Revelation

Revelation 4 – the rapture of the church takes place

1. The definition of the word rapture

-rapture – to be carried off by the Lord in a state of overwhelming joy & excitement

-just be ready no matter when the rapture occurs

2. The rapture is for all born again believers – 1 Thess 4:13-18

-it is all by grace

3. The Rapture Changes Our Bodies – Phil 3:20-21 & 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

-we will receive a supernatural spiritual body

-the Lord changes us through His power

-The rapture and second coming of Jesus are 2 different events

1 Thess 4:13-18 – the rapture is meeting the Lord in the air

Zechariah 14:4 – the second coming of Jesus is Jesus coming to the Mt. of Olives

4. The Rapture Keeps Us From The Wrath To Come –

-Rev 3:10…Is 26:20…1 Thess 1:10 & 5:9

-the church is not under the wrath of God

-the wrath of God falls during the tribulation and is used to deal with Israel

5. The Rapture Brings Us Face To Face With Jesus –

-Romans 14:10…2 Cor 5:8-10…1 Cor 3:11-15

-at the Judgment Seat of Christ

-this determines the rewards the believers will receive

-all of our crowns and rewards will be given back to Jesus – Revelation 4:10

Revelation Chapter 5

***Jesus Christ is worshipped as REDEEMER in Chapter 5

verse 1 – this is God the Father who is sitting on the throne

right hand – refers to the strength of God

-a scroll in God’s right hand – words are written on the scroll & it is sealed

The scroll refers to 2 Things:

1. it is an outline of events through the close of the age

2. The scroll is the title deed to the earth

-dominion was given over to satan when man sinned

-the title deed needs to be restored back to the Lord

A Strong Angel Makes A Proclamation

Proclaiming – means to speak loudly…shouting out news

-the search is on for someone who can take the scroll

v3 – no one comes forward to take the scroll

v4 – John cries when no one is found to take the scroll

vs5-7 – THERE IS GREAT HOPE

v5 – elders – are born again believers in heaven

-the church is never seen on earth again until they return with Jesus

-an elder tells John not to cry because someone has been found to take the scroll

2 NAMES FOR JESUS CHRIST

1. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah – v5

Jesus is strong…breaks strongholds…will roar back from heaven

2. The Root of David – v5

*This refers to Jesus being from the lineage of King David and showing He is King

v6 – Jesus is the center of attention in heaven

7 horns – speaks to the strength and power of Jesus

Has 7 eyes – speaks of seeing everything

7 spirits of God – are 7 qualities of the Holy Spirit

verse 7 – Jesus takes the scroll. he is the only person who could take the scroll

verse 8 – praise comes forth with instruments

Golden bowl full of incense – refers to the prayers of believers…that are answered by the Lord

verse 9 – A New Song – is a song of redemption sung only by those who are saved

v10 – the Lord made us Kings & Priests

kings – this speaks of having royal authority

priests – this speaks of having direct access to the Lord

-we rule and reign with Jesus which is determined by the works we do on earth

v11 – this is large # of angels that cannot be numbered

-you can hear praise

v12 – this is a time of praise

worthy – means one who deserves praise

v13 – this is the fulfillment of Philippians 2:9-11

v14 – fall down and worship – means to reverence and adore…to lay down in fron of…to bow and kiss the hand