Rev - One Unified Story

Welcome to the End Times

Revelation as the “rock star” of the books of the bible, has received allot of unhealthy attention.

Lots of crazy ways to interpret revelation.

Lets approach studying Revelation, as we would any Book of the bible: within the context of the whole bible.

One Unified story

One of the most amazing things about the Bible is its unity and cohesiveness - 66 different books, 40 different “authors”, different backgrounds, written across thousands of years, some farmers, some Kings some, Prophets, some simple fishermen, tax collectors. if we all sat down and wrote about god I think we would find some interesting disagreements, and we have been walking to gether a long time! Yet these authors all agree and point to one unified truth and plan of God.

Chuck Missler often explained that the Bible is an Integrated Message System that provably has its origin from outside our time domain.

we could spend a lifetime studying the endless details of the Truth disclosed in the bible and we would still be drinking from a fire hose.

We could easily pause to talk about how the Bible has stood the test against the most scandalous skeptics. How it is men vindicated at every turn:

Archaeological discoveries

Documentary discoveries

Competent analysis

20th century science has vindicated the Biblical perspectives of reality

The Finite Universe

The Discovery of the nature of Time

The realization of Hyperspaces

there has never been a better time to be Christian

we have a clear enemy that is doing real damage among our society

God has Given us His Church a mission to complete the sharing of the good news of his marvelous salvation.

AMAZING: The Bible tells a unified Story.

The Hebrew Bible is also called the TaNaK, which is an acronym for Torah (law), Nevi’im (prophets), and Ketuvim (writings). Written during a period of 1,000 years, this collection of scrolls includes epic narrative (e.g. Exod. 14; 1 Sam. 17), poetry (e.g. Psalms, Song of Songs), and apocalyptic literature (e.g. Dan. 7).

Then The New Testament is a collection of Jewish texts from the second half of the 1st century C.E. Beginning with the Gospel accounts, it details the birth of the early Church. After that, there is a large collection of letters from key players in the Jesus movement—teachers and missionaries who spread the message of Jesus’ Kingdom reign throughout the ancient world. The New Testament concludes with a book of apocalyptic literature (Revelation).

All the books of the bible help tell the same story. If you have not read through the bible many many times you might miss the forest for the trees.

What connects the collection of writings?

Remember, Genesis opens with the phrase “in the beginning.” In the garden, humanity faces a huge decision. Will they listen to God’s instruction, or will they choose to live by their own wisdom (Gen. 3)? Later, the first verse of John’s Gospel also opens with the words “in the beginning,” and readers are brought back to the Eden narrative. Is John 1:1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Is John starting a new creation story? No.

A repeated idea? Yes

Jesus was there in the Beginning. Genesis is the origin of many of the important themes in the Bible

This repetition of words, phrases, and ideas is part of the Bible’s powerful way of connecting the unified theme.

Revelation comes near the end of the Bible timeline, and the end of your bible…

Revelation cannot be a ROCK star it is dependent and build on and repeating on all that God has already shared through time.

Concerns and “worries” about Revelation

Teaching on revelation is something I have long feared to do because of how it can lead to divisions, and in my mind completely worthless divisions.

what are your concerns about studying revelation?

We are seeking to rightly divide the word of truth, and there are so many different teaching on revelation I am not going to be able to embrace them them all. (Indeed that is never my job) As your pastor I am to read the word and seek the Lord, Pray and provide teaching that is designed to guide your life well in this season.

I am going to use good strong standard bible interpretation skills and let Revelation speak to us.

A few Guidelines to basic Bible Interpretation

God First: Always take a God-centered perspective

This message come from God, so it will be showing us more about Himself. It will also be consistent with his reveal nature, even though it may be exposing a new perspective or facet

Unified Bible Story: The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit who does not change

The Holy Spirit has inspired this scripture so it will be harmonizing with the rest of the bible. Never try to make it mean something that is outside the bounds of the unifies story of the Bible. If the passage appears to mean something different than what other books in the bible would say on the matter, it is a red flag that you may not have caught the proper Genre, context, or are being influenced by something to approach the text with presuppositions. It may require a bit more understanding of the culture of the audience and reverent setting details, because the Holy spirit does not change, but the setting does. It could be that we are influenced by previous teachers or our denominational ideology to much, and we need to get back to the basics of the Bible.

Stay Humble: This is Interpretation and we are fallible.

We are fallible. Lets stay away from making our opinions authoritative gospel. We can say “I think this means, because...” We should not demand others believe the same way as us. We should definitely not get upset when they do not agree. Philippians 3:15

Philippians 3:15 ESV

15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

We note that Bible scholars are also fallible. We should give due consideration to the informed opinions of those that have gone before, but we should not assume they are correct, but instead like good bereans, Acts 17:11 (examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so). There are many biblical scholars that are very likely wrong with their opinions based on a presentation of logic, reason and evidence, so we must not give them undue credibility just because they are scholars. At the same time, we must be huble knowing we are very likely wrong on many points and must present logic reason and evidence, and let others decide. If we remain humble and teachable we will be able to improve our opinions! Finally, for these reasons, should not rely on Church doctrine to settle a matter especially when there may be disagreement among the established church traditions. Instead back up the interpretation or doctrine with scripture, and the argument will be strengthened.

Context: Look at the context of the passage

Context goes beyond understanding the verse in context of the verses around it and the chapters around them. IT will include aspects of the original writing of the text—historical, cultural, political, religious, literary. Note however, that The first two guidelines God First, and Unified Biblical story, take precedence.

Genre: Identify the type of literature and use common sense

What Genre is this, narrative, prophecy, poetry, history, gospel, epistle. or a combination of them? This should not radically change the meaning of a passage, and should follow common sense. If we are looking at poetry, the symbolic meanings may not be literal, but designed to give impressions, (We don't generally think god looks like chicken with feathers and wings, but he does comfort and protect us in a way that is similar).

Obvious & Plain: Look for the plain and obvious meaning

The use of figurative language in Scripture only enhances the plain meaning of the text. example: “Why do you complain about the splinter in your brother’s eye when you have a plank in your own eye?” Jesus said (Matt. 7:3 NIV). is not talking about eye surgery.

Authors Intent: Look for the intention of the authors when they wrote it

There are always at least two authors to any passage of the bible. The first author is the Holy spirit. This is so important there is a separate guideline to cover it. The second author is the writer. this is the original that we want in judges looking at the constitution.

“The text cannot mean what it never meant.”

“All scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16 NIV). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words in the first place is ready to help us.

Examine words: Look at the language for what it reveals about its meaning

Examine each word carefully for the part it plays in his message. also how the words and phrases connect with one another and how the sentences are constructed.

Themes: Notice the themes in the text

The text should have one intended meaning. but can have multiple themes and several applications. Identify these and see how they relate look for modifiers that limit the scope and focus it, and predicates that the authors are is saying about the subject. Example “when you come together…” helps understand that teh following instructions are for a situation when that church met together, we might not need to apply the instructions more broadly.

You might be surprised at how simple and easy it will be.

How much can you commit to this study? attendance, weekly reading, study guide? or more? Ask God. He wants to meet you in this study, encourage you, and guide you.

Approach to Bible Interpretation

Read it fairly literally but recognize it as apocalyptic Literature filled with symbols and recognize that Revelation self-interprets much if its major symbols, so you don’t have to guess.

In Apocalyptic literature God is often revealing allot more about the spiritual realm and the key aspects about the battle Satan conducting against God… ultimately to no avail.

what does Apocalypse mean?

Does not mean “massive end of day destruction”.

Apocalypse means “revealing” or “revelation” as God reveals mysteries. This means Revelation is not meant to be a mystery as much as it is ment to explain an provide clarity.

Accept much of what is being written as plain text written without embedded mysterious messages. Look to the text to provide the meaning, and if that does not help, look to the rest of the bible as the next best commentary on Revelation.

Apocalyptic literature no matter how dark it describes some of the events, is filled with a message of Hope That God will redeem and deliver those that trust him.

The story of the Bible

Revelation Overview and Details

The study begins with an overview of Revelation. The key to interpretation is context—what is the whole passage or book about?—and the key to context is purpose—what is the author’s aim for the whole work? In lesson one you will lay the foundation for your study of Revelation by asking yourself, Why did the author (and God) write the book? What did they want to accomplish? What is the book about?

We must see Revelation in the context of the full bible story.

As is typical all biblical themes seam to have their start in Genesis....

The Garden

Introducing the enemy of our souls. The accuser of Gods people. The adversary. Gen 3:1 Lies and deception are his tools.

Genesis 3:1 (ESV)

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

They both eat the forbidden fruit and then something happens...

They realize and understand good and evil and realize that they have sinful thoughts and must hide from God.

Genesis 3:8 ESV

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

SIN brought separation into the world between God and man. Something God does not want it and must fix.

Genesis 3:9–10 ESV

But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”

They were now afraid of God, something utterly new to them, and caused by their sinful thoughts and actions.

Genesis 3:11–13 ESV

He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

The Serpent/Dragon

We see this Serpent A talking Serpent, that apparently has legs, that get cursed off of him By God is an interesting character that is introduced in the Garden — but will meet his end in revelation

Revelation 12:9 ESV

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Deception In the end times will reach new heights of deception. “Deep fake”! so be on guard!

Matthew 24:24 (ESV)

24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

The Dragon is the devil, and Jesus summarized his work.

John 8:44 ESV

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 10:10 ESV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

The Devils work: To Kill steal and lie. Deception Death and destruction. God’s justice must ultimately put an end to this Evil.

BUT Humans, without help will succumb to the Devils deceptions, So God levels the “curse” that is designed to delay the work of Sin.

Genesis 3:14–15 (NKJV)

So the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

The curse on the Dragon is to become a lowly snake that will always evoke fear and hatred (enmity).

enmity (en-mi-tee) noun = 1) Deep-seated, often mutual hatred. 2) A feeling or state of hatred or animosity. From The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. More at Wordnik

But the destruction of the Dragon is not mentioned. Only that his head will be bruised. Indicating a defeat of some kind caused by the “Seed of the woman”.

The Dragon of the Garden will meet it’s ultimate end in Revelation

Revelation 20:10 ESV

and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The one that will destroy the dragon is mentioned in this verse in Genesis

Genesis 3:15 ESV

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

As Cindy H, pointed out, woman do not normally have seed, and only through the Holy Spirit could this happen.

The Hebrew word is “Zara” singular for “descendant”, so this word is speaking about one particular special descendant that would bruise the head,

This is interesting it is clear in this language that there would be a special Seed that would bruise his head. This promised to will to crush the head of the serpent is a theme that is repeated through the bible.

The word “Zara” translated SEED (singular) is a special Human born of woman. Will have a special destiny. This begins a reoccurring Messianic theme in the bible that refers to this one that will be the Messiah — A future deliverer and savior who would rescue his people and usher in a time of prosperity and blessing. we can trace these prophesy form this point in Gen 3:15. Jesus of course is The Messiah. Much of the new testament is written to prove that point.

The Promised One Messiah, theme is introduced in Gen, and fulfilled in Revelation.

Revelation 5:5–6 ESV

And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

Note that as we are adopted into the family of God and walk in the light the power of Jesus also give us a similar victory over the serpents. (remember last weeks sermon Psalm 91)

Psalm 91:13 ESV

You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

The Curse

Until SIN can be dealt with once and for all, the humans and earth are “cursed”

Genesis 3:16–17 ESV

To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;

This curse attacks the idea of free sex, and helps curb the demonic exploitation of sex.

Genesis 3:18–19 ESV

thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

God mercy does this because too much free time will destroy mankind.

"Idle hands are the devil's workshop" is a biblical adage that means that someone who is unoccupied and bored is more likely to find mischief or engage in something that will get them into trouble

Hunger and hard work will help humans resist the temptations of sin.

But this means the garden paradise is ruined.

Man now knew many more evil things… before this he only knew on …not to eat of the one tree’s fruit. now all manner of evil was known to Adam and Eve and it would not be long before that knowledge combined with the sin nature that they opened - would cause humans to flush themselves down the toilet.

The Ideal of the Garden on Earth is lost (at least till God restores it)

The perfection of the garden will be restored in Revelation.

Revelation 21:1 ESV

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

Genesis 3:20–24 ESV

The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

The Earth would now be growing for God to restore what had been broken.

Humanity immediately started falling away.

Envy, Murder, Alcohol , Sexual perversion, Power, Idolatry. taking what God made for Good and twisting it to evil. and I am only covering what is mentione in the next 10 chapters!

But God knew all this would happen before He created it in the Beginning… before he laid the foundations of the world.

He had a plan, and it was beyond awesome!

The flood Gen 6 -9

Mans’ evil is overcoming the world. God must judge it.

In the Flood God rescues Noah and his family His chosen righteous people from the evil.

This is like the rapture in revelation. God coming to save his people from the judgement.

we see this theme start here, and begin to repeat over and over again.

The Tower of Babel Gen 10

Once again, after starting fresh after the flood, sin corrupted mankind this time with a one-world government (Gen 11:4)

Babylon introduced

Genesis 11:4 ESV

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”

They wanted to be equal to God, and to make Babylon a mega city that would be the one city of all cities and have the ultimate “deep state” one world government.

The devil has been trying to destroy nations and return to a one world government. rev 13:7 This will be seen in Revelation. this city will once again be the seat of evil.

In the last days there will be a return to Babylon and once again a belief that Man is greater than God.

And yet it will be overthrown.

Babylon will be dealt a final blow in Revelation (rev 18:2 )

Revelation 18:2 ESV

And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.

Babylon is an ancient city located about 55 miles south of Baghdad, near the modern city of Al-illah, Iraq.

It started out as the tower of Babel. - And God must breakup this one-world government to prevent the evil form destroying the world.

The beginning of Nations

God dealt with this prideful arrogance by giving them various languages and thus created the nations of the world. (Gen 11:6-9)

Genesis 11:6 ESV

And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.

Genesis 11:9 ESV

Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Jewish tradition hold that there are 70 nations on the earth. - and is taken from the account of Babel.

The role of Nations

All through the bible God uses nations to help chastise and correct his chosen people. and to punish other nations as well. Nations are a powerful way to cause nations to turn to GOD.

Every time Israel is attacked by another nation of people, God has expected them to turn to HIM. When God’s people stop trusting Him, the blessing over their nation is removed bit by bit, and they are exposed to attack. This is the case this weekend. the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, is now the Simchat Torah WAR with Gaza Hamas. Israel must call upon the LORD. They will not win just because they are Israel. They will win if they call on the Lord. And if we interceded for them. This is a moment for them to repent and turn back to God.

Also the purpose of the nation of Israel is to be a “light unto the nations” (Isaiah 49:6).

Nations are part of God plan to both preserve the earth and evangelize the earth.

This disunity is not a bad thing. Again a “curse” that is in fact a blessing when Sin is in operation.

We see the redemption of the nations in Revelation (rev 7:9)

Revelation 7:9 ESV

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

We can also see the first instance of the Antichrist character at this point in Nimrod (Gen 10-7-9).

the king of babylon appears to be a man named Nimrod

Genesis 10:7–9 ESV

The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord.”

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Nimrod in Jewish Tradition

The interpretation of the figure of Nimrod in Jewish tradition is overwhelmingly negative. According to Philo of Alexandria, Nimrod’s ancestors epitomize “evil and spiritual unproductiveness,” which can only result in giants (van der Horst, “Nimrod after the Bible,” 221–22). Later in the Jewish legends (Hag. 13a; Pesahim 94b) Nimrod is described as the archetypal evil king who made all the people rebel against God (Hamilton, Genesis, 338). He is also noted as the builder of the tower of Babel and the enemy of Abraham

Reoccurring visitations of God - Old Testament Theophanies

Theophany takes varied forms in the Old Testament, functioning within narratives as a demonstration of divine revelation, in which God’s presence is made visible to both individuals and groups.

In the patriarchal narratives, theophanies are marked by their announcement of divine promises and are typically followed by the patriarch erecting an altar to commemorate the place where the promise was made

Abram Gen 12 -17

Gen 12:1–8; the call to leave Babylon the land of SHinar… the place of the tower of Babel.

God called Abram called out of Babylon with Wife to obey god and follow God and start a nation that would be an example and a light to the rest of the nations.

Notice again the theme of God people being called out of the evil place a theme finalized in Revelation.

Abram would fail God in several ways.

God promises Abram (at 99 years old) that he will become a mighty nation and names him Abraham and gives him the sign of the covenant: circumcision (Gen 17)

But ultimately pass such a significant test of faith that he would be come known as the father of faith.

Sodom and Gomorrah Gen 18

God comes in human form to talk with Abraham.

Genesis 18:16–21 ESV

Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”

God invites Abraham into his counsel and allows Abraham to intercede for the nation/city (Gen 18:22-33)

IN this encounter we learn that even a few righteous people in a city or a nation can hold off the judgment of a nation. However when the number of righteous people fall below a threshold. 10 for Sodom and Gomorrah. God’s plan is to remove his people and send destruction.

We see then role of Gods people in a land that is wicked is to pray and intercede until God calls us out.

God removes Lot’s family from the evil, this is a bit like what we see with the rapture in Revelation with god’s faithful.

Genesis 19:15 ESV

As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.”

Lot is so resistant the angel must grab him to make Lot leave. Let us not be so in love with the world!

God had to send angels to get Lot to leave. In revelation Angels are also involved in this work.

What happens when the evil is resistant to the redeeming evangelistic influence of the righteous?

When there wickedness is so significant that there is no longer any ability to get their attention and save them. When nations are so Evil and sinful these nations will not turn back to God god will destroy them. we see this in Isaiah

Note the form of the destruction of S& G is a fireball from the heavens.... repeated in Revelation. (Genesis 19:24) (Rev 8:8-11)

Genesis 19:24 ESV

Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven.

Revelation 8:8–11 (ESV)

The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.

We now have archaeological proof of this place.

Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project

JM: (John Moore) The fact of the cosmic airburst, “burning stone and fire out of the heavens,” is the real clincher for a lot of scholars. Such things don’t happen very often, and this one took out an entire city-state exactly in the right historical and cultural moment for Abraham, around 1700 BCE.

SC: (Dr Sreven Collins) Eactly. It’s an awesome confirmation of the historicity of the Abrahamic narratives. Tall el-Hammam is in exactly the right place for Sodom, it’s in exactly the right historical timeframe for Sodom, and it has all the right ‘stuff’ for the Sodom story, including the violent, fiery destruction described in Genesis 19. Oh, it’s Sodom all right! Many in ‘the academy’, including Bible and theological scholars, historians and archaeologists, are coming around to this conclusion. And they should. It’s the only place the evidence leads.

The test of Issac - Jesus Lamb of God Gen 22

Before the foundation of the earth was created; God had a plan, and to prove it he foreshadows it perfectly in the test of faith with Abraham.

God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son on Mt Moriah. But God stops Abraham before he can finish the sacrifice, (God never wanted a human sacrifice) instead he wanted to show all descendants the extent of Faith and Trust that Abraham had in God. He believed that God would raise his Son from the dead to continue to fulfil his promise that his descendants would become a mighty nation

As God stops Abraham form sacrificing his son he provides a RAM that is caught in a thicket, and God has the substitute sacrifice used instead.

That very spot would later be known as Golgotha and the place were God would sacrifice his only son as a substitute sacrifice for the sins of the world. This is an amazing Drama- Prophesy that was played out by Abraham thousands of years before Jesus dies on the cross for the sins of the world.

Picture of the subsitute sacrificial lab is finalized in the Revelation 5:9

Revelation 5:9 ESV

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

Jacobs Ladder Gen 28

IN Gen 26:24 -25 Isaac, Abraham’s son meets and with God in human form, and again the promise of a blessing and a mighty nation is repeated.

Isaac has 2 sons, and the younger son, Jacob wanted this define blessing Birthright that was in the family. Isaac’s older son Esau did not.

Jacob dreams of a ladder set on the earth that reaches to heaven with angle ascending and descending on it. Genesis 28:12 He calls the place Bethel. God tells him about this future

But, Jacob has a lot of maturing to do - God uses his his uncle laben to

At one point Jacob has an interesting wrestling match with someone that he thinks is God, and demands a blessing when the morning came. This idea of desiring to be blessed by GOD is a concept that is repeated through the Bible.

Later he is blessed by God and His name is changed to Israel (Gen 35) The blessing of the nation, (and a company of nations), and a land is repeated to him. thisis again at the place Bethel.

This heavenly portal later become a place of false-worship when Israel split.

IN Revelation we see John being called up into haven’s open door. Rev 4:1

rev 4:1

Revelation 4:1 ESV

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

The Exodus plagues Ex 11

The Antichrist is the ultimate Pharaoh

The Plagues on Egyptian Gods in Exodus 11 is very much like some of the Trumpet judgments (hail and fire mixed with blood, turning the seas to blood, fire falling from heaven, darkness, locusts). (Rev 8-9)

During the the plagues there was a distinction between Gods people and the rest of Egypt.

You might think well they had a plauge and it affected everyone. NO just the Egyptians.

Exodus 11:4–7 ESV

So Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’

This is what God promises Israel in the last days described in revelation and in Malachi

Malachi 3:18 ESV

Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

Also in Rev the two witnesses are like Moses and Elijah and can cause the famine and Plagues.

Plagues will be a reoccurring motif in revelation

as will the purposes of them

Mt Sinai/Horeb Ex 20

The Moses get to meet with God and see the back side of God’s glory. This up close and personal experience with God is also present in Revelation.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Contexts of Theophany

In the Sinai theophanies, God manifests His presence to Israel as a nation, beginning with Moses on the mountain where He reveals the divine name, Yahweh (Exod 3ff), and later where God appears to groups as at Sinai (Exod 19:16–25; compare 16:10). One such example recorded is when the 70 elders of Israel—along with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and Joshua—experience a vision of God (24:9–18) that immediately precedes instructions for the construction of the tabernacle (Exod 25–40).

The presence of God associated with thunder and earthquakes and lightning and Glory will all be seen again in revelation (Rev 11:19 )

Exodus 20:18 ESV

Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off

Revelation 11:19 ESV

Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.

God details to Moses how to make an Ark of the covenant in Exodus, and we see the Ark of the covenant has been found in Revelation it is not in a ware house in Area 51, but in heaven! Rev 11:19 (joke)

The Prophets

So many have a these moments were they talk about a coming Messiah. huge amount

The brokenness of Israel becomes more and more apparent as they fail God’s tests repeatedly.

But many Prophets seek God and listen and share that God has a plan to redeem and restore. That plan is finalized in revelation.

Zechariah

SINAI TO ZION JACOB’S TROUBLE ACCORDING TO ZECHARIAH

The prophet Zechariah, one of the last of the prophets, also very clearly described this time of tribulation for Israel. He specifically spoke of the last days invasion of the nation, with many of its people going into exile. In the last chapter of his prophecy for example, we are given a very detailed description of this time:

Zechariah 14:1–3 ESV

Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.

SINAI TO ZION JACOB’S TROUBLE ACCORDING TO ZECHARIAH

(cf. Zec 12:2–9; Jl 3:2; Ez 38–39; Dn 9:26; 11:31,41; Rv 11:3–10).

Isaiah -

In the year King Uzziah died - Isaiah see a vision of the Lord on his throne. (Isaiah 6)

Isaiah 6:1–13 ESV

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” And he said, “Go, and say to this people: “ ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Then I said, “How long, O Lord?” And he said: “Until cities lie waste without inhabitant, and houses without people, and the land is a desolate waste, and the Lord removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak, whose stump remains when it is felled.” The holy seed is its stump.

Many many times we see the Prophets deal with the spiritual realm in the old testament.

the creatures around the throne of god and the descriptions are all very similar. Isaiah 6, Daniel 7,

Daniel chapter 7

Daniel 7 has a description of the ancient of days a seat and a multitude with 4 beasts. some similarities with Revelation.

Other prophets

Prophets also experience visions that include the hope that God will appear at a future time to restore Israel. a few specific passages. The key thing is that after the calls to repentance and warnings of judgment, there is always the focus on a good future with God.

God appeared to many of OT prophets or they had visions much like we see with John in Revelation.

a few selection from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Zechariah.

Isaiah 35:2 ESV

2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.

Isaiah 46:13 ESV

13 I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”

Jeremiah 24:4–7 ESV

4 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 5 “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans. 6 I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up. 7 I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.

Amos 9:13–15 ESV

13 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. 14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. 15 I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,” says the Lord your God.

Zechariah 9:14 ESV

14 Then the Lord will appear over them, and his arrow will go forth like lightning; the Lord God will sound the trumpet and will march forth in the whirlwinds of the south.

Bible passages widely recognized as Apocalyptic literature

Apocalyptic books and passages: Joel, Zechariah, Isaiah chapters 24–27 and 33, second half Daniel, Revelation, sections of Ezekiel, particularly …

Isaiah 24–27; 33; 34–35

Jeremiah 33:14–26

Ezekiel 38–39

Joel 3:9–17

Zechariah 12–14

Daniel 7–12

Matthew 24

The Sheep and the Goats Matt 25:31-46

Mark 13

2 Thessalonians 2

1 Timothy 4

2 Peter 3

Jude 14–15 ESV

14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

all of Revelation

Summary

Revelation Controversy and Agreement

One of the reasons Revelation seems so difficult to modern readers is that it draws heavily upon images of nearly every book of the Old Testament (and several of the New). In fact, Revelation has been described as a lens that draws together and brings into focus the whole rest of the Bible

Know your bible. Don’t try to interpret Revelation apart from the rest of the Bible

Homework?

Revelation Memorizing and Meditating

Memorizing and meditating

A psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). If you write down a verse or passage that challenges or encourages you and reflect on it often for a week or more, you will find it beginning to affect your motives and actions. We forget quickly what we read once; we remember what we ponder.

Revelation 1:5–6 ESV

5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Also start reading revelation… the whole thing.. or as much as you can get. at least read the first 3 chapters

Next week

Next week: The Keys to understanding Biblical end time prophesy

Dan 9

Matt 24 flows into a set of parables that are related in Matt 25, written 50-60 AD

Mark 13 a synoptic view by Mark

Luke 21 a synoptic view by Luke

Resources Used

Great resource for Evangelism & Bible Study

FAI = Frontier Alliance International

https://fai.online/

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Jack Hayford: Jack Hayford - Studies in the Book of Revelation