Pastor John Lin
Big idea:
Christ was born to save all mankind
#1 Christ was born to save humankind
Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people
Shepherds were regarded as power in society, regarded as peasants, considered outsiders, unqualified. But the best part is they were the very ones God chose to reveal the son Jesus first. What this tells us about God? That God is extending His love to all kinds of people.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Not how well or morally right that we've been living
Happiness last for a moment, but happiness comes with a happening, moment
But joy comes from inside, given by God. it is not incidental or accidental
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sin means missing the mark, that's what separate us from God
Lies, scam, division, violence, conflicts, wars, polarisation. Sin ultimate leads to death and separation from God. We're unable to save ourselves.
Life abundantly = life flourishing
Are we living our lives flourishing?
#2 Christ was born to relate with us
Luke 2:11-12
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Jesus who was fully God came humbled, wrapped in cloth, in a manger, as a baby
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
We may be going through Pain, injustice, backstabbed, betrayed, major disappointment, deep loneliness. Christ was born In flesh, he's not far and forgetful sitting in a throne. He is able to understand and relate with us
#3 Christ was born to restore us to wholeness
Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Peace is more than quiet or still, it's more than concept or peace of mind, it's a wholeness in our hearts, wholeness to our lives, True peace is when we are restored to wholeness in God, it's a person - Jesus
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Live one day at a time with the end in mind!
Everything Wrong but it was all part of God's plan
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Christ was born to rule His people with Righteousness
by Pastor MENG Cham
Christ was born to rule His people with righteousness
Would the world be different if jesus were not incarnated?
Jesus did not born or come for the elite but common man so they can experience God for themselves
Big idea:
Christ was born to reveal the way of the lord
Christ was always and eternally second in deity
Jesus came to show us :
1. Who God really is
- In His deity
Mark 1:1-3
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,[a] the Son of God,[b] 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”[c]— 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
Israel was in exile in Babylon due to idolatry at this time of scripture
Isaiah 40
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c] lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who can fathom the Spirit[d] of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? 14 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. 17 Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. 18 With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? 19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. 20 A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. 25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
This chapter is a turning point for israel
Jesus Christ personally came not through angels or messenger
Jesus came to save us so we can use the God-given time, talent, and treasure for His glory
Jesus came to ctrl, alt and del the human race. Clear the cache of sin and reboot
2. The father's heart
Luke 15
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. The Parable of the Lost Coin 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The Parable of the Lost Son 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Instead of us trying to reach out to God, Jesus Christ left His royal residence to bridge the gap between us and God
God saw a predicament that we human couldn't save ourselves so He got His hands dirty to burrow through layers and layers of sin to get through us
Application #1:
Know God for who He really is
II. How to be a real hu(man)
Luke 1:80
And the child grew and became strong in spirit[a]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Jesus grew exactly like all of us. He is able to sympathise with us in all aspect
Why must we be shown by a human how to be a human?
Human has exhibited more Unimaginable behaviour, humanity has lost its humanity, inhumane behaviour, degradation of humanity
Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
A. The way we live
B. The way we love
Luke 14:12-14
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Matthew 5:44-45
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Cain and Abel story
Jesus knew Cain's reply to Him was not the way to love
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus came to show us How a human being under God should live our lives by modelling in Jesus humanity on earth
Application #2:
Live and love as Christ did
Christ was born to rule His people with righteousness
Would the world be different if jesus were not incarnated?
Jesus did not born or come for the elite but common man so they can experience God for themselves
Big idea:
Christ was born to reveal the way of the lord
Christ was always and eternally second in deity
Jesus came to show us :
1. Who God really is
- In His deity
Mark 1:1-3
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,[a] the Son of God,[b] 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”[c]— 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
Israel was in exile in Babylon due to idolatry at this time of scripture
Isaiah 40
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c] lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who can fathom the Spirit[d] of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? 14 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. 17 Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. 18 With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? 19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. 20 A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. 25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
This chapter is a turning point for israel
Jesus Christ personally came not through angels or messenger
Jesus came to save us so we can use the God-given time, talent, and treasure for His glory
Jesus came to ctrl, alt and del the human race. Clear the cache of sin and reboot
2. The father's heart
Luke 15
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. The Parable of the Lost Coin 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The Parable of the Lost Son 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Instead of us trying to reach out to God, Jesus Christ left His royal residence to bridge the gap between us and God
God saw a predicament that we human couldn't save ourselves so He got His hands dirty to burrow through layers and layers of sin to get through us
Application #1:
Know God for who He really is
II. How to be a real hu(man)
Luke 1:80
And the child grew and became strong in spirit[a]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Jesus grew exactly like all of us. He is able to sympathise with us in all aspect
Why must we be shown by a human how to be a human?
Human has exhibited more Unimaginable behaviour, humanity has lost its humanity, inhumane behaviour, degradation of humanity
Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
A. The way we live
B. The way we love
Luke 14:12-14
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Matthew 5:44-45
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Cain and Abel story
Jesus knew Cain's reply to Him was not the way to love
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus came to show us How a human being under God should live our lives by modelling in Jesus humanity on earth
Application #2:
Live and love as Christ did
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Q&A Part 2
by Pastor Wilson
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
The rapture is the event where believers (dead or alive) will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord before His second coming.
There is a rapture in the end time
Question is when does rapture happen?
Before, during or at the end of tribulation?
AOG believes rapture happen before tribulation happen.
Is there an ultimate verse that proves rapture will take place just before great tribulation.
There is a possibility....
The pre-tribulation rapture is part of the end-time system view of John Darby's dispensationalism theory.
It is not a matter of right or wrong. Whether pre or post, please just make the trip
Book of revelation does not have any verse to describe ...
The book of Revelation does not have any verse that mentions the concept of rapture as described in 1 Thessalonians 4
1 Thessalonians 4
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[b] The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. 9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. Believers Who Have Died 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Revelation 4:1-2
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.
This is not a verse mentioning about rapture. Examine the text ''come up here does not mean rapture becos caught up and come up is not referring to same event.
Context ...
"Come up" = (Revelation 4:1)
"Caught up" = (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
The phrase "Come up" does not refer to the same event as the rapture.
John was not raptured out of the tribulation. He was still on earth seeing the revelation
Even though pre trib verse is not found in revelation, AOG still believes in pre trib rapture
However, Be prepared for the worst case scenario if pre trib rapture does not happen
Choose to major in what is certain God's word. Certain is God will return but how or when but we need to hold that loosely on uncertain details.
Hope for the best but be ready for the worse
God do allow His people to go through personal tribulation:
Moses
Job
Nation of Israel became slaves of Egypt for 40 years
Israel exile in Babylon
Jesus to go through the cross
God wants to use personal tribulation to strengthen and purify us for His purpose
Firstly, Revelation does not mention the concept of rapture, but it is found in,
1 Thessalonians 4:17
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Secondly, we hope for pre-tribulation rapture but must be ready to persevere through the tribulation if it does not occur.
Revelation 20:11-15
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
These heavenly books serve two purposes:
- to account for the deeds of everyone on earth, and
- to contain the names of those loyal to Christ
Are believers still judge by the book of deeds?
His records will also be found in book of deeds since our name already written in book of life
Book of deeds validate a believers loyalty and devotion to Christ through action and behaviour on earth
What happen when we sin against God on earth...?
Will God use believers human falleness against him? NO!
Salvation is solely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, there is nothing we can do to earn it.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Romans 3:22
This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
What we cannot earn in human effort, we will not lose through human failure.
If we cannot earn salvation through human effort, we will not lose salvation through human failings.
Only unbelieving....
As long as we do not reject Jesus
The books of deeds may show our falleness. But God will not use that against us.
If we are loyal and devoted believers of Christ, our lives must represent Christ
These records will validate our transformed lives ....
We should Not be motivated to live by fear by the book of deeds
We don't have to earn God's love, He has already love us.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
The rapture is the event where believers (dead or alive) will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord before His second coming.
There is a rapture in the end time
Question is when does rapture happen?
Before, during or at the end of tribulation?
AOG believes rapture happen before tribulation happen.
Is there an ultimate verse that proves rapture will take place just before great tribulation.
There is a possibility....
The pre-tribulation rapture is part of the end-time system view of John Darby's dispensationalism theory.
It is not a matter of right or wrong. Whether pre or post, please just make the trip
Book of revelation does not have any verse to describe ...
The book of Revelation does not have any verse that mentions the concept of rapture as described in 1 Thessalonians 4
1 Thessalonians 4
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[b] The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. 9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. Believers Who Have Died 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Revelation 4:1-2
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.
This is not a verse mentioning about rapture. Examine the text ''come up here does not mean rapture becos caught up and come up is not referring to same event.
Context ...
"Come up" = (Revelation 4:1)
"Caught up" = (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
The phrase "Come up" does not refer to the same event as the rapture.
John was not raptured out of the tribulation. He was still on earth seeing the revelation
Even though pre trib verse is not found in revelation, AOG still believes in pre trib rapture
However, Be prepared for the worst case scenario if pre trib rapture does not happen
Choose to major in what is certain God's word. Certain is God will return but how or when but we need to hold that loosely on uncertain details.
Hope for the best but be ready for the worse
God do allow His people to go through personal tribulation:
Moses
Job
Nation of Israel became slaves of Egypt for 40 years
Israel exile in Babylon
Jesus to go through the cross
God wants to use personal tribulation to strengthen and purify us for His purpose
Firstly, Revelation does not mention the concept of rapture, but it is found in,
1 Thessalonians 4:17
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Secondly, we hope for pre-tribulation rapture but must be ready to persevere through the tribulation if it does not occur.
Revelation 20:11-15
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
These heavenly books serve two purposes:
- to account for the deeds of everyone on earth, and
- to contain the names of those loyal to Christ
Are believers still judge by the book of deeds?
His records will also be found in book of deeds since our name already written in book of life
Book of deeds validate a believers loyalty and devotion to Christ through action and behaviour on earth
What happen when we sin against God on earth...?
Will God use believers human falleness against him? NO!
Salvation is solely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, there is nothing we can do to earn it.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Romans 3:22
This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
What we cannot earn in human effort, we will not lose through human failure.
If we cannot earn salvation through human effort, we will not lose salvation through human failings.
Only unbelieving....
As long as we do not reject Jesus
The books of deeds may show our falleness. But God will not use that against us.
If we are loyal and devoted believers of Christ, our lives must represent Christ
These records will validate our transformed lives ....
We should Not be motivated to live by fear by the book of deeds
We don't have to earn God's love, He has already love us.
Q&A Part 1: Salvation and Preparedness
Pastor Lee Meng Cham
1. The nature of Salvation
Revelation 2:10-11
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
Is eternal life and crown of life the same thing?
What constitutes the crown?
A crown that is a wreath made of leaves.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
This is a reward for finishing the race
2 Timothy 4:8
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Also given after the person has passed on
Hebrews 2:9
But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
In Revelation, Tree of life
Ruling the nation
Become a temple
Reminds us to stay pure
How is this crown connect to eternal life?
Like a black sheep in family doesn't means the family is all sheep
On one hand eternal life, it is given, to be received, cannot be earned, cannot merit it. It's unceasing life
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Crown of life is to Keep, to persevere to overcome
What are the benefits of having our names written?
1. We are known by God
Philippians 4:2-3
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
2. We're saved from God's wrath
Revelation 20:14-15
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
3. We're granted an admission to the new Jeruselam
Revelation 21:27
Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
God's judgement is served based on how a person lived
We need to bear witness
Revelation 3:5
The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.
Book of deeds
Under what conditions will these names be blot out?
Revelation 13:8
All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.[a]
Revelation 17:8
The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come.
Not to bow to idolatry
Because our names are in the book of life, we have eternal life. Therefore We're called to Persevere and overcome. Don't lose our focus
2. The call to be Ready
Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Revelation 22:10
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.
Joel 1:15
Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.[a]
Joel 2:1-2
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.
What does it means?
2 Peter 3:2-4
I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
2 Peter 3:8-10
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a]
The lord is patient toward you, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should reach repentance
While we do not ignore the current affairs, we do not allow them to interpret the bible
Jesus exalts us to be prepared now, not to do so when we see all the signs appearing. Be prepared NOW
Be ever ready
Don't wait for signs
Commitment to Christ or Compromise to the world?
Don't play with fire until the last minute
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
The world is passing away
We're made for the new heaven and the earth
Revelation 22:10-11
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”
God made us free moral agents to exercise freewill
He'll grant us wisdom to make logical decision
It is their wilful choice but He does not delight any of us perishing
Grace always requires faith
This should push us to pray even more seriously so that they will not perish
Persist not in apathy
Revelation 22:7
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
A. If you have confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believed in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you are saved.
B. Live now as a child of God, as Christ's ambassador. Shine as children of light and as the salt of the earth. Fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish your race.
C. Watch that you do not fall into the trap of the enemy. Worship no other gods! Flee from temptations. Be EVEREADY! Live with the Crown of Life in view.
1. The nature of Salvation
Revelation 2:10-11
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
Is eternal life and crown of life the same thing?
What constitutes the crown?
A crown that is a wreath made of leaves.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
This is a reward for finishing the race
2 Timothy 4:8
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Also given after the person has passed on
Hebrews 2:9
But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
In Revelation, Tree of life
Ruling the nation
Become a temple
Reminds us to stay pure
How is this crown connect to eternal life?
Like a black sheep in family doesn't means the family is all sheep
On one hand eternal life, it is given, to be received, cannot be earned, cannot merit it. It's unceasing life
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Crown of life is to Keep, to persevere to overcome
What are the benefits of having our names written?
1. We are known by God
Philippians 4:2-3
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
2. We're saved from God's wrath
Revelation 20:14-15
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
3. We're granted an admission to the new Jeruselam
Revelation 21:27
Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
God's judgement is served based on how a person lived
We need to bear witness
Revelation 3:5
The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.
Book of deeds
Under what conditions will these names be blot out?
Revelation 13:8
All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.[a]
Revelation 17:8
The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come.
Not to bow to idolatry
Because our names are in the book of life, we have eternal life. Therefore We're called to Persevere and overcome. Don't lose our focus
2. The call to be Ready
Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Revelation 22:10
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.
Joel 1:15
Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.[a]
Joel 2:1-2
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.
What does it means?
2 Peter 3:2-4
I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
2 Peter 3:8-10
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a]
The lord is patient toward you, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should reach repentance
While we do not ignore the current affairs, we do not allow them to interpret the bible
Jesus exalts us to be prepared now, not to do so when we see all the signs appearing. Be prepared NOW
Be ever ready
Don't wait for signs
Commitment to Christ or Compromise to the world?
Don't play with fire until the last minute
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
The world is passing away
We're made for the new heaven and the earth
Revelation 22:10-11
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”
God made us free moral agents to exercise freewill
He'll grant us wisdom to make logical decision
It is their wilful choice but He does not delight any of us perishing
Grace always requires faith
This should push us to pray even more seriously so that they will not perish
Persist not in apathy
Revelation 22:7
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
A. If you have confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believed in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you are saved.
B. Live now as a child of God, as Christ's ambassador. Shine as children of light and as the salt of the earth. Fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish your race.
C. Watch that you do not fall into the trap of the enemy. Worship no other gods! Flee from temptations. Be EVEREADY! Live with the Crown of Life in view.
One again
by Pastor Joey Asher
New heaven and new earth - look forward to it
Big idea:
God will make all things new
1. A new home with a reunited family
Revelation 21:9
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Church is known as bride of Christ
What to prepare?
A. Remain faithful to Christ who sacrifice his life for his church
As a wife remains faithful to her husband, we the church are to remain faithful to Christ, who sacrificed his life for the church.
Revelation 21:1-3
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
God's human family and God's divine family (sons of God) will merge to form the new earth and new heaven
Revelation 22:3-4
No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Sea will be no more. Jewish metaphor of sea represent chaos, destruction means chaos in the new home will be absent
Final home will have no death
First eden: Adam and Eve they hid their faces from God.
1. In the new earth, they will turn their face to face God
Christ will introduce us to his divine counsel
Hebrew 2:10-13
In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.[a] 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”[b] 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.”[c] And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”[d]
All imagers of God, whether human and divine, who have chosen to have believing loyalty in Yahweh, will be with God.
Revelation 22:5
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.
Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
John saw the holy city. Means we are a part of the holy city...
People who are going to be in this holy city
Revelation 21:12-14
It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
12 angels
12 sons
12 names of 12 apostle
Human and divine imagers of God
As God's imagers, we have a new identity. This impacts how we live for and serve God.
Is for his creation to enjoy him and live forever
2. Look forward to A new home with a new life
Jesus reverses the curse in this new home
Revelation 21:4-6
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Revelation 22:1
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
The new eden is a Redemption of individual soul but also salvation of all creation
Revelation 22:2-3
down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
Enjoy Supernatural abundance, peace, no more accursed.
Revelation 22:14-15
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
We either live with our destination in view or we don't. Our awareness of our destiny in our final destination should change how we conduct ourselves and live our lives.
The way you head there has to change as well
If we know our eternal destiny and our future destination, it should change how we think and act in the present knowing what happens eventually keeps our present circumstances in perspective.
3. Look forward to A new home to rule in and a new world to reign in
Revelation 21:6-7
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Revelation 3:21
To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 21:22
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
No need sun or moon cos have glory of God
Revelation 21:26-27
The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” In the new heaven and new earth, we'll be stewarding over all that God has created. We'll live the life offered in Eden - enjoying and caring for what God has made. Doing side by side with divine beings. Every child of God will have special roles. All fully deployed to serve everyone...
Is a teamwork, everybody benefit in our new home together, Perfection is what we will enjoy in our new home
Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
New heaven and new earth - look forward to it
Big idea:
God will make all things new
1. A new home with a reunited family
Revelation 21:9
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Church is known as bride of Christ
What to prepare?
A. Remain faithful to Christ who sacrifice his life for his church
As a wife remains faithful to her husband, we the church are to remain faithful to Christ, who sacrificed his life for the church.
Revelation 21:1-3
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
God's human family and God's divine family (sons of God) will merge to form the new earth and new heaven
Revelation 22:3-4
No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Sea will be no more. Jewish metaphor of sea represent chaos, destruction means chaos in the new home will be absent
Final home will have no death
First eden: Adam and Eve they hid their faces from God.
1. In the new earth, they will turn their face to face God
Christ will introduce us to his divine counsel
Hebrew 2:10-13
In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.[a] 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”[b] 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.”[c] And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”[d]
All imagers of God, whether human and divine, who have chosen to have believing loyalty in Yahweh, will be with God.
Revelation 22:5
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.
Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
John saw the holy city. Means we are a part of the holy city...
People who are going to be in this holy city
Revelation 21:12-14
It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
12 angels
12 sons
12 names of 12 apostle
Human and divine imagers of God
As God's imagers, we have a new identity. This impacts how we live for and serve God.
Is for his creation to enjoy him and live forever
2. Look forward to A new home with a new life
Jesus reverses the curse in this new home
Revelation 21:4-6
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Revelation 22:1
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
The new eden is a Redemption of individual soul but also salvation of all creation
Revelation 22:2-3
down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
Enjoy Supernatural abundance, peace, no more accursed.
Revelation 22:14-15
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
We either live with our destination in view or we don't. Our awareness of our destiny in our final destination should change how we conduct ourselves and live our lives.
The way you head there has to change as well
If we know our eternal destiny and our future destination, it should change how we think and act in the present knowing what happens eventually keeps our present circumstances in perspective.
3. Look forward to A new home to rule in and a new world to reign in
Revelation 21:6-7
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Revelation 3:21
To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 21:22
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
No need sun or moon cos have glory of God
Revelation 21:26-27
The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” In the new heaven and new earth, we'll be stewarding over all that God has created. We'll live the life offered in Eden - enjoying and caring for what God has made. Doing side by side with divine beings. Every child of God will have special roles. All fully deployed to serve everyone...
Is a teamwork, everybody benefit in our new home together, Perfection is what we will enjoy in our new home
Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Book of Revelation - No Escape
by Pastor Meng Cham
We're coming to the end game
The Defiant, The resistance, The ungodly
Jesus reveal to His church what is to come so we can avoid
Big idea:
God has already announced the certainty of his judgement and it's consequences
I: THE SCENE IN HEAVEN
Revelation 15:5-8
After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law—and it was opened. 6 Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
Rev 11 and 15 both mentioned tent of heaven is open signify wrath of God is going to be poured out. Bowl or cup means pouring out wrath of God
Jeremiah 25:15-16
This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 16 When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them.”
Why sevenfold judgement?
Leviticus 26:18-21
“‘If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. 19 I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. 20 Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil will not yield its crops, nor will the trees of your land yield their fruit. 21 “‘If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times over, as your sins deserve.
above verse is a Warning to His people if they're persistence to idolatry
Seven means fullness, completeness of the judgement of God
Revelation 8:1
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
This is In preparation for seven trumpet
Golden bowls full of Gods wrath is also full of incense, God has seen ... God will act on their behalf..
With each rebellion of human against God's rules, it gets tighten and tighten. We should walk in healthy reverence of God's ways and Hid holiness. He will answer and vindicate me in due time.
The day of judgement is unavoidable.
Revelation 16:1
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”
Revelation 16:12-16
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East. 13 Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. 15 “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” 16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
Revelation 16:17-21
The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. 19 The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. 21 From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds,[a] fell on people. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.
Air is associated with the dwelling of the demonic
45kg per hailstone
significance of water, fire, air, earth. The pouring out meant none could escape the judgement of God.
Revelation 16:9
They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
God remembered Babylon meaning He remembers good and evil. Most important is which one He choose to forget at the end of time. He remembers the good and the terror is He remembers the bad, culprit, people who reject Him.
II: THE RIGHTEOUS JUDEMENT OF GOD
Revelation 17:1-18
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.” 3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery: babylon the great the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. 6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come. 9 “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10 They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for only a little while. 11 The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. 12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” 15 Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages. 16 The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled. 18 The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”
Revelation 15:3-4
and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations.[a] 4 Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”[b]
Revelation 16:5-7
Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just in these judgments, O Holy One, you who are and who were; 6 for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” 7 And I heard the altar respond: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”
These above two verses reveal God is Just, righteous, true and holy. He will not pardon the guilty. Accordance with the crime, no more no less. Accordance to their deserve. A holy and loving God cannot overlook justice .....
Revelation 17:1-2
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
Revelation 17:4-6
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery: babylon the great the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. 6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.
God judgement is aim at Babylon, even the downfall was mention in rev 14:8
Revelation 14:8
A second angel followed and said, “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great,’[a] which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”
Babylon signify....
Who else?
Babylon alliances, the kings, multitudes who follow Babylon, demons political system, immoral yet enticing allure, those who indulge footsies, those who want to profit from babylon ....
Revelation 17:15
Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.
Revelation 17:16-17
The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.
Prostitute is Babylon
There is no loyalty among the godless.
"Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her."
- G.K. Chesterton -
Bowls were designed by God to bring people to repentance.
Spur one another to remain faithful to God. Days will be tougher and tougher ... for believers. So stay united, bonded with believers in discipleship making.
1. Brace ourselves for the inevitable
2. Work while it is day, when night comes no man can work
John 9:4
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
We're coming to the end game
The Defiant, The resistance, The ungodly
Jesus reveal to His church what is to come so we can avoid
Big idea:
God has already announced the certainty of his judgement and it's consequences
I: THE SCENE IN HEAVEN
Revelation 15:5-8
After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law—and it was opened. 6 Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
Rev 11 and 15 both mentioned tent of heaven is open signify wrath of God is going to be poured out. Bowl or cup means pouring out wrath of God
Jeremiah 25:15-16
This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 16 When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them.”
Why sevenfold judgement?
Leviticus 26:18-21
“‘If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. 19 I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. 20 Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil will not yield its crops, nor will the trees of your land yield their fruit. 21 “‘If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times over, as your sins deserve.
above verse is a Warning to His people if they're persistence to idolatry
Seven means fullness, completeness of the judgement of God
Revelation 8:1
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
This is In preparation for seven trumpet
Golden bowls full of Gods wrath is also full of incense, God has seen ... God will act on their behalf..
With each rebellion of human against God's rules, it gets tighten and tighten. We should walk in healthy reverence of God's ways and Hid holiness. He will answer and vindicate me in due time.
The day of judgement is unavoidable.
Revelation 16:1
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”
Revelation 16:12-16
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East. 13 Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. 15 “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” 16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
Revelation 16:17-21
The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. 19 The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. 21 From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds,[a] fell on people. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.
Air is associated with the dwelling of the demonic
45kg per hailstone
significance of water, fire, air, earth. The pouring out meant none could escape the judgement of God.
Revelation 16:9
They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
God remembered Babylon meaning He remembers good and evil. Most important is which one He choose to forget at the end of time. He remembers the good and the terror is He remembers the bad, culprit, people who reject Him.
II: THE RIGHTEOUS JUDEMENT OF GOD
Revelation 17:1-18
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.” 3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery: babylon the great the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. 6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come. 9 “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10 They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for only a little while. 11 The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. 12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” 15 Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages. 16 The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled. 18 The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”
Revelation 15:3-4
and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations.[a] 4 Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”[b]
Revelation 16:5-7
Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just in these judgments, O Holy One, you who are and who were; 6 for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” 7 And I heard the altar respond: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”
These above two verses reveal God is Just, righteous, true and holy. He will not pardon the guilty. Accordance with the crime, no more no less. Accordance to their deserve. A holy and loving God cannot overlook justice .....
Revelation 17:1-2
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
Revelation 17:4-6
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery: babylon the great the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. 6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.
God judgement is aim at Babylon, even the downfall was mention in rev 14:8
Revelation 14:8
A second angel followed and said, “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great,’[a] which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”
Babylon signify....
Who else?
Babylon alliances, the kings, multitudes who follow Babylon, demons political system, immoral yet enticing allure, those who indulge footsies, those who want to profit from babylon ....
Revelation 17:15
Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.
Revelation 17:16-17
The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.
Prostitute is Babylon
There is no loyalty among the godless.
"Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her."
- G.K. Chesterton -
Bowls were designed by God to bring people to repentance.
Spur one another to remain faithful to God. Days will be tougher and tougher ... for believers. So stay united, bonded with believers in discipleship making.
1. Brace ourselves for the inevitable
2. Work while it is day, when night comes no man can work
John 9:4
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Book of Revelation - What's up?
by Pastor Peter Lim
Sometimes war is inevitable. There is an intensse spiritual battle going on and we're in the part of the cosmic war.
Big idea:
Jesus shows us the supernatural conflict behind the events of human history
Seven signs from Christ birth to His return which is second coming
Rev 12:1-6
A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
Christ defeated satan through the cross
So the scene open with conflict between woman and dragon. Biblical scene is garden of eden, serpent caused eve to fall into sin. Such conflict brings back first divine rebellion led by fallen being. This divine rebellion started a war between good and evil through to birth of Christ and continue to this last days
We see three signs:
#1 The Woman - The people of God
#2 The male child - Jesus Christ
#3 The dragon - satan/devil
Fallen divine being going all out to attack the people of God especially attacking the promised Messiah Jesus Christ because satan knew the descendant of eve would bruise his head and exact a crushing defeat on him. When Christ was born, satan sought to destroy Him.
verse 5: a child was caught up to God
Christ overpowered satan and his works together with Stars of heaven which are the fallen divine beings. This did not happen at some pre-historic time like before the fall of man, this vision describe the time where the enemy was persecuting the people of God. That was the time satan lost his place in the heavenly realm.
Woman was kept safe by God for 1260 days which symbolises the church age. Between first and second coming of Jesus Christ. Is similar to the 42 month period we read in Daniel and Rev says time, time and half a time. Not a literal 1260 days but symbolic to first and second coming of Jesus Christ. We are also being protected during this period of time. Church is unstoppable.
next scene is the heavenly battle which is
#4 The heavenly battle
Revelation 12:7-12
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”
John sees a large scale war taking place. On one side, he sees Michael and the angels. On the other side he sees the dragon and his angels.
What is the significance of that?
According to verse 10, from heavenly position from persecuting the people of God, satan the accuser have been thrown down from the heavenly realm to earthly realm so that he can no longer accuse the saints before God. From earthly perspective it seems as though that evil is rampant, evil unstoppable, wicked prosper and righteous suffer and devil seems to reign, look from heavenly perspective, evil rages not because it is powerful but it is desperate. Satan is not invinsible like wounded animal, his time is short.
Revelation 12:11
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
They refers to people of God under satan attack and we have conquered because of Jesus blood and word of our testimony, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The suffering of the saints is actually a sign of their victory. A declaration of allegiance to Jesus alone and will not compromise even they had to die. Revelation 12:17
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
Satan cannot destroy the child of God so he turn to persecute the woman which is the people of God carries on until today. When christian suffers for Jesus and even die as martyrs because of their faithfulness to God, does that mean victory to devil everytime a martyr dies? No! Throughout revelation, true conquering and victory are accomplish when we stay faithful to God even through circumstances.
Revelation 13:1-3
The dragon[a] stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.
Christ defeat satan through the church
#5 The beast of the sea
(evil worldly kingdoms that persecute God's people)
Imagery of sea monster in Old Testament to represent evil worldly kingdom who persecute people of God. Also known as anti christ. Aka ancient Rome in John's days
Daniel 7
4 beast here.
In revelation All beast combine to one
This beast seems to have wounds that heal and people believe it and follow it.
This beast oppress saints, blesphemous against God....
Revelation 13:10b
“If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed[a] with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.”[b]
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. beast is powerful but only to what God allows.
There is a call for endurance and faith of saints. This is a way to defeat the first beast
Second beast :
Revelation 13:11-13,
Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people.
Revelation 13:16-18
It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man.[a] That number is 666.
#6 Beast of the earth
(false religions and economic systems that mislead nations to idolatry)
This beast is equally powerful, signs and miracles like Elijah, represent false prophets persuading people to worship first beast to idoltry which is the anti christ. By economic pressure. If you didn't have mark, you cannot buy and sell.
What is this mark?
This was not the first time that a mark or seal was mentioned.
Revelation 7 and Revelation 9, the servants of God were sealed on their forehead to save them from the coming judgement of God.
Almost contrasted against that, undying allergiance and devotion to God. The mark of beast is not a tattoo or outward labelling.... the mark of beast is found on those who identify themselves with the essence of his name, the essence of anti-christ. They wilfully align themselves with satan and against Jesus.
What is 666?
Reinterpret the number as a number of imperfection which falls short of perfection which is seven. Represents Failure upon failure upon failure, the demonic trinity of imperfection.
#7 Seven angels with seven plagues
Revelation 15
What does this means for all of us in light of all the supernatural conflict happenings?
Application #1 : Take the mark of the lamb by fully committed to Christ, full commitment and full devotion
Application #2 : Triumph in spiritual warfare through our testimony.
It may be scary and will cause us something but urgency is calling for our family, relatives and loved ones. Even if is inconvenient and distrupt our lives Choose to be fully committed follower of Jesus
Our lives on earth matters how we live. How we live it out
Discern the ways of the earth that are at work and choose to live the opposite in christlike ways.
Sometimes war is inevitable. There is an intensse spiritual battle going on and we're in the part of the cosmic war.
Big idea:
Jesus shows us the supernatural conflict behind the events of human history
Seven signs from Christ birth to His return which is second coming
Rev 12:1-6
A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
Christ defeated satan through the cross
So the scene open with conflict between woman and dragon. Biblical scene is garden of eden, serpent caused eve to fall into sin. Such conflict brings back first divine rebellion led by fallen being. This divine rebellion started a war between good and evil through to birth of Christ and continue to this last days
We see three signs:
#1 The Woman - The people of God
#2 The male child - Jesus Christ
#3 The dragon - satan/devil
Fallen divine being going all out to attack the people of God especially attacking the promised Messiah Jesus Christ because satan knew the descendant of eve would bruise his head and exact a crushing defeat on him. When Christ was born, satan sought to destroy Him.
verse 5: a child was caught up to God
Christ overpowered satan and his works together with Stars of heaven which are the fallen divine beings. This did not happen at some pre-historic time like before the fall of man, this vision describe the time where the enemy was persecuting the people of God. That was the time satan lost his place in the heavenly realm.
Woman was kept safe by God for 1260 days which symbolises the church age. Between first and second coming of Jesus Christ. Is similar to the 42 month period we read in Daniel and Rev says time, time and half a time. Not a literal 1260 days but symbolic to first and second coming of Jesus Christ. We are also being protected during this period of time. Church is unstoppable.
next scene is the heavenly battle which is
#4 The heavenly battle
Revelation 12:7-12
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”
John sees a large scale war taking place. On one side, he sees Michael and the angels. On the other side he sees the dragon and his angels.
What is the significance of that?
According to verse 10, from heavenly position from persecuting the people of God, satan the accuser have been thrown down from the heavenly realm to earthly realm so that he can no longer accuse the saints before God. From earthly perspective it seems as though that evil is rampant, evil unstoppable, wicked prosper and righteous suffer and devil seems to reign, look from heavenly perspective, evil rages not because it is powerful but it is desperate. Satan is not invinsible like wounded animal, his time is short.
Revelation 12:11
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
They refers to people of God under satan attack and we have conquered because of Jesus blood and word of our testimony, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The suffering of the saints is actually a sign of their victory. A declaration of allegiance to Jesus alone and will not compromise even they had to die. Revelation 12:17
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
Satan cannot destroy the child of God so he turn to persecute the woman which is the people of God carries on until today. When christian suffers for Jesus and even die as martyrs because of their faithfulness to God, does that mean victory to devil everytime a martyr dies? No! Throughout revelation, true conquering and victory are accomplish when we stay faithful to God even through circumstances.
Revelation 13:1-3
The dragon[a] stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.
Christ defeat satan through the church
#5 The beast of the sea
(evil worldly kingdoms that persecute God's people)
Imagery of sea monster in Old Testament to represent evil worldly kingdom who persecute people of God. Also known as anti christ. Aka ancient Rome in John's days
Daniel 7
4 beast here.
In revelation All beast combine to one
This beast seems to have wounds that heal and people believe it and follow it.
This beast oppress saints, blesphemous against God....
Revelation 13:10b
“If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed[a] with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.”[b]
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. beast is powerful but only to what God allows.
There is a call for endurance and faith of saints. This is a way to defeat the first beast
Second beast :
Revelation 13:11-13,
Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people.
Revelation 13:16-18
It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man.[a] That number is 666.
#6 Beast of the earth
(false religions and economic systems that mislead nations to idolatry)
This beast is equally powerful, signs and miracles like Elijah, represent false prophets persuading people to worship first beast to idoltry which is the anti christ. By economic pressure. If you didn't have mark, you cannot buy and sell.
What is this mark?
This was not the first time that a mark or seal was mentioned.
Revelation 7 and Revelation 9, the servants of God were sealed on their forehead to save them from the coming judgement of God.
Almost contrasted against that, undying allergiance and devotion to God. The mark of beast is not a tattoo or outward labelling.... the mark of beast is found on those who identify themselves with the essence of his name, the essence of anti-christ. They wilfully align themselves with satan and against Jesus.
What is 666?
Reinterpret the number as a number of imperfection which falls short of perfection which is seven. Represents Failure upon failure upon failure, the demonic trinity of imperfection.
#7 Seven angels with seven plagues
Revelation 15
What does this means for all of us in light of all the supernatural conflict happenings?
Application #1 : Take the mark of the lamb by fully committed to Christ, full commitment and full devotion
Application #2 : Triumph in spiritual warfare through our testimony.
It may be scary and will cause us something but urgency is calling for our family, relatives and loved ones. Even if is inconvenient and distrupt our lives Choose to be fully committed follower of Jesus
Our lives on earth matters how we live. How we live it out
Discern the ways of the earth that are at work and choose to live the opposite in christlike ways.
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Book of Revelation - Danger ahead
by Pastor Wilson
unpack seven trumpets, liken to main russian doll, has a russian doll effect. God's wrath on earth. The layers point to end time stories leading to Christ return.
God idea:
God is merciful and desire the repentance of all
Seal 1: White horse - Conquest (Rev 6:2)
I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
Seal 2: Red horse - Violence (Rev 6:3-4)
When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.
Seal 3: Black horse - Economic hardship (Rev 6:5-6)
When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds[a] of wheat for a day’s wages,[b] and six pounds[c] of barley for a day’s wages,[d] and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Seal 4: Pale horse - Death (Rev 6:7-8)
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Seal 5: The Redeemed's cry for justice (Rev 6:9-11)
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters,[a] were killed just as they had been.
Seal 6: The Wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:12-17)
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us[a] from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their[b] wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”
Seal 7: Silence in Heaven (Rev 8:1)
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
The first four seals unveiling of each horse does not mean they will come one after another. It may take place concurrently. John saw in sequence cause God lets him see. All the seals may not be sequential. Eg. church service, same time but can have many background happenings take place, different scenes taking place simultaneously at a certain time. Although this may be explained to John in sequence but may not happen in sequence.
FIRST TRUMPET, ECO SYSTEM
Revelation 8:6-7
Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. 7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Similar happenings during Moses day:
Exodus 9:30-35
But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.” 31 (The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley had headed and the flax was in bloom. 32 The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.) 33 Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the Lord had said through Moses.
SECOND TRUMPET, MARINE LIFE
Revelation 8:8-9
The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
THIRD TRUMPET, FRESH WATER POLLUTION
Revelation 8:10
The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
FOURTH TRUMPET, DARKNESS ON THE EARTH
The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night. 13 As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
Similar happenings during Moses day:
Exodus 10:21-23
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.
First four trumpet remind us of what God had done to Egypt, God use natural disaster as a repentance call to warn the world to give their loyalty to Jesus before the judgement and destruction.
FIFTH TRUMPET, RELEASE DEMONIC LOCUSTS ON EARTH
Revelation 9:1-11
The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them. 7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8 their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth; 9 they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10 They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11 They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.[a]
These are fallen angels chain in the abyss, to torture those without seals of God. To inflict psychological torture to those who rejected God. Seals were placed on loyal believers in Revelation 7. Demonic locusts allow to torment people for five months.
Revelation 7
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. The Great Multitude in White Robes 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” 13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’[a] nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b] ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”
SIXTH TRUMPET, RELEASE DEMONIC ARMIES
Revelation 9:13-20
Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire[a] and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound. 20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk,
Killing a third of mankind through smoke, sulfur and fire those without seals. However, those escape still do not repent. Such is the depth of depravity and harness of hearts.
Two witnesses giving testimonies, got killed and resurrected. There will be major turnaround after two witnesses resurrected Why we need two witnesses to represent the church? Old testament requirement two witnesses for testimony purpose, is God's witnesses which symbolise telling the world to repent, repent, repent. Earthquake brought many people back to God
Revelation 11:3-13
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. 7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit[a] will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, 8 and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically[b] is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10 and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13 And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
SEVENTH TRUMPET
Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
1st APPLICATION:
NATURAL, ECONOMIC & DEMONIC CALAMITIES
(all these to bring the world to repentance)
Demonic activities and attacks cannot be shielded through financial and economic stability. It is God's seal upon our lives. It is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Am i confident to have the seal of God over my life to protect me?
2nd APPLICATION:
PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
(we will be persecuted, even lose our lives. Be prepared. God will raise many "two witnesses" in this last days. God is already seeking, preparing many of us to live a radical life for Him, not about us, but about Christ.
Are we ready to be the two witnesses?
unpack seven trumpets, liken to main russian doll, has a russian doll effect. God's wrath on earth. The layers point to end time stories leading to Christ return.
God idea:
God is merciful and desire the repentance of all
Seal 1: White horse - Conquest (Rev 6:2)
I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
Seal 2: Red horse - Violence (Rev 6:3-4)
When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.
Seal 3: Black horse - Economic hardship (Rev 6:5-6)
When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds[a] of wheat for a day’s wages,[b] and six pounds[c] of barley for a day’s wages,[d] and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Seal 4: Pale horse - Death (Rev 6:7-8)
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Seal 5: The Redeemed's cry for justice (Rev 6:9-11)
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters,[a] were killed just as they had been.
Seal 6: The Wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:12-17)
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us[a] from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their[b] wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”
Seal 7: Silence in Heaven (Rev 8:1)
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
The first four seals unveiling of each horse does not mean they will come one after another. It may take place concurrently. John saw in sequence cause God lets him see. All the seals may not be sequential. Eg. church service, same time but can have many background happenings take place, different scenes taking place simultaneously at a certain time. Although this may be explained to John in sequence but may not happen in sequence.
FIRST TRUMPET, ECO SYSTEM
Revelation 8:6-7
Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. 7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Similar happenings during Moses day:
Exodus 9:30-35
But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.” 31 (The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley had headed and the flax was in bloom. 32 The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.) 33 Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the Lord had said through Moses.
SECOND TRUMPET, MARINE LIFE
Revelation 8:8-9
The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
THIRD TRUMPET, FRESH WATER POLLUTION
Revelation 8:10
The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
FOURTH TRUMPET, DARKNESS ON THE EARTH
The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night. 13 As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
Similar happenings during Moses day:
Exodus 10:21-23
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.
First four trumpet remind us of what God had done to Egypt, God use natural disaster as a repentance call to warn the world to give their loyalty to Jesus before the judgement and destruction.
FIFTH TRUMPET, RELEASE DEMONIC LOCUSTS ON EARTH
Revelation 9:1-11
The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them. 7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8 their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth; 9 they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10 They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11 They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.[a]
These are fallen angels chain in the abyss, to torture those without seals of God. To inflict psychological torture to those who rejected God. Seals were placed on loyal believers in Revelation 7. Demonic locusts allow to torment people for five months.
Revelation 7
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. The Great Multitude in White Robes 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” 13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’[a] nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b] ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”
SIXTH TRUMPET, RELEASE DEMONIC ARMIES
Revelation 9:13-20
Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire[a] and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound. 20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk,
Killing a third of mankind through smoke, sulfur and fire those without seals. However, those escape still do not repent. Such is the depth of depravity and harness of hearts.
Two witnesses giving testimonies, got killed and resurrected. There will be major turnaround after two witnesses resurrected Why we need two witnesses to represent the church? Old testament requirement two witnesses for testimony purpose, is God's witnesses which symbolise telling the world to repent, repent, repent. Earthquake brought many people back to God
Revelation 11:3-13
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. 7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit[a] will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, 8 and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically[b] is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10 and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13 And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
SEVENTH TRUMPET
Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
1st APPLICATION:
NATURAL, ECONOMIC & DEMONIC CALAMITIES
(all these to bring the world to repentance)
Demonic activities and attacks cannot be shielded through financial and economic stability. It is God's seal upon our lives. It is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Am i confident to have the seal of God over my life to protect me?
2nd APPLICATION:
PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
(we will be persecuted, even lose our lives. Be prepared. God will raise many "two witnesses" in this last days. God is already seeking, preparing many of us to live a radical life for Him, not about us, but about Christ.
Are we ready to be the two witnesses?
INVESTigate - Spiritual Wellness
by Ps lee MENG cham
Shalom
health, well-being, wholeness, blessing, bliss, soundness, completion, salvation, justice
Big idea:
God desires our lives to reflect His shalom-peace
Embrace, Experience and Enjoy
Turn worries to wonder. Focus on God supernaturally turn to wonder
1. EMBRACE THE SHALOM-PEACE FROM GOD
Where does our shalom-peace comes from? God.
Ephesians 2:13-18
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Our spiritual wellness is shalom-peace, unmerited, undeserved, awed
How can one without God's shalom-peace invite others to God's peace?
a. A competitive spirit (easily given to envying achievement to others)
b. An argumentative spirit
c. A suspicious spirit (skeptical of future hope, everything is dark)
d. A dissatisfied spirit
e. An anxious spirit (pressured to perform, wanting to control)
2. EXPERIENCE THE SHALOM-PEACE OF GOD
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Life throws many dangers at us, illness, fear of uncertainty, fear of abandonment, loss of job, insecurity etc. If we do not let go and go on, our spiritual well will dry up. Response in prayer with a heart of thanksgiving. Look in wonder, look to God in prayer. Say "God you are God and I am not"
When we encounter life's problem, we should rest easy and leave it to expert to run my life. The expert is God! Take my cues from Him. Not to resolve alone but in partnership with God. It is the presence of God where peace comes through, guarding my heart and my mind.
How can we know Him more?
a. Understand your Pathway
b. Establish a Routine (checking in with God on matters close to His heart and my heart)
c. Defer the solution to God's Way
d. Keep an attitude of Gratitude (Dear God, I don't know what is happening to me but I thank You and trust You looking out for me)
3. ENJOY THE SHALOM-PEACE WITH GOD
Spiritual wellness does not requires our lives to be perfect
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:11
Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Crisis doesn't stop us from finding joy
Shalom
health, well-being, wholeness, blessing, bliss, soundness, completion, salvation, justice
Big idea:
God desires our lives to reflect His shalom-peace
Embrace, Experience and Enjoy
Turn worries to wonder. Focus on God supernaturally turn to wonder
1. EMBRACE THE SHALOM-PEACE FROM GOD
Where does our shalom-peace comes from? God.
Ephesians 2:13-18
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Our spiritual wellness is shalom-peace, unmerited, undeserved, awed
How can one without God's shalom-peace invite others to God's peace?
a. A competitive spirit (easily given to envying achievement to others)
b. An argumentative spirit
c. A suspicious spirit (skeptical of future hope, everything is dark)
d. A dissatisfied spirit
e. An anxious spirit (pressured to perform, wanting to control)
2. EXPERIENCE THE SHALOM-PEACE OF GOD
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Life throws many dangers at us, illness, fear of uncertainty, fear of abandonment, loss of job, insecurity etc. If we do not let go and go on, our spiritual well will dry up. Response in prayer with a heart of thanksgiving. Look in wonder, look to God in prayer. Say "God you are God and I am not"
When we encounter life's problem, we should rest easy and leave it to expert to run my life. The expert is God! Take my cues from Him. Not to resolve alone but in partnership with God. It is the presence of God where peace comes through, guarding my heart and my mind.
How can we know Him more?
a. Understand your Pathway
b. Establish a Routine (checking in with God on matters close to His heart and my heart)
c. Defer the solution to God's Way
d. Keep an attitude of Gratitude (Dear God, I don't know what is happening to me but I thank You and trust You looking out for me)
3. ENJOY THE SHALOM-PEACE WITH GOD
Spiritual wellness does not requires our lives to be perfect
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:11
Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Crisis doesn't stop us from finding joy
Sunday, September 24, 2023
INVESTigate - Financial Wellness
by Mr Kelvin Ng
Big Idea:
God wants us to handle our finances to reflect His generosity
Believers need to have a biblical understanding of money so we can get a spiritual compass. If not careful, we'll be channel into the trap of chasing more and more.
1st biblical foundations of Financial Wellness: God owns Everything.
Psalms 24:1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
Jeremiah 10:23
Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
Consider the things we own.
Consider the things we think we own.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
May you find freedom as you embrace the God who own you.
2nd biblical foundations of Financial Wellness: God determines our Portion.
God decides how much to give to each of us.
Why is our portion different from others?
Matthew 25:14-15
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
The master alone knew each servant how much they can handle
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
God doesn't want us to compare as it will either make us feel good or bad, vulnerable to envy, pride, jealousy and all these drives us away from God. God is my paymaster, not my boss or job.
3rd biblical foundations of Financial Wellness: We are to account to God for our portion.
Luke 12:48
But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
It's about how we steward what we have over God's resources for His Glory.
1st way we can steward God's resources : Spend less than what we earn
Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Ultimately it is a choice to live within our means or below our means.
2nd way we can steward God's resources : Be wise with debts
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Debts always mortgages the future.
3rd way we can steward God's resources : Plan for financial margin
Proverbs 6:8
yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
4th way we can steward God's resources : Set long term goals
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
5th way we can steward God's resources : Give generously
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Although rich, we can be incomplete.
Big Idea:
God wants us to handle our finances to reflect His generosity
Believers need to have a biblical understanding of money so we can get a spiritual compass. If not careful, we'll be channel into the trap of chasing more and more.
1st biblical foundations of Financial Wellness: God owns Everything.
Psalms 24:1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
Jeremiah 10:23
Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
Consider the things we own.
Consider the things we think we own.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
May you find freedom as you embrace the God who own you.
2nd biblical foundations of Financial Wellness: God determines our Portion.
God decides how much to give to each of us.
Why is our portion different from others?
Matthew 25:14-15
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
The master alone knew each servant how much they can handle
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
God doesn't want us to compare as it will either make us feel good or bad, vulnerable to envy, pride, jealousy and all these drives us away from God. God is my paymaster, not my boss or job.
3rd biblical foundations of Financial Wellness: We are to account to God for our portion.
Luke 12:48
But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
It's about how we steward what we have over God's resources for His Glory.
1st way we can steward God's resources : Spend less than what we earn
Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Ultimately it is a choice to live within our means or below our means.
2nd way we can steward God's resources : Be wise with debts
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Debts always mortgages the future.
3rd way we can steward God's resources : Plan for financial margin
Proverbs 6:8
yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
4th way we can steward God's resources : Set long term goals
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
5th way we can steward God's resources : Give generously
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Although rich, we can be incomplete.
INVESTigate - Relational Wellness
by Ms Wan Leng
How many people do you think are present in a 2 persons conversation?
1. You
2. Me
3. The person I think I am
4. The person you think I am
5. The person I really am
6. The person you think you are
7. The person I think you are
8. The person you really are
Big idea:
God wants our relationships to demonstrate His love
1st foundational facts:We are created as relational beings.
Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
2nd foundational facts:We are made for community living.
Life giving communities emerge at the intersection of divine grace and human effort
Our relationship with self and others cannot be well without God
Relationship with self must start with our identity in Christ.
- I am created in the image of God.
- I am a child of God.
- I am redeemed and forgiven
- I am a new creation.
- I have a purpose and calling.
Not who or what I am but whose I am
Knowing our identity in Christ makes us overcomes struggles of unworthiness....
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Relational wellness is others focus
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Human needs to be free and be set free in the pursuits of wellness.
Everyone has internal struggles that directly impact their .... what impacts relational wellness is the question of what was and is our posture each time we hurt.
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
We will become bitter, broken and ultimately in bondage if we keep the memories in a terabyte and finally terrorise the person of 30 years memories. By the power of the Holy Spirit, keep no records of wrong if we choose to and not to.
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Because there are only so few seeds in my life and I only have 24 hours.
Relational wellness is for the wellness of the Body of Christ.
I am because God is, and we are.
How many people do you think are present in a 2 persons conversation?
1. You
2. Me
3. The person I think I am
4. The person you think I am
5. The person I really am
6. The person you think you are
7. The person I think you are
8. The person you really are
Big idea:
God wants our relationships to demonstrate His love
1st foundational facts:We are created as relational beings.
Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
2nd foundational facts:We are made for community living.
Life giving communities emerge at the intersection of divine grace and human effort
Our relationship with self and others cannot be well without God
Relationship with self must start with our identity in Christ.
- I am created in the image of God.
- I am a child of God.
- I am redeemed and forgiven
- I am a new creation.
- I have a purpose and calling.
Not who or what I am but whose I am
Knowing our identity in Christ makes us overcomes struggles of unworthiness....
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Relational wellness is others focus
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Human needs to be free and be set free in the pursuits of wellness.
Everyone has internal struggles that directly impact their .... what impacts relational wellness is the question of what was and is our posture each time we hurt.
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
We will become bitter, broken and ultimately in bondage if we keep the memories in a terabyte and finally terrorise the person of 30 years memories. By the power of the Holy Spirit, keep no records of wrong if we choose to and not to.
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Because there are only so few seeds in my life and I only have 24 hours.
Relational wellness is for the wellness of the Body of Christ.
I am because God is, and we are.
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