The Beginning of the End

Scott Risley

Revelation 1:1-20

We are introduced to Revelation; a book giving us a glimpse into Jesus' future return as king on earth. John describes symbolic visions he received from God about the end times. During this time, many scary things will happen, including a final judgement. But in the end, God wins and if you belong to God through Christ, you have no need to be afraid.

Jesus Speaks

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 1:1-19

A revelation from Christ appears to John, which he records in this letter. John emphasizes the importance of listening to the message God presents here because the time of Christ's return will be sudden. He directs the letter to the seven churches in Asia. The significance of the number seven, the mourning of all people in light of Christ's sacrifice, and John's conviction to write this letter are explored. Several ways to interpret Revelation (preterist, historical, futurist, idealist, and blended) are critiqued, followed by John's description of an intense vision of Christ.

The Great Tribulation

Jeff Gordon

Matthew 24:7-27

John describes the next part of his vision: The Great Tribulation. The Lamb of God breaks the first four seals on the scroll, releasing four horses and their riders (one of conquest, one or war, one of famine, and one of death). The fifth seal released those who were martyred, and the sixth released natural disasters. The seventh seal released plagues, evil spirits, and God's judgment. The length of time between the beginning of the tribulation and God's final judgment proves His desire to reach out to lost people and His goal of redemption.

The War Behind the War

Mike Sullivan

Revelation 12:1-17

In the book of Revelation, there is a massive war described. Really, this was is a culmination of the spiritual war that exists right now between Satan's lies and God's truth. Our role in this is to embrace the fact that there is a spiritual war and to learn how to respond to Satan's schemes as he seeks to accuse, deceive, and devour.

The Great Tribulation

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 15:5-16:21

During the period of The Great Tribulation, God is involved in an extraordinary way to both judge and redeem. God judges directly to rescue his creation by destroying hardened enemies, yet often also judges indirectly to demonstrate the folly of rebellion in hopes that some will turn back. During the time of The Great Tribulation, God judges directly while taking a multitude of actions to plead with people to turn back to Him.

Why Does God Have the Right to Rule?

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 4:1-5:14

In John's vision of the throneroom of God, three reasons are given for God's right to rule: 1) God is the only morally perfect Ruler; 2) God is the Creator who owns and cares for His creation; and 3) because Jesus has already paid the ultimate price to save humanity.

Introduction

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 1:1-20

The book of Revelation is primarily a record of visions from God that reveal who Jesus is and what will take place in the future. From John's vision of Christ, it is clear that Jesus is both the Savior who serves us and the King whom we are to serve. The essence of Christianity is an encounter with and surrender to this Jesus who is Savior and King.

Hope and the End of Human History (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 5:1-8

According to the Bible, Christ will return to bring with him both the blessings of salvation and accountability for human sin. The signs that will precede this include a receding spiritual climate, a man of lawlessness opposed to Christ, and an increase in war. Living with this end in mind means maintaining an active and informed faith, pursuing love that stands out from our culture, and holding on to hope for this future transformation.

Hope and the End of History (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Many wonder what happens after death, where the future is heading, or when history might end. For a believer, hope for the future is rooted in the past reality of Christ's resurrection. All Christians have the promise that they will be caught up with Christ and live a transformed life with him forever. Those of us who have this hope should allow it to shape our priorities and guard our hearts, even as we encourage others.