1/31/25

We are citizens of heaven, lambs book of life (Phil 3:20)

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Phil 3:20

Enjoying the BSF study of Revelation. Exodus 32:32; Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; Philippians 3:20 helps us understand the "lambs book of life" and what it means. 

Forgiveness of sin from God is required as well as supernatural rescue. We have power but rejoice in our relationship with God rather than the power. Citizens of heaven can be known by what they consider good news worth sharing. Romans 8:18-25 shows our character as we suffering patiently waiting, yet eagerly expecting the Children of God to be revealed. Victory awaits us as the Church Triumphant in heaven, until then we are the Church militant

What's the alternative? 

And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made (Rev 13:8)....The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died (Rev 17:8) ...I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books (Rev 20:12)...And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Rev 20:15)... Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Rev 21:27)

Life is hard without God, why? BSF Lesson 18 from Revelation study gives us some insight into hardship and suffering people face. I'm given new eyes of compassion for ministry. 

How and why did Jesus suffer? (See Isaiah 53:10-11; Matthew 16:21; Acts 2:23; and Romans 4:25.)

How and why do Christians experience suffering because they follow Jesus? (See Mark 8:34-38; Acts 5:41; and Philippians 3:10.) How have you experienced this in your life?

What do the following passages say suffering does for God’s people, and how have you seen this in your life?,  Psalm 73:26-28; Proverbs 3:11-12;  Romans 5:3-4;  Romans 8:17; Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 3:8-9; Hebrews 5:8-9

From the following passages, what does God give His people to equip them in their suffering? How does this give you hope and strength for your present suffering? Psalm 23;  Matthew 11:28-29;  1 Corinthians 10:13;  2 Corinthians 12:6-10;  Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 21:4

What are we called to do since we have received comfort and God’s equipping in our suffering? (See John 15:12; 1 Peter 4:12-19; and 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.)


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