John saw six trumpets of judgment. Last week we saw the intensity increase with the 5th and 6th judgment. God is just, He loves His Bride, and has been pouring out wrath on her enemies. If they still, even in the face of the sixth trumpet that brought death to a third of unbelievers, refuse to repent, there is no more hope for them.
The great glorious angel of Revelation 10 says: There will be no more delay!”
When the seventh trumpet blows, the time is up. It’s too late to repent. And God’s great Kingdom will come to earth for the believers.
This great good news follows the dark sorrow of the judgments. As life gets harder, we must never forget He is with us, we are sealed by His blood. Jesus made a way for us and no one can snatch us from His hand.
My dear friend Linda Strom of Discipleship Unlimited was with me this week and introduced me to this song, which I think you will love if you don’t already know it.
Revelation 10 is meant to give you a confident hope.
The confident hope, even in the midst of trial, is based on the vision of this great angel having one foot on the sea and one foot on the land. What does this mean? We are going to be hearing in Revelation 13 about a beast from the sea and a beast from the land, but God is sovereign over both.
Our purpose is that we are to be His witnesses now – and of course also, if we are alive during the end times. We are, so to speak, as Jeremiah did, “eat God’s Word, both the sweet and sour parts of it,” take it in, chew it, and live it!
This week is challenging, but I love the sermon I’m giving you, for truly I think it will help make it clear and oh so applicable. If you want to listen to it first, go ahead!
Would love your input on this:
I’m leaning toward, but not certain, about taking a break from Revelation when we get to the mid-point (chapter 12) and doing Paige Benton Brown’s 8 week study on Romans. Tim Keller calls her the best preacher in America and she streams her lectures live, beginning Labor Day week, leaving them up each week until Tues. night.
If we did this, I would post questions the Sunday following her Wednesday live lecture. On Sunday through Wednesday morning there would be questions on the lecture, and then you’d have a break to listen to the next lecture, though free to come on with comments! Then we could return to Revelation in mid November. Or, we can just keep on going through Revelation and finish by the end of the year. I’m seeking God but if you have a leading, please give me input. Her last study was the best I’d done in decades, and I’d love you to experience her teaching — but neither do I want to lose momentum in Revelation. So give me your prayerful thoughts.
Sunday:
A. John is being recommissioned to prophesy — what does this prophesy concern? Relationship between believers and unbelievers
B. Why might the relationship between believers and unbelievers grow more intense during this time?
4. Under John Recommissioned As A Prophet read up to “And the Angel” and see if you can then answer:
A. What are some of the ways this angel is closely linked to Christ?
B. What does the little scroll deal with (look particularly at last sentence in this paragraph)
C. What does the angel setting a foot on the sea and on the land signify? (Joshua 10:24-26 might help)
D. Name a trial you are facing right now and the hope God’s sovereignty gives you.
E. With what is thunder associated?
F. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
Tuesday: No More Delay!
God has been so patient, giving men time to repent, but it will not always be so. Each person has the span of his life, but in the last days, that life may be surprisingly cut short. Though I don’t know how effective billboards are that warn the end is near, we know we are called to be witnesses, to have eyes to see whom God may be wooing, and to be prepared to give an answer for the hope within us. I do think it is getting harder, because of the hostility against us, but God still opens doors. The most fertile fields are children and those going through a crisis, and we need to sow our seeds!
5. When was the last time you bravely shared your faith? Hoping for some encouraging stories!
6. Read Revelation 10:5-8
A. In verse 6, what does the angel say?
B. What will happen, according to verse 7, when the 7th trumpet is blown?
C. What is John told to do in verse 8?
7. Read from the BOLD And the angel I saw standing to the vision resumes and share your thoughts.
Wednesday: Eat The Scroll
I loved Eugene Peterson’s book “Eat This Book,” for he gives ideas on how to do that, how to really chew and digest God’s Word. And he said:
8. Read Revelation 10: 9-11 and share what you see, learn, and how you could apply it.
9. 2 Corin. 2:15-16 adds light to why this Word is both sweet and bitter. What do you see?
10. Read the rest of Campbell’s section up to spiritual warfare during the church age and share any comments.
Thursday/Friday Sermon
11. I found this chapter challenging until I listened to this sermon. Please watch Matt Menzel and share the main points and your thoughts.
http://wchurch-sermons-2016.s3.amazonaws.com/main/2016-03-20_Revelation10_MattMenzel.mp4
Saturday
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
118 comments
Sunday:
What stands out to you and why?
Oh, Dee! What a beautiful Scripture-rich song from Charity Gayle! It ties up so well with what you said about Revelation 10-“Revelation 10 is meant to give you a confident hope.” Thank you, Jesus!
I found the lyrics online and so would like to share it here. It would be good for my soul to look up the Scriptures that are embedded here especially from Revelation!
I was a wretch I remember who I wasI was lost I was blind I was running out of time
Sin separated The breach was far too wideBut from the far side of the chasm You held me in your sight
So You made a way Across the great divideLeft behind Heavens throne To build it here inside
And there at the cross You paid the debt I owedBroke my chains Freed my soul For the first I had hope
Thank you Jesus for the blood appliedThank you Jesus it have washed me whiteThank you Jesus You have saved my lifeBrought me from the darkness into glorious light
You took my place Laid inside my tomb of sinYou were buried for three days And then You walked right out again
And now death has no sting And life has no endFor I have been transformed By the blood of the lamb
There is nothing stronger Then the wonder working power of the bloodThe blood That calls us sons and daughtersWe are ransomed by our father Through the blood The blood
Thank you Jesus for the blood appliedThank you Jesus it have washed me whiteThank you Jesus You have saved my lifeBrought me from the darkness into glorious light
Glory to His nameGlory to His nameThere to my heart was the blood applied, glory to His name.
As for the “break” from Revelation, I will be praying for guidance. I love Paige and it will be a wonderful study, I am sure. And it will be a brain break for me! But I also do not want “Easy” when it comes to the Word. Keeping the momentum in Revelation will also be a good thing. Lord, your leading is what we want to follow.
Thank you, Bing. I loved it too. One of our dear bloggers wrote me she has joined Progressive Christianity which would be so sad – I’m researching!
Thank you, Bing. Reading these Words are a balm to the soul. It is beautifully sung by Charity Gayle, but it is nice to have the words to re-read. Oh how I thank Jesus for bringing me from the darkness into glorious light. Praise Him. I am going to print this off to read and re-read, as a reminder of the hope He brings. Thank you for taking the time to do this. We have had wonderful company this weekend and I am a bit behind. God is so good all the time.
Patti, I love the words to the song, too. Yes, He is good. This week has been extraordinarily graced with His goodness. When the Word says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good”, He is not joking! A gift of a juicy, red watermelon from new neighbors was the tasting part (smile). Their little girl timidly asked me if I would like some watermelon from their garden. And I said, Yes, please!
Our study here has made me more acutely aware of answers to prayer, is keeping my radar up for opportunities to share the love of Christ as we see the Day approaching.
You are a blessing to me!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? “Revelations 10 is meant to give you a confident hope.” That is opposite of how I’ve always thought of Revelations. Before, I’ve read these verses with a sense of fear and confusion. If the tribulation is something that we’ve been experiencing throughout the church age then I’ve seen and heard of God’s rescues and triumphs and how these times have spread the gospel and made more believers. It isn’t something that is going to happen all at once to some unfortunate generation.
Love this — this isn’t all going to happen to some unfortunate generation!
I am in agreement with Bing and Dawn. I love Paige and her studies. I know it would be wonderful. I also am fine with continuing on Revelation. I will pray for your decision on the study, Dee. I so love and appreciate you and all that you do. May our Heavenly Father guide you and may He keep you encouraged in all you do for others.
I also have felt through this study in Revelation that it has helped me to see that this tribulation has always been here, but it seems to be escalating right now. I also feel that “people waking up to Jesus” is happening more right now. It seems that the sifting is stronger. I keep thinking of all the OT verses of the coming Christ ~ and yet, when Christ came to earth so many did not connect it to the scriptures of the coming Messiah. We have seen and read so many views on Revelation and the return of Jesus. It will be so exciting when He returns! It may even be different than what we are expecting and different from the various interpretations, but we know it will be good and we know that we need to live each day, drawing others to the Savior. How I pray that I can keep my eyes fixed on Him and that my days are spent drawing others to Him.
Thanks so much, Patti!
As far as the study change, I can see where the change that you are suggesting may be helpful especially to those who are transitioning to fall school schedules, but you are also right that we may lose momentum in Revelations. I’ll be praying for clear direction for you.
I so appreciate this, Dawn.
I have been looking forward to each study on Revelation as difficult and sometimes overwhelming as it is…So it is good to keep at it. On the other hand Romans is great to do next. So as you see fit. I love the picture of the vision of the angel with one foot on land and one foot on the sea!
Debbie and I were just discussing this chapter yesterday and am anxious to hear the sermon.
Thanks, Shirley!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
It is a beautiful song that you shared, with the words rich in meaning, and all based on sound doctrine. It encourages me to get my eyes off of myself – my sin, my failure, my never measuring up, and on to the greatness and mercy of our God.
“As life gets harder, we must never forget that He is with us”. That is good to remember, too.
I did listen to Edwards’ sermon from last week, and I must admit, it was hard, terrible, and a bit depressing to listen to. I guess the phrase “God hates sin but not the sinner” is not found in the Bible, because Edwards paints a picture of God having utter contempt and hatred for the wicked. I understand the wicked not necessarily to mean only those who are out murdering and committing heinous crimes against humanity, but also a general classification of those outside of Christ. The word picture of God trampling underfoot the sinner until his blood sprayed out and got all over God’s garments was pretty gruesome. For me, it still raises a lot of questions about election, or predestination. Things I will never really understand, anyway. I listened to the one you gave us, with the Scottish man reading it, and also another one I found on Youtube which, at the end, had this terrible audio of people screaming and crying. I find it hard to imagine that God felt that way about me, before I was saved – that He pretty much despised me, and then now, the switch is flipped and I am His beloved. Does anyone else wonder about these things, or am I the only one?
You always raise thoughtful questions. Just listening to Alistair Begg on how the only one God really loved just as they are is Jesus. Max Lucado says God loves you just as you are but too much to let you stay that way. I think God so loved the world shows He did love us and that is why He came.
He does hate anything that drags us down, the way we would for a child: Satan, sin, the worldview that is so distorted.
Hmmm….and Brennan Manning said “God loves you as you are and not as you should be, because He knows you’re never going to be what you should be.” Everyone’s theology is a little bit different.
Susan-good question. I like what Dee said about John 3:16, also Romans 5:8- “but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Susan, you are not the only one who wonder about these things. It hurts me so to think of unbelievers going to Hell some of whom are within my circle. I know it might sound so simplistic but when I get to things too hard, too lofty, too complicated, I go to the Psalm 131 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me [ceased from fretting]. AMPC
Susan, I found this informative.
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/god-loves-the-sinner-but-hates-the-sin
This was helpful, Sharon. I once read that the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. God is certainly not indifferent to us.
Susan, I commend you for listening to the Edwards’ sermon. I opted to listen to the Gospel in life sermon. I am not sure I could handle that one…It does sound very depressing. You always bring out points that make me want to research more. You are a blessing!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Wow! That song! I cried through the entire thing! How beautiful, how wonderful! Praise God! I have never heard it. So glad I have now. Thank you Dee and Linda!
Last week was pretty raw for me. I listened to the Jonathan Edwards sermon today and it was exhausting and scary. It did not leave me feeling good. I’m just fearful that I won’t be sealed. I do NOT feel hopeful with this scripture. Ugh. So, with that being said, I would LOVE a break from Revelation. If we do break, could you do a quick “review” so we can jumpstart our brains again? Wish I could say I am looking forward to this coming week….
If we take a break, and that’s what I’m sensing from most of you, mostly because of not wanting to miss this study with Paige, that’s exactly what I’d do. A review. Some might join us at Revelation 12 with a review for it is a natural starting place.
Oh! Dee, I actually did witness to my oncologist and my brother these past two weeks. My brothers daughter lived her life for God and passed away a few weeks ago. He asked me “why couldn’t it have been me?” I told him that his daughter knew God and maybe he and his ex-wife needed to find Him. My oncologist asked me about my Queen Esther shirt (sight and sound theatre) and I told her it was my favorite Bible story. We then proceeded to talk about all the different productions and how our grandkids loved the Noah’s Ark show. She went out and looked it up online as I was getting dressed! She said she might have to “queue one up” for her daughter this weekend since they are televised now! They allow you to make a donation amount to watch the shows. I do think you are right…we are called to witness “for such a time as this!” Hahaha….
Laura, Hallelujah! so happy that you get to share with your brother and oncologist. You go, girl!
Great job, Laura, in witnessing to your brother and your oncologist!
I’m thankful that you took advantage of the witnessing opportunities, Laura!
Laura! What a difficult time for your family. What a blessing that you were able to say those words to your brother. God is using you in mighty ways for His kingdom. How precious that your shirt brought up the sweet conversation with your oncologist. I love “for such a time as this!” I have a copy of the Esther movie and I never tire of watching it. What a blessing you are to others!
A review sounds good Dee. Praying for your decision. Thank you for your dedication to guiding us in God’s Word.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
We are, so to speak, as Jeremiah did, “eat God’s Word, both the sweet and sour parts of it,” take it in, chew it, and live it! To me, this speaks volumes as to the importance of feasting upon the whole of Gods Word and not just what gives me the warm fuzzies.
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Hebrews 4:12
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
2 Timothy 3:16
Your question on taking a break and studying Romans is very exciting to me, but I will be praying that God will be very clear in how you should go.
Sharon, I love your insights and wisdom. Thank you for sharing these verses.
I love Isaiah 65:17, and this reminder “As life gets harder, we must never forget He is with us, we are sealed by His blood. Jesus made a way for us and no one can snatch us from His hand.”
I hesitate to say anything about the study because I have not been able to be as present lately, but I will say when I got the email a few weeks ago from Paige Brown’s ministry mentioning the Romans study, I was REALLY wanting to do it, and so I would love us to do it here. But I will add to the others’ prayer for wisdom for you in that decision. I have been through Romans many times (but always need to again!) but Revelation is definitely harder for me to gravitate towards, which is why it’s really been a blessing to do it here. If anyone can get me to study it, it’s Dee 🙂
Awww, Lizzy. Glad to have you back.
Lizzy, what translation are you using for the Isaiah scripture? I wanted to print it out and can’t find it.
Hi dear Laura-I love that beautiful picture of you! I was kind of confusing here, I was referring to Dee’s picture with Isaiah 65:17-(the ESV),“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” and then that I liked Dee’s quote“As life gets harder, we must never forget He is with us, we are sealed by His blood. Jesus made a way for us and no one can snatch us from His hand.” Sorry-I wasn’t very clear!
You were fine! Thanks for the clarification. I went back and re-read and realized what you meant. My fault! I guess I like Dee’s quote and want to print it out for a reminder this school year. Love you sister!
Thank you, Lizzy! I love this too! “As life gets harder, we must never forget He is with us, we are sealed by His blood. Jesus made a way for us and no one can snatch us from His hand.” So good to see your post. xoxo
Dee, I wanted to write before about this study in Revelation but always get so busy and I don’t do it. So sorry about that. But today when you mentioned about stopping Revelation and begin another study, I wanted to immediately say No Please, No!!! I am loving this study more than any of the others that we have done. It has blessed my life in that I am praying more, studying more and wanting more of Him! It’s a Majestic Book and you have done an amazing work in how you are presenting it. My prayer for you tonight is that the Lord will show you the best thing to do as I trust your listening ear to Him. He will show you the best for both you and us. I promise you that I will be in prayer for you as you make the decision. Both ways I will keep studying and loving being part of this very precious group. Living for Him and loving my Sisters in the Lord! Alma Stanfield
Thanks for coming on and sharing Alma — I knew I’d have strong opinions both ways, so I do appreciate your prayers. Please know I am not going to stop it, it would only be a short break and we’d go back to it. My main motivation is knowing how amazing Paige’s Romans study will be and the way she does it we can only do it then. And now I hear several would really like a break and then a refresher. I know that four different views of judgment is bit overwhelming. But I am praying and appreciate your input. I have actually completed Revelation with months of work — so I am absolutely returning to it if we take a fall break. I also know how important it is to God to keep my word and I promised we would do the whole book, even if it took us into 2022, and I had 3 people left doing it!
But I am seeking God about the break and appreciate your prayers and affirmation.
When I reviewed last week before moving on to today, there were so many things I wanted to comment on….
Bing, thank you for your research about the difference between smoke and incense. It was helpful to me, and I’m sure for others also.
Sharon and Bing, in regards to eating what seems strange here in North America. We had friends who served in Irian Jaya, and they used to serve fried sago grubs. Said they tasted just like bacon. But they quit except for themselves when a guest had a severe allergic reaction to them. And I remember a different missionary sharing a video clip of frying grasshoppers. They kept hitting the pan lid, sounding like popcorn.
Dee, thank you for being willing to tackle such a tough study. I know I question a lot, but I love you dearly and appreciate your putting up with one like me.
Shirleymeadow, it makes me smile when I see you post! I look forward to to when we meet – either here or there!
Patti, you are such an encourager!! Thank you!
A question from the study. During the time of the sting like scorpions, when people want to die and can’t. Why can’t they? And the third of humanity killed – that is literal and not symbolic? If it is real, then how do they die? I keep getting lost about what is symbolic and what isn’t. So if the army is demonic, how do they kill literally?
The Paige Benton Brown quote is so good! ‘Sin is getting what you want.’
Dee, on the sermon and your response to me. There are people I am praying will be awakened. One is the MD I used to work for. I’m having a couple former coworkers come for dinner in a couple weeks, and she has agreed to come also. So, Lord, please use something that night to move her to You.
Sharon, about the man who didn’t think Jesus talked about hell. So many, even in the church, really don’t know what the Bible says. So sad! Praying for opportunities for you there with him.
Susan, such good insight that people don’t see the futility of their idols and blame God for removing them. Diane, yes – we need God’s protection, because there is so much deception and it’s nearly impossible to know truth in many situations.
Bing, what a great flip you gave us, from Hell Unleashed to Grace Unleashed!
Laura, I love your new picture! And Bing, I hope you can get yours to show! I’ve seen it on the Facebook page, and you are so pretty!
Mary — I love it when I see others responding to the wonderful sisters on this blog. Thank you so much.
You make me smile too — if people aren’t killed literally, how are they killed? I would say that when you are forced to take it literally, do so — and such is the case with this!
Mary, I enjoy hearing what other countries eat and really find a delicacy…so fun! My Mom and her siblings, raised in Africa liked to get reactions out of the “new” missionaries by eating live grasshoppers in front of them!
Thank you for your prayers for the man I spoke of. This man has taught Sunday school and is looked up to by many in our church…thus the surprise!
I also appreciate all your questions and your input…I’m a slow learner so it takes me time to digest it all.
Mary, what an encourager you are. Love your honest posts
Mary, what you said about the grasshoppers made me think of fresh shrimp hitting the lid of a Carajay pan when we steam them. And the live crabs trying to get away from the bottom of the pan! But whoa, this sounds like a picture of the punishment that comes as divine judgment to those who remain unrepentant. Yikes-that is scary, indeed. Suffering in eternal torment.
A reminder for me to call on the Lord to come, share the gospel but also see that His tarrying from my point of view is His “love expressed through His patience”, (Matt Menzel sermon) not wanting anyone to perish. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. … as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. 2 Peter 3:9
I am loving the revelation studies and am happy to continue. My heart leapt at the thought of Romans too, although covering it in 8 weeks is just an overview which seems so quick. One of the things I’ve loved since starting to follow your blog is learning to slow down my reading and become much more meditative so that would be rather different.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The words of the song you posted are wonderful and strong. Thank you, Bing, for printing them out for us. I love Paige Benton Brown and I’m sure her study would be great. Revelation has been heavy and somber, but a blessing to drill down deep into the fact that God is in control, even when times are hard and somber. As for taking a break to study Romans with Paige, Romans would be very different and wonderful I am sure and I would love to study it again, but Romans would be a very heavy study in its own right, I am sure! I’m with you either way! I’ll pray about it with you.
Thanks for being with me either way and praying!
What stands out to you from the above and why?
This stood out:
“As life gets harder, we must never forget He is with us, we are sealed by His blood. Jesus made a way for us and no one can snatch us from His hand.”
I supposed the why it stood out is because I sometimes feel concerned about my ability to cling tightly to truth when the next terrible thing comes. I do believe that ‘he will hold me fast’ as he has done before.
I want to have confident hope. I want hope to spill over from me onto others.
Taking in…digesting the sweet and bitter parts of God’s word also stood out to me.
I like the idea of doing the study you have mentioned Dee and then returning to Revelation, the format sounds intriguing too.
Perhaps this is why you and I and many loved Reformed Theology. God is so big, we can rest in Him.
1. What stood out in the introduction and why.
The song was wonderful! The words expressing Biblical truths are indisputable, but what makes the video so great is that it isn’t a performance – it is worshiping God.
I would lean ever so slightly to doing Romans, mostly because we can’t leave it for later.
Thanks, Mary!
As for whether or not to take a break on Revelation….I’m kind of torn between the two! I did like that last Paige video we watched here, where she summarized almost the entire gospel message of the NT. However, I also think about losing the momentum of continuing straight through Revelation. We would definitely need to review, because often, if I’m reading a book and I don’t finish it, if it’s weeks or even months later I go back to it, I’ll start over at the beginning and re-read to the end.
Thanks, Susan
I would love to take a break and do the Paige study. I am praying for His wind to continue to guide you Dee.
2. Read Revelation 10:1-4 and describe the angel.
The angel is mighty, he comes down from heaven in a cloud. He has a rainbow over His head. His face shines like the sun and his feet are like pillars of fire. He holds a scroll that has been opened. His right foot is on the sea and His left foot on the land. He gives a great roar.
Monday
2. Read Revelation 10:1-4 and describe the angel.
Mighty. Coming down from heaven. Surrounded by a cloud. Rainbow over his head. Face shone like the sun. Feet like pillars of fire. Held a small scroll that had been opened. Stood with right foot in the sea and left foot on the land. Gave a great shout like a lion. When he shouted the 7 thunders answered.
3. In Mystery Explained, read the section under Vision Give Between the 6th and 7th Trumpets.
A. John is being recommissioned to prophesy — what does this prophesy concern?
It concerns the relationship between believers and unbelievers during the church age, culminating in the final judgement.
B. Why might the relationship between believers and unbelievers grow more intense during this time?
Unbelievers as we’re told in chapter 9 refuse to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. Worship demons and idols, murder, do witchcraft, sexual immorality or are thieves. It seems the darker it becomes the larger the chasm is between believers and unbelievers. The believer cannot compromise which may bring about your own family hating you or loss of life.
4. Under John Recommissioned As A Prophet read up to “And the Angel” and see if you can then answer:
A. What are some of the ways this angel is closely linked to Christ?
He may be like the angel of the Lord in the OT, a manifestation of God or Christ Himself. Wrapped in a cloud…elsewhere in Revelation Jesus is associated with clouds. In OT clouds are linked to God alone.
Rainbow over his head…like the appearance of God in Ezekiel, there’s a rainbow around the throne of God.
His face is like the sun…like Christ in Revelation 1:16
Feet like pillars of fire…like Christ in Revelation 1:15, God appeared in the wilderness both in the pillar of fire and in the cloud.
Voice like a roaring lion…Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
B. What does the little scroll deal with (look particularly at last sentence in this paragraph)
It’s given to John showing how he follows in Christ’s footsteps. It is little, which differentiates between the great book opened by Christ and the little one held in the hands of His followers. Both are closely related. Deals with the unfolding of world history following the resurrection of Christ and culminating His return. It represents the way in which Christians follow Christ in the path of suffering and resurrection, declaring the power of Hs cross in the fallen world.
C. What does the angel setting a foot on the sea and on the land signify? (Joshua 10:24-26 might help)
The sea and the land are considered the enemies/unbelievers.
D. Name a trial you are facing right now and the hope God’s sovereignty gives you.
I can’t name a specific trial but I know that with all that’s going on this world right now, to know that God is in control gives me great comfort. I was just saying to myself today that Biden isn’t in control, the Taliban aren’t in control, Covid 19 isn’t in control but I sure know who is and that is my sovereign God!
E. With what is thunder associated?
Judgement
F. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
What the 7 thunders spoke probably relates to divine judgement and why they aren’t revealed is not known. It may be that the seal, trumpet and bowls are enough to give the plan of God during the church age. The section about to unfold deals with the reason for the punishment of the unbelievers rather than the nature.
This struck me as so very true:
It seems the darker it becomes the larger the chasm is between believers and unbelievers.
2. Read Revelation 10:1-4 and describe the angel.
This is a mighty angel, surrounded by a cloud and with a rainbow over his head. His face shines like the sun, and his feet are like pillars of fire. He is holding a small scroll, which he has unrolled. His right foot is on the sea, and his left foot is on the land. He cries out with a loud voice like the roar of a lion.
3. In Mystery Explained, read the section under Vision Give Between the 6th and 7th Trumpets.
A. John is being recommissioned to prophesy – what does this prophecy concern?
This prophecy is about the relationship between believers and unbelievers during the church age, culminating in the final judgment.
B. Why might the relationship between believers and unbelievers grow more intense during this time?
Perhaps some unbelievers will turn to believers for help, for hope? It could be an opportunity for us to share the hope we have with them. Other unbelievers may, on the other hand, turn against believers, persecuting them.
4. Under John Recommissioned As A Prophet, read up to “And The Angel” and see if you can then answer:
A. What are some of the ways this angel is closely linked to Christ?
This angel is surrounded by a cloud, and only Jesus is associated with clouds in other parts of Revelation. In the OT, clouds are linked to God alone. He has a rainbow over his head, just like the appearance of God in Ezekiel. His face shines like the sun and his feet are like pillars of fire are also similar to descriptions of Jesus elsewhere, and his voice being like the roar of a lion reminds of Jesus being The Lion of Judah.
B. What does the little scroll deal with (look particularly at last sentence in this paragraph).
The little scroll is differentiated from the large one, or large book, held by Jesus. Jesus holds the large one, and His followers the small one. The little scroll represents the way Christians follow Jesus in the path of suffering and resurrection, which demonstrates the power of the cross to a fallen world.
C. What does the angel setting a foot on the sea and on the land signify? (Joshua 10:24-26 might help)
In Joshua, he tells his men to put their feet on the necks of the five kings, which Joshua then kills, saying that this is what God is going to do with all of their enemies. So maybe the angel’s feet on the sea and on the land signify that everything is under the authority and power of God, and He “puts His feet”, so to speak, on the necks of all those who think they are in control and have authority on the earth, but He will break them.
D. Name a trial you are facing right now and the hope God’s sovereignty gives you.
It’s always hard for me to answer a question like this, because I feel any trial or problem I’m having is so small and insignificant with what others must bear. Last week, I cared for a young man in the hospital who has suffered so much with a congenital condition and I wept for him driving home from work that night. It broke my heart to hear that he had asked the nurse tech at the start of the shift, “Is my nurse going to be nice to me today?” Apparently, he had some not-so-good interactions with other staff.
I’d say my “trial” continues to be the sense of deep loneliness that continues to shadow me, as it has for a number of years now. My hope is that God will help me to somehow just endure it. It is also a “trial” to know that two of my children seem to have little to no interest in following God at this time in their lives.
E. With what is thunder associated?
Thunder is associated with divine judgment.
F. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
I didn’t know that in visions that God gave to both Moses and Daniel, there was a vision that was to be sealed up. Campbell made reference to a passage in Romans 16, about “the mystery that was kept secret for long ages” and has now been revealed. I was always taught that referred to Christ…the mystery was God’s plan of salvation through Christ that has now been revealed. At first, I thought Campbell was using this passage to support the idea of “coming vengeance that is sealed up”, but then he goes on in the next paragraph to say “This mystery is the cross. How could God save his people through putting his Son to the death of a common criminal?” Then he goes on to say that another part of this “mystery” is the question asked by the saints, “Why do God’s people continue to have to suffer as they walk in the way of the cross?”
Oh my — this from a suffering patient:
It broke my heart to hear that he had asked the nurse tech at the start of the shift, “Is my nurse going to be nice to me today?”
I would want you as my nurse, Susan!
5. When was the last time you bravely shared your faith? Hoping for some encouraging stories!
Well, I don’t have an encouraging story, Dee. My circle of influence is pretty small. One of my gifts to my daughter-in-law this summer for her birthday was James Martin’s book, Learning To Pray. I told her how it had affected me; I don’t know if she has or will read it. As for the patient I mentioned above, while I didn’t share my faith with him as I did not sense that kind of opening, I did my best to convey to him the love of Jesus, His care and concern, in how I cared for him that day. I wanted to make him feel like he had worth as a person.
6. Read Revelation 10:5-8
A. In verse 6, what does the angel say?
The angel says that God will wait no longer, and when the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as He announced it to His servants, the prophets.
B. What will happen, according to verse 7, when the 7th trumpet is blown?
God’s mysterious plan will be revealed, as was announced to the prophets.
C. What is John told to do in verse 8?
John is told to go and take the unrolled scroll from the angel.
7. Read from the BOLD And the angel I saw standing to the vision resumes and share your thoughts.
I think I got ahead of myself above….this “mystery” of God, according to Campbell, is about both why Jesus died for sinners and why believers must continue to suffer. This angel begins to reveal the mystery to John, as it was revealed to the seven churches, and is revealed to each of us as we read these prophetic words. We are to continue to follow Jesus in the way of His suffering and apparent defeat, which in the end, was really not a defeat at all, but a triumph. I have to say that it’s not always comforting to know that the way to triumph is through suffering.
3. In Mystery Explained, read the section under Vision Give Between the 6th and 7th Trumpets.
A. John is being recommissioned to prophesy — what does this prophesy concern?
He is to address the relationship between the believers and unbelievers with respect to the church age and the final judgment.
B. Why might the relationship between believers and unbelievers grow more intense during this time?
I suppose it could be because the two groups are so far apart at this point? Those who believe in Christ and God’s hand on the world and those who will just not conform; who are bound to their idols? The believers are storing up their spiritual judgment (following in God’s footsteps) while the unbelievers are storing up their physical judgment (triumphant over the church). The believers are being given the mystery of why God would allow His only Son to be sacrificed (the mystery of the Kingdom of God) while the unbelievers are not. This draws them farther and farther apart.
4. Under John Recommissioned As A Prophet read up to “And the Angel” and see if you can then answer:
A. What are some of the ways this angel is closely linked to Christ?
He is likened to OT angels. He is covered in a cloud, has a rainbow over His head, His face shines like the Sun, His feet are like pillars of fire, and He roars like a Lion (Judah). All of these characteristics are found in scripture of the OT (Daniel, Ezekiel, Exodus, Numbers).
B. What does the little scroll deal with (look particularly at last sentence in this paragraph)
The small scroll represents the followers instructions. It still holds the unfolding of world history including Christ’s resurrection and return. It shows how Christ’s followers follow His path as sufferers, and carry the message to others.
C. What does the angel setting a foot on the sea and on the land signify? (Joshua 10:24-26 might help)
Not too sure, but could it mean sovereignty over land and sea? I think the Joshua passage is listed wrong? It didn’t make sense. I read Joshua 24:10-26 too, which made more sense.
D. Name a trial you are facing right now and the hope God’s sovereignty gives you.
The state of our country, in many ways, is painful to watch. I keep trying to remember that God is in control.
E. With what is thunder associated?
Some form of heavenly being and divine judgment.
F. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
I am curious as to what the last few lines mean? What is the “punishment” and who are the “two witnesses?”
I do think that is the right passage — putting feet on necks showed sovereignty over kings. But the other passage was interesting! 🙂
5. When was the last time you bravely shared your faith? Hoping for some encouraging stories!
I posted this above, and some saw, however, maybe you didn’t Dee? I reposted it here.
Oh! Dee, I actually did witness to my oncologist and my brother these past two weeks. My brothers daughter lived her life for God and passed away a few weeks ago. He asked me “why couldn’t it have been me?” I told him that his daughter knew God and maybe he and his ex-wife needed to find Him. That was what she would want.
My oncologist asked me about my Queen Esther shirt (sight and sound theatre) and I told her it was my favorite Bible story. We then proceeded to talk about all the different productions and how our grandkids loved the Noah’s Ark show. She went out and looked it up online as I was getting dressed! She said she might have to “queue one up” for her daughter this weekend since they are televised now! They allow you to make a donation amount to watch the shows. I do think you are right…we are called to witness “for such a time as this!” Hahaha….
I did see that and should have commented. Such a good question and brave to him!
2. Read Revelation 10:1-4 and describe the angel. He was clothed with a cloud, with a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.
3. In Mystery Explained, read the section under Vision Give Between the 6th and 7th Trumpets.
A. John is being recommissioned to prophesy — what does this prophesy concern? The relationship between believers and unbelievers during the church age.
B. Why might the relationship between believers and unbelievers grow more intense during this time? Probably because Satan realizes his time is short.
4. Under John Recommissioned As A Prophet read up to “And the Angel” and see if you can then answer:
A. What are some of the ways this angel is closely linked to Christ? Wrapped in clouds, rainbow on his head, face shining like the sun, legs like pillars of fire. I was questioning why this wasn’t Christ since the description is the same, but I noticed that when writing about the Lamb that took the scroll, all of the pronouns are capitalized. When writing about this strong angel, they were not so I assumed that there is something in the original text language that differentiates the two. But later in Mysteries Explained, Campbell says that this is probably Christ himself.
B. What does the little scroll deal with? (look particularly at last sentence in this paragraph) The ways that Christians follow Christ in the path of suffering and resurrection, declaring the power of the cross in this fallen world.
C. What does the angel setting a foot on the sea and on the land signify? (Joshua 10:24-26 might help) His triumph over them.
D. Name a trial you are facing right now and the hope God’s sovereignty gives you. The prospect of being forced to have the CoVid vaccine or losing my job. No matter which direction I go, I know that God is sovereign over all.
E. With what is thunder associated? Voices from heaven
F. Did anything else stand out to you from this section? When John is told not to write what he hears. My thought was why would he be told that? Since the entire vision is symbolic and not clear exactly what is being said what difference would it make to throw in a couple more unclear, things into the mix? Campbell says it may be that the seal, trumpet and bowl judgement are enough to indicate God’s plan. Perhaps it’s just to make clear to anyone who thinks that they have all of Revelation figured out that there are still some unknown things that we aren’t even given a chance to try to interpret so we can’t possibly know everything. Although I don’t know anyone who is foolish enough to think that they have everything figured out, that would be like saying they have the mind of God.
Dee, There are four of us who are doing this study. We do the questions alone and then meet once a week to discuss what we learned and what was new. Last night we discussed your question about a break. We would like to continue with Revelations. We are now on a roll. But we will stand behind any decision you make.
Trish, Waco, Texas
Thanks so much for that input, Patricia. And I appreciate you standing by any decision too. I’m leaning toward a compromise I’ll talk about next week!
Today in my daily reading I came to 2 Thess 2:3-12, where it says that the Day of the Lord (the end) will not come until ‘the rebellion occurs and the son of lawlessness is revealed.’ So even Paul is saying it isn’t happening then as an ongoing process after the resurrection, but is being held back until some specific future time. Yet John says the anti Christ is already at work among us. The point I see is that there is plenty of ambiguity; room to think differently. And until we can all look back at it, this is the way it will be. My response needs to be living each day as though the end comes today, with all the urgency that calls for. And simultaneously living realizing that it might not happen in my lifetime and being a wise steward of time and energy.
2. This angel was mighty, coming down from heaven. Robed in a cloud with a rainbow over his head. Face like the sun, legs like fiery pillars, and holding a little, open, scroll in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left on the land, and his voice was like the roar of a lion. Seven thunders answered him, but John was told not to record what they said.
From a Navigator study I’m using, it says the pause after the 6th seal was to let us see what was happening to the church in the midst of it all, and the pause here after the 6th trumpet is for us to hear what God has to say about His prophets and witnesses. The study is directly comparing Rev 10:1-11 with Daniel 10:4-12:13.
3 A. What does John’s prophecy here concern?
The relationship between believers and unbelievers.
As I am writing this tonight, I got an email asking for urgent prayer for believers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds have been rounded up and the Taliban plans on beheading them tomorrow. Lord, I ask that You give them calmness, supernatural peace and love for their captors, and a joy in You that, should this evil plan take place, will shout Your reality and superiority to the world. I ask that the eyes of unbelievers throughout the world would be opened and their ears unstopped so they can finally recognize Your truth. Use even this for Your glory. Give us here in the western world opportunities to speak for You….
Thank you so much for this call for prayer. Can you give us a link to your source on this about the beheadings? I’ll post it in Facebook.
so good, Mary-My response needs to be living each day as though the end comes today, with all the urgency that calls for. And simultaneously living realizing that it might not happen in my lifetime and being a wise steward of time and energy.
And yes, let us know where we can read about his beheadings. My prayer partner and I prayed for Afghanistan today.
What Navigator study are you doing? My husband was with Navs before and a few years after we got married.
Bing, it is old… published in ‘89, part of the Life Change Series. The copy got passed down to me, having never been written in. I have appreciated reading their take on things.
Mary, I believe I have some old life change series study guides at our previous residence. I will look for them when I visit my daughter who is living there for now.
Tuesday
5. When was the last time you bravely shared your faith? Hoping for some encouraging stories!
I wish I had some spectacular story to tell but I really don’t have much contact with the outside world except taking care of my grand boys. A couple of weeks ago, I asked my oldest grandson if he had done much reading over the summer and he said no. I texted his Mom to ask how long he would have to read in order to pick something on Amazon (yes, I bribed him) and she said 30 minutes. I have a great children’s Bible and I told him he could pick any story he wanted and he chose Jonah. When he finished reading I asked him questions about the story. It was interesting to me that the thing that impacted him the most was the worm eating the plant that provided the shade for Jonah, not the fish swallowing him, although he did think that was neat. I’m telling this story because even though I did bribe him, he was ok with reading the Bible and of course that thrilled this grandma’s heart.
6. Read Revelation 10:5-8
A. In verse 6, what does the angel say?
There would be no more delay.
B. What will happen, according to verse 7, when the 7th trumpet is blown?
The mystery of God would be fulfilled.
C. What is John told to do in verse 8?
He was told to take the scroll open in the angels hand.
7. Read from the BOLD And the angel I saw standing to the vision resumes and share your thoughts.
There is a similarity of this angel to the one in Daniel meaning the subject matter of the messages of both angels will be similar.
The vision unfolding to John is the vision that Daniel’s angel was told to seal…until that time. The words of Daniel’s angel in turn mirrors the prophetic words of God to Moses, God speaks of a coming vengeance that is “sealed up.” The last trumpet call announces the end of history, the Lord’s return and he establishment of His everlasting kingdom.
Romans speaks of the “mystery that was kept for long ages, being disclosed thru prophetic writings and made know to all nations. Where the word “mystery” occurs in the NT, it frequently describes the way in which the OT prophecy has been fulfilled in ways not expected by the Jewish people. The mystery is that of the cross and it continues with the question, “Why do God’s people continue to have to suffer as they walk in the way of the cross? This unfolds in Revelation. Believers, while suffering physical defeat are inheriting spiritual victory.
Steve often threatened to put on my tombstone “A bribe works wonders.” Out of context, of course. But sometimes it seems very effective! Linda Strom’s grandmother did that and those verses stayed with her.
Dee and Sharon on bribery (Smile): “Looking at it one way, you could say, “Anything goes. Because of God’s immense generosity and grace, we don’t have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster.” But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well.” The Message
Me, bribe? ( with students especially) Oh, no! I do not do that! ( picture me with an innocent, incredulous look LOL)
Oh Bing, how you make me smile!
🙂
Wednesday
8. Read Revelation 10: 9-11 and share what you see, learn, and how you could apply it.
John is given the scroll and told to eat it and just like the angel said, it would be sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. I shared above that the feasting on the whole word of God is important, not just what gives me a warm fuzzy feeling, but also what may be tough to hear,
9. 2 Corin. 2:15-16 adds light to why this Word is both sweet and bitter. What do you see?
To those being saved we are the aroma of Christ, a fragrant of life and to the perishing a fragrance of death. The gospel is life to those who receive Christ and death to those who reject Him.
10. Read the rest of Campbell’s section up to spiritual warfare during the church age and share any comments.
John taking this scroll is participating in the authority of Jesus in judging the world, he commits to its complete contents. God’s word is sweet and bitter to those who reject the divine message. This shows that the bitterness, symbolizes the rejection of the gospel and God’s judgement on unbelievers, extends throughout the church age, during which the 3rd trumpet judgement takes place and judgement had already begun in the days of John himself.
4. A. This ‘angel’ is closely linked with Jesus in that he is described in ways only used for Jesus or God in other places, like being in the clouds, having a rainbow crowning him, face and legs as described of Jesus in Rev 1:15-16, and a voice like the roar of a lion, making you think of the tribe of Judah.
B. The little scroll, like the large scroll the Lamb had already opened, deals with the events happening between the resurrection and Jesus’s return. It was interesting that John, evidently symbolic of believers, is handed a smaller portion of what Jesus has already opened and dealt with. Jesus is the true subject of it, and the fulfillment of it. In Daniel, the scroll was sealed so that the message was hidden, but here it is open or not hidden. And as Jesus suffered greatly, we will suffer a little. According to Campbell, it is our declaring the power of the cross in our time.
C. He stands on both the sea and the land, showing Him to be Lord over everything. Believers and unbelievers, chaos and civilization, unmoved by any of it and always stable.
D. My current trials. It isn’t anything others don’t deal with. It is just the constant challenges of life. The worst of it is really my sin nature. But because God is sovereign and trustworthy, I have Biblical hope. On Tuesday, as I was thinking about something I didn’t want to face, I was suddenly terribly aware of the cesspool of who I am without Jesus. I listed out to Him a bunch of it. I know that His word says I have been redeemed, and I believe it in my head, but I wasn’t feeling it. I don’t see a changed character in myself. And He said, ‘so repent.’ I said that repenting is agreeing with Him on the wrongfulness of all my sin. He asked me if I was willing to agree with Him on the rest of it as well, that His blood has redeemed me from all of that. That He is able to save and redeem and restore, and despite what I see or feel, He is great enough to be trusted. At that, my heart melted. All I could say was yes, Lord. My salvation does not depend on what I see or feel, but on You, and You are worthy of all trust and hope.
E. Campbell says the seven thunders are some sort of heavenly beings relating some kind of judgement. He likened it to both a creature pronouncing judgement as in 6:1, but also to 19:6, where it is clearly in worship. He seems to me to be saying opposite things about the same thundering voices. Argh!!
I love this, Mary. Thank you! I think repenting is hard…it is sometimes changing habits and a slow process. I so relate to this. I love this that you wrote:
He asked me if I was willing to agree with Him on the rest of it as well, that His blood has redeemed me from all of that. That He is able to save and redeem and restore, and despite what I see or feel, He is great enough to be trusted. At that, my heart melted. All I could say was yes, Lord. My salvation does not depend on what I see or feel, but on You, and You are worthy of all trust and hope.
Mary,
Very well said-“My salvation does not depend on what I see or feel, but on You, and You are worthy of all trust and hope.”
Monday: Another Mighty Angel
2. Read Revelation 10:1-4 and describe the angel.
He sounds huge and nearly indescribable. Very bright and beautiful.
3. In Mystery Explained, read the section under Vision Give Between the 6th and 7th Trumpets.
A. John is being recommissioned to prophesy — what does this prophesy concern?
The relationship between believers and unbelievers during the church age and the final judgement.
B. Why might the relationship between believers and unbelievers grow more intense during this time?
My thought was because we are actually in a real spiritual war, and our real enemy senses the time he has left is short.
4. Under John Recommissioned As A Prophet read up to “And the Angel” and see if you can then answer:
A. What are some of the ways this angel is closely linked to Christ?The way he is described matches the way Christ was described elsewhere in scripture, the sermon suggests another idea though.
B. What does the little scroll deal with (look particularly at last sentence in this paragraph)
It has to do with the path of Christ and his followers, of the path of promise goes through suffering.
C. What does the angel setting a foot on the sea and on the land signify? (Joshua 10:24-26 might help)I listened to the sermon already, he said this signified Gods dominion over all of creation, in spite of how things may seem.
D. Name a trial you are facing right now and the hope God’s sovereignty gives you.
This time of year is hard. I feel like I should have brought some sort of beauty from the ashes of our suffering by now that I haven’t achieved. I feel so other people grow something meaningful out of their suffering, mine just makes me want clam up and hide.
I am still traumatized.
God is sovereign, his purposes will not be thwarted by my inaction. I hope in His unfailing love toward weak me.
E. With what is thunder associated?Divine Judgement
F. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?What is standing out is that I feel behind and overwhelmed. Sorry to be such a bummer.
5. When was the last time you bravely shared your faith? Hoping for some encouraging stories!With a co-worker a couple months ago, I had chance to talk about the difference between the true gospel and the idea that you need to do better morally. She stated that she wants to know more. I am hoping for the next opportunity to continue the conversation.
6. Read Revelation 10:5-8
A. In verse 6, what does the angel say?
He swore by the name of Him who lives forever and ever, who created all things that there would be no more delay.
B. What will happen, according to verse 7, when the 7th trumpet is blown?
God’s mystery that he had announced through the prophets, glad tidings will be fulfilled.
C. What is John told to do in verse 8?
To eat the little scroll
7. Read from the BOLD And the angel I saw standing to the vision resumes and share your thoughts.
This whole section was timely, the condemnation I feel regarding my inaction with our story feels like its from the enemy but I feel weak, like weary in pushing back against it.
That things are not what they seem, that suffering is part of the plan, that God will rescue restore and redeem…I needed this, the sweet and the bitter.
That’s great, Chris. Will pray for your co-worker. That was an important conversation.
6. Read Revelation 10:5-8
A. In verse 6, what does the angel say?
He swore an oath to God and said there will be no more delay.
B. What will happen, according to verse 7, when the 7th trumpet is blown?
God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled.
C. What is John told to do in verse 8?
He is told to take the scroll from the angel whose feet are on the land and the sea.
I am late again. I loved all of your comments on the heavy burden and sorrow that last week’s lesson brought. I agree with Laura that it seems like Satan is working overtime these days with families, tragedies, and the internet ( in more ways than one). We do need to pray.
I loved the Gospel in Life sermon. The Wrath of God.
This is what stood out to me:
What is it? We know God is angry and we know something is broken. The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth. In our conscience, we know right from wrong. The law of consequence : Sin has consequences.
How is God’s Wrath Revealed? One of the ways God reveals His wrath is by letting those who desire to turn against Him, do just that. He lets them go their own way.
Evil is self destructive. You give yourself to it and it will destroy you. He gave them over to the darkness of their own souls.
You want to worship a beast: Go ahead, but he is a beast and he’s going to eat you.
You want to drink the wine of Babylon, go ahead, but it is poison.
Why is God’s Wrath Revealed? God has continued to sound the trumpets through history: In all the pain in life, God is sending the message that all need to repent. God’s wrath against sin is being manifested in the here and now.
Many who see or experience God’s wrath will repent and be saved. God desires all to be saved. He allows much time and many chances for those who worship and do evil to repent. Many are so hard hearted they will not repent.
So good, Patti:
You want to worship a beast: Go ahead, but he is a beast and he’s going to eat you.
You want to drink the wine of Babylon, go ahead, but it is poison.
Oh Patty, what are we going to do with you?…jk😜. I always enjoy what you have to say, so encouraging and what Dee pointed out struck me too!
Monday: Another Mighty Angel
1. Read Revelation 10:1-4 and describe the angel.
robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars… holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.
3. In Mystery Explained, read the section under Vision Give Between the 6th and 7th Trumpets.
A. John is being recommissioned to prophesy — what does this prophesy concern?
The relationship between believers and unbelievers during the church age
B. Why might the relationship between believers and unbelievers grow more intense during this time?
Because unbelievers will continue to harden their hearts and persecute the believers.
4. Under John Recommissioned As A Prophet read up to “And the Angel” and see if you can then answer:
A. What are some of the ways this angel is closely linked to Christ?
Cloud: Jesus taken up to Heaven in a cloud and will come back the same way
face like the sun’ Christ in Revelation 1:6
pillars of fire: Revelation 1:15
roar of a lion: Jesus as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah
B. What does the little scroll deal with (look particularly at last sentence in this paragraph)
Christ is giving the scroll to John and the little scroll represents the way in which Christians follow Christ in the path of suffering and resurrection, declaring the power of his cross in this fallen world.
C. What does the angel setting a foot on the sea and on the land signify? (Joshua 10:24-26 might help)
In Joshua 10, Joshua instructed the army commanders to put their feet on the necks of the 5 kings they have defeated. This signifies their rule over these kings as it would be for Christ to rule over all things and creatures of the earth.
D. Name a trial you are facing right now and the hope God’s sovereignty gives you.
Some minor health issues have slowed me down and have gotten me down emotionally and spiritually at times. When these times come, I remind myself of God’s sovereignty:
All things work out for good to those who love Him and are called according to his purpose Romans 8:28
His purposes (for me) can never be thwarted Job 42:2
His ways are always good Isaiah 55:9
His grace will always be sufficient 2 Corinthians 12:9
With what is thunder associated?
It is associated with divine judgment
Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
Despite the seeming harshness of the coming divine judgment, I need to stand firm in the truth that He is holy and just but also loving and gracious. Where this dichotomy meets and makes sense, I am leaving it up to Him. And wait a minute, do God things need to always make sense to me to believe Him? No! Because God is God and there is no other.
Bing, so sorry to hear that you’re dealing with health issues. I know they are so frustrating but love the promises you have claimed. My first question in whatever trial I am in is, “ok God, what are you trying to teach me?” I say trying because I seem to be a slow learner!
Praying 🙏 ❤️
Sharon, I love this as it puts the responsibility on me and not on anyone or anything: “My first question in whatever trial I am in is, “ok God, what are you trying to teach me?” I so love the edification and encouragement I am receiving here. Again, speaking about corners in Heaven, “all those who are in Dee’s blog, over here!” That will be some grand reunion or meeting.
Tuesday:
6. Read Revelation 10:5-8
A. In verse 6, what does the angel say?
There will be no more delay
B. What will happen, according to verse 7, when the 7th trumpet is blown?
The mystery of God will be accomplished
C. What is John told to do in verse 8?
Take the scroll from the hand of the angel.
7. Read from the BOLD And the angel I saw standing to the vision resumes and share your thoughts.
That the mystery of God will be fulfilled, and that this mystery is that of the cross.
“How could God save His people through putting his son to the death of a common criminal? Why do God’s people continue to have to suffer as they walk in the way of the cross?”
Many Jews during the NT times missed Jesus because He was not what they expected. The prophets of old prophesied among the people about Jesus but never saw Him. If Jesus would have come in our generation, would we have recognized He is the Messiah?
But God has chosen to reveal His Son to us starting from the disciple to John, to the 7 churches, and to each of us through the ages who read this prophetic message of comfort and assurance! What then shall we do with Jesus and how then should we live?
I listened to the sermon today and was impressed with the points made.
1.Live in the knowledge that God is Sovereign. His personal story was impressive regarding his desire for God’s healing and the struggle he went through.
2. We are not to understand; our vision is limited. Deuteronomy 29:29 the secrets things belong to the Lord our God.
3. God’s kingdom is coming!
Yes, the word of God is to be eaten and it is sweet as honey and bitter. We’re called to eat the Word and to prophesy. His point :repentance requires prophecy. Proclaim the word.
Here is my need- to follow through, to be bold and to be a fragrance. Still studying II Corinthians 2:15-16
I have some questions that relate to Revelation and it goes back to the introduction and the author’s viewpoint.
I definitely see that the Jewish people have a place in the future though our vision is limited. This gives me an unpleasant taste for this viewpoint. If anyone has any thoughts on this I would be interested in them.
Shirley — I always remember a powerful sermon by R. C. Sproul concerning the repeated passage begun in Hosea about you are not my people, you are my people, and how he felt sure that the story of the Jews was not complete. There will always be a remnant. I do know that a true Jew is one who truly believes, but I do think many will turn to their Messiah. My son askes me if I believed in replacement theology, where Gentiles replace the Jews. Campbell says that is a pejorative phrase, and it is better to say they complete the Jews, for God will always have a place for the remnant of believing Jews. What are your thoughts on this?
So this subject interests me as I have a very tender heart for the Jewish people and have supported Jews for Jesus and am in touch with a dear couple who have a ministry in the Negeb of Israel. He is from that area and his wife Mimi is Chinese, both became Christians after their marriage.
Yes, I know many completed Jews are part of the church. Recently I listened to several excellent teachers (Friends of Israel ministry)who brought out beliefs that much of the judgments in Revelation will affect the Jews and after suffering they will believe and be part of the future kingdom. How this will occur is the mystery but it seems that God still has a plan for his first group of chosen people. I related this to the Deuteronomy 29:29 scripture of secret things.
8. Read Revelation 10: 9-11 and share what you see, learn, and how you could apply it.
Eat the scroll-sweet to the mouth like honey but will turn your stomach sour.
9. 2 Corin. 2:15-16 adds light to why this Word is both sweet and bitter. What do you see?
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.
Sweet to the believing and bitter to those who are the unbelieving,
10. Read the rest of Campbell’s section up to spiritual warfare during the church age and share any comments.
This makes sense to me: to understand Revelation as a series of predictions about a future the vast majority of its readers will never experience is to empty its true prophetic content, and make it irrelevant to all but the very last generation of believers before Christ’s return.
I agree with how much sense that statement makes, Bing.
7. Read from the BOLD And the angel I saw standing to the vision resumes and share your thoughts.
“The mystery involves the fact that believers, while suffering physical defeat, are inheriting spiritual victory.”
This statement is so hard to swallow, but at the same time so good!
8. Read Revelation 10: 9-11 and share what you see, learn, and how you could apply it.
John is given the scroll and told that he should eat it. He is warned that it will be sweet in his mouth and sour in his stomach. He is then told to prophesy to many nations, languages, and kings.
Well, the Bible isn’t always roses. Sometimes the Word is uncomfortable. It is hard to prophesy as well. But, we are called to do it. It is what we were made to do.
9. 2 Corin. 2:15-16 adds light to why this Word is both sweet and bitter. What do you see?
Since we are the “fragrance of Christ” we exude this fragrance in two ways. If you are a believer then the fragrance is pleasant, but if you are not a believer then the fragrance is foul.
10. Read the rest of Campbell’s section up to spiritual warfare during the church age and share any comments.
This scripture is based on passages from Ezekiel, where Ezekiel is being commissioned, and Jeremiah, where he is told to eat God’s words. Campbell makes the case that this is happening during the church age not just at the last generation because of the third trumpet, when the water was turned bitter.
John is told to prophesy here, which means he should tell others to repent and obey God’s words.
Dee, I wanted to share what God is doing in my little corner of Montana and while I am a silent follower right now I will venture to say I hope you do do Paige’s Romans study because of what is happening.
I have been praying for those I work with, hoping for a way to be more “out loud” with my faith. I have had several interesting, only God could have, moments with co-workers that has now turned into us starting a Bible study (so many amazing details I wish I could share all…). Right after they all expressed an interest in this you posted about the Romans study and I know that is where God is leading my new little group. His gift.
so – selfishly, I hope you do Romans because I so need help to lead these thirsty women (who are all just at the surface of the Gospel). I am a good presenter but not such a good teacher. But even if you do not I KNOW He is coordinating and working! So excited. I want to depend on Him and see His glory as He works in these hearts (mine included!). If you think of me, pray! Much love to you all. Thank God for each of you.
Jill, it is good to hear from you. You are “enlarging your tent” Isaiah54:2 in your own little corner in Montana. Praise God for those thirsty women and I pray you will lead them with God-confidence and wisdom.
Jill — good to hear from you. God has led me to what I think is a really good compromise, and will include Paige’s study, but also keep our Revelation momentum. Will explain Sunday.
Good to see you here Jill! I’m so glad you are being blessed and being a blessing to your new group! Praying for you 🙏🙏
5. My planned time is coming on the 30th, though I have no idea what to say. I just anticipate having an opportunity. Am praying much about it.
6. A. The angel swears by God, and says there will be no more delay.
B. At the 7th trumpet blast, ‘the mystery of God will be accomplished, as He had previously told the prophets.’
C. John is told to go and take the scroll.
7. OK, now I’m confronted with the fact that I’ve believed something without questioning, that doesn’t fit in any of the views. I’ve always thought the mystery of God was the gospel, just like Paul says. But if it isn’t revealed until the 7th trumpet, then my thinking doesn’t make sense. Either from a literal or a symbolic interpretation. When I read further in Campbell, his explanation of it being God’s triumph through suffering and the cross, all the way to the end, seems to help, but it also seems to me to be twisting it. Hoping someone else can help me here….
Mary — my thought is that the mystery is the gospel as Paul says, but as Keller often says, the gospel is so much bigger than we realize — not just being saved from the penalty of sin, but the power, and one day, the presence of sin. What will that look like? I don’t know. To me this passage is telling me, in part, that the way up is down, the way of suffering, of humility, the cross, and of Christ.
Dee, so maybe saying that what was planned from eternity past and openly displayed to Israel in Jesus’s life, death and resurrection, will be brought to its completion with the 7th trumpet?
That’s it, Mary — and it is a mystery as to what exactly that fulfillment of the whole gospel will look like. Isaiah 65 gives me a clearer picture than does Revelation of the new heaven and new earth, at least I hope it is more like the earth I love than streets of gold and crystal cathedrals — but it is a mystery — and how we will be is a bit of a mystery — as John says, “We do not know what we will be but we know we will be like Him…”
8. When John is given the scroll and told to eat it, he does. Just like he was told, in his mouth it was sweet. This made me think of when we are first saved, and everything seems sweet. But in John’s stomach, it turns sour. And for us, living out the Christian life is not sweet all the time. It is often hard and not so palatable when we are serious about obedience. He Himself is sweet though, and His closeness makes the ‘sour’ of obedience worth it.
9. God’s word within believers make them a sweet smell to Him, but the opposite is true for unbelievers. They think we stink. Back in the early 70’s, when I was in nursing school, a friend and I decided we would spend an hour or so with classmates at the local bar they frequented on Friday afternoons. As we were walking up to the building she said, “you watch. The noise level will be up until they see us. Then it will stay down as long as we’re here. And when we head to the door, it will rise again. All without us saying one word about Jesus.” And she was right.
10. Campbell says the bitterness (or sourness) of the scroll refers to the rejection of God’s word by disobedient people.
That is an interesting story, Mary, of your hour at the bar with classmates that frequented it! The noise level will stay down as long as you’re there, and when you head to the door, it will rise again. All without saying one word about Jesus. The fragrance of Christ! it seems?
Love, love, love Matt Menzel’s sermon on Revelation 10! I took notes and will revisit them time and time again. Some quotes that ministered to me and sorry if this is too long!
The judgment of God is intensifying in order to draw people to Him for repentance.
The sets of bowls, trumpets, and seals are more than just His holiness expressed through judgment but God’s love is expressed through patience.
Hold on, suffer well, because God is totally committed to bringing as many people to salvation as possible.
Chapter 10-12 is an Interlude, a pause. To free us from the fogginess that we might have when overwhelmed by what is implied in the chapters before.
We are tasked with playing a part in the renewal of the new creation. Not because He needs us, but because He delights in making us a part of His work.
3 truths about what to think as we read about the divine judgment:
a. a. God’s authority still extends to all creation. There is no end to the sovereign rule of God as we see intensifying things that are going on. He is in control
All we have seen, All we haven’t seen, and yet to see, God rules over it.
How is that changing the way we live in light of what we are learning here?
It should free us to live differently when we acknowledge that God is working in the midst of the good, the bad, and the ugly (italics mine).
Remove the sovereignty of God and we set ourselves up for devastation when we encounter the storms of life.
b. B. Our vision is limited
The secret things belong to the Lord. Having answers withheld is what we need most. Remember who we are and who we are not. God is on the throne.
This is a hard thing; it is scary not to have all the information.
How are you doing with entrusting yourself to God? Are you finding freedom in letting go?
c. C. The dawning of God’s kingdom
Are you ready? Are you giving him your attention?
2 joyful tasks for us:
a. Ingest the word-both the sweet and the bitter part of it. We have an appetite that needs to be satisfied by the Word. God wants to feed you; to draw you close to Him through His Word.
b. prophesy -declare the word of God –to share it with others.
Not too long — love your enthusiasm, Bing.
Thursday/Friday
11. I found this chapter challenging until I listened to this sermon. Please watch Matt Menzel and share the main points and your thoughts.
The judgements overlap each other and become more intense…not chronological.
Seals, Trumpets and Bowls aren’t just about judgement. They are also about God’s love expressed through patience…that is the focus.
God is committed to bringing as many people to repentance as possible.
Chapters 10 and 11 are an interlude between the 6th and 7th trumpets being blown. We are part of his plan because it delights Him, to join Him in the restoration of the world in the outpouring of His grace. All these judgements can cloud up our mind about who our Heavenly Father is and what the gospel is and what our role is. There is a pause here to remind us that His focus is repentance
3 truths to guard us from the lies of culture and pollute our thinking.
1.God is in control. The angel with one foot on the sea and land shows Gods authority over all the earth. Are we comforted by the fact that God is sovereign over all circumstances of our life. We have no hope if He isn’t sovereign, faith is a roll of the dice…don’t buy a God we’ve made in our image. He is infinite!
2.Our vision is limited…we don’t see everything. We are not in control. He is on the throne and we are not on our own. It’s scary for us not to have all the info. We need to trust in Him. Am I letting go or am I gripping on the reigns tightly.
3.God’s kingdom is coming and on the way right now. Jesus is returning. 2Peter 3:2b-4; Romans 13:11. Am I ready for that 7th trumpet to blow? Have I been lulled to sleep? There will be an end, a new kingdom and a new earth.
What is our role?
1.Eat the Word. Memorize it, be nourished by it. The Word of God is sweet like honey. Wisdom of God not man. The Word is bitter convicts us and condemns. We can’t eat around the parts we don’t like.
2.Declare the Word of God.
God is good, He is just and the end is coming.
This was such a good sermon and very helpful in knowing how to make Revelation practical to our lives today.
We are part of the restoration of His creation and the outpouring of His grace. He has a family project for us to participate in. Problem is that judgment occurs as all of this plays out. This makes things foggy for us. We need to remember His true intent is repentance.
We need to remember these 3 truths:
God rules over all of creation. He is sovereign over today and in the future. We should be comforted by this. He is sovereign over our lives. God is in control.
Our vision is limited. We cannot see or know what He sees and knows. Are we holding to our earthly lives or are we trusting that He has the reigns of our lives?
God’s kingdom is coming and it’s on its way now. At the seven trumpet sound, there will be no delay. It is what we are waiting for; the kingdom of God will finally be here. We have been lulled to sleep because many generations have suffered without Him coming. Christians have always thought that Jesus would return in their life times. They got complacent when it didn’t happen and people were lulled to sleep. The Bible warns us against thinking this way. He will return in His time, not ours. He is coming. He is delayed according to us, but this should increase our urgency. Is Jesus the focus of our minds and hearts?
What is our role? The eating of the scroll reminded the Jews of Ezekiel. “…sweet as honey…” is our walk with Christ; it includes us. where Gods spirit is, there is freedom for the people. The nourishing Word also convicts us however. The bitter taste exists. He calls us to “…eat the Word…” memorize, meditate on it. He wants to feed us; to nourish us. He wants to draw us closer to Him. Are you allowing that to happen? You can’t take some of the Word and disregard the rest.
When we find peace and freedom in the Word of God then it is time to prophecy. That means to share it with others.
Great notes, Laura.
11. Sermon notes.
The seals, trumpets and bowls are about more than judgement. All three are about God’s patience, love and redemption. If we don’t focus on God’s character, we are missing the point. He wants us to work with Him in these three things. The pause of chapters 10-11 remind us of His patience. There are three truths here.
1. God is in control. God’s authority extends to all creation. The Holy Spirit is saying it repeatedly for a reason. Is it changing how you see the world and current events? Are you comforted? Without God having sovereignty, we have no hope. 2. Our vision is limited. There is more going on than we are aware of. We don’t understand it all. We think we are owed being answered, but we are not. We must stop demanding that God give us every explanation we ask for. It is OK to be scared, just take your fear to Him.
3. God’s kingdom is coming. We are not in a sprint; we are in a marathon. But the truth is that there will be an end. Don’t be distracted. Taking a break can lead to total complacency. There is a role for us. We need to eat the Word, digesting and absorbing it. Both the bitter and the sweet of His word is needed. Let God feed you. And then share the word.
Look carefully. Are you finding joy in God? Where is it hard for you to see Him? Dig into those places.
A random thought on the 7th trumpet. There will be ‘no more delays’. So that implies there have been delays. Could it be that prayers through the ages for the salvation of others have in essence kicked the ball further down the road?
Interesting thought, Mary.
My take-away:
1. The lyrics to the song
I was a wretch I remember who I was I was lost I was blind I was running out of timeSin separated The breach was far too wide But from the far side of the chasm You held me in your sightSo You made a way Across the great divide Left behind Heavens throne To build it here insideAnd there at the cross, You paid the debt I owed Broke my chains Freed my soul For the first I had hopeThank you Jesus for the blood applied Thank you Jesus it has washed me white
Thank you Jesus You have saved my life Brought me from the darkness into glorious lightYou took my place Laid inside my tomb of sin You were buried for three days And then You walked right out againAnd now death has no sting And life has no end For I have been transformed By the blood of the lambThere is nothing stronger Than the wonder-working power of the blood The blood
That calls us sons and daughters We are ransomed by our father Through the blood The bloodThank you Jesus for the blood applied
Thank you Jesus it has washed me white Thank you Jesus You have saved my life Brought me from the darkness into glorious lightGlory to His name There to my heart was the blood applied, glory to His name.
2. Christ is the one who has set a foot each on land and sea signifying His rule over all creation. Glory to His name, indeed!
3. “If we get our information from the biblical material, there is no doubt that the Christian life should be a dancing, leaping, daring life.” Eugene Peterson Dance with joy, leap with strength and dare to be bold for Christ!
I’m still reading the comments, but my take away is that there are many more women out there that use this blog for their private group studies than I thought. I’m glad to see them respond to your question about taking a break. I’m praying that the decision that you move in will be acceptable to all of us. I continually pray for the ladies that I have come to know through this blog, but also for those who study along with us and remain anonymous.
Thanks so much for that prayer, Dawn. I pray that too.