Revelation chapter 16; the vial (bowl) judgments.  The vial judgments differ from the seal and trumpet judgments in that they are far more severe, both in their global extent and intensity.  Divine mercy is no longer mixed with judgment and wrath.  They are given to warn men of even greater wrath to come - they ARE the greater (earthly) wrath!  Nor are they are given to convict men of their sins, but are the pure expression of God's righteous wrath and vengeance.  The only glimpse of mercy in that they are relatively short in duration.  They are horrendous, but will only last a few years, after which the sky will remain sunny and clear for 1,000 years!

Revelation 14:14 to 15:8.  The Son from Heaven (His grain and grape harvest), The Sign from Heaven (the seven plagues, sea of glass, and saints of victory), The Songs of Heaven, and The Scene in Heaven (God's holiness portrayed, God's righteousness and glory portrayed, and God's wrath prepared!  A lot to cover in one lesson!

Revelation chapter 14.  In the parenthetical break between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments, the Holy Spirit inspired John to write about things that would bring comfort to the saints of God, particularly to those living during the Tribulation.  Through the presentation of seven pronouncements - or visions, assurance is given regarding the ultimate victory of Christ over Satan and the two beasts and His judgment on all who follow them. This lesson stands in stark contrast to the previous one on chapter 13.  Here, the subject is Christ; in 13, the subject was Antichrist.  Here, we look at the True Lamb; in 13, we looked at the false lamb.  Here, we read of those sealed with the mark of God; in 13, we read of those sealed with the mark of the beast.  In place of the multitudes worshipping Antichrist and blaspheming God in chapter 13, we hear the hosts of Heaven praising God! The five visions discussed in this lesson are: the vision of the faithful virgins, the vision of the flying gospel, the vision of the fallen Babylon, the vision of the future wrath, and the vision of the future rest.

In Revelation 13, we are introduced to the two remaining main characters of the book.  They are "the beast out of the sea" and "the beast out of the earth" - otherwise known as the False Prince, the Antichrist and the False Prophet.  Together with Satan, these three form "The Satanic Trinity".  The conflict on earth during the final days prior to Christ's Return are the war between the Holy Trinity and the unholy trinity.  In this lesson, we talk about the wonder, the wound, the worship, and the warfare of the beast (Antichrist), as well as the mask, the ministry, the magic, and the mark of the False Prophet.   Considering the global situation of our world today, it is extremely possible that Satan's regent prince, who he will possess and use mightily to diabolically persecute Israel (and Tribulation saints) during the Great Tribulation (final 3 and 1/2 years) is alive somewhere on earth.  Satan is waiting for the removal of the Church and the Spirit's restraint of evil ministry to cease before he brings forth his evil puppet onto the world scene.  He may even be working today behind the scenes. 

In Revelation chapter 12, we are introduced to three of the five main "characters" of the book (some are individuals, some are groups of individuals).  They are: the woman clothed with the sun, (2) the male Child she delivers, and (3) the great red dragon.   Who does the woman clothed with the sun represent?  The Church?  Mary?  Israel?  We present the Biblical reasons for the correct answer, Israel.  We discuss Satan's (the great red dragon) "war with the woman" from the beginning to its end.  We look at Satan's second fall, following his war with Michael (12:7-12a), when he will no longer have access to the Third Heaven and no longer be either the accuser of the brethren or the prince of the power of the air.  He and his demonic forces will be confined to earth, and it will be a time of unprecedented terror and his renewed war with "the woman" (Israel). Also discussed in this lesson is Ezekiel's prophecy regarding the War of Gog and Magog - and when that attack of Russia, Iran, and her allies against Israel will take place (before the Rapture?  After the Rapture, but before the Tribulation begins?  During the Tribulation?).

In the midst of Satan's temporary moment of seeming glory on earth, God will not be without His witnesses.  In the first part of this lesson on Revelation chapter 11, we learn about the two mighty witnesses and discuss their possible identities, as well as their spectacular ministry to the nation of Israel.  In the latter part of this lesson, we discuss the worshipful testimony that comes from the twenty-four elders in Heaven. Before any of that, however, the Apostle John was given another set of instructions from the Mighty Angel.  He was told to measure the Temple, and that launches us into a conversation about which Temple the Angel was referring and the significance in measuring it. Find out what the special announcement of Revelation 11:15 is.  Learn how Psalm 2 fits right in with the Tribulation days and the Second Coming of Christ.

In this lesson, we begin our look at the sixth trumpet judgment (the second of the three "Woe" judgments); when it is sounded, the evil army from the East that is mustered by four powerful, unleashed demonic forces will slay one-third of earth's population at that time (9:13-21).  When we then come to chapter 10, the longest parenthetical break in the book, it begins with a Mighty Angel coming from Heaven to earth to not only declare something, but to direct John to do something, and it is from what he is told to do we get our title, "The Bitter and the Sweet".  We have a great discussion on the identity of the Mighty Angel. Learn a lot more about fallen angels, like those currently bound in the Euphrates River!  Learn just how deep the depravity of the human heart and the stubbornness of the human will can be, for it will be fully revealed in the Great Tribulation!

Revelation chapter 9 contains one of the most frightening and terrifying chapters in Scripture.  It describes two diabolic armies that will be divinely unleashed on the earth during the Tribulation.  This 7-year period of time (Daniel's 70th Week) is not only God-orchestrated to purge and prepare Israel to accept her true Messiah and to bring many Gentiles to saving faith, but to punish the ungodly - those who willfully refuse to repent and come to Christ. The fifth trumpet judgment (which is also the first of three "Woe" judgments) brings about the dreadful army of demonic locusts that will be loosed from the bottomless pit. There is a lot of discussion about fallen angels and confined fallen angels in this lesson.  There is also an interesting discussion on the identity of "Apollyon" (Greek) or "Abaddon" (Hebrew), the king of the demonic locust army.

This lesson is from Revelation 8:1-13 and it is on the breaking of the seventh seal, which is the longest judgment of the seven because it is composed of the seven trumpet judgments, and the seventh trumpet judgment is composed of the seven bowl judgments.  It is a very serious seal; so, because of its seriousness, there is an eerie silence in Heaven after the Lamb (Christ) opens it.  After discussing "Silent Heaven," we will look at some heavenly "Serving Angels" (those who stand before God and are called "the trumpet angels") and a "Special Angel," Who John saw standing before the Altar performing the task of High Priest (we get into a discussion as to His identity). In this lesson, we discuss the burned land of the first trumpet judgment, the bloodied sea of the second trumpet judgment, the bittered waters of the third trumpet judgment, and the blackened sky of the fourth trumpet judgment.  In conclusion, we mention the flying angel, who is like an eagle, and cries forth the words, "Woe, woe, woe" - one "woe" for each of the three remaining trumpet judgments.

Have you ever wondered if there is going to be a worldwide spiritual awakening to Christ?  Have you ever prayed for one?  Well, if so, you will be glad to know that the greatest revival the world has ever known is yet to come!  A truth few people realize is that the greatest revival ever will occur during the 7-year Tribulation Period.  This coming revival will be God's answer to the prayers of many of the Church Age believers - and it is described in Revelation chapter 7, which is discussed in this lesson.  After the unbelievable destruction of the first six seal judgments, and one-fourth of the population is swallowed-up in death and hundreds of thousands are martyred for their faith in Christ, a question is asked, "Who shall be able to stand?" In answer to that question comes in chapter 7.  There will be two groups of people able to stand - one group is the 144,000 sealed Jews; the other is the innumerable saved Gentiles and Jews.  As the Antichrist is going forth conquering with all his political advances, the Holy Spirit will be very busy drawing the hearts of millions to a saving knowledge and faith in Christ

One-fourth of the earth will be affected by the grim reapers - the four horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:1-8).  This lesson on 6:9-17 is broken into two halves: I. True Refuge in the Rock (verses 9 to 11) and II. False Refuge in the Rocks (verses 12-17).  The true refuge is about slain Tribulation saints in Heaven and their response to the first four seal judgments: prayer.  The false refuge is by the ungodly on earth and their response to the first four seal judgments: fear.    

In Revelation chapter 6, the first 6 seals on the 7-sealed scroll are opened by the Lord Jesus one-by-one.  NOTE:  It is the Lamb Who opens the seals, which means the Tribulation is not a time initiated by either man's wrath or Satan's wrath!  It is a time of God's wrath on Satan's earthly domain.] The first 4 seals introduce the judgments of what is commonly called, "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (the "unveiling" or the "revelation").  When Christ opened the first seal, John (seeing into the future) heard "the noise of thunder," which symbolizes coming judgement.  Soon he saw a rider on a white horse, going forth conquering!  He pictures the yet-future Antichrist!  Shortly after his appearance, there is a rider on a red horse, which symbolized blood and warfare.  Then there is a rider upon a black horse, which pictures great famine.  He is followed by the rider on a sickly pale-green horse, who pictures death and Hell follows. If you think things are bad now, you haven't seen anything yet!  This is why it is so important to come to Christ TODAY; the sound of thundering hoofbeats is just off in the near distance!

As the Apostle John (caught-up in the Spirit to Heaven's Throneroom) was focused on the 7-sealed scroll in God's right hand, he heard a strong angel cry out, "Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?"  That was the great question of time and eternity!  WHO is worthy to redeem man and earth from the domain of Satan?  Is there anyone or are we doomed to eventual self-destruction under the reign of the Wicked One? The search began and ". . . no man in Heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon" (5:3).  From all the sons of Adam's ruined race, no man was worthy to take back the title deed to earth and break is seals so as to begin to execute judgment on the evil usurper.  John wept profusely at the thought of Satan being forever victorious over God in having stolen tenant possession of the earth from Him.  Ah, but there was no reason for John to weep!  There is One Who has "prevailed to open the book," and He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, and the standing slain Lamb! This is a profoundly important and emotional study!  If you need to be "cheered-up," then tune-in and remind yourself what is about to take place in Heaven!  The Lion, Who is also the Lamb, is about to take back that which is rightfully His - this earth, and have absolute dominion over it!  This will take place BEFORE the Tribulation because it is what precipitates its seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.

The scene is still in Heaven.  John is still in the Throneroom.  The Throne and its Occupant are there, along with the four living creatures.  The "seven lamps of fire burning," representing the Holy Spirit is there.  Likewise, the four and twenty elders are present.  However magnificent all this is, John's attention is drawn to an object in God's right hand.  It is a book (scroll) with writing on both sides and it was sealed with seven seals.  What is this very significant scroll?  To find out, we do a fascinating study that includes learning about the principle of divine ownership, the principle of tenant possession, the principle of not losing tenant possession forever, the principle of redemption, and the principle of a kinsman-redeemer.  The One Who will be worthy to take this scroll and unseal it, is the Rightful Owner of this earth, both by way of Creation and by way of Redemption!   The Biblical history behind this yet-future momentous day when "the Worthy One" takes the scroll from the Father's right hand is something every believer needs to understand to fully rejoice in the magnitude of this soon-coming day (which will also begin the 7-year Tribulation).

Again through John, the Holy Spirit allows us to hear the worshipping throng before the throne as they praise their great Creator.  That throng includes the four living creatures (the holy angels), who we discussed in Lesson 26.  It also includes the twenty-four elders, and we do an extensive analysis of they are.  Did you know that the twenty-four elders are definitely NOT evolutionists? We do a very interesting study of the Jewish marriage customs of Bible times to show how it very strongly supports a Pre-Tribulation Rapture.  

God's Heavenly Throne is the epicenter of the universe and Heaven.  It is the place of final and absolute authority.  it is the center of God's rule over all the activities of Heaven, earth, the universe, and Hell.  In this lesson, we see Heaven's throne through John's eyes as we consider: (1) the Royal One on the Throne, (2) The Rainbow about the Throne, (3) The Rumblings from the Throne, and (4) the Resplendence before the Throne. Learn about the seven spirits of god, the sea of glass, the four living creatures, and so much more!  Exciting lesson!    

Get ready for the sound of a trumpet, the call, "Come up here!" and an instant translation to God's Third Heaven as we look together at just the first two verses of Revelation chapter 4.  Not only is this lesson about the aged Apostle John's "in the spirit" translation to Heaven immediately after he recorded the Lord's words to seven Asia Minor churches, which prophetically revealed the history of the Church Age, but we also discuss the similar "blessed hope" event that will take place when the Church Age is over.  That event is commonly called "the Rapture" ("the catching away" of the saints). If you don't know about the doctrine of the Rapture of the Church or are confused about it (i.e. is it really taught in Scripture?  when does it take place?  is it just "pie-in-the-sky" wishful thinking?), you need to hear this lesson!  Even if you have heard about the Rapture all your life, you need to know why you believe what you believe about it.  There are many Biblical reasons and Scripture verses presented in this lesson to support a pre-Tribulation Rapture - and if you have no idea what that even means, all the more reason to "tune-in"!  Remember the promise of Revelation 1:3 - you will be blessed as you seriously study this book.

Many people avoid the Book of Revelation for a number of incorrect reasons!  Some think it is "too difficult to understand" (not true); some think everything in it has already been fulfilled (we must be living in a perfect world  then ??).  Whatever a person's excuse for not studying this book might be, it is very strange.  Why? Because it is the only book of Scripture that specifically promises a blessing to the one who reads and heeds its prophecies (Revelation 1:3).  It is Satan who wants to keep people from understanding "the end of the story"! Revelation is the consummation and capstone of God's complete redemptive program for the entire world, including creation.  Without Revelation, the Bible would be an unfinished Book!  It is inexcusable to do exactly what God told us not to do:  "Seal NOT the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand" (22:10).  In this study, the four main "schools of interpretation" for Revelation are presented, along with solid reasons to support the futuristic view over the other three.  This lesson is an"overview" of the only prophetic book of the New Testament (contrast that with 17 prophetic Old Testament books).  Another great feature of this lesson is its "jet tour" look at the resurrected Christ's letters to the seven churches of chapters 2 and 3 (presented in detail in Lessons #1-23, to be downloaded on this podcast at a later date) and how they prophetically spelled-out the past 2,000 years of church history!!  THAT ALONE IS WORTH THE TIME TAKEN TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE! This study is from "Caldwell Commentary" series, "Revelation Vol. 2" (available through Amazon.com  and www.scripturetruth.com

A must-study to understand where we are today in the prophetic words about Church history Christ revealed in the seven church letters of Revelation chapters 2 and 3.  Laodicea means, "the people speak" - is that a good thing when the people have their say in how the Church functions?

The "Lukewarm" church - unfortunately, this is the church that represents where we are today!  In view of all the supposedly "scientific" (evolution), philosophic, and popular socially "progressive" trends of the last several centuries, a large segment of Protestantism thought it necessary to reinterpret the Gospel to "fit in" more appropriately with the modern world.  Thus, Liberal Protestantism developed in the late 1800's and is full-blown today.  We discuss how topics like belief in God's immanence, the "social gospel," Neo-Orthodoxy, pragmatism, mysticism, and modernism all "worked together" to produce apostacy in the final "stage" of Christendom. It is interesting to discover how the First Century city of Laodicea got her water supply, which was through an elaborate aqueduct system that brought water from one of two sources: either the very cold water in Colossae (10 miles away) or the the hot springs of Hieropolis.  Either way, by the time the water reached Laodicea, it was neither cold nor hot; it was yucky lukewarm!  Thus, the church of Laodicea (which means "people rule") understood exactly what Christ meant when He accused her of being lukewarm, which caused Him to spue her out of His mouth!

In this second half of our look at Christ's words to the believers of the First Century church at Philadelphia, we discuss two special assurances the Lord gave them.  He promised them vindication from their enemies and deliverance from "the hour of temptation" that would come upon the whole world (Revelation 3:10).  This is a wonderful promise regarding Christ's true Church (the Body of all born again believers) and the yet-future seven-year Tribulation "to try them that dwell upon the earth," and it definitely supports a pre-Tribulation Rapture! In the progress of Christ's last four church letters, we find His coming (His Return) gets closer in closer.  To Thyatira, He said, ". . . hold fast till I come"; to Sardis, He gave repeated warning to be watchful, and if she was not, He would come upon her "as a thief"; to Philadelphia, He said, "Behold, I come quickly" - while to Laodicea, He said, "Behold, I stand at the door"! Discussed also in this sixth church letter of Revelation are the five special promised rewards  to those who are overcomers (the most of any of the seven churches).  Find out what it means to be made a pillar in the Temple of God, to "no more go out," to have the name of God written upon us, to also have the name of the city of God written upon us, and to have Christ's NEW NAME written on us! We also spend time in this lesson talking about events of history, beginning with the late seventeen hundreds, that resulted in the apostacy of our modern era (represented by the church of Laodicea).  We discuss the "intellectual" movements known as Rationalism and Empiracism, the "birth" of Deism ("the religion of reason," which is totally anti-Biblical), the philosophies of Hegel and Schleiermacher, which led to the development of Destructive Criticism, and the impact of Karl Marx's Communitst Manifesto and Charles Darwin's Origin of Species, and how all these anti-Christian ideas had a detrimental affect on Christendom.

The sixth church, the church at Philadelphia (which means "brotherly love"), represents the Missionary Church, the church of "the open door" - the evangelistic church.  Prophetically, this represents the time in Church history when the modern missionary movement began and great spiritual awakenings swept over much of Europe, the British Isles, and into America. There is not one word of accusation from the resurrected Christ to the Philadelphian church, and this was only true of the church of Smyrna, the persecuted church.  Hopefully, as you study with us the Lord's words to the believers at Philadelphia, you will desire to be associated with this kind of church (if you are not already) and to yourself BE a Philadelphian-type Christian!

The resurrected Christ had very bluntly told the church at Sardis (representing the Church of the Reformation and Protestantism) that although she had "a name" as a Church faithful to His teaching, yet His assessment of her spiritual life was that she was "dead".  Sadly, we find today that many Protestant churches are just going through the form, rituals, traditions, and motions of external Christianity, but are void of the life and empowerment of the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself.  The reason is that these churches are full of professing only "believers" (those with head knowledge, but no heart knowledge - for they have never truly been "born again"). A church is in serious danger of dying when it begins to worship its past (heritage) and when it is more concerned with it committee meetings and programs than with proclaiming the Gospel and telling people how to be SAVED!  When a church gets to the point of loving systems, social status in the community, and men's acclaim more than it loves Jesus Christ; when it is more concerned with temporant than spiritual things, it is a dying church (if not already dead).

This is a continuation of our study on Christ's words to "The Dead Church," the church at Sardis.  This stage in Church history began well (it was a work of God), but, sadly, did not continue well.  She began to rest in ease on her good name (she had good heritage) and her good doctrinal position, and subsequently neglected her practice.  As with the history of the original city named Sardis, the church of Sardis failed to keep alert, and Satan marched right in her front door and over-sowed her heavily with tares!  It is beneficial for every Christian to study the progressive history of Christendom to better understand how and why the dogmas, creeds, and traditions of the various church denominations originated, and where we are today in Church history (and what has caused us to be here)!  Discussed in this lesson: John Knox, John Calvin, John Huss, Martin Luther, Zwingli, the Puritans, Lollards, Anabaptists, Waldensians, Huguenots, Presbyterianism, Lutheranism, Consubstantiation, etc. This brief Reformation history lesson will help you understand the Lord's words to all who are represented by Sardis, ". . . for I have not found thy works perfect before God".  Learn Christ's formula for revival from His important words to this church!  

This lesson discusses the remainder of what the resurrected Lord said to the members of the church at Thyatira (see lessons 15 and 16), where the evil "Jezebel" had a tremendous influence, which unfortunately continues to this day in much of Christendom.  We also begin to study the Lord's letter to the fifth church, the church at Sardis, which means "escaping ones" or "remnant," and represents the Reformation stage of Church history.   How did a stage in Church history that began so wondrously and vibrantly that men and women were willing to give their lives for the true Gospel message - salvation by grace through faith alone - come to the point where she heard these words from Jesus, "I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead" (Revelation 3:1)?  Listen to this (and lesson 18) to find out.  Also find out what she needed to come ALIVE from her spiritually dead condition.

This is our continuation of Christ's fourth church letter of Revelation chapters 2 and 3.  A very, very serious letter, which corresponds to the stage in Church history when the Papal Church dominated Christendom.

The seven church letters given by the resurrected Christ prophetically spelled-out exactly what would take place in Church history!  It is amazing!  Coming to His fourth letter, to the church at Thyatira, we find the longest letter and it represents the period from approximately A.D. 600 to 1500.  It was when Romanism (an ungodly mixture of paganism, Judaism, and Christianity) dominated Christendom.  It was the time commonly called "The Dark Ages". We discuss many very serious matters in this lesson.  Was Peter the first pope, as Catholicism claims?   Was the Catholic church the first church, from which most of Christendom "broke off"?Who is represented by the false prophetess of this letter named Jezebel?  What was she saying that worked to seduce the church to commit "fornication" with paganism?  Why did Jesus refer to Himself as "the Son of God" to the church at Thyatira, which represents the stage of Church history that made Jesus very popular as the Son of Mary?  Oh, did you know this?  Prior to being called "Thyatira," the city was name "Semiramis" (wife of Nimrod of the Tower of Babel fame), who was worshipped as "the queen of Heaven".  Why is "Thyatira," which in Greek means "continual sacrifice," an appropriate name for this representative time in Church history, when the Mass and the unbiblical teaching of Transubstantiation developed?

The First Century city of Pergamos was a very prominent religious center loaded with temples for the worship of Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and Asklepios and temples dedicated to worship of the Roman emperors ("the Caesar Cult").  It was an atmosphere completely adverse to Christianity.  In this lesson, you will learn some fascinating facts about this time in history, including Emperor Constantine's "supposed" conversion to Christianity.  Unfortunately, he became Satan's "instrument" to "marry" the church to the world by "elevating" her status (the meaning of the word "pergamos" is "marry" or "elevate"). Find out how church services began to be gradually and heavily influenced by paganism and covered in a ritualism that strongly resembled Babylonian mysticism!  When did prayers for the dead, the worship of angels, the Mass, Mary-worship, the doctrine of purgatory, and the idea of extreme unction come from?  Answer:  during the Pergamite stage of Church history. Who were Gaius and Antipas in relation to the church at Pergamos?  What is "the doctrine of Balaam"?  What commendation did the Lord have for this church?  What serious words of reproof did He speak to her?  What promises (3 of them) did He give for the "overcomers"?

The Lord's letter to the church at Smyrna is the shortest of the seven Revelation letters, but it contains the most comfort, encouragement, and assurance of victory.  It also does not contain a single word of condemnation!  Christ's words to this First Century church have aided persecuted believers not only during the "ten days" of Roman persecution (see Revelation 2:10), but to our modern day, as Christianity is greatly under fire today all over the world, including America.  Christ's promise to those in His body who suffer for righteousness' sake is a crown of life.  We briefly discuss the six crowns promised believers in the Scripture. In the second half of this lesson, we begin to look at the Lord's words to the church at Pergamos, His third Revelation church to address.  Pergamos, which means "thoroughly married" or "elevated," prophetically pictured the third definitive stage in Church history that began in A.D. 313 under Emperor Constatine and ended in A.D. 590.  This church, unfortunately, "married" the world (she was "elevated" by the world), and, subsequently, she compromised her testimony for Christ by tolerating false teachings and paganism and succumbing to the temptation of worldly treasures.   Pergamos, Christ said, was where Satan had his "headquarters" (2:13) at that time!  Find out what that means, and why the Lord identified Himself to this church as the One with "the sharp sword of two edges" (2:12).  

In this lesson (and half of lesson 13), we discuss the resurrected Christ's words to the church at Smyrna; a name derived from the word "myrrh," from the word "martyr".  As with Ephesus, the name is most appropriate for the second church, which  represents the second stage of Church history (A.D. 64 to 313); the stage of enormous persecution.  Myrrh is a resin-like substance that emits a beautiful fragrance when it is crushed!  Find out the 3 other times  "myrrh" occurs in the New Testament; there is a fascinating link between this church and Christ!  This is the poor church Jesus called "rich," and to which He spoke no admonition!  Find out who Christ referred to when He talked about the blasphemy of those who claimed to be Jews, but "are the synagogue of Satan" (2:9).  Ever hear of the Judiazers?   Learn about a man named Polycarp, a leader in the church at Smyrna (led to Christ by the Apostle Paul), and his amazing last words as he was being burned alive for his faith!  Interestingly, in speaking to this church, Jesus reminded them He "was dead, and is alive" (2:8).  Resurrection is true for all believers (called "overcomers"), who, as Christ promised, will "not be hurt of the second death"!  Be sure to hear the end of Christ's words to Smyrna is Lesson 13.    

The members of the original church at Ephesus lived in a very perverse, immoral, and dark city at a time when Emperor Domitian reigned.  He was the first Roman emperor to seriously persecute Christians.  Yet, even under heavy persecution and opposition, the Lord Jesus was able to commend the Ephesian believers for their strong doctrinal stand and their determination to not "faint" in their well doing for Him. In this lesson, we conclude looking at Christ's words to this first of seven Asia Minor churches (which prophetically pictured Church history, as well as individual churches throughout Church history).  We look at His words of accusation, "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love" (Revelation 2:4)!  The early Apostolic church went "off track," not in doctrine, but in her personal love-relationship with Christ! When love for Christ "cools off," so does love for the brethren.  An atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust in the Church body is not good; it does not develop brotherly love.  This letter from the Lord is one we all need to use for serious self-examination.  It is so easy to fall into the trap of serving Him for a number of wrong reasons, when we should be serving Him from deep love for what He means to us personally.

As in each discussion of the seven churches, we take a look at the setting: the original city in which each church existed.  Ephesus was both the largest and the capital city of the Roman province of Asia Minor.  It housed a massive, ornate Temple dedicated to the Roman "goddess" of fertility, Diana (called Artemis by the Greeks).  It was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.  The church was established in the heart of idolatry.  Interestingly, the Apostle Paul, Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos, and Timothy were all involved with the church of Ephesus, which represents the Apostolic Stage of Church history.  Ephesus means "desirable," and we discuss why the name was very appropriate.  The glorified Christ had some wonderful words of commendation to this church, particularly about their caution to prevent false teachers and heresy from creeping into their assembly.  He especially commended their hatred of the deeds of the Nicolaitans.  Unfortunately, the damaging doctrine of that group took root later (during the church history stage represented by Pergamos) and the result has been an unbiblical division between "clergy" and "laity" found in much of Christendom.    

As we continue our look at the resurrected Christ's seven-church letters in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, we discuss how their order coincides with Scripture's revelation about a progressive increase in apostacy, how they have a remarkable comparison with the seven inter-advent parables of Matthew 13 (the eighth parable in that chapter does not deal with the specific nature and characteristics of the period of time between Christ's two comings).  We also talk about how the churches are clustered by the first three and the last four, which again parallels what took place in actual Church history (you have to listen to understand). The seven literal churches of First Century Asia Minor are also representative of individual types of Christians, which makes them very practical for self-examination.  Incredibly, they represent the complete (i.e. the number "seven") Body of Christ and also the individual members of the Body of Christ.   We also get into a discussion about the purpose of the Church.  Is it to reach the entire world with the Gospel so Christ can then return?  If so, does this mean the Church is a failure, since evil men are waxing worse and worse, and Christianity is not taking over the world?  

You are in for a real treat as you go with us through a deep study of the resurrected Christ's personal "letters" to seven First Century churches located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)!  There is so much more revealed in these church-letters than you can imagine!  They were, first of all, real churches with real strengths and weaknesses addressed by Christ.  They also represented the various types of local churches that would exist throughout the Church Age, likewise with their strengths and weaknesses. Beyond that, however, the seven churches in the sequence of the Lord's address to them, correspond amazingly with the past 2,000 years of Church history!  If you have never been exposed to the prophetic nature of the seven Revelation church letters, you are in for a powerful awakening!

Continuation of Part I, "Banishment to Blessing".

In this lesson, we learn about the Apostle John's banishment to the Isle of Patmos; we discuss the cruelty of the Roman Empire against Christians during the Emperors Nero and Domitian.  We learn what John's banishment entailed, possibly even forced labor in underground mines.  We also learn how that banishment was turned into a blessing when the aged Apostle received from the Lord the most extensive revelation of future events to be given to a New Testament writer. The powerful first words John heard from the resurrected Christ were His claim of a title used three times in the Book of Israel for YHWH, "I AM Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last"!  Thus, the first words from Jesus after His Ascension were yet another claim to Deity!  John was then given instructions to write down what he would see and hear and send it to the seven churches in Asia Minor. The only description of Christ found in Scripture is given to us by the Apostle John in the first chapter of Revelation.  We will look in detail at that description in this lesson.    

There is a very easy outline for the Book of Revelation; it is found in Revelation 1:19.  It neatly divides the 22 chapters of the book into three sections.  People who think Revelation is difficult to figure out are wrong!  It is actually one of the easiest books to outline and follow sequentially! Besides the key verse (1:19), Revelation has a key phrase, "Behold, He cometh" (1:7a).  The Subject-Theme of the book is the Lord Jesus; specifically, His Return in full, unveiled glory, when every eye shall behold Him!  Next to the subject of faith, there is no subject from Genesis to Revelation mentioned more than His Second Coming!  For every one time the First Coming is mentioned, the Second Coming is mentioned 8 times!  Thus, it behooves us to learn all we can about Christ's Return (which will be in two stages: the private Rapture and the public Revelation - His First Coming was also in two stages: private and public).  

The first five verses of the Book of Revelation (prologue) contain a number of important details.  They tells us of Who is the Subject (Source) of the book, the scribe of the book, and about the specialness of the book and include the salutation of the book.  If we ever are prone to question the fantastic predictions of Revelation, we need only remind ourselves of God's flawless track record.  There have been hundreds of Bible prophecies literally and meticulously fulfilled in the past, many of which (like Revelation) were long-range prophecies scheduled for fulfillment in the far distant future, making them beyond the ability of either angel or man to predict - either by guessing or analytical reasoning.  Just like all the previously fulfilled prophecies of God, those found in Revelation will likewise come to pass!  Since every person alive today will be a participant in at least some of the events described in this book, it is vital to understand them (i.e. Rapture, Tribulation, Marriage Supper of the Lamb, Millennial Kingdom, Great White Throne Judgment, New Heaven and New Earth, etc.) to rightly prepare for them - or (in some cases) to avoid them! 

A must-study to rightly understand how God's redemptive plan for Israel and for this world ends!  Learn why the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle John to use the apocalyptic writing style for the Book of Revelation (it had to do with Roman persecution of Christians), and what the five features of apocalyptic literature are.  Learn how the true account of the Prophet Hosea and his marriage to a harlot named Gomer actually supports the futuristic view of interpretation for the Book of Revelation (not the historicist view)!  Learn, also, about two prominent types of patterns or movements found in Revelation (the up and down movement and the back and forth movement).

Anyone who does not understand the Book of Revelation has only half the story of Jesus Christ given in the New Testament.  We do not see Christ in Human humiliation in Revelation; we see Him in His resplendent glory!  We see Him in His salvation glory, His judgment glory, His heavenly glory, and His Kingdom glory.  The day is soon approaching when He will return with all His glory unveiled.  The purpose for this final book of Scripture is found in Revelation 1:1a, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly  [the Greek word means `suddenly'] come to pass".  Have you ever wanted to know the proper way to interpret eschatology (the study of end-times' events)?  Have you wanted to know the difference between the various "schools of interpretation" and why so many "church" people do not bother much with studying Revelation?  Do you know the difference between an "amillennialist," a premillennialist," and a "post-millennialist," and which one you are - and why?  You should know, you know!  Listen and learn; then properly decide, but whatever you do, don't put Revelation aside!  

Get ready for an exciting study through the Book of Revelation!   Of all the books for today, Revelation is the one book in particular that should be read and studied!  It gives us clearer detail about the future than any other.  Through John, the glorified Christ describes the temporary government operation (and their ultimate end) of the Satanic trinity (Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet); the horrible and deadly events of the 7-year Tribulation Period,  the Glorious Appearing of Christ at His Second Coming, and Israel's repentance.  We also learn about Church history (amazingly given prophetically through Christ's seven letters of chapters 2 and 3), as well as where we are today in that history.  Then, too, we learn about the future position of the saints (of all ages), and are given a most beautiful description of our eternal dwelling place with the One Who made it possible for us to live there with Him forever!

In Acts chapter 7, Stephen was making his defense against the accusations that he had blasphemed Moses, God, the Temple, and the Law.  In doing so, he was also (unknown to the High Council of Israel, at first) building his case of indictment against his accusers! The most important thing Stephen was accomplishing in his powerful sermon was presenting the Jews of the Sanhedrin with evidence for faith in Jesus! He did this by using two key figures from Israel's history: Joseph and Moses.  In this lesson, which is Stephen's jet-tour account of the life of Joseph, the Council members heard for the first time the Biblical account of Joseph used as a graphic illustration of their own evil, envious betrayal and murder of Jesus!

Genesis 45:16-50:26 In this final lesson on the life of Joseph, we come to perhaps the most emotional moment in the entire Old Testament - the tearful reunion of Joseph with Benjamin, his other 10 brothers (who betrayed him), and, finally, with his father Jacob, who thought he was long dead.  It is an excellent account of a truly Christlike man's ability to forgive those who hurt him and to give testimony to God as he declared that what men meant for evil, God orchestrated for good!  This is a wonderful picture of what will one day yet-future take place at Christ's Second Coming, when finally His "brethren" (the Jews) will bow before Him, acknowledging Him as Lord and Saviour in genuine repentance. An addition 9 ways in which Joseph's life typified Christ are included.

Genesis 43:11-45:15 The plot grows thick as Joseph, the Vizier of Egypt, deals with his brothers, who do not yet know he is their brother they betrayed and sold as a slave for 20 pieces of silver many years earlier!  He speaks Egyptian and does not let them know he understands everything they say to one another in Hebrew.  This is surely one of the most thrilling narratives of Scripture as Joseph "tests" his brothers to see if they are truly repentant and changed men from what they once were in their treatment of him. Eleven additional ways Joseph pictured Christ are presented.

Genesis 41:14-43:10 Joseph finally arrived at the time we label his "years of forgetting (forgiving) and fruitfulness"!  The butler's brain at long last remembered the godly young man in the prison who so accurately interpreted his (and the baker's) dream, and he recommended him to Pharaoh who likewise needed a dream interpreter!  In one day, Joseph was lifted from the prison to the palace, where he sat as "prime minister," second only to the king!   In this lesson, we learn 22 more ways in which Joseph pictured Christ!  You do not want to miss this great way God proves Scripture is His Word, which is through prophetic types!  Studying typology truly brings the Bible to life, my friends.  It is not taught enough these days!

Genesis 37:36-41:13 In this second part of our look at the life of the patriarch Joseph, we find another 13 ways his life prophetically portrayed the life of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.  With this lesson, Joseph's years of toil and affliction come to an end as he is finally lifted from the pit of prison to the palace of Pharoah!

Genesis 33:-37:45 The next four lessons, which are on the life of Joseph, come from the Caldwell Commentary study entitled "CHRIST in GENESIS". Joseph, the last of seven prominent men in the Book of Genesis, has more space devoted to him than any of the others (Adam, Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).  This is likely because almost everything in Joseph's life prophetically typified the Lord Jesus Christ in His two advents.  In this four-part study, we will discuss 82 ways in which the life of Joseph pictured-in-type the life of the Lord!

Genesis 35:1-29 Jacob's family had sunk to the level of the immoral and sordid society around them; rather than lifting the Canaanites from the idolatry in which they were deeply entrenched, Jacob had permitted those false "gods" to penetrate his own camp.  Rather than being a blessing to the lost people of the land who desperately needed to see Jacob and his family as holy and pure so they would be drawn to their God, the Israelites had become a curse to those around them.  According to Jacob's own words, the "stuck up" the place (34:30) and were hated with a passion because of "The Shechem Massacre" committed by his sons. The good news is that God had not forgotten His covenant promises; so, no matter how many times His children failed Him, He encouraged them to pick-up where they strayed and to get "back on track".  Jacob knew Bethel was God's appointed place for him, but he had delayed and detoured.  It was time for him to go "Back to Bethel"!

Genesis 33 and 34 These two chapters of "the book of beginnings" do not star Clint Eastwood; rather, the main characters of the first "act" of this narrative are Jacob and Esau, whose reconciliation after 20 years turned out to be relatively "good".  The main characters of the second "act" are Jacob's daughter Dinah and two of his sons, Simeon and Levi.  Dinah was raped by the Hivite prince of Shechem, and that was "bad," but the situation turned very "ugly" when two of Dinah's brothers took revenge upon not just the prince, but the entire population of the city of Shechem.  Jacob is definitely not seen as a good father in this entire episode.  It is a very ugly blemish on the patriarchal line of the Saviour - which again demonstrates why ALL men (women) NEED the Saviour!