Fritha Dinwiddie 6/4/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 6/4/24

THE SEVENTH SEAL

#445 THE SEVENTH SEAL

Scripture Revelation 8:1-13, NIV Orig. 2-18-1973

Rewr. 5-18-1989

Passage: 8 1When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

The Trumpets

6 Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.

7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

8 The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.

12 The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.

13 As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!

Purpose: Continuing a study for Church Training in Revelation, here focusing in on the opening of the seventh and final seal.

Keywords: Bible Study Judgment Deliverance

Timeline/Series: Revelation

Introduction

John has been through an emotional buzz-saw. He encountered the glory of the throne room in chapter four which was quickly turned to consternation as the following chapter opened. The seven-sealed title-deed suddenly claimed every fiber of his being. Throughout chapters 5, 6, and 7, we watched as those seals were broken, and as God keeps His hand on His people for good. Even though the seals were indicative of judgments, and the final seal broods toward a final judgment, God’s patient love sustains.

Chapter seven has closed on the high note of the purpose of God.

7:17 “For the lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

There is a sudden silence as the seventh seal is severed. The angels are silent in the agony of expectation. The living creatures dare make no sound before the face of the Almighty. The elders are speechless in their praise for the One who has kept His promise.

Now will begin the transaction that will occupy our attention through chapter eleven. At that point the final destiny of the world will be marked. We will consider seven angels with seven trumpets, seven thunders, three woes, and then the dramatic conclusion.

I. Presenting the Elements of the Final Seal. V1 “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence.”

The “he” is the Lamb. 6:1 “When the Lamb opened one of the seals.”

There was total, unmitigated silence. Part of the heavenly mystic, thus far, has been the noises. For first four seals, living creatures call out “with voice of thunder” (6:1, 3, 5, 7). Fifth seal vents the alarmed cry 6:9-10 “with a “great voice” of the martyrs. Sixth seal contained the earthquake. Then the “loud voice” of the multitude. Now, we are beset with stillness.

The door is opening for the trumpet blast. In New Orleans we were staying at the Seminary Guest House. It was early Saturday morning, silence pervaded our part of [the City]. Suddenly the quietude was broken by some jerk driving by with volume on full.

The trumpet has long played a part. Exodus 19:6—Call Hebrews to Sinai. Isaiah 27:13—Summon the exiles. Joel 2:1—The day of the Lord “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion . . . sound . . . an alarm.” I Thessalonians 4:16—The trump of God sounds. I Corinthians 15:52—The dead in Christ shall come forth.

“When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair.

And the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,

And the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.” 1

Then there is an angel priest with a golden censer, incense, and a fire. The place of angels for the Hebrews was for watchcare. They have played a major role throughout scripture, again in Revelation: Agents of God’s revelation; to bring protection/reassurance (BI F84p80); agents of judgment; used to foretell the future.

The altar is that of incense (Leviticus 16:12, Numbers 16:46 (18” x 18” x 3’—gold): Burned before the first sacrifice, after the last; offering in envelope of incense; prayers of believers take the place of sacrifices of Israel; prayer is the watchword of obedience.

II. With that, the First Trumpet is Sounded. V7 “The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood.”

The first declaration of judgment is cast upon the earth. There is hail, and fire, and blood. Mindful of the four angels of Chapter 7, restraining the winds. Trees and grass are destroyed: Adam and Eve account of tree; Daniel 4 tells of Nebuchadnezzar’s tree vision; Ezekiel 31 seems to recount same; Jesus compared Israel to a tree—Matthew 3:10 “Now the ax is laid to the root of the trees; every tree that beareth not good fruit is hewn down”; Grass is the symbol of human frailty—Isaiah 40:6 “All flesh is as grass.”

Not all of the earth affected. But all mankind. We are genetic equals. We have the power to reason for/against God. We have the will to decide. Therein we are sectarians.

The opening seal had to do with creation. “Horseman on white horse with bow and crown came forth conquering.” He met with failure. The derelicts of the world mark this.

III. Then is Sounded the Second Trumpet. “A great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea.”

Perhaps we can presume an “as if it were a great mountain.” How else would a meteor appear? First possibility is volcanic eruption: Vesuvius—August AD 79; Santorini—we were disallowed to visit because mule tenders were on strike; Surtsey—in our own time. The second possibility would be that of a gigantic comet, meteor: of tidal wave proportions; harbors would be destroyed; trucking and shipping affected for hundreds, thousands of miles.

We take a look at the blood. Literal, as in the Nile plague, Exodus 7:20. Figurative, as in fine, red sand blown from the Sahara in such a storm. Joel 2:34 “the sun turned to darkness, and the moon to blood. Ezekiel 28:23 Zidon, “blood in her streets.” Hosea:1-3, Zephaniah 1:3, Isaiah 2:16f.

IV. Next Comes the Third Angel with Trumpet. V10, “There fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp.”

There has been judgment upon the earth, sea.

Now there is judgment upon the rivers. The picture here seems more to the point of a comet. But the bitterness of the waters is what brings dismay. We can think of radioactive fallout. There are ecological concerns such as industrial pollutants. Even volcanic eruptions: St. Helens.

We can gain insight about wormwood. Deuteronomy 29:18 “The day that any of you . . . begins to turn away from the Lord and desires to worship these gods of other nations, that day a root will be planted that will grow bitter and poisonous fruit.” Jeremiah 9:14-15, 23:15 “wormwood and gall.”

V. The Fourth Angel with Trumpet. V12 “A third part of sun, moon, and stars.”

Thus judgment has passed from earth to sea, to fresh waters, to the heavens, [to] galaxies.

In this manner, light is affected. At first it seems to be partial. But then there was total darkness for a third of the day. Luke 21:25-28. Think of storm darkness or an eclipse.

II Baruch 77:20-22, “And I called an eagle and said to him these words: You have been created by YAHWEH the Most High that you should be higher than any other bird. But now go and do not stay in any place, do not go into a nest, do not sit on any tree until you have flown over the breadth of the many waters of the river Euphrates and have come to the people that live there and cast down to them this letter.” Luke 17:37 vultures NIV, [eagles KJV].

Darkness as a symbol of judgment runs throughout the Old Testament. Amos 5:18 “Day of the Lord as a day of darkness.” See II Peter 3:1-10 (3-4, 7, 10).

1 Black, J.M. 1893, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.”

Fritha Dinwiddie 5/25/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 5/25/24

GRACE IN TIME OF TRIBULATION

#432 GRACE IN TIME OF TRIBULATION

Scripture Revelation 7:1-17, NIV Orig. 2-4-1973 (12-1978)

Rewr. 4-30-1989

Passage: 7 1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.

5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,

from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,

from the tribe of Gad 12,000,

6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000,

from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,

from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,

7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,

from the tribe of Levi 12,000,

from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,

8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,

from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,

from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.

The Great Multitude in White Robes

9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:

“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”

13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”

14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,

“they are before the throne of God
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
    will shelter them with his presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]
    nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b]
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”

Purpose: Continuing a Church Training study in Revelation, here calling attention to the suspension of judgment as the opening of seals reaches its climax.

Keywords: Bible Study Grace Revelation Judgment

Timeline/Series: Revelation

Introduction

The suspension of judgment so clearly seen after the opening of the sixth seal is a place to pause. Here we are offered a vantage point useful in looking back over where we have been. This can help us to keep the entire book in focus as we try to grasp an immediate context. Chapter one introduces the author and his work. Chapters two and three personalize the people for whom the book was first intended: seven letters to seven churches.

Suddenly, in chapter four, we find John having being transported to the throne room of God. Around the throne were four “living creatures” and twenty-four lesser thrones. On and off these thrones were “elders” giving praise to God. Chapter five introduces a testamental document sealed with seven seals. The following chapter noted the opening of six of these seals, and represents six phases of judgment through which the world has gone.

1. The White Horse: an unsuccessful effort to bring order out of the chaos of creation, the rider, with bow and crown, bent on conquest.

2. The red horse: next we see the personification of evil set free by this zealous spirit of conquest. Peace is shackled.

3. Then came the black horse: moral order had been degraded, evil enthroned, peace immobilized. Sin’s self-gratification brings a social and material imbalance breeding discontent. Without bow or sword, but with a “balance.”

4. After this came the pale horse: the final result of sin’s presence on the world’s scene has to be sin’s judgment, and death and destruction are the signs. The rider was called “death” and followed by something called “Hades.” Remember that four is the great world number, and three is the divine number. There have been four judgments relating to the world, but the theme of the seals clearly changes here.

5. This seal brought into focus the souls of martyrs under the altar. The Word of God was brought to bear, and man in sin rejects it.

6. Seal six revealed a cataclysmic event of world proportion adding the sin of rejecting the living word as it had the revealed word.

Thus, we come to that moment in destiny just before the opening of the seventh seal. Chapter six concludes: V7 “The great day of his wrath has come; and who shall be able to stand?” There is a terrible similarity to other such declarations. Nahum 1:3f “The Lord has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, . . . he rebuketh the sea, . . . the mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, . . . . Who can stand before his indignation?” Luke 23:30 “Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, cover us.”

Chapter seven, then, will become a suspension in judgment. The time of the end has come, but God, in love, will not cease His grace while time remains. The hiding place is not “in the rocks” but “on” the ROCK. “Who will be able to stand?” Those who stand on the ROCK.

· Matthew 7:25 “And the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a ROCK.”

· Habakkuk’s prayer (3:2) should become our prayer as well. “O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” (V19 “The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (See Habakkuk 3:15 for “Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses.”)

I. Note the Suspension of Judgment.

These ancient peoples have us at somewhat of a disadvantage. They didn’t know about secondary causes. If an event was beyond human power, it was of the gods. Or, in the Hebrews’ case, of Jehovah.

Hail and wind damage, tornadoes and earthquakes would have been acts of God. We know about atmospheric pressure. Mountain configurations, weather variations. The impact of the moon, and sunspots.

The four angels represent this suspension. Genesis 19:1f angels delivered Lot from Sodom. Matthew 2:13 warned Joseph to flee to Egypt. Hebrews 1:14 angels: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

This suspension was for the purpose of sealing the believers in safety and security. Then, a fifth angel (v2) appears on the scene. From the east as sunrise. As the star of annunciation. Prophecy of Zechariah Luke 1:67f, 79 “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” This angel bears the seal of God. Same word for “living” in 5:6,14; “Living” creatures not identified, but God is here identified. Various exemplifications of god/God: Isaiah 44:14f “He heweth him down cedars . . . warmth, . . . bread . . . he maketh a god, and worshippeth it.” Joshua 3:10, “Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you.” Note the conjunctive of purpose: “till.” Reference to the already saved; others will be saved during this time of suspension.

II. Note Then the Sealing of the Servants. V3 “. . . till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”

This can, of course be related to a prior _____. One with an inkhorn is instructed to go through the city marking the ones “who grieve the abominations.”

Such seals give evidence of authority. Genesis 41:42 Joseph was given Pharaoh’s seal: “Without thee shall any many lift up hand or foot in all . . . Egypt.” Esther 3:10 It was with the king’s seal that Haman ordered the death of Jews. 8:10 likewise Mordecai countermanded the order.

Note the significance of the number and the identification of those sealed. Jehovah’s Witnesses declare this number to be the first order of the saved; Others may be saved but supplementary. Futurists believe that it speaks of Jews to be saved out of the tribulation (144,000 Jewish evangelists). In the study of numbers this is the equivalent of 12 x 12 x 1000. And 12 may be thought of as the product of 4 x 3. Not a number in limitation, but a number in perfection. 12 represents perfection, 1000 complete.

What we learn of the identification of the sons of Jacob here named. Judah, the 4th of Leah supplants Reuben; Reuben; Gad, Zilpah’s first; Asher, her second; Naphtali, Bilhah’s second; Manasseh, Joseph’s; Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulon--2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th sons of Leah; Joseph and Benjamin, the sons of Rachel; Dan is omitted: Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path; Leviticus 24:11, Judges 18; I Kings 12:28-30. Jeremiah 8:16 speaks of “the snorting of horses heard from Dan”—Some believe that the anti-Christ will be a descendant of Dan.

A final word is spoken relative to the sealing of believers. Ephesians 1:13 “. . . in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.” II Corinthians 1:22 “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the spirit in our hearts.” Ephesians 4:30 “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.”

III. Note, Next, the Glory of the Unnumbered Throng. V9 “After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could number of all nations, kindred, people, tongues, stood before the throne and before the lamb, clothed in white robes, and had palms in their hands.”

If the prior verses speak of Jews saved during the tribulation, this must speak of Gentiles. Romans 1:16 “according to the Jew first.” These Gentiles would be won to salvation through Israel’s restoration.

Did God know that toward the end believers would lose the thrust of influence?

Remember also, believers have been taken up and are not in tribulation.

The angels take up the shout of the unnumbered throng. V12 “Saying amen, Blessing and glory, and wisdom, and Thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God.”

IV. Finally, the Bliss of the Redeemed.

There is angelic praise. The angels are in a circle about the throne. Around the elders and living creatures—See 4:6, 5:6. They fall (again) upon their faces—See 4:10. The white robes: Victorious faith; Righteousness of Christ; Victory by sacrifice (v14) is regularly stated. The palms were symbols of joy.

There is washing from sin. Rewards: Living/serving forever in presence of God; no more hardship imposed by nature (v16); contact forever with the source of life (v17); God will be their Comforter (v17b).

Fritha Dinwiddie 5/25/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 5/25/24

REDEMPTION’S DRAMA: ACT 1

#428 REDEMPTION’S DRAMA: ACT 1

Scripture Revelation 6:1-17, NIV Orig. 1-28-1973 (11-1978)

Rewr. 4-16-1989

Passage: 6 1 I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.

5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds[a] of wheat for a day’s wages,[b] and six pounds[c] of barley for a day’s wages,[d] and do not damage the oil and the wine!”

7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters,[e] were killed just as they had been.

12 I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.

15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us[f] from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their[g] wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”

Purpose: Leading a study in Revelation for Church Training, in the seals leading to the opening of the great scroll of redemption.

Keywords: Bible Study Judgment Redemption Christ the Lamb

Timeline/Series: Revelation

Introduction

Recall that the scene for this drama was set in Revelation 4:1, “. . . a door was opened in heaven: . . . voice . . . said, Come up hither and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.”

What then fell on John’s gaze in this awesome place was a heavenly throne, upon which Majesty was seated. This supreme One was surrounded by the trappings of royalty. There were four “living creatures” representing all created order. There were twenty-four elders, spiritual leaders, on seats of honor.

These 24 chosen ones leave their places of honor and fall down before the throne. As they do so, John’s attention is drawn to the One on the throne. 5:1 “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat upon the throne a book . . . sealed with seven seals.”

The One on the throne makes no move to open the “book.” An angel calls for one “who is worthy” to come forward. The living creatures make no move. The angel did not do so much as examine the scroll. The elders, men of greatness from Old Testament and New Testament traditions held their peace and their place. And John wept, until the elder said, 5:5 “weep not: behold the lion of the tribe of Judah.” Then, in the midst of all this pageantry, John saw, not a lion, but a “Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth” (5:6).

Now the drama begins to unfold. The Lamb, Jesus, who was worshipped (5:12-14), as the Lord had been worshipped (4:10-11), holds in His hands the scroll, the title-deed to the souls of men. The seals begin to fall, one by one. After all seven are removed, the book will be opened.

At the seventh seal, seven angels and seven trumpets are introduced (8:2), causing an almost interminable delay. Finally, at the end of chapter 11, the seventh angel sounds. But the drama resumes in chapter 12 with the inclusion of the “red dragon,” and the “plagues.” Then read chapter 21. These are the summations of the two parts of the drama. Here is the climax.

Mark Tullow was in L.A. during 60s. Group would meet for delayed broadcast of UCLA games. Returning from store he accidentally heard the score. He patted TV, “Don’t worry coach, we’re gonna win.”

I. Scene I: Seal I: Judgment Underway. “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals. And I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four living creatures saying, Come (and see). And I saw, and beheld a white horse . . . .”

An important detail. Accurate translation not “Come and see.” Best rendering is “Come.” A word spoken not to John, but to the rider.

An important diversion. Best guides to interpretation are from scripture. See Zechariah 6:1-8 describes interestingly the same four colors of horses, seen as spirits from God going across earth. Again, II Kings 6:15f Elisha’s young servant “open the young man’s eyes.” He saw a mountain covered with horses, chariots.

A message concerning symbolism. V1 “As it were” KJ, “like” NIV.

Note the presence of “thunder.” First in Bible—Exodus 9:23 in the 7tn plague (hail) Judgment.

Our main concern here is for the white horse and its rider. First, could this be Christ? Some commentators say yes. But the Lamb is opening seals. He is giving these instructions, not heeding them. A different representation than found in 19:11 “a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True.” He wears a diadema. Here it is a stephanos.

Who then is this rider? Non-millennialists: conquest, militarism, armed strength. Millennialist sees the anti-Christ just before the seven-year reign. Judgment coming. We need keep the people of that day in mind. A symbol for history’s inception. Man’s great potential. Warped by egomania. (Ref. Zechariah 14:13.) Rome was the power of the day, but they were intimidated by Parthians. Coins show horse, bow.

II. Scene II: Seal II: Man’s Lust for Power Becomes War. “And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, ‘Come.’ And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth.”

To view this as symbolism only, then this evil force follows the symbol of good in v1.

The Continuous-Historical method: The seven churches were seven ages. Seals, trumpets, vials represent progressive historical events. Also believe the world getting better. For the non-millennialist: war naturally follows the meism of seal one. Red is the color of shed blood as for bravery, as white depicts the good guy.

The millennialist sees this red horse as man’s last vain struggle for peace. Out of WWI: League of Nations. Out of WWII: United Nations. Out of Middle East: Camp David Accord. Reagan White House: Glasnost.

Judgment is waiting in the wings, and man’s political machinations are opening the door.

III. Scene III: Seal III: Famine. “Come. And lo, a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand (v5/6).”

Again, there is little difference in interpretation. Ezekiel 4:16. Famine follows in the wake of war. Black is the color of grief, death.

Famine is depicted spiritually in terms of a dearth of the Holy Spirit, Word. Matthew 24:7 “And there shall be famine.” Amos 8:11 “Behold, the days come saith the Lord God that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Inflation v6/Warlords. Plowshares: Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3, Joel 3:10.

IV. Scene IV: Seal IV: Justice. “Come. And lo, a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was death and hell followed with him.”

There was a warning by the prior rider who carried balances. “He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword,” Matthew 26:52.

He is given the name “death,” and “hell” follows in his wake. Man’s natural instinct is aggression, and thus judgment/justice. Man’s natural instinct is war, and thus judgment/justice. Man’s natural instinct is for famine, and thus judgment/justice. Hell.

We have watched with interest the reports from Valdez, Alaska, on the progress of the oil slick. It is part of the price we are paying for the way we are choosing to live. Capsized barge in Bayou Sorrel. 90% water but the other 10% is toxic. Today is “Save the Earth Day.” Sunday Magazine had suggestions for taking toxins out of our homes. Are we interested? What will it cost? Is it hard work? What are others doing?

V. Scene V: Seal V: Martyrs. V9f “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held.”

The tribulationists see this as the “tribulation” period. See 7:14. These are the “saved” during this time. Though the saved have been removed from the conflict. The word is proclaimed and yet others are being saved. There is great persecution of these.

Others see it only as judgment underway. Those who endure call for its end. They are admonished to be patient for some remain as they once were. White robes testify of their new nature.

The meaning of “under the altar.” Reference to Leviticus 4:7, “blood . . . at the bottom of the altar.” Their blood not wasted, sacrifice to God. Paul: II Timothy 4:6, “ready to be offered up.”

The cry of the martyrs. The cry of the suffering righteous. “How long?” Psalm 74:10/79:5. Barclay R20p14. A cry for “vengeance.” “Vindication.” Psalm 75:8-10 “all the wicked of the earth shall drink it down to . . . dregs.” Tertullian Concerning Spectacles1 yearns for such vengeance. A number to be completed, to fulfill. Anglican Prayer Book—“Accomplish the number of Thine elect.”

VI. Scene VI: Seal VI: V12f “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake.”

Some see this as a final judgment.

For others it is a natural disaster in which portents of judgment may be seen. Exodus 19:18 “Sinai quaked at the approach of the Lord.” Matthew 27:551f at Christ’s death/Luke 21:25f signs.

The great day has come: wrath.

Sin’s impulse is to hide: Adam/Eve. Man becomes a fugitive: Cain/Jonah. The wrath evaded is that of the Lamb. Revelation 5:6—Lamb, 6:16—wrath of the Lamb, 7:14—saved by the Lamb.

1Tertullian, approximately 160-approximately 230. (1953). Tertullian, Apology, De spectaculis. Cambridge, Mass.: London: Harvard University Press; W. Heineman.

Fritha Dinwiddie 4/21/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 4/21/24

THE SEVEN-SEALED BOOK

#424 THE SEVEN-SEALED BOOK

Scripture Revelation 5:1-14 NIV Orig. 1-21-1973

Rewr. 3-29-1989

Passage: 5 1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 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.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
    and they will reign[b] on the earth.”

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”

13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Purpose: Continuing a study in Revelation for adults in Church Training.

Keywords: Bible Study Christ the Saviour

Timeline/Series: Revelation

Introduction

Dr. H.A. Ironside 1draws from an Old Testament parallel a factor aiding in understanding this 5th chapter. It, too, concerns a sealed parchment, and is in the form of a property deed.

Jeremiah continued to remind the people of Israel of the impending disaster hanging over their heads. He spoke to “Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon” that “any nation [willing to] bow its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon . . .” would live. The same message was delivered to Zedekiah (Jeremiah 27:12f). “Bow your neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon . . . and you will live.” This message made Jeremiah far more enemies than friends. But Jeremiah was also projecting restoration.

The instrument of the sealed parchment arose at the instigation of a cousin of Jeremiah by the name of Hanamel (Hanameel). Hanameel was a kind of real estate broker. He believed what Jeremiah was forecasting about Judah’s downfall. That being the case, the best thing it could do with property was to unload it. Jeremiah is instructed of the Lord to redeem the property. (Jeremiah 32:6-15) “Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land” (v15).

So the title deed was signed, sealed, and put away for the one who would come as Jeremiah’s heir. Whoever, and whenever, the property would be his. He would be able to communicate his ownership through the title that the prophet signed.

Dr. Ironside suggests that the seven-sealed scroll here described is the title deed to the souls of men. Once it is established who the rightful heir is, he has but to step forward, prove his title, and claim the legacy. “Worthy is the lamb, who was slain” (Revelation 5:12).

THRONES DON’T COME CHEAPLY

#418 THRONES DON’T COME CHEAPLY

Scripture Revelation 4:1-11, NIV Orig. 7-12-1964; 1-1973

Rewr. 3-26-1989

Passage: 4 1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature 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. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

“‘Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,’[b]

who was, and is, and is to come.”

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

11 “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.”

Purpose: Continuing a series for use with adults in Church Training.

Keywords: Bible Study God, Glory Worship

Timeline/Series: Revelation

Introduction

It can be perceived directly that thrones don’t come cheaply. There is a cost, and someone must bear it.

Edward the VIII of the House of Windsor discovered early in his reign that the price was formidable indeed. After the death of his father in January of 1936, Edward became king of England. He had been a faithful servant of the British Empire for all of the twenty years of his adult life. He was well-known and loved by the British people. His inherent ability, his experience, and his being of the royal family portrayed a regent of great ability. However, his term as England’s reigning monarch was a brief one indeed.

Less than a year after inheriting the throne at his father’s death, he discovered the price that he would have to pay to hold on to his title. To remain king he would have to give up the woman whom he loved. He was unwilling to pay that price.

While the romanticists applaud his decision, the historians wonder what might have been England’s destiny under his able leadership, especially with the Second World War already in its early struggles.

Shakespeare did not picture it any differently. Macbeth was literally driven to the throne by his own ambition. He was a loyal subject of the king until he became enamored with the idea of himself as being king. You perhaps remember the scene with the three witches, with the tempting of Macbeth, and with resultant death of Duncan at Macbeth’s hand. He himself died similarly. Thrones don’t come cheaply.

A cursory reading of the Old Testament books of II Kings and II Chronicles further proves this point. The price paid under the labors of this kingly ambition. An extremely high price has already been paid for the throne perceived here in the opening of Revelation 4.

I. The Price of Purchase Describes Honor. V1 “. . . a door opened . . . and the first voice said . . . Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.”

We are not left to wonder whose throne. John was in the midst of a worshipful experience: At Patmos for punishment (Revelation 1:9) and in the spirit of worship (Revelation 1:10). In this continuing encounter he observes an open door, unguarded, same as in Revelation 3:8 (Philadelphia) hinges removed and permanently open. We were in Washington D.C. summer after the explosion in Lebanon, killing hundreds of soldiers. Barricade made entrance to White House a maze.

John is ordered to appear before throne. Word “looked” suggests design. “Saw” is a better translation.

John is then transported into a discerning spirit. This is an ordinary view of God. Psalm 47:8 “God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.” Isaiah 6:1 “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.” We are given a description of what was seen:

· An open door—Door of opportunity (3:8), door of objectivity (3:20), door of observation (4:1).

· Next he observes a throne—Someone is on the throne; he makes no effort to describe with man-like quality

· What he sees he does picture—No mention of size, shape, texture; God is pictured in terms of light—glittering diamond (jasper), shining ruby (sardius), rainbow like an emerald. I Timothy 1:16 “God dwells in the light that no man can approach unto.” Psalm 104:2 “God who covers himself with light as with a garment.”

· He sees a rainbow: peace.

· There are twenty-four thrones/elders—Tribes/apostles; 4 earthly/3 divine/doubled; Wearing crowns signifying victory.

· Thunder and lightning—Announcing God’s presence (Sinai); Lamps of Spirit’s presence to enlighten, save.

· A glassy sea (transparent)—wide dominion/peaceful kingdom.

The signs thus seen are of honor, glory: Breastplate of High Priest—Exodus 28:17; foundation of holy city—Revelation 21:19; the colors communicate majesty (white—God’s purity, red—God’s wrath, green—God’s mercy).

II. The Price of Purchase Declares Holiness. V8 “And the four beasts . . . rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

Along with his title to honor is his testament of holiness. Usurpers can claim the trapping of the throne. Sergeant Doe led uprising in Liberia while Fritha was there. But only his own character can describe his worthiness to lead.

A further look at those around the throne:

· The elders—Genesis 3:22 “one of us,” Job 1:6 “Sons of God.” 24 courses of priests (I Chronicles 24:7f), symbolic of perfect worship.

· Their crowns—II Timothy 4:7,8 “I have fought . . . I have finished . . . I have kept . . . , laid up for me . . . a crown of righteousness.” Matthew 19:28 “When the son of man sits on his glorious throne, you my disciples shall certainly sit upon your thrones.”

· There are four living creatures—Covered with eyes suggesting wisdom; four classes of beings (Lion—preeminent wild, Oxen—preeminent domestic, Eagle—preeminent of winged, Man—PREEMINENT.) Thus, all creation praises: everything fulfilling its function.

III. The Price of Purchase Demands Homage. V10 “And the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever.”

The threefold effect of praise: glory, honor, thanks.

The elders’ praise represents all who are themselves followers of Christ:

· They fell down before Him;

· They cast crowns at His feet—stephanos, earned crowns;

· But they are on the thrones through His work, not their own;

· All living creatures have wings suggesting their readiness to do the will of God;

· Here are the operations of a divine economy that keeps this world in harmony;

· The church is to acquiesce to this divine harmony thus lifting our own voices of praise—the sounds of all creation, the voices of faith.

Conclusion

In this Roman world of which John wrote, there was a military/political event that figures into the picture here described. When one king was vanquished by another, the absolute sign of submission was to see him, the vanquished, remove his crown and cast it at the feet of him, the conqueror. The armies of Rome often carried with them to the field of battle an image of their emperor. When the enemy was subdued, then in open ceremony, the beaten monarch, or his agent, had to throw down a likeness of the royal crown before this image.

In mind and will, our lives are our own. We are sovereign and are determined to remain so. To accept Jesus is no act of appeasement. It is not giving intellectual assent to Jesus’ potential to Lordship. It is to de-throne self. It is to reject the deified self-image and pay homage to the king of kings.

Fritha Dinwiddie 4/8/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 4/8/24

OPENED DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY

#426 OPENED DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY

Scripture Revelation 3:8, 20; 4:1 NIV Orig. 10/15/1967

Rewr. 5/12/1987

Passage:

38 I know your deeds. See, 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 word and have not denied my name.

20 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.

41After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

Purpose: Calling attention to our present advantage from God if we grasp the meaning of circumstances put before us.

Keywords: Consternation Hope Opportunity Revival

Special Program

Introduction

Checking the meaning of the word “door” in a dictionary, you may find any one of dozens of definitions. A cheap one may say nothing more than “access” or “passageway.” My Brittanica says little more. “Frame used for closing or opening . . . Any means . . . of exit or entrance.” The principal rendering in both examples then would be that a door is something to hide behind.

Scripture uses the word variously, even that way. But there are other meanings and we draw from those other meanings this morning.

The psalmist uses it as a barrier, not to keep closed, but to get opened. “Be ye lifted up ye everlasting doors, and the king of glory shall come in.” (Psalms 24:7). Yet again, he uses the idea to suggest humble service. “I’d rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in tents of wickedness.”

Jesus, you remember, drew word pictures often with such imagery. In prayer: “When thou has shut the door, pray.” In parable, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24). As an expression of finality in faith: “They that were ready went in: . . . and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:10). As an example of Himself: “I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Notice the strong imagery there that it is not something to lock ourselves behind, it is a place to which we have occasional respite, remembering even as we do, that the greater place for good is beyond those doors.

I. The First of These Doors is the Door of Decision. V20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”

We must remember that the one addressing the door is the One who knows our sin. History is full of incidents of people and nations thinking their sin is of no consequence. Jeremiah saw the real trouble for Judah. The northern kingdom had fallen. Jeremiah 7:9f “Will ye steal, murder, commit adultery and swear falsely and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do all these abominations?’” The remarkable thing about Jim Bakker’s recent media exploitation. His sin of adultery was bad enough. But for seven years he had practiced deceit.

The One standing at the door demands the response of faith and faithfulness. We must never be deceived into thinking that polite acknowledgment and practical indifference will placate the holy and righteous God. Your testimony in your community depends on your faithfulness. Deacon, hear me, faithfulness is expected. Your church may not take action, but God will. Teacher/worker, God expects you to do your best, and to seek to improve.

We are as close as a church can be to losing Church Training to disinterest. Some of you are saying “Who cares?” which is the devil’s remark. Most of us got our basic training in Church Training.

Trusting Christ, we moved forward to grow in Him. We will do well to recall Luke 9:62 “No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit.” It was so easy to feel uplift of revival. Some took the courageous way of openness. Still others felt some innate desire. [The] next Sunday we weren’t even average. Church Training was the lowest in my memory. So, some were out of town for M.D., but why stay absent yourself that night.

Hear me, the One at the door respects your privacy. We ignore Him to our peril. Our children will be less spiritual than we. Our friends and neighbors need to know what it is that we really stand for. Faithful pastors must conclude, “Lord, if I can’t lift their vision, send one who can.”

II. The Next Door is That of Decision. V8 “Behold, I have set before thee, an open door.”

It is not in the sense of time or place. We still hear people talk about the good old days. We remember the value of such times. But we also remember the hardness, and the work. Someone spoke of the days when “a man’s word was his bond.” But it’s tough, in a $90,000 home, waiting for microwave meal to heat, watching Walton Mountain, on a 2T4 HEU, wishing for the “good old days.”

But, you see, God would have us where we are, for Jesus’ sake. The “direction” in missions came at Antioch.

· Acts 11:19 “preaching . . . to none but Jews only.”

· Acts 11:20 “preaching the Lord Jesus unto the Grecians.”

· Acts 11:26 “called Christians first in Antioch.”

It had not to do with time, place.

Nor is direction set by our circumstance. Naught else in all of nature has the power to change circumstance. Birds fly 5,000 miles with seasons. Whales swim thousands of miles to breeding site. Wildebeests migrate by the millions for grass. But all are responding to their inner clock. People can and do often change their circumstance. Tragically, many cannot. Calcasieu River bottom dwellers. And, our changing is sometimes running away. Every believer should claim the proof-text for circumstance and direction: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

Such direction is limited only by our dedication. Jeremiah voices a word of consternation. Jeremiah 9:24 “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord that exerciseth lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight,” saith the Lord.

Oswald Chambers quotes Quaker, Mary Hooker. “When Jesus found the Galilean disciples they were mending their nets.” She added, “The majority of Christian people are always washing and mending their nets, but when Jesus Christ comes along, he tells them to launch out and let down their nets.”

It is thusly that He is speaking to us today. Do what you can, where you are, now.

III. Finally, We Must Also Perceive a Door of Division. 4:1 “After this, I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven.”

It is through this door that God’s word gains access. What power is the word allowed in your life? Even if we are in Sunday School. Too often is the first time we’ve touched a Bible since last trip, which for many was not last Sunday, or even the Sunday before. How it should grieve us to learn Mormons’ regard for their book, Jehovah’s Witnesses specially prepared texts, and we [with the] Bible take it for granted.

It is through this door that we experience the resurrected Jesus. Through that door the record is set. Through that door we experience reality. Romans 8:34 “It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”

Through that door gains entrance, the convicting and convincing power of the Holy Spirit. You will not remember John Marco Allegro, but his idea of truth caught on with the news media a while back. An ex-lay-preacher, he put forth the junk that Old Testament prophets saw visions as a result of LSD trips, and that early Christians were a politically slanted, drug-taking cult. Media will print and produce garbage if it will sell to the public. The Garbage barge is symbolic.

Conclusion

We experience many doors in our lifetime. Too often, they are “frames for closing” or “Any means of exit” (Brittanica), rather than entrances through which God is allowed to assert His sovereignty in our lives. Heed the message of Walter de la Mare’s Listeners.

‘Is there anybody there?’ said the Traveller,

Knocking on the moonlit door;

And his horse in the silence champed the grasses

Of the forest’s ferny floor:

And a bird flew up out of the turret,

Above the Traveller’s head:

And he smote upon the door again a second time;

‘Is there anybody there?’ he said.

But no one descended to the Traveller;

No head from the leaf-fringed sill

Leaned over and looked into his grey eyes,

Where he stood perplexed and still.

But only a host of phantom listeners

That dwelt in the lone house then

Stood listening in the quiet of the moonlight

To that voice from the world of men:

Stood thronging the faint moonbeams on the dark stair,

That goes down to the empty hall,

Hearkening in an air stirred and shaken

By the lonely Traveller’s call.

And he felt in his heart their strangeness,

Their stillness answering his cry,

While his horse moved, cropping the dark turf,

’Neath the starred and leafy sky;

For he suddenly smote on the door, even

Louder, and lifted his head:—

‘Tell them I came, and no one answered,

That I kept my word,’ he said.

Never the least stir made the listeners,

Though every word he spake

Fell echoing through the shadowiness of the still house

From the one man left awake:

Ay, they heard his foot upon the stirrup,

And the sound of iron on stone,

And how the silence surged softly backward,

When the plunging hoofs were gone.1

1de la Mare, W. (1979). The collected poems of Walter de la Mare. London: Faber.

Fritha Dinwiddie 4/6/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 4/6/24

HOLDING FAST Philadelphia

#233b HOLDING FAST

Philadelphia

Scripture Revelation 3:7-13 Orig. 2/20/1966

Rewr. 3/15/1989

Passage:
7 To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him 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. 8 I know your deeds. See, 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 word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Purpose: Teaching Revelation to adults in Church Training

Keywords: Christ as Mediator Salvation Mission of the Church Grace

Timeline/Series: Revelation letters Philadelphia

Introduction

Four times already the exhortation delivered to these churches had advised repentance. Only one of the five yet studied (Smyrna), does not contain this message. Philadelphia is one of only two not challenged by this need.

The last two churches will both be challenged by the symbol of doors. Philadelphia, the city of “brotherly love” reveals an “Open door,” opened and unshuttable. The final church, Laodicea, will reflect a closed door. Christ himself is pictured standing before this door, “knocking.” The advice given here is to “hold fast.”

I. First, Let’s Examine the Open Door. V8 “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.”

Opened by God Himself. Perfect passive participle—opened to stay open. Such doors are for trusting friends. AARP program for “latchkey kids.”

Doors are opened for the church to move out. Opportunity of service to God. Gibbon: tall column amidst rubble of fallen city. Opened to launch attack against evil. Church not a bastion of defense. V11 “hold that fast which thou hast.” Major on boldness. Isaiah 22:5 “day of trouble.” V22 Eliakim [Eliakim's authority to “open . . . and shut” results from “the key of the house of David” being put “on his shoulder.”]. Peter, Matthew 16:18 “upon this rock I will build.”

II. Consider the Overpowering Love. V9 “Behold, I will make them to . . . know that I have loved thee.”

First mark is forgiveness. Some do not seek. Others cheapen meaning. Harlot (Luke 7) doesn’t return to her trade. Meaning of crucifixion: Jesus didn’t die for “sins.” He died for my sin.

Next mark is faith unto salvation. Jews were claiming to be “Israel.” V9. Romans 2:28f, “He is not a Jew who is one outwardly.” John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil.”

Final mark is eternal life. Deuteronomy 5:29, “O that they had such a heart in them that they would fear me and always keep my commandments, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever.” Galatians 6:8 “He who sows to the spirit will of the spirit reap life everlasting.”

III. Consider Overcoming Grace. V10 “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee.”

Grace in the hour of crisis. Is it deliverance from trial? Safekeeping in trial? John Vandercook: trials, she, arthritic spine; she wanted to be missionary: John says “140 nations come to them.” Action 3-14-89 to cover insurance ($407/mo.)

Grace in temptation. 2 Peter 3:17 “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” Ephesians 6:13 “Take the whole armor.”

Grace on the day of judgment. V12 “He shall go out thence no more.” Philadelphia had earthquake problem. Mexico City—escape. Nicaragua—people went back and aftershock hit. These are the people who bring stability.

Conclusion

God is the temple, but faith is the pillars of that temple. God’s name means we are his true children. New Jerusalem means that we belong. Christ’s new name. “Now we see through a glass dimly.”

1 Gibbon, E. (1996). The history of the decline and fall of the Roman empire (D. Womersley, Ed.). Penguin Classics.

Fritha Dinwiddie 3/30/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 3/30/24

A GREAT DAY COMING

#267/41f A GREAT DAY COMING

Scripture Revelation 1:7-8 Orig. 1/5/1963

Passage: 7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Keywords: Judgment End Time

Introduction

In the last decade of the 19th Century when the motor car had already become an established innovation in France, and was feeling the pangs of birth in this country, in England, it was treated as an evil. As late as 1896, England still had on her statute books a law which vitally restricted the power-propelled vehicle. It could not travel the public highways at speeds greater than 4 miles per hour, and even then had to be preceded by a man bearing a red flag.

I don’t know whether that red flag prevented any trouble or not, but I do know that there are red flags of danger which need to be raised, and the one I raise concerns the certainty of the coming judgment.

I. Controlled by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Guiding men to all truth.

· That we are sinners. [There] is none righteous. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

· That Christ saves. Joel—It shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

· That the day of final reckoning is coming.

Bringing about the glorification of the Saviour.

· Historic Jesus

· Messianic Jesus

· Glorified Jesus. Isaiah---swords into plowshare, spears into pruning hooks, nation shall not lift up sword against nation.

II. Compensated by the Coming of Christ

From this moment on, never again will a doubt exist. At present we have our doubts.

· There are people who are sincere in their unbelief—"I just can’t see it.” They need the example of godly lives. Doubting Thomas.

· There are others who don’t want to see. But their eyes will then be opened. “For every eye shall see him.” They will think of every testimony. Freddie Hutchinson—cancer of lung (45) not too late.

· Even some Christians with eyes closed. But God will open those eyes—tears of joy will flow like rivers down the cheeks of assured people. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

This will be a glory unequaled in the history of the world.

III. Completed by the Judgment of God

· Time

At a time appointed. But of that hour knoweth no man. Matthew 25:44 “Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not, the son of man cometh.”

At a time known only to Him. To awaken our fears—II Peter 3 “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.” To intensify our watchfulness—at Watch Night, someone mentioned the 10 virgins. To increase our patience.

· Circumstances

The judge will be the great three in one. God the Father—truth. God the Son—love. God the Holy Spirit—justice.

The object will be the final overthrow of evil.

Fritha Dinwiddie 3/30/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 3/30/24

READY TO DIE BUT NOT PREPARED FOR DEATH SARDIS

#155 READY TO DIE BUT NOT PREPARED FOR DEATH

SARDIS

Scripture Revelation 3:1-6, NIV Orig. Date 10/20/1963

Rewr. 3-1970; 9-29-1974

Passage: “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Keywords: Sin Revival Image of the Church

Introduction

Many of us have been horrified over the past several months upon hearing of the self-inflicted torturous death on the part of a few Buddhist priests in Vietnam. We seem however to be unaffected by the knowledge that in our own country, tens of thousands of people die at their own hand every year.

I suppose that what caused such consternation over the Buddhists, was that this forced us to analyze our own degree of faith. Do I believe in my faith strongly enough to die for it?

The saddest part of the whole thing is that these priests, and suicide victims all over the world, stand for one proud moment “ready to die, but not prepared to die.”

In another sense, this was the problem at Sardis.

I. Let Us not Ever Doubt that a Church can Die.

Some of us have deluded ourselves. We turn to Matthew 16:18 and salve our own conscience by deciding that this verse proves a church can’t die. Jesus said very plainly, “The gates of hell won’t prevail against my church.” God’s call to Israel depended on obedience. He wasn’t talking about Trinity or Big Creek, Louisiana, or Southern Methodists. He was talking about the universal church.

In the passage read, Jesus has written the obituary of the church. Acts 4:29, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak.” Acts 3, Healing of the lame man. Acts 4, Taken before the Jewish Council, forbidden to preach Christ. Not complaining about trouble. They pray—the Spirit moved.

II. Let Us be Able to Distinguish a Dead or Dying Church.

The death process is very slow. Old Sardis had had that vital, throbbing, virulent faith. There had been a day when they prayed the heavens were shaken. As buzzard attracted to a dead carcass, so the stench of Sardis attracted Satan. The victim is often the last to know. What your best friend won’t tell you. Dr. [. . .] don’t die instantaneously by accident, or ultimately through old age, or by [. . .], inflammatory secularitis, missionary sclerosis, academic encephalitis.

Someone has suggested that the world makes a poor coroner for dead churches. What if a coroner were elected who couldn’t tell a dead body from a live one. He certainly could determine cause.

Suppose a Christian from Antioch was on his way to [. . .] and he made plans to focus on Sardis. Stop at a service station at Derbe and Lystra. Go down to Lystra Ave. to Athens and take a left. Go two blocks. He drives up, parks in parking lot, and as fate would have it, parks right next to one of few saints. He’s sitting in his car, reading his Bible. They don’t ask him to teach anymore because he always tries to use the Bible. Is this Sardis Baptist Church? It used to be.

Brethren, the deadest church can also be the busiest. (Dr. Conner [said] a church can be as busy as a beehive and just as destitute of spiritual power.) We have church members [. . .]. Big churches, little; strong—weak. “I know your works, that you have a name, that you are alive, but you are dead.”

III. Let Us be Sure that Where There is a Flicker of Life There is Hope.

The ultimatum had been given by Christ. Be watchful (For what): for opportunity, for responsibility, for self-discipline. Strengthen (By what means): by joining with, by taking part, by supporting.

Christianity is of the spirit not the body, not the heart, not the mind. Mind—seat of intellect; stomach—seat of appetite; heart—seat of affections. The pulse beat of Christianity is a love for Christ—if that is absent, nothing helps. If that is present, nothing matters.

The watchword of the church is repentance—worldly members, wayward, lost.

IV. Let Us Fan the Spark into an Open Flame.

The message to us “Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain.”

We must respond to Christ not out of fear, but out of love. We should fear his condemnation, but when that comes it’s too late. We’re trying to think up reason why we haven’t honored the church. “Depart from me ye wicked.”

We must work at serving him. Basic to all of this is the freedom of this pulpit. Every Christian shall be united in their efforts to keep the pulpit free. The deacon must accept his responsibility—to free the minister for the ministry of the word. Every member seeking to liberate the pastor from the organizational appeals of the affluent society.

The Rock T.S. Eliot’s warning is all too appropriate.

A cry from the north, from the west and from the south

Whence thousands travel daily to the timekept City;

Where My word is unspoken,

In the land of lobelias and tennis flannels

The rabbit shall burrow and the thorn revisit,

The nettle shall flourish on the gravel court,

And the wind shall say: “Here were decent godless people:

Their only monument the asphalt road

And a thousand lost golf balls.”

Eliot, T.S. 1. (1963), Collected poems, 1909-1962. [1st American ed.] New York, Harcourt, Brace & World.

Fritha Dinwiddie 3/24/24 Fritha Dinwiddie 3/24/24

THE GREAT I AM—THE CLAIMS OF JESUS

#099 THE GREAT I AM—THE CLAIMS OF JESUS

Scripture Revelation 1:10-18, NIV Orig. 7/28/1963

Rewr. 1/1972; 7/1977

Passage: 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

Keywords: Christ

Timeline/Series: Revelation Letters to the Churches

Introduction

Have you ever seen or talked with someone in the throes of God’s Providence? A person who was facing some heart-rending experience for which there was no earthly explanation. There are some things that happen to men that we can neither explain nor understand. Things which if we do not learn to control, then we can only yield and be dominated by them.

Often I talk with people who have such problems. Some of these good folks are dominated by their own problems. (Bro. Smith, no tears in heaven).

Look at the Apostle John for a moment. If any man who ever lived had the right to be discouraged it was John. After having served God faithfully at Ephesus, God allowed him to be sent to Patmos. That would be like sending Billy Graham to Alcatraz. But John, unlike most of us, knew that even in his suffering he was there for “the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Brethren, let’s listen to his testimony this morning.

I. He is the Resurrected Lord.

He is the only resurrected Lord. Look at the world’s religions:

· Moslems/Mohammedanism—put the word of one man ahead of the Word of God.

· Buddhism—a great stone statue, the spirit emblazoned by the temples going up all over country, not the only icon worshipper; icon in car—if statue could do more than prayer then we don’t have a chance against Buddhism.

· Communism—a form of religion worships power; Stalin—he was the savior of the world.

You cannot find a resurrected Lord in any of the world’s religions.

He is the necessary resurrected Lord. Some pseudo-Christian groups are trying to discount the resurrection. The person who doesn’t believe in the resurrection is not a Christian. It is His resurrection that brings Him into the context of our lives as Living Lord.

A dozen different theories—His body stolen, He was not dead. John 11:25.26. “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.”

Jesus doesn’t say “I give,” I teach,” “I show” the resurrection, but “I am” the resurrection. Bro. Smith on Resurrection of dry bones—graphic description of miracle but resurrection of Jesus not a miracle—the purpose of God finding fulfillment in Christ.

II. He is the Everlasting Lord—Resolute (Persevering)

He is from the beginning. John 1:10 “He was in the world and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” He caused it to be. He allowed it to be.

There is a classic passage from Colossians that should make us conscious for all time that He is everlasting Lord. Colossians 1:15-17, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things were created in heaven, and in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together.”

He continues to work ad infinitum. In Hebrews 1, Jesus is referred to as the one “whom God hath appointed heir to all things.” The passage read [in Revelation] refers to Jesus as alpha and omega. 1:8 God; 21:6 God; 22:13 Jesus.

A Greek concept—Plato speaks of a God who “holds the beginning, the end, and the center of everything.”

A Hebrew concept—Josephus calls God “the beginning and end of all things.” Rabbis had a word for God that incorporated first, middle, and last.

Jesus is the good shepherd—to drive away danger, to deliver from trouble, to return safely to fold. His equipment—a bag, a sling, a rod or staff. Hated by the orthodox—the unorthodox Christ may yet be touching lives. John 10:2-4, [sheep were] kept for milk and wool, known by name; the shepherd led the sheep.

III. He is the Retaliatory Lord.

Most today interpret this as a conciliatory Lord. “And have the keys of hell and of death.” Jesus is a conciliatory Lord; He has set out to bring the peoples of the earth to God.

Do you remember the account of David’s fighting [against] the Philistines, “the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees.”

God speaks a clear word today to people lost in sin. We read Paul’s injunction to Corinthians and get confused. That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them. To Christians, He has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

The truth of this scripture is that God will lock tight the door to hell behind the unredeemed. We cannot trust completely any human. But we can trust God to do exactly as He says. You can trust the Commanders to do exactly as they say (if it’s feasible).

James writes of Jesus as the judge standing at the door (James 5:9). Peter—to Him that is ready to judge the living and the dead (I Peter 4:5). Paul—we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, good or evil (2 Corinthians 5:10). God judges the secrets of man.

Parables

· Wheat and tares---separation

· Wedding feast—hopelessness

· Talents—cursing

· Rich food—only the material

· Ten virgins

Acts 17:31, “God hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained.”