THOUGHTS ON REVELATION CHAPTER 1.
THEME: The Unveiling (apocalypse) and Glorification of Jesus Christ.
This chapter introduces the “Revelation of Jesus Christ,” given to John on Patmos to show His servant imminent events.
John greets seven churches, praises Jesus as the Resurrected Ruler of kings, and describes a vision of the glorified Christ among seven lampstands, commissioning him to record the message.
KEY POINTS AND EVENTS.
▪︎Prologue and Blessing: A blessing is pronounced on those who read and keep the words of this prophecy.
▪︎The Glorified Christ.
▪︎The Message: Jesus declares, He is the”Alpha and Omega,” ” The First and the Last,” who died and is now alive forevermore, holding the keys of death and Hades.
▪︎The Commission: John is commissioned to write down what he sees…
▪︎Symbolism: The seven lampstands represent the seven churches while the seven stars represent their angels.
This chapter sets the stage presenting Jesus as the Eternal, Authoritative Lord over history and His church, addressing seven specific churches in Asia.
LESSONS
JESUS IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE, AND HE IS COMING BACK TO RULE OVER ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE EARTH!
HALLELUJAH!
PRAYER
Thank You, Father, for the gift of eternal life!
Thank You, Father, for the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, and we will reign with Him forever!
Amen!
Thank You, Jesus!
REFLECTIONS ON REVELATIONS 2
Today, we study the Book of Revelations Chapter Two where emphasis is placed on Jesus as “He who HOLDS the [Seven Stars] = CHURCHES in His right hand”
REFLECTION
“THE CHURCH BELONGS TO JESUS – HIS GREAT AGENCY OF POWER & GRACE”
Key Scripture
(Revelations 2:1
“To the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands”
THE SEVEN LAMPSTANDS
Scriptures have interpreted that the “mystery” of SEVEN LAMPSTANDS (or Candle sticks) represent the CHURCHES.(Rev 1:20)
THE SEVEN STARS
Revelations 1 verse 20 also affirmed that the “Seven Stars” represent the “PASTORS” of the Churches.
I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH
The Good News is that Jesus has prophesied that “On this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevailing against it” (Matthew 16:18)
Brethren, Jesus is The Head of His Church and WE ARE THE BODY! (Colossians 1:18)
IMPLICATIONS OF JESUS AS HEAD OF THE CHURCH
CAPACITY
Jesus is CAPABLE of keeping His Church.
FEW ARE CHOSEN
Jesus appointed “The Angels” of the Churches.
HE KEEPS HIS OWN
Jesus is also CAPABLE “to Hold” the PASTORS of the Churches.
LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE
The Church as a “LAMPSTAND” is a Platform for believers to “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)
INDESTRUCTIBLE
Without any doubt, as Jesus prophesied, “the gates of Hades shall NOT PREVAIL AGAINST The Church”
All attempts by EMPIRES, KINGDOMS & OTHER FORCES so far have failed to destroy the Church of Jesus!
Conclusion
The Church is a SUPERNATURAL and MYSTERIOUS Force created by Our Lord, Jesus is ministering Grace and Power to the People of God.
Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and Jesus is ABLE & CAPABLE of “Keeping” and “Holding” His Church as well as His “Pastors” by His right Hand.
Hallelujah!
PRAYER
(Colossians 1:23)
Father, we thank you for Jesus and for the privilege of being the BODY OF CHRIST.
We pray for the grace to continue in the faith GROUNDED & SETTLED AND BE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL.
In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen
THOUGHTS ON REVELATION 3
KEY SCRIPTURE
Revelation 3:3 NKJV
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
Hebrews 3:6 NKJV
but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
Rev 1:1 states the purpose of unveiling the things that were (the vision of Christ in the midst of the candlesticks), the things that are ( things concerning the churches), and the things that will be hereafter (events after the rapture), as not being for John’s benefit only, but for all His servants, which includes you and me.
It is therefore necessary for us to maintain the right mindset to this prophetic book that we started reading 2 days ago. Those who read the Revelation, those who hear it, and those who keep what is written therein are BLESSED.
In chapter 2, we started the journey into THE THINGS THAT ARE, ie, the things concerning the churches until the Rapture (Rev 2:1-3:22). This theme continues in todays chapter.
As we continue, let’s keep in mind the 3-fold application of these letters to the churches as follows:
1. Local application to the churches in John’s day. The letters portray actual conditions in 7 local churches in Asia Minor (western coast of Modern day Turkey). This is clear from the messages themselves as well as from Rev 1:4,11,20.
2. A prophetic application to the churches throughout this dispensation till the Rapture, revealing the spiritual conditions in local churches and in individuals in churches.
3. An individual application, so that each of us that make up the body of Christ in any generation, may be warned, and profit by learning the failures of the 7 churches (Rev 1:3; 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21).
To drive this last point home, we shall consider the church in Sardis.
Sardis back then was the capital of Lydia. The Lydians were said to be the invented of gold and silver coins, and which the Greeks quickly adopted, and played an important part as a catalyst in the commercial revolution that transformed Greek civilization. However all that is history. Sardis lies in ruins today.
There were 4 things said about the church in Sardis for us to ponder on:
– Works
– they had a reputation of being a living church, but in Christ’s assessment, the church is dead
– Their works were not perfect before God
– They had a few godly members.
In view of this verdict, the Lord’s commands to them are 5-fold, which are very relevant and applicable to individuals, and to Assemblies that fall into this category. These are:
1. Be watchful (vs 2, 1 Peter 5:8)
2. Strengthen the things that remain (Heb 12:12-13)
3. Remember your teachings(what you have studied, heard and received)
4. Hold fast, retain, keep to the end. Don’t allow them drift away Heb 2:1, Prov 3:1-8
5. Repent, make things right with God now and arise from where you have fallen.
Dear brother and sister in the Lord, of note is Rev 3:5, where it is outlined a risk of having one’s name blotted out from the book of life.
Please do not anyone deceive you with erroneous teaching that once saved, you are forever saved, the Lord has spoken to everyone that has an ear!
May the Spirit of God in us open our eyes of understanding and enlighten our darkness to areas of our lives where we need to make amends. May He strengthen us to continually stand as His witnesses to this generation in Jesus name. Amen 🙏
Revelation chapter 5
KEY SCRIPTURES
REVELATION 5:5 KJV
“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof”
COLOSSIANS 2:14-15 KJV
“blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it”
Revelation chapter 5 centers on Jesus Christ as the only one worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll, representing God’s plan for Redemption and Judgment. John weeps until Jesus is revealed as both the conquering “Lion of Judah” and the sacrificial “Lamb slain,” symbolizing his victory through Atonement.
This chapter establishes Christ’s divine authority, setting the stage for the tribulation and ultimate kingdom victory.
Key Themes And Interpretations
1. The Scroll and the Need for a Redeemer: – The scroll in God’s right hand represents the title deed to the earth, the predetermined plan of judgment, and redemption.
No creature in heaven or earth or under the earth is worthy to break the seals, indicating that only God (through Christ) can direct history and execute justice. John weeps because the inability to open the scroll means the world remains under judgment and sin, without redemption.
2. The Lion and the Lamb:- The paradox of Christ as both a powerful Lion (sovereignty) and a slain Lamb (sacrifice) highlights that His authority comes through his redemptive death.
The Lamb takes the scroll, showing he is the mediator who can execute God’s plan. The seven horns symbolize perfect power, and seven eyes represent the sevenfold Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) sent into the world.
3. Worship of the Lamb:- Jesus is depicted as receiving equal worship with the Father, cementing his divinity. The “new song” sung by the 24 Elders and Living creatures highlights that He purchased (redeemed) people from every nation to be a kingdom and priests unto God.
Worship shifts from creation to redemption, emphasizing the Lamb’s work. The prayers of the saints are associated with this worship and judgment.
4. The Transition of Judgment: The Lamb taking the scroll from God signals the start of the tribulation (seven seals), where Christ begins to reclaim the earth from Satan’s dominion.
APPLICATION
Worshiping the Worthy Lamb: The central scene shows heavenly adoration for Jesus. Followers are called to worship Him, recognizing His divinity (shared throne with the Father) and His sacrifice that conquered sin and death.
Trust in Sovereign Control: The scroll with seven seals represents God’s plan for redemptive history. While the world seems chaotic, the Lamb is unlocking history, assuring believers that God is in control of the future.
The “Lion-Lamb” Lifestyle: Followers are to follow the pattern of the Savior: conquering not through power or force, but through sacrificial, self-giving love.
Active Priestly Ministry: Believers are identified as a “kingdom and priests” (Rev 5:10), serving as mediators and witnesses to spread the gospel of salvation from every tribe and nation.
Prayer as Strategic Power: The “golden bowls full of incense” represent the prayers of the saints. This encourages believers that their prayers are valuable to God and actively influence the unfolding of His, kingdom.
Hope Amid Suffering: The image of the “slain” but now standing Lamb gives hope in times of persecution, reminding believers that the crucified Jesus is actually the victorious Ruler of all creation.
THOUGHTS ON REVELATION 6
THEME: JUDGMENT IS CERTAIN— LIVE READY
MAIN VERSE: Revelation 6:16–17
The great day of HIS wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”
SUPPORTING VERSES
Numbers 23:19
GOD does not lie, hath HE spoken, and shall HE not make it good?
Matthew 24:6–8
And there shall be famine, pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Revelation chapter six opens with the lamb opening the four seals, clearly showing us how the period of the great tribulation will be.
From here, we can identify 5 major events of the great tribulation
1. The Lamb opens the seals — Judgment Begins (Rev 6:1–8)
The seals are opened by the Lamb, showing that the Lamb is in absolute control. Judgement is not chaotic; it is divinely orchestrated. What will unfold on the earth is under heaven’s authority
2. The Four Horsemen — Progressive Breakdown (v1–8)
– White horse → conquest/deception
– Red horse → war
– Black horse → famine
– Pale horse → death
We will not see these horses because they are spiritual, but we will definitely see their physical manifestations in the deception, war, famine, and death that we would experience on earth.
3 The Cry of the Martyrs
The scripture acknowledges that many saints will be slain because of their faith and many more will yet follow same treatment.
Here, the matyr souls cry: “How long, O LORD?”
GOD’s response shows that:
– GOD sees injustice
– Judgment may delay, but it is never denied.
4.The Cry of the Unprepared*
When this judgement unfolds, there shall be no escape for the unprepared.
Men( rich, great men, kings and the poor alike) will find out that they must face GOD, and they will cry for rocks to hide them because they will discover that:
– Systems will fail them
– Power will fail
– connections will fail
– wealth will fail
– Status will not matter
5. Discernment is Given to Believers (1 John 2:20–21) “You have an unction… and you know all things.”
In a confused world of so much injustice and persecution directed at believers, they are not helpless. The SPIRIT equips us to recognize truth from error, persevere in prayers and be hopeful because only those who do GOD’s will, will stand.
The only question after going through this chapter is, “Am I ready if it begins?”
Because when it fully unfolds:
– No time to adjust
– No time to negotiate
– No time to pretend
Takeaway
GOD is so loving that HE gives everyone ample time to repent and escape this awful period of tribulation by showing us vivid account of how that period would be
GOD is patient—but judgment is certain
The Lamb is not only Saviour—HE is Judge
Currently, in the light of world events, we are experiencing warning signs, dress rehearsals, practice version before the real event.
In the midst of all these events, GOD has not left HIS people blind. HE has given us:
—- warnings (1 John 2)
—- revelation (Rev 6)
—–Spirit (discernment)
This is not the time to play with sin. It is the time to stand firm in truth . Before warned is before armed
Prayer Point
– LORD, open my eyes to eternal realities.
– Help me live ready, not careless.
– Keep me from deception and spiritual slumber.
– Let me stand in that day by Your mercy in the mighty name of JESUS, Amen🙏🏿
REFLECTIONS ON REVELATIONS 8
Today, we study the Book of Revelations Chapter Eight where the GOLDEN CENSER was described, revealing to us the RELEVANCE OF THE PRAYERS OF ALL SAINTS
REFLECTIONS
“THE PRAYERS OF ALL THE SAINTS”
Key Scripture
(Revelations 8:3-4)
“Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the Golden Altar which was before the throne”.
“And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.”
THREE COMPONENTS
The Imagery of Revelations Chapter Eight denotes the importance of THREE COMPONENTS in the Prayer Process are:
1. The Saints
2. The Incense
3. The Fire
THE SAINTS
Almighty God still reckons with the Prayers of The Saints for His Plan on Earth.
Hallelujah!
That is a great motivation to pray. Men ought to pray! (Luke 18:1)
THE INCENSE
The meritorious obedience and death of Jesus Christ is the INCENSE-rendering the prayers of the saints well pleasing to God.
THE INCENSE WAS GIVEN TO THE ANGEL BY JESUS.
Yes!
Jesus is the ONLY MEDIATOR and Our More Excellent High Priest.
We thank God for accepting the sacrifice of Jesus, hence our prayers are propelled to the Throne.
THE FIRE
FIRE in spiritual matters represents The Presence and The Power of God.
It is commanded that the Fire on the Altar “shall be kept burning”
(Leviticus 6:12-13)
“A Fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out”
In this dispensation, THE FIRE is kept burning according to 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19 through the following:
REJOICE ALWAYS
PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING
GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING
Conclusion
GREAT PRIVILEGE
We are encouraged that the Effectual Fervent Prayers of Righteous makes TREMENDOUS POWER available (James 5:16)
It is therefore a privilege that Heaven permits our INPUT into Divine Operations through the prayer of the saints.
So, Lets keep praying!
DIVINE TIMING
Our Prayers are being STORED and The Sovereign God determines the TIME/SEASON to convert the “REQUESTS” to “MANIFESTATIONS”
So, let’s keep praying!
KNOWING HIS WILL
This is the confidence that we have that He hears us (1John 5:14)
Brethren, it is critical that we pray ACCORDING TO HIS WILL.
Therefore, as we connect to HIS WAVELENGTH, to confirm His Will, so let’s keep praying.
INTERCESSION
We are also commanded to pray ONE FOR ANOTHER
(James 5:16)
WHAT TO DO
Keep praying WITHOUT CEASING.
PRAYER
THY WILL BE DONE
Father, we pray that “Your will be done on Earth as in Heaven” in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
