verse 1 – after these things – after the church age ends

2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 –

The body of Christ is right now in the church age and is the restraining force

restrain – means to help down and back – holding back evil and wickedness

The antichrist may be revealed –  in his own time

Time – means a definite…fixed…decisive point…the Lord determines this time

verse 7 – lawlessness continues to move forward.  This world system does not get better

-work – means active/operating/supernatural enemy power

Revelation 4:1 – behold – to get someone’s attention

Revelation is a book of order, and all events follow a sequence of order.

*a door in heaven – 2 Peter 3:9 – the door to salvation is always open

Come up here – this is the voice of Jesus

-This could be the rapture of the church

-The church is not found on earth after Revelation chapter 3

-Revelation Chapters 4-22 are all about the future

1. The word rapture is not in the Bible

2. Rapture means a catching away – 1 Thess 4:13-18

3. The rapture is to deal with Israel – Jeremiah 30:7

4. All believers go up in the rapture – Isaiah 20:26 & 1 Thess 4:13-18

verse 2 – In the Spirit – means to be filled & saturated in the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:18-21

1. You will sing to the Lord

2. You will give thanks for all things

3. You will be submissive

verse 2 – the word Throne starts to be used.  It is the keyword in Rev 4

1. Jesus Christ is on the throne – Jesus rules and reigns

-Stay focused on Jesus Christ

2. Confess & Declare that Jesus is on the Throne – Mark 9:14-29

a. Confession includes practicality

b. Confession does not eliminate humanity –

c. The Lord being on the throne does not mean everything will be smooth in your life

-sin came into the world and spoiled everything

verse 3 – John now describes what Jesus is like

1. A Jasper – is crystal clear & represents purity

2. Sardius – red in color and refers to the Lord’s passion, zeal, and fire

3. Rainbow – the rainbow signifies a covenant the Lord made with humanity, which is His Word

-Emerald is green and speaks of new life

Verse 4 – Around the throne – 24 elders

-refers to human beings & those who are saved

           24 ELDERS

        1. 12 Tribes of Israel

        2. 12 Disciples

-The 24 elders are seated on thrones, which means they are ruling & reigning with Jesus when He returns

-Our works while on earth determine our position when Jesus rules & returns

-While clothes represent righteousness and holiness

-Crowns  – are earned because of our works on earth for Jesus

                 ***Rev 4:10 – the crowns are given back to the Lord

verse 5 – lightning and thunder – warns of a coming storm – the judgment of God

-7 spirits of God – represent 7 characteristics of the Holy Spirit.  It reals the Holy Spirit is still present and moving

verses 6 – 8 –  Before The Throne

A sea of glass-like crystal – it represents total peace and calm

-NOTHING HAS TO DISTURB YOUR PEACE  – Phil 4:6-8

-Living Creatures – angelic beings – v8 – have wings

full of eyes – can see everything and minister to people

Lion – Strength

Calf – Service

Man – Intelligence

Eagle – Swiftness

verses 8-11 – they praise the Lord night and day

Holy, Holy, Holy – refers to the Trinity

worthy – means Jesus deserves all praise, glory, and honor