Revelation5:1-5
A scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. No one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and is seven seals.
At this point John begins to see the things which 'must happen' in the future.
A scroll completely covered with writing, inside and out, and sealed with seven seals - the scroll that contains the world's destiny - must be opened. John is full of anguish that no one is found worthy. Then one of the elders calls his attention to 'the Lion from Judah's tribe': the Lion who won his victory as the slain Lamb.
Chapter 4 pictured God the creator. This chapter pictures God the Redeemer.
Why?
God let John know what will happen in the world.
God has the authority of world and heaven.
How?
Be rejoice and faithful, hope to the Lord Almighty.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come.
Revelation 4:1-11
John saw the throne in heaven.
There are 24 other thrones surrounding the throne and seated on them were 24 elders.
Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes. The first living creatures was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four creature had six wings. Day and nigh they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come."
Elders saying "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
The scene and the perspective shift from earth to heaven.
The picture of the struggling churches fades before this sublime崇高 vision of the throne- the control centre of the universe- ringed by an emerald翡翠 rainbow.
The One who is seated there defies description. John can only say that he seems to be shot with diamond light, to glow red as a ruby.
Around him are the 'elders': possibly Israel's 12 patriarchs, plus apostles, but probably angelic beings who represent all God's faithful people.
Everything speaks of Gods power and glory, his utter faithfulness and purity.
Lightning and thunder speak of his awesomeness.
Four living creatures, all-seeing, represent the whole creation, ceaseless singing in honour of the almighty, the Holy One, 'who was, who is, who is to come.'
The elder join them to worship the eternal Lord of life.
Four living creature, similar, but not identical to Ezekiel's cherubim (Ezekiel 1 and 10) same as man, lion, eagle and ox or cherub.
Why?
The throne in the heaven is honor , glory and purity. He is the Lord Almighty, he is worthy to receive glory, honor and power.
John cannot describe the glory of the throne so he describe it seem like light of emerald, ruby and diamond.
The Lord who was, who is and who is to come. He is the everlasting God.
How?
Worship the Lord God Almighty!
John saw the throne in heaven.
There are 24 other thrones surrounding the throne and seated on them were 24 elders.
Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes. The first living creatures was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four creature had six wings. Day and nigh they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come."
Elders saying "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
The scene and the perspective shift from earth to heaven.
The picture of the struggling churches fades before this sublime崇高 vision of the throne- the control centre of the universe- ringed by an emerald翡翠 rainbow.
The One who is seated there defies description. John can only say that he seems to be shot with diamond light, to glow red as a ruby.
Around him are the 'elders': possibly Israel's 12 patriarchs, plus apostles, but probably angelic beings who represent all God's faithful people.
Everything speaks of Gods power and glory, his utter faithfulness and purity.
Lightning and thunder speak of his awesomeness.
Four living creatures, all-seeing, represent the whole creation, ceaseless singing in honour of the almighty, the Holy One, 'who was, who is, who is to come.'
The elder join them to worship the eternal Lord of life.
Four living creature, similar, but not identical to Ezekiel's cherubim (Ezekiel 1 and 10) same as man, lion, eagle and ox or cherub.
Why?
The throne in the heaven is honor , glory and purity. He is the Lord Almighty, he is worthy to receive glory, honor and power.
John cannot describe the glory of the throne so he describe it seem like light of emerald, ruby and diamond.
The Lord who was, who is and who is to come. He is the everlasting God.
How?
Worship the Lord God Almighty!
Friday, August 29, 2014
Earnest and repent! open the door, let Jesus come in my daily life.
Revelation 3:14-22
To Laodicea church
Neither cold nor hot, because your are lukewarm, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Come to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve藥膏to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. Of anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
The worst case of all seven is a church so self-satisfied as to be totally blind to its true condition.
It is so far from what it should be that Jesus stands outside, knocking for admittance to the lives of individuals who call themselves Christians.
This letter is full of local colour. Banking and the manufacture of black woollen clothing made laodicea affluent富裕. The town was proud of its medical school, and renowned for a special ointment 軟膏 for sore eyes. Laodicea's water supply was channelled from hop springs some distance away, reaching the town tepid不溫不火.
The church is like its water - lukewarm. There is nothing to commend it.
Why?
Really worst condition is who can not see what he really is. Like blind can not see his self-satisfied.
Rich - poor, eye ointment - blind, black woollen - naked
Be earnest and repent. Jesus is standing outside and knocking, open the door let Jesus come in my daily life!
How?
Earnest and repent! open the door, let Jesus come in my daily life.
To Laodicea church
Neither cold nor hot, because your are lukewarm, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Come to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve藥膏to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. Of anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
The worst case of all seven is a church so self-satisfied as to be totally blind to its true condition.
It is so far from what it should be that Jesus stands outside, knocking for admittance to the lives of individuals who call themselves Christians.
This letter is full of local colour. Banking and the manufacture of black woollen clothing made laodicea affluent富裕. The town was proud of its medical school, and renowned for a special ointment 軟膏 for sore eyes. Laodicea's water supply was channelled from hop springs some distance away, reaching the town tepid不溫不火.
The church is like its water - lukewarm. There is nothing to commend it.
Why?
Really worst condition is who can not see what he really is. Like blind can not see his self-satisfied.
Rich - poor, eye ointment - blind, black woollen - naked
Be earnest and repent. Jesus is standing outside and knocking, open the door let Jesus come in my daily life!
How?
Earnest and repent! open the door, let Jesus come in my daily life.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Faithful in God's work and keep his words
Revelation 3:7-13
Letter to Philadelphia
Who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
Obey the words of God:
I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my words and have not denied my name. I will keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole word to test those who live on the earth.
Encouragement:
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it.
Philadelphia is present-day Alacehir in Turkey. This letter, like the letter to Smyrna, contain no word of blame.
Why?
Destroyed by earth quake.
Key of David: Isaiah 22:21-22 , power and truth.
To judge by these letters, it is not the biggest, most impressive-looking churches, or those with most prestige威望, which are necessarily in best spiritual shape. Christ opens the door for effective work, not to those who are strong, but to those who are faithful.
How?
The blessing will come to church for effective work and Christ opens the door, so as to a Christian who are faithful in God's work and keep his words.
Letter to Philadelphia
Who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
Obey the words of God:
I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my words and have not denied my name. I will keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole word to test those who live on the earth.
Encouragement:
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it.
Philadelphia is present-day Alacehir in Turkey. This letter, like the letter to Smyrna, contain no word of blame.
Why?
Destroyed by earth quake.
Key of David: Isaiah 22:21-22 , power and truth.
To judge by these letters, it is not the biggest, most impressive-looking churches, or those with most prestige威望, which are necessarily in best spiritual shape. Christ opens the door for effective work, not to those who are strong, but to those who are faithful.
How?
The blessing will come to church for effective work and Christ opens the door, so as to a Christian who are faithful in God's work and keep his words.
Philadelphia was the least distinguished of the cities of the Seven Churches. It was the latest to take on importance as a city, and only a few ruins are visible now. However, on the positive side, it was located on the outer edge of Hellenistic civilization and the Christian faith, and therefore had grave responsibilities for spreading the thought patterns and activities of these transforming powers. Furthermore, Philadelphia andSmyrna were the only two churches among the Seven about which nothing bad was said by John.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Don't be self-satisfaction, do the best in the sight of God!
Revelation 3:1-6
Letter to Sardis
Worse:
You have a reputation of being alive, but your are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for none of your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
What you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.
Good:
A few people who have not soiled their clothes. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life.
For all its reputation, the church at Sardis was dying on its feet. It is not opposition this church has to overcome but apathy, indifference and self-satisfaction.
Yet there are a few whose faith is untarnished.
Be watchful rather than Wake up!
How?
Don't be self-satisfaction, do the best in the sight of God!
Letter to Sardis
Worse:
You have a reputation of being alive, but your are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for none of your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
What you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.
Good:
A few people who have not soiled their clothes. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life.
For all its reputation, the church at Sardis was dying on its feet. It is not opposition this church has to overcome but apathy, indifference and self-satisfaction.
Yet there are a few whose faith is untarnished.
Be watchful rather than Wake up!
How?
Don't be self-satisfaction, do the best in the sight of God!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Hold on to what you have until Jesus come
Revelation 2:18-29
Letter to Thyatira
Good deed:
love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Against you:
Tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
Warning:
Do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets. Jesus will not impose強加 any other burden on you. Only hold on to what you have until Jesus come.
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations.
Thyatira was a town with many skilled workers, and the trade guides held meals associated with pagan worship (food offered to idols)
Those who remain faithful are promised Christ power and his presence.
Why?
This was another very mixed church. In many ways it was healthy. But an influential woman in the fellowship is advocating easy compromise with the immoral, idolatrous pagan world. And many have fallen in with her way of thinking.
There are 'Christian' who have plunged deep into evil - perhaps to demon-strata階層 their moral superiority; perhaps because they make a false separation between soul and body.
Deep secret may lead people into burden and fall into demon.
God doesn't impose any other burden on us, following the word of Lord with joy and peace!
How?
Hold on to what you have until Jesus come. Keep our love and faith, service and perseverance to the Lord!
Letter to Thyatira
Good deed:
love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Against you:
Tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
Warning:
Do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets. Jesus will not impose強加 any other burden on you. Only hold on to what you have until Jesus come.
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations.
Thyatira was a town with many skilled workers, and the trade guides held meals associated with pagan worship (food offered to idols)
Those who remain faithful are promised Christ power and his presence.
Why?
This was another very mixed church. In many ways it was healthy. But an influential woman in the fellowship is advocating easy compromise with the immoral, idolatrous pagan world. And many have fallen in with her way of thinking.
There are 'Christian' who have plunged deep into evil - perhaps to demon-strata階層 their moral superiority; perhaps because they make a false separation between soul and body.
Deep secret may lead people into burden and fall into demon.
God doesn't impose any other burden on us, following the word of Lord with joy and peace!
How?
Hold on to what you have until Jesus come. Keep our love and faith, service and perseverance to the Lord!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Faithful witness, but false teaching
Revelation 2:8-17
Letter to Smyrna
Weakness:
Your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich
The slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan-- Those Jews who harass騷擾 the church are not God's people.
Encouragement:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Church Smyrna was poverty-stricken災區- but rich in all that mattered. Jesus' word to them is all encouragement.
He has set a definite limit to their suffering - and he holds out to them the gift of life.
-----------------------------------------
Letter to Pergamum
Goodness:
You remain true to my name
You did not renounce放棄 your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city-where Satan lives
Weakness:
Where you live - where Satan has his throne.
Against them:
You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.
You also have those who teaching of the Nicolitans.
Warning:
Repent, otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
At Pergamum the church had made a brave stand despite external pressure, but some embers are addicted to false teaching. As a result, old pagan practices are creeping in. Their choice is to repent or have Christ's fight against them.
Satan's throne: Pergamum was the principal centre of emperor- worship in the region.
Why?
False teaching may lead people astray and fall to sin, so it is more important matter.
Faithful witness, but have false teaching is like some churches in the name of Jesus Christ now.
How?
Stand firm in worse environment but have to walk in the right way of the Lord!
Be Hold on the truth and love of the God
Letter to Smyrna
Weakness:
Your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich
The slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan-- Those Jews who harass騷擾 the church are not God's people.
Encouragement:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Church Smyrna was poverty-stricken災區- but rich in all that mattered. Jesus' word to them is all encouragement.
He has set a definite limit to their suffering - and he holds out to them the gift of life.
-----------------------------------------
Letter to Pergamum
Goodness:
You remain true to my name
You did not renounce放棄 your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city-where Satan lives
Weakness:
Where you live - where Satan has his throne.
Against them:
You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.
You also have those who teaching of the Nicolitans.
Warning:
Repent, otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
At Pergamum the church had made a brave stand despite external pressure, but some embers are addicted to false teaching. As a result, old pagan practices are creeping in. Their choice is to repent or have Christ's fight against them.
Satan's throne: Pergamum was the principal centre of emperor- worship in the region.
Why?
False teaching may lead people astray and fall to sin, so it is more important matter.
Faithful witness, but have false teaching is like some churches in the name of Jesus Christ now.
How?
Stand firm in worse environment but have to walk in the right way of the Lord!
Be Hold on the truth and love of the God
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