Revelation 13 The Mark of the Beast!
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapter 13, where we explore the theme “The Mark of the Beast.” This chapter presents a sort of satanic trinity, involving the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet, in opposition to God and his people. The Beast, who receives power from the Dragon, forces all people to receive a mark, known as the Mark of the Beast. The number of the Beast, 666, represents the empire of humankind opposing God. Only those with their names written in the Book of Life, the true followers of Jesus Christ, will be free from the power of the Beast.
Revelation 12 The Lady and the Dragon!
In today’s study, we explore Revelation Chapter 12, focusing on the theme “the Lady and the Dragon.” This chapter represents the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Lady, representing the nation of Israel, gives birth to the Messiah, who will reign over the entire Earth. The Dragon, representing Satan, attempts to thwart God’s plan, but ultimately fails. The conflict continues with the Dragon pursuing the Lady, but God provides protection. The chapter concludes with the Dragon making war on the rest of her offspring, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between good and evil.
Revelation 10-11 No More Delay
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapters 10 and 11, under the theme “no more delay.” We explore the divine revelation with the two witnesses who, after being killed by the Antichrist, are resurrected and ascend into heaven. This is followed by the Seventh Trumpet blast, signaling that the kingdoms of the world will be handed over to God and his Christ, indicating that there will be no more delay. This is a testament to the inevitability of God’s reign forever and ever.
Revelation 8-9 Die Hard
The theme for Revelation Chapters 8 and 9 is “die hard,” which shows the unyielding nature of humanity even in the face of severe divine judgment. As the end of time approaches, people will become increasingly resistant to God, refusing to repent despite catastrophic events. In these chapters, the seventh seal is opened, introducing the Trumpet Judgments. The Earth experiences unprecedented disasters: a third of the world burns, seas turn to blood, waters become poisoned and darkness covers the skies. Yet, the people’s hearts remain hardened. Demonic creatures emerge, tormenting those without God’s seal. Despite the pain, humanity clings to its sinful ways rather than turning to God. This reveals the depth of human depravity and the danger of hardening one’s heart against the Almighty.
Revelation 7 144 Thousand
Revelation 7 introduces us to the 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel who are marked with a seal for protection during the tribulation. This chapter also presents a countless multitude from every nation, dressed in white robes and praising God. The main theme is God’s mercy in the midst of judgment, as He marks His servants for protection and gathers a great multitude of believers from all nations.
Revelation 6 The Horsemen Of The Apocalypse!
Revelation 6 explores the opening of the seven seals, known as the “seal judgments,” marking the end of the age. As each seal is opened, a new judgment is unleashed upon the world. These judgments are symbolized by the four horsemen of the apocalypse: conquest, war, famine and death. The main theme of this chapter is the unveiling of God’s justice and judgment on the world’s rebellion and sin.
Revelation 4-5 Before the Throne
Revelation 4 and 5 invite us to take a peek beyond our human limitations, revealing the eternal glory of Jesus Christ. We see him on his majestic throne, ruling heaven and Earth. The chapters delve into the vision of the Apostle John, who is shown a door standing open in heaven, a throne and various heavenly beings. The main theme revolves around the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is worthy of all praise and worship, and who will take back rightful ownership of the Earth.
Revelation 3 Lukewarm!
Today’s Mission 66 study with our teacher, John Mathews, delves into the messages for the last three of the seven churches in Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The overarching theme is “lukewarm,” as Jesus Christ critiques each church’s actions and spiritual state. The church in Sardis appears alive but is spiritually dead and needs to wake up. Philadelphia, though weak, has kept Jesus’ word and is promised protection from future trials. Laodicea is criticized for being lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and is warned about complacency. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking entrance into the hearts of believers to restore fellowship and urging them to be zealous and repent. These messages call for self-examination, urging believers to love Jesus as their first love, remain vigilant, awake, faithful and never lukewarm.
Revelation 2 First Love
Today on Mission 66, our teacher John Mathews takes us through Revelation 2, where we learn the importance of maintaining our “first love” for Jesus. The chapter contains letters to four different churches in Asia Minor, each with its own set of challenges and commendations. Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their hard work and perseverance but points out they have abandoned their initial passionate love for him. Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness amid poverty and persecution, while Pergamum is called out for tolerating false teachings. Thyatira is recognized for its works and love but reprimanded for tolerating a false prophetess. The key takeaway is that our actions and endurance must be fueled by a deep, abiding love for Jesus, who is our primary reason for living faithfully. These letters remind us to self-reflect and realign our hearts to Jesus, ensuring we’re serving him out of love rather than obligation or habit.
Revelation 1 The Beginning Of The End
Revelation 1 serves as an introduction to the book, revealing that God showed John, while he was on the island of Patmos, the coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a message of hope to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Even though the theme is “the beginning of the end,” for true believers in Christ it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal happiness. The return of Christ will be so glorious that it will completely outweigh all our present trials and sufferings.