2/12/16

New song, gospel proclaimed and final harvest

Revelation 14
AIM: The gospel is the power of God
A) 144,000 redeemed sing a special new song to God and Lamb
(1) John sees Lamb on Mount Zion with 144,000 his name/his Father's name written on foreheads.
(2) Heard sound like roaring water, thunder, harps
(3) sang new song before the throne, 4 living creatures, elders - no one could learn but the 144,000 redeemed from earth
(4-5) Not self defiled, virgins, follow Lamb wherever he goes, purchased, offered as first-fruits to God and Lamb, no lies, blameless
Thoughts: Everyone has sinned, so who are the 144,000? Could they be people like Job and the prophets who believed, loved and obeyed God before Christ's death and resurrection? Isaiah 1:18; Romans 1:16-17.
Application: Do I understand how Jesus "purchased" us with his blood on the cross? Do I understand 'redemption through his blood' and 'forgiveness of sins' enough to explain to people without Bible knowledge? Can I explain God's grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit for all who repent, confess and believe?

B) Angels awesome proclamation of the eternal gospel
(6-7) Another angel flying proclaimed to all the earth,eternal gospel "Fear God...hour of his judgment...Worship the maker of heaven, earth, sea and springs"
(8) Second angel said, "Fallen Babylon the Great...made all 'drink maddening wine her adulteries'"
(9-10a) Third angel said, "anyone worships the beast (Rev 13), it's image or receives its mark on forehead or hand, they, too, will 'drink wine of God's fury-poured full strength-cup of his wrath
(10b-11) They will be tormented, burning sulfur, presence of holy angels, Lamb, forever, no rest for those who worships the beast, it's image or receives the mark of its name"
(12)  This calls for patient endurance for people of God, keep commands, remain faithful to Jesus
(13) A voice from heaven, "Write this: Blessed are dead, who die in the Lord from now on." (second of 7 blessings) "Yes" says the Spirit, "they will rest from labor, deeds will follow them"
Application: How do I display patient endurance with family, friends, coworkers and students as I'm sharing the gospel? How do I share salvation from the wrath of God's judgement to people who don't know?

The Way of the Master

C) Son of man harvest the earth for final judgement
(14) son of man, seated on a cloud, gold crown, sharp sickle (Daniel 7:13)
(15) Another angel from temple "Take sickle and reap harvest of earth"
(16) Swung sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested
(17-18) Angel in charge of fire calls to another angel with sharp sickle, "gather the clusters of grapes"
(19-20) Swung sickle on the earth, gathered grapes into great wine-press of God's wrath, trampled blood flowed high as horses bridles for 180 miles
Application: How am I using my time, talent and treasure to build the kingdom of heaven?

Helpful resources:
Bible teaches people are naturally in sin and going to hell, but salvation is found in Jesus Christ

How are Christians "purchased" ?
Revelation 14:1-5;Ephesians 1:4-7, 12-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19;1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 5:1-11; Philippians 2:1-16; 1 John 1:9-10

What is the Gospel, what are Christians to do with it?
Revelation 14:6-13; Revelation 13:5-10; 16-17; 14:9-11;

What happens to people who aren't Christians?
Revelation 14:6-13; Revelation 13:5-10; 16-17; 14:9-11;

Daniel dreams of four kingdoms leading to God’s final judgement