Special Topic: PREPARE FOR HIS COMING

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A Men’s Study on Revelation by Dr. Michael Youseff

Introduction

1. Filled with terrifying imagery and rich symbolism, Revelation has influenced countless depictions of end-times scenarios and other dystopian themes.
2. But that’s not the heart of its message, so we must be extremely careful how we approach this book of prophecy.
3. While it does give us a glimpse of future events, this revelation was not given so that we might work out the Lord’s exact plans.
4. It is not a book we read and study to demonstrate superior knowledge or spirituality.
5. Rather, God gave us this book to encourage and exhort us with the image of our risen Savior – mighty, fearsome, and worthy.
6. Though the earth and all that is in it will give way before Him at the end of time, Jesus holds every believer in His mighty hands.
7. He is moving all history toward His glorious purpose.
8. So, as we dig into Revelation, let’s take to heart its core message: Jesus Christ is King of kings!
9. That is the Good News that can transform our lives here and now – and prepare us to face any trial with peace and confidence.

#1 – “PREPARE FOR THE END TIMES”

Revelation completes the Gospel, giving us a vision of our risen and glorified Savior.

1. It’s interesting how some Christians approach the book of Revelation.
2. Many avoid it, finding it strange and confusing.
3. Some treat it as a “code” of predicting the future.
4. But that’s not why God gave us this book.
5. Revelation was not given to gratify our curiosity or puff us up with secret knowledge.
6. Rather, it was given to transform our lives here and now!
7. In fact, in it, God offers this blessing: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Rev. 1:3 & Rev. 22:7).
8. Have you ever stopped to consider Revelation’s complete title?
9. Not “John’s Revelation.”
10. Not “A Revelation of Future Events.”
11. Rather, it is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”
12. The word “Revelation” comes from the Greek word for “uncovering.”
13. And that is exactly what this book does.
14. This vision of Jesus Christ completes the Gospel, weaving together the past, the present, and the future (Rev. 1:19).
15. It gives us a portrait of Jesus Christ that should take our breath away!
16. It gives us an awesome inspiring glimpse of what our Lord is going to do.
17. This Jesus is not a babe in a manger or a “helpless” body on a cross.
18. He is – right at this very moment – the risen, glorified King of kings!
19. And He will come again to judge the world!
20. Revelation resolves the two pictures of the Messiah in the Old Testament.
21. A Messiah who would suffer and die and a Messiah who would reign and rule in power!
22. They are one and the same: Jesus Christ, Lord of lords!!
23. Our Messiah who suffered, died, and rose again at His first coming will return as the righteous Judge at His second coming.
24. The same Jesus who had no place to lie His head will return, and the Earth will not be worthy to serve as His footstool.
25. The same Jesus who now welcomes all to come and receive the gift of eternal life by His grace will return to shut the door!
26. He will separate the sheep – the true believers – from the goats.
27. This is really the purpose of Revelation!
28. Through this vision, Jesus was sending specific messages to His churches in Asia Minor – and to us today – giving us a glimpse of our future. (Revelation 2-3)
29. But we mustn’t get sidetracked by details of end-time prophecies that make no difference to our salvation.
30. Rather, we must focus on the bigger picture: God’s ultimate plan for history!
31. It’s a vision that will lift us above every trial, even in the dark days ahead.
32. Indeed, when the apostle John was given this astonishing vision, he was the sole survivor of the twelve apostles. The other eleven were all martyred!
33. He had been exiled to the Island of Patmos for refusing to participate in emperor worship.
34. The emperor had intended to punish and silence him, but God turned John’s exile into the most powerful heavenly vision for all eternity.
35. He transformed John’s punishment into praise, his pain into gain, his stagnation into revelation.
36. God transported him to the Lord’s Day – assuring John and all believers that we’re not wandering aimlessly.
37. God is in control, reigning and ruling right now.
38. And all of history – every event in the past, present, and future – serves His purposes.
39. Though the days will be dark, the glory that is coming will obliterate all darkness forever.
40. So, as we reflect on the riches of this precious book of Scripture, I plead with you: don’t just be curious about the end times; be prepared for it!!
41. Because the core problem that Revelation addressed in the first-century church is the same that as we face today: “compromise.”
42. Let’s hold fast to Revelation as both a powerful warning and an incredible encouragement.
43. Christ is coming soon, and no one can snatch us from His hands!!

“As you study Revelation, ask the Holy Spirit to keep you focused on the complete Gospel and the glory that is coming!”
Jesus said, “I am the living One: I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! … Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later” (Revelation 1:18-19).

#2 – “CHRIST IS WORTHY OF OUR DEVOTION”

“Jesus exhorts His Church across time and space – including you and me – to renew our love for Him!” (Read Revelation 1:10-3:22)

1. Christ Jesus is the focal point of all history.
2. That’s why, in Revelation, He is called “the Beginning and the end” Revelation 22:13.
3. Glory, honor, majesty, and praise belong to Him alone!
4. He was there in Genesis 1:1, and He will be there when the new heaven and new earth come down.
5. He is the Head of His Church.
6. Indeed, when John first sees the glorified Christ, He is standing among seven golden lampstands, representing seven churches.
7. The number 7, a symbol of completion and perfection, indicates they represent all churches throughout history.
8. And the “purpose” of these lampstands is to faithfully shine the light of Jesus into this dark world.
9. You see, the church of Jesus Christ is not a country club, business corporation, holy huddle or bless-me club.
10. The Church of Jesus Christ is not in “show business,” not an entertainment center.
11. It is called to shine the light of Jesus (Matt. 5:14). “The light of the world!”
12. Light sends darkness fleeing.
13. It brings understanding and empowers people to discern the truth!
14. If a church ceases to be light in a dark world, Jesus extinguishes it!
15. A faithful church must serve as a lampstand – spreading the light of the Son of Man!
16. John describes Jesus as He stands amid the seven lampstands: He is wearing the robes of the high priest, who intercedes on behalf of all believers.
17. At His waist is the golden belt of Truth.
18. His hair is white as wool, representing His purity, holiness, and righteousness.
19. His eyes are like the blazing fire, which means He sees all things, all the time.
20. His feet are like fine brass, prepared to judge!!
21. His voice sounds like rushing water, indicating His supreme power and authority.
22. He holds seven stars in His right hand – the seven messages to the seven churches. (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea)
23. Out of Jesus’ mouth comes a sharp, double-edged sword, revealing that He “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
24. Finally, His face shines like the sun, awesome in glory.
25. Indeed, in light of His majesty and power, we should live every day as if He is coming back today!!
26. That’s why our Lord comes with urgent messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor, which are also for us today.
27. In every age and in every part of the world, the church needs to hear Christ’s call to order our lives today recognizing the life to come.
28. From Ephesus to Laodicea, Jesus offers a number of warnings, convictions, admonitions, encouragements, exhortations, and a powerful invitation.
29. You see, we may be people who believe the Scriptures with accurate interpretation.
30. We may stand tall for Truth.
31. But it means nothing if we love our accurate Biblical interpretations more than our Savior.
32. We must not love our good works more than Jesus.
33. If your love for Jesus grows cold, sooner or later your affection will be placed on someone or something else.
34. This opens the door to compromise, complacence, coldness, complaining, and craving the world.
35. If you see evidence of any of these symptoms in your life, ask yourself, “Who or what has replaced Jesus as the object of your affection?”
36. “What has made my white-hot love for Christ dwindle to an ember?”
37. Today, you can confess, repent, and renew your love for Jesus!
38. Indeed, as Jesus assured the church of Sardis, we can come alive again by submitting to the authority of God’s Word.
39. We can make prayer a priority, allowing the Holy Spirit to operate in our lives.
40. Jesus still offers you a beautiful invitation.
41. He is ready to call you His, if you will let Him into your life (Revelation 3:19-21).
42. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience eternal life in Christ.
43. He will return in glory and power – terrifying those who have refused Him and radiant to those who have longed for His coming!
44. “HAS YOUR LOVE FOR CHRIST WANED? HOW CAN YOU BEGIN TO RENEW YOUR AFFECTION FOR HIM TODAY?”
45. Answer: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne” (revelation 3:20-21).

#3 – “LONGING FOR HEAVEN”

“Whatever our trials, Christ is on His throne, orchestrating all things to bring us to our eternal home!”

1. Read Revelation 4:1-11
2. Though the world says instant gratification brings contentment, it is a genuine longing for heaven that makes this life more wonderful than you can imagine.
3. In fact, focusing on heaven is the truest indication of true salvation.
4. It reveals that we truly understand the hope of the Gospel. (John 3:16)
5. For, focusing on the coming promises of God brings joy and comfort during trials.
6. That’s surely why God privileged John with a glimpse of heaven.
7. Our Lord doesn’t want us to be apprehensive about this eternal future, but excited about it!
8. Scripture talks about three heavens in addition to eternal heaven.
9. The first is the dominion of Satan, where he dwells.
10. The second refers to the stellar heavens, the universe.
11. The third is where Jesus is now, receiving all believers who have fallen asleep       (see: 2 Corinthians 5:8).
12. But the eternal heaven is the new, ultimate heaven yet to come, where John, in the Spirit, looked and saw “a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it” (Rev. 4:2).
13. This throne symbolizes God’s sovereign power and authority.
14. It is the fixed center of the universe, the immovable point of reference for all time and space – an image full of awesome wonders!
15. John explains that the King seated there has the appearance of jasper, a diamond-like white stone, and camelina, a blood-red stone – depictions of Jesus’ glory and sacrifice on the cross.
16. His distinction as the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last.
17. Encircling His throne is a rainbow, a reminder of God’s eternal faithfulness.
18. Also, surrounding God’s throne are 24 elders, who represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples of Jesus.
19. That means that the heavenly church will be made up of saints from the old and new covenants – all those who by faith received the Messiah, whether they look forward to His coming and sacrifice or looked back upon His cross and resurrection!
20. During this awesome scene came flashes of lightning and rolling thunder from the throne – exemplifying the utter power of God.
21. Before that seat are seven blazing lamps – representing the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit, including His comforting presence, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (See; Isaiah 11:2).
22. When we yield to the Holy Spirit in our lives, He produces these characteristics in us even now – and He will be there with us in the new heaven.
23. Then John notes an entire sea of glass stretching before the throne, revealing the vast pure Truth of God.
24. Completing the scene are four angelic creatures who initiate constant worship of our holy God. (Revelation 4:8)
25. Now, many misconceptions exist surrounding heaven, and I am convinced are planted by our enemy Satan!
26. He constantly lies about heaven because he was thrown out and he will never be allowed to return.
27. Driven by hate, he tries to convince us that heaven is boring or that we should focus on this life because death is scary.
28. But Scripture tells us to set our minds on things above (See: Colossians 3:2).
29. All the breathtaking sights we could experience here and now don’t hold a candle to what God has prepared for us in heaven!
30. What is more, there the God of power and might will be always physically, personally present.
31. We will see Him face to face!!
32. And we will be continuously worshipping and enjoying Him!
33. Just think about it: Our Lord did not die for angels. He died for you and me, daughters and sons of Adam and Eve.
34. And if the angels of whom Jesus did not die for are praising Him day and night, can you imagine what we are going to do?
35. We will delight to bless our Redeemer who brought us into His marvelous light, proclaiming, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, for you created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11)

“WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCENE OF CHRIST’S THRONE ENCOURAGES YOU TO TAKE HEART IN WHATEVER TRIALS YOU ARE FACING TODAY??”

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#4 – “SEALED FOREVER”

“The Lord is worthy to judge sin and evil, and He seals His redeemed for glory.”

1. Read Revelation 5:1-6.
2. In Revelation, our Lord gives us a front row seat in the perfect judgment of sin and evil at the end of history.
3. His judgment comes in groups of seven (the number of perfection), and “make no mistake,” this judgment will be complete and terrible!
4. In Revelation 5, the Lord is on His throne, a scroll in His hand is sealed with seven seals.
5. And an angel asks, “who is worthy to open the scroll,” and John begins to weep because the answer is no one!
6. You see, John recognizes the significance of this scroll from Scripture.
7.  In Jeremiah 32, the Babylonians had decimated Judah, and Israel was soon to follow suit.
8. God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to buy a piece of land, which he does, burying the title deed in a clay jar as was done in his day.
9. That scroll represents God’s promise to restore.
10. In his sin, Adam handed over the title deed of earth to Satan.
11. Though Satan has been defeated at the cross, he still roams the Earth (2 Cor. 4:4, 1 Peter 5:8).
12. And he will until the glorious return of Christ, which is what we witness in Revelation.
13. Because the Lamb redeemed the deed from the grasp of Satan by His death and resurrection.
14. He alone is worthy to open the scroll and each of the seals.
15. As the “Lamb” opens the first of the seven seals, we are shown the darkest period of human history ever.
16. The first seal loosens the rider on a white horse, symbolizing false peace, for the Antichrist will pose as a man of peace.
17. The “next three seals” bring a red horse, representing war; a black horse, representing economic collapse, famine, riots, and disorder; and a pale horse, representing death.
18. The “fifth Seal,” the martyrs cry out to the Lord to avenge, and God tells them to wait just a little bit longer until the full number of martyrs is reached (see; Revelation 6:10-11).
19. While we look upon death with terror, God sees the death of believers as the successful completion of their mission.
20. At the breaking of the “sixth seal,” an unparalleled earthquake shakes the earth.
21. But even then, those who have rebelled against God will not cry out for mercy or forgiveness.
22. They will be looking for a place to hide (see Rev. 6:15-17).
23. Between the “sixth and seventh seals” is an interlude in which the faithful who remain on earth are sealed.
24. None of God’s elect will be lost, while in heaven a multitude from every nation, tribe, and language stands before the throne of God saying, “Salvation belongs to God … (Revelation 7:10).
25. Then the “seventh seal” is opened, and seven angels with seven trumpets prepare to sound them – each of them a judgment to fall on the earth.
26. Before the seventh trumpet sounds, to reassure us, John is instructed to measure the temple, which means to place boundaries around the elect of God: Satan cannot touch us!
27. Finally, after the Gospel is preached by two witnesses for the last time, the seventh trumpet sounds, celebrating victory in heaven.
28. Though the end has not yet come, the victory is sure – the kingdom of the world has changed hands, returning to its righteous owner (see Revelation 11:15-18).
29. Now, do the catastrophic events of Revelation frighten me?
30. Absolutely not!
31. As these events draw near, I personally become more thrilled to make every minute of my life count in preparation for that great day!
32. Far from being afraid, Jesus encourages, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).
33. God’s message here and now for every believer in Jesus Christ is “Take heart! You are destined for glory!”
34. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language, and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO THE UNFOLDING OF GOD’S END-TIMES PLAN? ARE YOU READY FOR CHRIST RETURN?? IT COULD HAPPEN TODAY!

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Prayer List

Doc – renewed vigor to join us on Saturdays

Richard Brooks – faith and courage during the next stage of his journey in Christ

Bob & Gaynelle – Breast cancer (from Mike Arras)

Julia (Arras) – praise for health

Jim Allen, friend of Daryl, heart issue, praise

Jim Sachs – praise

Darryl’s employee Tara – lung cancer, in US

Darryl’s Son Jonathan and Wife Lizz – spiritual renewal

Tom and Jeanice – praise and prayers for continued recovery

Becky and Lee Davidson, health and healing, difficult situation

Jim & Melissa, father-in-law’s heart condition and spiritual health, marital closeness

Mike Arras’ daughter, praise

Mike Allen – sister Adele and brother

Joe & Deb – continued prayers for Deb’s Dad, travel for Deb

Brian – Job situation

JC – health issues

JC’s granddaughter Kylie, Tiffany, and Tommy

Todd – medical issues (sinuses, hands)

Wisdom about meeting location

Our country & our world

Gayle (Karl’s wife) – wisdom, peace, strength in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds

Karl’s friend, Jesse – PRAISE! Found a good church body to join

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