Revelation Revealed (The Mushrooms of Patmos?)

This category contains small group questions and notes from a series of talks at GodFirst, Christchurch, Dorset, England.

Introduction

Written with the target audience in mind, includes timeless principles applicable throughout the ages.
It brings a perspective on human history. Apocalypse literature lifts the lid.

The Bible is God#s revelation of Himself to man, it is not man's ideas about God.
Man cannot invent Truth, he can only receive it cf John 18:37-38.
John was the writer not the author.

The purpose of the book is to strengthen the churches, not to predict the future.
Its message - Jesus has the final word.
It provides encouragement in difficult circumstances.
It encourages us to conquer and resist cultural compromise.
It enables us to live with hope knowing God's Kingdom with ultimately prevail.
Reminds us Jesus is central. History is not haphazard, all histrory is heading to a climax.

We need to live in readiness.
We can live in hope - it kills cynicism.
We need to be receives, not achievers. No place for pride.

Everything in the universe is caused by God except God who is self existent cf Genesis 1:1.
7 spirits of God - reference to the complete, perfect Holy Spirit cf John 15:26; 16:3-16.
Jesus radiates the glory of God.

I need to keep the right perspective...
Remember who Jesus is.
Remember that Jesus loves me, the Almighty loves me - awesome!
Troble does not negate His love cf John 16:33.
The power of sin has been cancelled - I have been set free.

Jesus is coming again - LOOK!