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Got to see my first grandchild graduate high school!

Congrats!

The motto is a little fuzzy! He! He!

Got to see her name in the marquee lights!

Chapter 31, the end of time

Timeless Truth: The King is coming!

Yes, I am coming soon. —Jesus. Of the original apostles, only John remained to hear these words. He had experienced the climax of salvation history, but God was not yet finished. He had one more message to share with John and the growing churches to show His servants what must soon take place.

John was exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith in Jesus. It was here that the glorified Christ appeared to John with a message of His second coming. John saw someone “like a son of man” dressed in a priestly robe and ready to judge. He fell like a dead man at His feet. This John who had leaned against Jesus’ breast (John 13:25) could not even stand before Christ’s unveiled glory. Jesus presented Himself as the resurrected One who has authority over life and death. He stood among seven golden lamp stands, which represent the seven churches located in the province of Asia Minor on the mainland close to the island of Patmos.

Jesus had messages for each of these seven churches. From the three churches addressed in this chapter, a pattern emerges. First, there’s a unique description of Jesus that is related to the message. Then each message contains both a word of commendation and a rebuke for the congregation. He then gives an instruction or warning before an encouraging promise to those who listen and overcome the problem. Jesus who stands among the lampstands was carefully watching His churches.

John then saw the throne room of heaven where he was shown visions of future events. God sat upon His throne in unimaginable splendor and beauty. He was surrounded by living creatures and elders who worshiped Him without ceasing. He held a scroll that no one was found worthy to open, causing John to weep. But John’s hope was restored when he saw the Lamb standing as if slain. For the Lamb was worthy to open the scroll and also to receive power and glory and honor and praise!

Shortly thereafter, the bride, who symbolizes all faithful believers, was ready, wearing clean linen and prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb. Then John saw heaven opened and Jesus descended in full glory on a white horse ready to wage war and judge mankind. The King of Kings was ready to rule with blazing eyes and a blood drenched robe, a sharp sword and filled with the fury of God’s wrath. He was accompanied by the armies of heaven. His appearance is a dramatic reminder of the awfulness of God’s coming judgment upon those who reject the Lord. God’s final judgment from His great white throne is the final event of human history as we know it. The dead stand before Him in judgment. Those not found in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire.

Then John saw the New Heaven and New Earth and the New Jerusalem. In this future re-creation, God dwells among His people where He wipes away every tear. Many themes from His redemptive Story find their culmination in this place where all things are made new. The majestic and glorious New Jerusalem will be home to all the redeemed. Nothing impure will ever enter it. The water of life flows from the throne of God, the tree of life bears much fruit, and all are invited to partake. This place is the hope of every believer, for it is where God’s Upper Story and His Lower Story finally merge into one. It is here that the redeemed will enjoy the presence of God and of the Lamb forever. As Jesus concluded His message to John, three times He said, “Look, I am coming soon!” No wonder we are called blessed! Our King is coming! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

1. Why might Christians resist studying this book? According to this chapter, what are the benefits connected to studying Revelation? (Hint: p. 459, 469; Rev. 1:3, 22:7.)
2. Make a list of the various ways God the Father and God the Son are described throughout this chapter of The Story. For example, on page 459, the Father is “him who is, and who was, and who is to come”; Jesus Christ is the “faithful witness.” After completing your list, discuss what one or two of these descriptions mean.
3. Jesus’ messages to the seven churches usually follow a general pattern: a description of Himself, a commendation, a rebuke, a warning or instruction, and a promise. Compose a letter to your church using this format.
4. Notice the description of the throne room of heaven (p. 463, Rev. 4:1-6). Look up Ezekiel 1:26-28, Exodus 19:16 and 20:18, Job 37:4, and John 12:27-28. What do these images communicate about God?
5. What four-fold reason makes the Lamb worthy to open the scroll and receive praise (p. 464)?
6. Read Matthew 24:29-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, and Titus 2:11-14. How should you live in anticipation of Christ’s return?
7. From what you have learned in this chapter about the great white throne judgment and the lake of fire, how might you respond to the person who does not believe that a loving God could ever sentence anyone to hell (p. 466-467; Rev. 20:11-15, 21:8)? See also Revelation 20:10 and Matthew 25:41 for further insight.
8. Find at least three similarities between the original creation (Genesis 1-2) and the new heaven and new earth (p. 466-469; Rev. 21-22). How do these sections of Scripture contribute to our understanding of God’s Upper Story and what would we be missing without them?
9. Share with your group how The Story experience has impacted how you live now.

In the Westminister Shorter Catechism,

asks the question “What is the chief end of man?”  The catechism answers its own question with, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.” This answer infers that the Way to glorify God is to be in an intimate relationship with Him eternally. Out of this relationship, we will do ‘good works’ prepared beforehand for us to walk in. Not only are ‘good works’ prepared beforehand, but so are we through our relationship with Christ. Many Christians have replaced this chief end of an eternal relationship, and substituted evangelism.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:19 (NIV2011)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Evangelism is definitely a command and an important part of our Christian life, but is not the chief end of man. To focus on this one command, can and has negated the subsequent command.

Matthew 28:20 (NIV2011)
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Great Commission includes two commandments, (evangelism and teaching), which focus on the one chief end of man – to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.

Eternal Life

We glorify God by enjoying Him eternally. So what is eternal life?

John 17:3 (NIV2011)
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Your life in Christ is what glorifies God! You can not replace this chief end with a work.

Galatians 2:20 (NIV2011)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

What Paul is describing is the relationship by which all ‘works’ he does are manifested. Not by his own desires, for they have been crucified, but by the guiding of the Spirit of Christ that lives in Him.

Evangelism

is a great gift of the Spirit, and the Word tells us all to be prepared, in season and out.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV2011)
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Sanctification

Why do countries have militaries? Quite often it is two-fold. One is to protect their countries borders and their way of living. Somtimes the military is used to expand that way of living beyond their borders. I see the function of an evangelist as expanding this Way of living of the Christian life. And like the military, it is the commander and chief that chooses the time and location of these encounters. And before they are sent, there is intense training. Training for a Christian is sanctification.

Romans 12:2 (NIV2011)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

To be transformed, you not only have to spend time with the Word, but with the Holy Spirit as well (prayer). The relationship that comes out of this process of sanctification is the chief end of man. There will be a day when evangelism will no longer be necessary, but there will never be a day where we will not glorify God by enjoying Him forever.

The Story

THE STORY CHAPTER 31

Revelation: a book that scares people because we hear it is difficult to understand. Of course there have been some really fanciful interpretations of it over the years but really, the overall message is clear: Jesus is going to win! There is no doubt to any serious interpreter that this is the message. Nevertheless, the details are often less clear. But if we understand the kinds of literature with which we are dealing, it will protect us from obvious mistakes. Three kinds of literature are found in this book. Right at the beginning we see that it is a letter: This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ –

Rev. 1:4 The Revelation

was written by someone to 7 known and named churches living in a known period of history facing identifiable circumstances. And we know it was written by Pastor John to the churches he was pastoring and that he was writing to encourage them. They needed encouragement. Domitian was emperor. He required that he was declared “Lord”. Those refusing to were punished – in fact John was in prison on Patmos for refusing to declare that Caesar was Lord. He, and all Christians knew, that Jesus was Lord. But that raised a problem. If that were so, Christians wondered, why were they suffering? Why did it seem as though Caesar were Lord? Why was immorality invading the churches? Why were Christians compromising their standards? Where is Jesus in all of this? John writes to real churches facing these real problems.

Revelation is first and foremost

a pastoral letter. But, it is also a prophecy. Most will think “predicting the future” when they hear the word “prophecy. Certainly biblical prophecy does at times involve that. But biblical prophecy is not so much: “Look what is coming”. It is more “thus says the Lord” – prophets declare God’s will, prophets declare what others are unable to see, prophets take the word of God and apply it to a particular situation. John will be encouraging Christians by declaring God’s will in those tough times. But, also in the way of all prophets, he will be requiring a response of obedience. Finally the Revelation is also what we call an apocalypse. That is a Greek word meaning an unveiling, or a revealing. That’s where we get the name of the book – the Revelation. God wants to reveal something to his people. A characteristic of apocalyptic literature is its symbols, so we find symbolism in this book. We will see people represented in the form of animals; historical events will be seen as natural phenomena – earthquakes etc.

And numbers become significant.

And yet these things are not impossible to interpret because most of the symbols have their origin in the Old Testament. But here is the most important aspect of apocalyptic literature: Apocalyptic literature reminds us what we know about the future, and then challenges us to make present life 2 choices based on that. For example, if we know Jesus is coming again – future event – therefore we should be living now, making choices now which reflect that knowledge. We know that judgment is coming – future event – therefore we should be making life choices now which reflect that knowledge of the future. Apocalyptic encourages that. But also, apocalyptic wants us to tune into things that are happening now but which are not immediately obvious. For example, in Chapter 4, John, sitting on the prison island of Patmos, sees a door open in heaven, and sees a throne in the center of the universe,

and God – the “All … Mighty” –

is sitting on it. Looking at life on earth it is not immediately obvious that God is on the throne ruling. Apocalyptic literature wants to remind us of that truth so that that unseen reality can positively impact our day to day lives. The book of Revelation opens with a description of Jesus who is the major player in the book. John sees Jesus and falls at his feet as though dead. John sees a picture of Jesus walking among his churches. And from that place of being among his churches, Jesus writes letters to his seven churches. Each letter to the different churches deals with challenges, strengths, and weaknesses of that church. For example, Jesus commends the church at Ephesus. But He also has it against them that they have forsaken the love they had at first. He warns them to repent otherwise He will remove their lampstand from its place. He tells the church at Sardis that they may have a reputation for being alive but in fact they are dead. If they do not wake up, Jesus will come like a thief in the night. He will come in judgement. Jesus’ most severe rebuke is reserved for the church at Laodicea. He tells them that they are neither cold nor hot.

He warns them

that He is about to spit them out of His mouth. Having described who Jesus is, having written the letters to the seven churches, John is now shown a vision of the reality of heaven as it exists right now. As we have seen, there is a throne in the center of the universe and God sits on the throne and rules and will do so until the consummation of all things. He also sees that amazing picture of the one who is worthy to open the scroll. He sees a lion looking like a lamb that was slain. That is a beautiful picture of Jesus who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who was also the Lamb of God slain in our place. The book of Revelation speaks about happenings which will ultimately end in all things being consummated. The battle with evil, which started in the garden of Eden, will finally be won at the end of all things. Jesus, who is King of kings and Lord of lords, will finally and universally be acknowledged as such.

The judgement

of all things will take place. Those whose names were not found in the Book of life will be eternally banned from the presence of God. They will be thrown into what is called the lake of fire and this event is called the second death. After this there will be a new heaven and a new earth. After this, God will dwell for ever among His people. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death. He will then make everything new. Heaven is described in terms of the New Jerusalem. The book of Revelation is a series of visions. John is doing his best to describe what he sees using words which are inadequate for the task. We should read some of his descriptions and simply understand that it will be glorious without trying to attach significance to every single word.

They are wonderful images.

For example, there will not be sun or moon because God’s glory will 3 give light. There will be no gates which need to be shut, because nothing impure will be there to enter the city/heaven. We see again the Tree of Life, not seen since Eden. We see that there will no longer be any curse. “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy is written in the scroll.” “Soon” does not necessarily imply “in the near future”. It can also mean “unexpectedly”. In other words we must always be ready for it because it can happen any time.

1. What was John’s response when he saw Jesus in the vision? Why did he respond this way?

When John saw Jesus he fell at his feet as though dead. In the Old Testament we are told that no one can see God and live. God’s glory is just too overwhelming. When the disciples walked with Jesus, His glory was veiled in humanity. When John saw Jesus in his vision he saw the glorified and risen Christ. Jesus would have looked very different from the way they saw him on earth. It is easier for us to relate to Jesus in his humanity. We must not forget however, that Jesus is also God and therefore glorious and therefore worthy of praise and adoration. John’s response to Jesus gives us some insight as to what he experienced when he saw Jesus.

2. What were the warnings Jesus gave to the churches? In what way do these warnings apply to your life?

Jesus warned the church at Ephesus that they had forsaken the love they had at first. In other words their love for Jesus had grown cold and this was obvious by the way they were not as committed nor devoted to Jesus as they were when they first accepted Him. Are we? Jesus warned the church at Sardis about having a reputation of being alive but that they were actually dead. The question is sometimes asked: if God’s Holy Spirit were withdrawn from the church would the members notice His removal? If we are doing things in our own strength then we too may seem to be alive but are in fact dead. The only way we can be alive in Jesus’s work is to be operating in the power of the Holy Spirit. Are we? Jesus warned the church at Laodicea that they were neither cold nor hot. They were tepid, lukewarm. When one considers the greatness and glory of Jesus it is really an insult to be lukewarm in our response to Him and in our service for Him. The thought is that we either serve Jesus fully or not to bother at all. What are we?

3. What do you learn about God from His actions and descriptions in this chapter?

The biggest thing we learn about God from His actions in this chapter is that He is All Mighty. We learn that He will have the final say. We learn that even though things may not appear to be moving in a particular direction, yet God is controlling events and bringing them to the consummation of all things. The bottom line for this book is: Jesus is going to win. Everything we learn about God from the book of Revelation supports this contention.

4. What does this chapter reveal about what heaven will be like?

If all we knew about Heaven was written in this book, whilst it would still be something to which we can look forward, it would not be a complete picture. John is struggling to find the language that describes the beauty and glory and desirability of heaven. He sees something enormously desirable and puts it in language which would have conveyed that to his first century audience. When we put the full teaching of the Bible together, then we get a fuller picture. We see creation restored to its pristine pre-fall condition. We see human beings in perfect relationship with one another – pure fellowship. And our relationship with God is also restored to what we had a glimpse of in Eden – pure worship.

5. Why is it important to think about and seek your hope on heaven?

We saw in the introduction that one of the purposes of an apocalyptic literature was to encourage us to make choices now in the light of what we know to be true about the future. It is therefore important to have as wonderful a picture of Heaven as scripture allows. It is true: we will not desire what we cannot imagine. Heaven has to be something we desire. If we desire it, then that hope can sustain us through really tough times on earth. If we desire it, then that hope will help us make God honouring choices on earth. Our doctrine of heaven is critical to our life on earth.

6. What steps can you take to set your hope more fully on what you know about eternity from this chapter?

I think a study of Heaven and what it is like becomes foundational to being able to set our hope more fully on eternity.

The Story

Chapter 22 Bible study

by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee

Our Bible study continues. In this week’s study in chapter 22, we will learn about the birth of Christ after 400 years of silence.

We have progressed through the last 21 weeks of The Story.  We have seen all the steps God has taken to redeem mankind from the effects of sin. Despite all the twists and turns of the Lower Story, God’s Upper Story plan of redemption is still on course. This week, there is some major movement in that plan.

In an unremarkable stable, found in an insignificant town at the edge of the Roman Empire, a baby was born to a young couple. This scene had likely happened countless times throughout the years,

but this birth was different.

Divine messengers had visited the family several times before the birth.

An angelic army broke in to spontaneous worship as they announced the birth to the locals.

Even nature tipped its hat to this baby, providing an astronomical sign to mark the occasion, a sign which Eastern astrologers followed to meet this baby.

Perhaps the angelic response to this birth (Luke 2:8–14) gives us the best glimpse as to the importance of this baby. These angels had seen how the Father had worked in human history up until then. They had seen the failures of men in the Lower Story. The angels also knew that this was a world-changing event. The immortal God took on flesh and became a man. They might not have known all the details, but they knew that this was how God’s Upper Story was working to bring salvation to man (Luke 2:11). That’s why the heavenly army broke into spontaneous praise to God:

they had finally seen the Savior enter the divine story! Chapter 22 continues

Join us this week in this week’s bible study as we look at the significance of the introduction to John’s Gospel. It highlights our study of God’s Upper Story