Some of the language used to describe God in Revelation 4 includes royal (crowns, thrones), power (lightning/thunder), and majestic (glory, honor, praise) adjectives. Which of those do you most easily thank God for? Which of those do you most easily forget? How are those qualities of God evident in your life?In Revelation 5, John weeps profusely upon finding out that no one could open the scroll o...  Read More

Amos 5:21-24 (HCSB)21 I hate, I despise your feasts! I can’t stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. 22 Even if you offer Me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; I will have no regard for your fellowship offerings of fattened cattle.  23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs!  I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice flow like water, and...  Read More

Revelation 5:8-14 (HCSB)The Lamb Is Worthy 8 When He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slaughtered, and You redeemed people for God by Your blood from ...  Read More

Revelation 5:1-7 (HCSB)The Lamb Takes the Scroll5 Then I saw in the right hand of the One seated on the throne a scroll with writing on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 I also saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or even to look ...  Read More

Revelation 4:1-11 (HCSB)The Throne Room of Heaven4 After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne, 3 and the One seated looked like jasper and carne...  Read More

Psalm 145 (HCSB)Praising God’s GreatnessA Davidic hymn.1 I exalt You, my God the King, and praise Your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise You every day; I will honor Your name forever and ever. 3 Yahweh is great and is highly praised; His greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts. 5 I will speak of Your splendor and glori...  Read More

CHURCH CHECKUPJohn's account of the vision of Revelation was written around the mid-90s AD.Study the Word: Seven historical churches received a letter from Jesus Christ.  The messages were addressed to the churches, but the individuals who made up those churches heard them loudly and clearly.Key Truth: Faithful believers overcome persecution (Revelation 2:8-10, 12-13; 3:10-12). At every age in his...  Read More

Looking at the characteristics of the churches listed in Revelation 2-3 –which church does your Christian walk look most like? What about the churches that you have attended over the years?The Church of Pergamum seemed to have compromised on biblical truth (2:8-11). This church lived “where Satan’s throne” was (2:12). What would that look like today? What cultural issues press hardest against bibl...  Read More

Revelation 3:14-22 (HCSB)The Letter to Laodicea14 “Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation says: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.    17 Because you say, ‘I’m ric...  Read More

Revelation 3:1-13 (HCSB)The Letter to Sardis3 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: “The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. 2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received ...  Read More

Revelation 2:18-29 (HCSB)The Letter to Thyatira18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: “The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says: 19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first. 20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a pro...  Read More

Revelation 2:12-17 (HCSB)The Letter to Pergamum12 “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: “The One who has the sharp, double-edged sword says: 13 I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is! And you are holding on to My name and did not deny your faith in Me, even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness who was killed among you, where Satan lives. 14 But I have a few things against yo...  Read More