day of judgment. This links them with the realm of Satan. Christ holds the keys to death and Hades.
I’m going to ask Campbell about your good questions.
I think God is the author, just using Satan to refine and to harden.
As far as conquering, I think it is a seeming conquer, but death is not the last word.
This is surely a lot to try to wrap my mind around, Dee! I guess it’s not easy for anyone, since there are so many interpretations of Revelation. The most relevant thing for me is the idea that these things began to happen right after Jesus died and was raised, and continue right up to our present time. I was looking at photos of the terrible devastation from the flooding in Germany and Belgium….sinkholes opening up, fields literally caving in. It’s frightening. And the fact that Covid is not going away anytime soon.
Susan, I love that you did all that extra reading! I agree that there is so much in this section that it is hard to “wrap my mind around!” You always are so honest and say it like it is! Thank you!
I so appreciate that Dr. Campbell has been so helpful with explanations throughout this study! This is always helpful and thought provoking! The world is so volatile right now with Covid issues, vaccine issues, flooding, drought and fires…..not to mention unrest and inflation. It can feel overwhelming. It just makes me want to curl up with my pups under a cozy blanket and watch a very predictable Hallmark movie, while I have a warm muffin and a latte! (See how quickly I run to my comfort idols?) I do know that God hears our prayers and that He is in charge. I know that when we see Him face to face we will understand. Until then, I must trust Him and pray for strength, peace and joy. This is what I try to focus on. I am so thankful that Dr. Campbell included these verses of encouragement:
This raises the question as to how God could be pictured as sending or allowing judgments which affect his own people. The Biblical answer is that, though God is the author only of good, he uses even trials to work good in his faithful people. James reminds us to “count it all joy” when we encounter “trials of various kinds,” since the testing of our faith in trials produces a good result in that we are “perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (Jas. 1:2-4). Likewise, Peter says that though “we are grieved by various trials,” these trials cause our faith to be refined and will result in “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6-7).
Susan — Here is Dr. Campbell’s response to your question. As is typical of him, he spends much time and thought into anything I ask. We are so blessed to have him behind the scenes:
Thanks, Dee, and thanks, Dr. Campbell! I’m going to have to read, and re-read, this! It makes sense, then, that when God originally created the world and people, that He didn’t “create” disease, sickness, suffering, famine, death…..I understand that. It’s hard to not take the symbols literally and start to make conclusions about them.
Thank you, Dee, for asking Dr. Campbell. This is so helpful.
Thanks, Dee and to Dr. Campbell for his clarification on this section and as a response to Susan’s comments. This helped me.
Thank you. This does help so much. The last few years, but especially this last year, I have been going through a personal trial that has had a tremendous impact on my life. Couple that with many challenging trials in the lives of those I love and it has made these the hardest days of my life. I have said that our family is being tested. And will we be found true? True to the One we love? Ahhh. Life is hard! But God is good. He is faithful. I just need to stay in His Word and in community to maintain this view. Thank you, all for this study which has had a huge impact on my faith ❤️
Thursday: The Sixth Seal: The Last Judgment
Dr. Campbell believes this is the last judgment. Keith Mathison, in Age to Age, argues that the prophets “regularly use such metaphorical language to describe judgments that have already occurred without involving the literal end of the world, such as Babylon (Isaiah 13) and Judah (Jeremiah 4) so he thinks it is both. Greg Scharf, whom I often quote, and was the backup speaker to John Stott, would explain it like this: “Every judgment we see in the Old Testament is a foreshadowing of the great and final judgment.”
13. What thoughts do you have about these different views and how they impact you?
Although I would like to be as informed as I can about spiritual matters, I would admit that this study has been overwhelming to me at times. And I know the language barrier has been part of it. Not used to reading such materials.
I would say I would tend to agree with Greg Scharf. My simple mind just comprehends OT prophesies pointing to Christ, his birth, death, and resurrection. Then the hymn: For I know whom I have believed, And am persuaded that He is able, To keep that which I’ve committed, Unto Him against that day!
14. Read Revelation 6:12-17 and describe what John sees.
A great earthquake; the sun turned black, the whole moon turned blood red and the stars in the sky fell to earth as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up and every mountain and island was removed from its place.
Then the kings, princes, generals, rich and mighty, and everyone else both slave and free hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.
15. Read the rest of Dr. Campbell’s section and share his main points.
Idols of silver and gold-materialism
Earth dwellers-living for this life only
Six as the number of man
History beginning and ending the same way: Adam and Eve hiding and the idolaters wanting to hide from the wrath of God and the Lamb. The only difference is this time there will be deliverance for the believer.
Friday: Worship and Prayer
Optional song written by Michael Card and sung by Steve Green on Revelation 6:9-11, followed by my favorite by him! Let them lead you into worship and prayer. Feel free to pray silently or write out your words here.
Steve Green is one of my favorite Christian singers. I have not heard the first one before and glad you shared it here, Dee. Michael Card is wonderful as well and I have listened to him so many times in the past.
Oh, Lord that you will vindicate the martyrs from of old and to this present time. Your faithfulness is throughout all generations and I praise you for that. May I be found faithful in big and small things.
Saturday:
16. What is your take-a-way and why?
The metaphors of the 6 seals (4 horses- death, famine, war, spiritual deception, the martyrs, earthquakes?) have evidence they are all happening in our present days.
I am as a recovering idolater (comfort, control, relationships, etc) as others who maybe struggling with “bigger” idols like alcohol or gambling, or drugs.
I have the confidence that God will hold me fast to Himself now and when Jesus comes again and the final judgment is meted out.
Bing, I love the songs too. I also love: I am as a recovering idolater (comfort, control, relationships, etc) as others who maybe struggling with “bigger” idols like alcohol or gambling, or drugs.
I have the confidence that God will hold me fast to Himself now and when Jesus comes again and the final judgment is meted out.
I am a recovering idolater too! So thankful for Dee’s study on that!
I’m sorry that I was unable to complete this weeks’ study. I have a major deadline to meet at work and have spent literally all of today working on it, plus my son and 2 grandkids showed up for an unexpected visit. They live 14 hours away so we don’t get much time together, when I took a break from the work project, I spent it with them.
Dawn, am so glad you got to spend time with your son and 2 grandkids!
Laura, I appreciate your honesty. I think the root cause of clinging to money is often fear more than greed. It almost helped me when my financial planner lost so much of my savings, for I had no choice but to trust the Lord and find Him faithful! I liked your sentence about “your eye on the prize.”
Dawn — time well spent!
Dawn, What a blessing to have time with your son and grandkids. Those unexpected visits are heavenly! The most important thing we have to spend is time! Time is Love!
11. Read the following three paragraphs about the fifth seal and share what you learn.
The fifth seal depicts the deceased saints in God’s presence. They have been slain and killed. These two results have been at the hands of the second and fourth horsemen (death and slaying). They are under God’s protection. The heavenly altar is where Christ’s sacrifice is represented. It is where He took the sins of the world, and we got to be sons and daughters of God. We have spiritual protection from God. The saints cry out for justice of those who killed them. In the OT, an angel cries this plea as does the Psalmist in Ps 79. God’s justice will prevail upon the coming of Christ.
I learned that Peter said, “…to the Lord one day is a thousand years…” very interesting!
Christians still suffering on earth will experience the ultimate reward for eternity. It will far outweigh the difficulties of our lives today.
12. How can clinging to our life be a form of idolatry? Give an illustration of clinging to your life.
When you are consumed by earthly things (marriage, children, home, etc.) your eye is not on the “prize.” I suppose the hardest thing to part with is money. Although I am spoiled being married to a very intelligent businessman in the accounting world (who dithers with the bills and such, leaving me to not be worried about those things), I understand the value of it; the necessity of it, and appreciate that we have worked very hard to make sure we have what we need to live our golden years comfortably. However, are we consumed by it and not acknowledging that God wants us to share? I think we should be more generous. I do not think we tithe what is required in the Bible. My husband tends to give what he feels comfortable with giving. He struggles with this idea. I really do too.
I appreciate your honesty. I think the root cause of clinging to money is often fear more than greed. It almost helped me when my financial planner lost so much of my savings, for I had no choice but to trust the Lord and find Him faithful! I liked your sentence about “your eye on the prize.”
13. What thoughts do you have about these different views and how they impact you?
I guess I’m confused with your question. Are you saying “both,” meaning both the end of the world and just a reference to the end of the world? I really have no thoughts about this at all. I like the idea that every reference to the literal end of the world, and judgment, is a foreshadowing of the actual judgment.
14. Read Revelation 6:12-17 and describe what John sees.
John sees the lamb break the sixth seal and an earthquake occurs. The sun became black and the moon was red. The stars fell to earth and everything (mountains, islands, etc.) was misplaced. All the rulers of the world hid in caves. They were afraid of the judgment.
15. Read the rest of Dr. Campbell’s section and share his main points.
Much of the sixth seal text is referenced in the OT.
The judgment comes because of idolatry. The people of the earth are very used to the things of this world. They are comfortable with it.
The end will come as the beginning did. Like Adam and Eve, where people are hiding from God. There will be deliverance for the believer.