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April 3, 2008 |
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Revelation Chapter 4 v1 - after these things - after the
messages to the 7 churches -things follow in sequence in the
Book of Revelation behold - this is a word to get
peoples' attention door - an opening; gate or an
entrance -there is an open door in heaven and
anyone can walk through it - 2 Peter 3:9 -Many people this is the rapture of
the church a.) the church is not on earth after
this verse b.) the church is mentioned 16 times
in the first 3 chapters of Revelation, but is not found on earth the rest of
the book Trumpet and shout - 1 Thess 4:13-18
- to be seized in a state of ecstacy 1. the only requirement for the
rapture is to be saved - we are saved by grace and not works 2. the rapture takes place so the
Lord can deal with Israel 3. 3 main theories of the rapture -
pre trib/mid trib/post trib v2 - throne - this is the key word
in Chapter 4 -it is used 12 times in chpater 4 -it is used 46 times in the book of
Revelation *I was in the Spirit - to be
transported spiritually to a place to see things
-this can be a daily walk ON THE THRONE - v2 a. the throne is in the 3rd heaven b. God is on the throne God is like - this is a comparison
v3 Jasper - is clear as crystal -
represents the purity and glory of the Lord - the first thing people see when
they see Jesus Sardius - red in color like fire -
this speaks of God's righteous wrath and judgment Rainbow - signifies a covenant with
God (Genesis
9:11-17) -emerald - the rainbow will
mostly be green in color -it is a complete circle -
everything is complete in heaven v4 - AROUND THE THRONE a. elders - always represent human
beings b. white robe - always signifies
righteousness c. they are distinguished from
angels as seen in Revelation 5:11 d. they wore crowns - stephanos in
the Greek signifying the victors crown
(1) these are rewards for our service to the Lord here on earth (2)
the 24 elders are sitting on thrones whoich represents them ruling and reigning
with Jesus Christ
(3) the JSOC occurs right after the rapture - Rev 14:10-12 & 2 Cor 5:9-10
(4) crowns are an expression of our love and dedication for Jesus -crowns have to do with our
relationship with jesus Christ -crowns must be earned e. the 24 elders represent all born again
believers 12 tribes of Israel - all OT
believers 12 disciples - all NT believers v5 - OUT OF THE THRONE -storm signals are coming out of the
throne -it shows something is coming -lightning and thunder are
indications of a coming storm and reminders of God's power and presence vs5b-6 - BEFORE THE THRONE - Lamps
and a Sea 4 Living Creatures -there are 2 main theories about
these creatures -they are some kind of angelic being -they are simply a special creation
of God distinguishable from angels Characteristics of angels v7 lion - strength calf - service man - smart eagle - fast and quick v8 - eyes - wisdom They were created to worship
God.................. vs9-11 - TO THE THRONE - Worship worthy - means to be deserving -this is the heavenly pattern for
praise that must be brought to earth - The Lord's Prayer
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