Happy New Year

A new blog for the new year to correspond to our 2013 Bible Reading challenge!

Life Lessons from Revelation

1.  When we assemble together on the Lord’s Day, Christ is in our midst (1:10-20; Matthew 18:20; Ephesians 2:4-7; Matthew 26:29).

2.  Jehovah is worthy of praise for two primary reasons:  Creator & Redeemer (4:11; 5:9-10, 12).

3.  We can overcome through the Lamb (6:15-17; 16:14; 17:14; 19:15-21; Psalm 2:8-9).

Conclusion:  Read Revelation and rejoice in your calling, praise God for choosing you, remain faithful to Him, and overcome with the Lamb!

Hidden in My Heart

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2; NKJV)

Notes of Revelation 12

Revelation 12 is a virtual microcosm of the entire Bible.

12:10 the eternal purpose of God

12:4 Satan’s efforts to obstruct that divine purpose

12:17 explains the current persecution which occasioned the writing of the book

Revelation 12 addresses the origin of the present persecution by reminding saints that demonic harassment has always been the norm.

The current struggle is nothing new.

The Woman

Clothed in white (1 John 1:5)

Mother of Christ (Micah 4:6-10; Isaiah 66:7-14; also Micah 5:3)

The woman symbolizes the remnant

The Dragon

Satan, the Devil, the serpent of old

The Male Child

Jesus (Psalm 2:6-9,12)

The story of opposition is the story of the Bible

War In Heaven:  The Struggle of the Ages

The story is told twice in Revelation 12.

1-6

7-17

The second telling is an elaboration of the first

Why are the saints suffering?

The persecution of first century disciples is explained to them against the backdrop of history

Genesis 3:15

Once God had revealed His plan to bless the world through the seed of Abraham, the fight was on

While the Devil could not defeat God, he could certainly run interference to God’s eternal purpose by corrupting those who were essential to its fulfillment.

But there would always be some hearts devoted to God, and through this faithful remnant the Messiah would come.

Elaboration:  Defeat & Victory!

12:7 & 12:17

The redemptive work of Jesus has been fulfilled despite the Devil’s interference.

The Devil has been crippled in his power to accuse before God.

Warning:  The Battle Continues!

The Christ has been lifted up!

The Accuser has been cast down!

The victory belongs to God!

You Are Worthy

Jehovah God is worthy of our worship for three fundamental reasons.


1.Creator – Revelation 4:11

2.Sustainer – Acts 17:28

3.Redeemer – Revelation 5:12

Revelation 1:18

"I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." (Revelation 1:18; NKJV)

Hades – the abode of the soul

Death – the abode of the body

“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

Life Lessons from 1 John

1.  The basis of our fellowship with God is forgiveness through the blood of Christ (1).

2.  Love not the world (2:15-17).

3.  Love is the key to fellowship with God and His children (3-5).    

Conclusion:  Read 1 John by one overwhelmed by God’s love, and with renewed confidence, pass on His love to others!