Understanding Revelation: Tribulation, Martyrs, and God's Plan
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon delved into the profound and intricate prophecies found in the book of Revelation, particularly focusing on the tribulation period and the role of the Jewish people during this time. We began by revisiting the letters to the seven churches and the vision of the Son of Man, leading up to the opening of the seals in Revelation chapter 6. The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding Old Testament prophecies, particularly from the book of Daniel, which predict the tribulation and the role of the Jewish people in God's plan.
The tribulation is divided into two parts: the first three and a half years, where the first six seals are unraveled, and the last three and a half years, known as the Great Tribulation, marked by intense suffering and the opening of the seventh seal. During this period, 144,000 Jewish evangelists and two witnesses will play crucial roles in spreading the gospel. The sermon also touched on different theological viewpoints regarding the rapture—pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation—and their implications for believers.
A significant portion of the sermon was dedicated to understanding the role of martyrs during the tribulation. These martyrs, who will be killed for their faith, are seen as a testament to God's ongoing plan and His desire to give everyone a chance to turn to Him, even during the darkest times. The sermon concluded with a call to reflect on our purpose, the reasons we live, and what we would be willing to die for, urging us to live for God's glory and to be bold in our faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Prophecy and Tribulation: The tribulation period is a time of great suffering but also a time of significant evangelistic activity. The first three and a half years will see the unraveling of the first six seals, while the last three and a half years, known as the Great Tribulation, will be marked by the opening of the seventh seal and intense judgment. This period is crucial for understanding God's plan and the fulfillment of prophecies from the Old Testament, particularly from the book of Daniel. [29:14]
2. Role of Jewish Evangelists and Witnesses: During the tribulation, 144,000 Jewish evangelists and two witnesses will play pivotal roles in spreading the gospel. These individuals will be protected by God and will continue to proclaim His message despite the intense persecution and suffering around them. This highlights God's ongoing commitment to His people and His desire to give everyone a chance to turn to Him. [30:06]
3. Theological Viewpoints on the Rapture: There are different theological viewpoints regarding the rapture—pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation. Each viewpoint has its implications for believers and their understanding of the end times. It's essential to study these viewpoints and understand their biblical basis to form a well-rounded perspective on the rapture and the tribulation. [31:05]
4. Martyrs and Their Significance: The martyrs during the tribulation are a testament to the faithfulness of God's people and His ongoing plan for salvation. These individuals will be killed for their faith, but their sacrifice will serve as a powerful witness to God's glory and His ultimate plan for redemption. This underscores the importance of being steadfast in our faith, even in the face of persecution. [46:09]
5. Living with Purpose and Boldness: Reflecting on why we live, our purpose, and what we would be willing to die for is crucial for living a life that glorifies God. We are called to be bold in our faith, to share the gospel with others, and to live for God's glory. This involves understanding the interconnectedness of Scripture and being prepared to defend our faith with knowledge and conviction. [39:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:01] - Who Can Stop the Lord Almighty?
[27:46] - Announcements
[28:27] - Introduction to Revelation Chapter 6
[29:14] - Old Testament Prophecy and Tribulation
[30:06] - Role of Jewish Evangelists and Witnesses
[31:05] - Theological Viewpoints on the Rapture
[32:52] - Importance of Cross-Referencing Scripture
[34:15] - Cultural Context and Jewish History
[35:06] - God's Plan and Purpose
[36:28] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
[37:32] - Historical Context of Tribulation
[39:04] - Reflecting on Purpose and Sacrifice
[40:51] - Living for God's Glory
[42:05] - Addressing Sin and Condemnation
[44:49] - Martyrs and Their Significance
[46:09] - Understanding the Fifth Seal
[47:16] - Future Fulfillment of Prophecy
[48:34] - Role of the Antichrist
[49:55] - Jewish Evangelists and the Great Tribulation
[51:08] - Grafting into God's Family
[52:31] - Fulfillment of Covenants
[53:48] - Role of the 144,000
[55:09] - Different Views on the 144,000
[58:09] - Importance of Studying Scripture
[59:37] - Personal Testimony and God's Plan
[01:01:41] - God's Ongoing Work
[01:03:10] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 6:9-11
2. Daniel 9:24-27
3. Romans 11:25-26
#### Observation Questions
1. What events are described in Revelation 6:9-11 regarding the martyrs during the tribulation? ([46:09])
2. According to Daniel 9:24-27, what is the significance of the "seventy sevens" prophecy? ([31:05])
3. How does Romans 11:25-26 describe the future of Israel and their relationship with God? ([51:08])
4. What roles do the 144,000 Jewish evangelists and the two witnesses play during the tribulation according to the sermon? ([30:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 help us understand the timeline and events of the tribulation period? ([29:14])
2. What is the significance of the martyrs' cry for justice in Revelation 6:9-11, and how does it reflect God's plan during the tribulation? ([46:09])
3. How do the different theological viewpoints on the rapture (pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, post-tribulation) affect our understanding of the end times? ([31:05])
4. In Romans 11:25-26, Paul speaks of a future turning of Israel to God. How does this align with the role of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the tribulation? ([51:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the question, "Why do you live?" How does understanding your purpose in God's plan change your daily actions and decisions? ([39:04])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of being bold in our faith. What are some practical ways you can share the gospel with others in your community this week? ([40:51])
3. Considering the role of martyrs during the tribulation, what does it mean to be steadfast in your faith even in the face of persecution? How can you prepare yourself for such steadfastness? ([46:09])
4. How can studying Old Testament prophecies, like those in Daniel, enhance your understanding of the New Testament and God's overall plan? ([29:14])
5. The sermon discussed different viewpoints on the rapture. How can you respectfully engage in discussions with others who may have different theological perspectives? ([31:05])
6. Reflect on the significance of living for God's glory. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure that your actions and decisions honor God? ([40:51])
7. The sermon concluded with a call to reflect on what you would be willing to die for. What are the core values and beliefs that you hold so dearly that you would sacrifice everything for them? ([39:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Prophecy and Tribulation
The tribulation period is a time of great suffering but also a time of significant evangelistic activity. The first three and a half years will see the unraveling of the first six seals, while the last three and a half years, known as the Great Tribulation, will be marked by the opening of the seventh seal and intense judgment. This period is crucial for understanding God's plan and the fulfillment of prophecies from the Old Testament, particularly from the book of Daniel. [29:14]
Daniel 12:1-2 (ESV): "At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
Reflection: How does understanding the tribulation period and its significance in God's plan change the way you view current events and your role in God's kingdom today?
Day 2: Role of Jewish Evangelists and Witnesses
During the tribulation, 144,000 Jewish evangelists and two witnesses will play pivotal roles in spreading the gospel. These individuals will be protected by God and will continue to proclaim His message despite the intense persecution and suffering around them. This highlights God's ongoing commitment to His people and His desire to give everyone a chance to turn to Him. [30:06]
Revelation 7:3-4 (ESV): "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel."
Reflection: In what ways can you be bold in sharing your faith, knowing that God protects and empowers His messengers even in the most challenging circumstances?
Day 3: Theological Viewpoints on the Rapture
There are different theological viewpoints regarding the rapture—pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation. Each viewpoint has its implications for believers and their understanding of the end times. It's essential to study these viewpoints and understand their biblical basis to form a well-rounded perspective on the rapture and the tribulation. [31:05]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
Reflection: Which theological viewpoint on the rapture do you find most compelling, and how does it influence your daily walk with Christ?
Day 4: Martyrs and Their Significance
The martyrs during the tribulation are a testament to the faithfulness of God's people and His ongoing plan for salvation. These individuals will be killed for their faith, but their sacrifice will serve as a powerful witness to God's glory and His ultimate plan for redemption. This underscores the importance of being steadfast in our faith, even in the face of persecution. [46:09]
Revelation 6:9-11 (ESV): "When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, 'O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been."
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and mind to remain faithful to God, even if it means facing persecution or hardship for your beliefs?
Day 5: Living with Purpose and Boldness
Reflecting on why we live, our purpose, and what we would be willing to die for is crucial for living a life that glorifies God. We are called to be bold in our faith, to share the gospel with others, and to live for God's glory. This involves understanding the interconnectedness of Scripture and being prepared to defend our faith with knowledge and conviction. [39:04]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to live more boldly for God's glory and to share your faith with those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God has a plan for everything. Doesn't matter how bad you're what you're going through is bad. There is a plan for that. And God had a purpose for it. You may not understand now, but there's a reason why God. God uses a Persian king to release the Jews from bondage. All right, that just didn't happen. It's like Jews and Samaritans did not connect with each other in the New Testament. Jesus was the woman, the whale. That was a no-no. Persians didn't release Jews. All right, they found themselves in slavery a whole lot. You can read about that in the book of Nehemiah." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Why do you live? What is your purpose? And number three, what would you die for? Like, what would you die for? Why do you wake up every morning? Why do you go to work? Why do you provide for your family? Why do you do that? What is the purpose? For me as a man, why do I live? I live so I can wake up every morning and provide for my family. Love my wife, love my boys, and have a great time with them. Enjoy doing life with other people because God called me to live." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We had an event in Hendersonville yesterday, a pride event. June is pride month and it's celebrating a sin, a sin. It's the same sin of someone who gossips, someone who is a glutton, same one who is a lover of money. It's a sin. And Jordan was telling me about some people that were there. I figured they were going to be there yelling, condemning people to hell. What does that do to the gospel? Do you think that someone that is living in sin and you walk up to them and say, hey, you're going to burn in hell, that's going to lead them to Jesus?" (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God did not send Jesus to die for religion. He sent Jesus to die so that we may have a personal relationship with him. Religion controls you. Jews are very religious. They live underneath the law. Orthodox Jews live underneath the law. 684, I believe, laws that Orthodox Jews live under. Could you imagine that? Could you imagine some denominations that believe if you sin, you lose your salvation? Imagine the fear of having to walk a straight and narrow line and know that, man, I could lose my salvation." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's not done with you yet. I don't care what the enemy speaks to you. I don't care what you've done or where you've been. I don't care what sin you're living in or what sin you've done. God is not done with you yet. And he has called us not to be the church inside of a building. He's called us to be the church outside in the world. Not to glorify man, not to honor man, not to worship man, but to honor and glorify Jesus Christ, our Savior. So turn your eyes on him and serve him." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Old Testament prophecy from Daniel. It predicts 600 years before the birth of Jesus. We know the tribulation will last seven years. So, remember, the tribulation is the first three and a half years is the part of the beginning of the tribulation where we're seeing these seals unravel, the first six seals unraveled. The last three and a half years is called the Great Tribulation. It's the darkest time of the tribulation, a time when there's a lot of death in there. And that's when the seventh seals are going to be opened up." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The 490 year prophetic time clock begins in 445 BC when the Persian king not realizing his part in God. God's great design for man released the Jews from bondage to rebuild the walls. We can see that in Nehemiah chapter two. Here's the cool thing about everything works out for God's plan. I know that many of you guys struggle in life. I struggle in life. We go through different things. It becomes the part of our story, our testimony. But God has a plan for everything." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Daniel predicted that after 483 years the anointed one meaning Jesus Messiah would be killed within a time after that. Then Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed. So in Israel now, there is no temple. All right, there is a spot outside the south part, southeastern side of the gate that is the mark for the new temple to be built. All right, it was there in 2018. It's a lot of rubble there right now because that's where they say originally the temple was at. But there is a spot for the temple to be rebuilt." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So let's look at Revelation 6, 9 through 11. And when he opened the fifth seal, he saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, O sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? Now remember, I believe the church has gone home, has been called home. We're in the tribulation. We're in there and they're seeing amount of bloodshed. People are going to be killed during that time frame." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "After the church is taken away, God will turn his attention, to Israel once more. So you say, this is where me and a lot of my friends kind of come into a disagreement when it comes to Israel. I believe, not making Jews special, they are God's people, all right, I do believe there will be a time in this tribulation that all Jews will turn their eyes back over to God and understand that Jesus is the Messiah. The reason why is because God is going to use 144,000 Jewish evangelists to proclaim the gospel message during the first three and a half years of the tribulation." (-1077 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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