Sermon Revelation Chapter 1

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[2] The title of the sermon today is: “REVELATION CHAPTER 1.”

• We’re going to go through Revelation Chapter 1 verse by verse today.
• Let’s start there in verse 1.

[3] Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

• This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ which God the Father gave to Him.
• The purpose of the Book of Revelation is to SHOW HIS SERVANTS things which are going to happen.
• God sent this Revelation to His servant John by His angel.

Is this book written to the saved or the unsaved?

• Many churches will teach that Revelation is written to the unsaved people to warn them of what’s going to happen to them.
• This is false teaching.
• The first verse of Revelation tells us it is written to the saved people or God’s servants.
• Revelation is written to the saved people to reveal things to His servants.

Revelation Is Written To Reveal Things To Us And Not To Hide Things From Us

This means God is revealing things to us, and it should not be difficult to understand.

• It should be easy to understand. And yes, it takes work.
• And that’s why we’re going through this line by line today.
• If you don’t want to put the effort into it, God knows. He won’t reveal the truth to you.
• If you want to work for it, God will reveal the truth to you.
• – Turn to the very last verse in Revelation chapter 1. So turn to Revelation 1 verse 20.
• Let’s read just the first half of that verse there:

[4] Revelation 1:20a The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks.

• So the Bible is telling us the seven stars and the seven golden candlesticks are a mystery.
• You see: Most churches, most preachers, most teachers, most pastors, and most ministers WON’T TOUCH the book of Revelation.
• They say it’s TOO HARD to understand. Or, it’s too difficult. Or, it’s too much of a mystery.
• So, the first part of Revelation 1:20 tells us it’s a mystery. But, lets put some effort into this and study.
• Let’s read the second half of verse 20. Too many people stop reading verses too early.

[5] Revelation 1:20b The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

• So God is revealing all of these mysteries to us in the Book of Revelation.
• He doesn’t want this to be a mystery to us any more. This is no longer a mystery!!!
• The entire book of Revelation is not difficult to understand if you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as YOUR ONLY Savior.
• Remember, it’s not about you and what you do. It’s 100% Jesus that saves you.
• Simply believe on Him to save you, and you’re saved.
• You now have the Holy Spirit within you that will guide you and teach you all things.
• If you can’t understand what I’m teaching today, then hear the words of 1 Corinthians 2:14.

[6] 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

• If you are born again and have the Spirit of God, you can understand the Book of Revelation easily.
• All you have to do is put the work in, pray to God, ask Him to help you understand.
• Hear this verse from the Book of John.

[7] John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

• So, if you’re having a lot of trouble understanding what I teach today, you need to go back to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and understand that Gospel.
• For many, many years I studied the Bible, and I couldn’t understand it.
• Once I finally realized that all I had to do was trust Jesus Christ 100% to save me, I started to understand.

You Need To Be Saved Before You Can Understand Revelation

The first step to being saved and receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is to understand you’re a sinner and you need to be saved or you’re going to hell.

• Understand that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the only one who can save you.
• Believe that, and you’ll be able to understand all of the Bible much better.
• It’s not going to be a miraculous, “Oh, now I understand EVERYTHING in the Bible!!!”
• You need to study the Bible and work hard. Be a workman. God will reveal things to you.

[8] 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

• So, we’re going to go through the entire book of Revelation verse by verse.
• We will work hard and understand the Book of Revelation completely.
• We will get rid of any pre-conceived ideas from man.
• If you can’t get rid of those (example is the pre-tribulation rapture which is false) and hear the words of God, then you’ll have trouble understanding the entire Bible including Revelation.
• Let all of those man-made ideas and teachings go. Hear the words of God alone.
• Let everything else go and hear God alone.
• We won’t add anything to the word of God. You’ll see the truth.
• Let’s allow this Book of Revelation to reveal to us the things which must shortly come to pass.
• If you do that, you’ll be able to understand this book.

[9] Revelation 1:1-3 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

• So look what it says in Verse 3.
• If you aren’t reading this book, you’re missing out on a blessing from God Himself.
• God is saying the time is at hand.
• The things that are written in this book could happen during your lifetime.
• You need to know what’s going to happen, and you need to keep the words of this book.
• So all the churches and all the people who have the wrong bibles and who won’t teach the Book of Revelation are missing out BIG TIME!
• If you don’t have a King James Bible, STOP right here and get yourself a copy.

[10] Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

• So, here in Verse 4, John is writing to the 7 churches in Asia.
• This fits in perfectly with what we learned earlier. This book is written to God’s saved people.
• Revelation is not a warning to the unsaved. The unsaved don’t even care what Revelation says.
• We must get those people saved first, and then they’ll care what Revelation says.
• Religions and all of them around here that I know of will teach that we won’t even be here for most of the Book of Revelation because God will rapture us away before all of these things happen.
• This is false teaching. Revelation disproves that teaching VERY easily.
• They’ll tell you that you don’t need to know most of Revelation because you won’t be here. False.

We All Need To Know And Understand The Book Of Revelation

Why would God give us the book of Revelation with the purpose “to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass?”

• Yes, there are parts of Revelation in which we won’t be there because God is pouring out His wrath on the unsaved.
• BUT there’s much of Revelation in which we’ll be right there in the middle of it IF it happens during our lifetime.
• So again, this is being written to the 7 churches which are in Asia. Verse 11 tells us the seven churches.

[11] Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

• These are 7 actual churches that existed in Asia at the time of this writing of the Book of Revelation.
• Many false teachers and preachers will try to say these churches represent different things like different church ages.
• This is made up and false. Some will say we’re living in the Laodicean church age.
• Where do they get this stuff? The Bible is very clear. Look at the map.

[12]

• So these 7 churches consisted of people who believed the Bible and these existed in what we call Asia Minor today and the modern day country of Turkey.
• And then you see Patmos there on the map too and this is where John received the words for the Book of Revelation.
• This is where he was located as you can see in verse 9.

[13] Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

• How do we know these 7 churches were actual churches?
• Paul mentions, as an example, the Church of Laodicea 4 times within the book of Colossians.

[14] Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

[15] Colossians 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

[16] Colossians 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

[17] Colossians 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

• Another example is the Church at Ephesus.
• We have the entire book of Ephesians written to that Church so that’s obviously an actual and literal church.
• All of these 7 churches in the Book of Revelation are congregations of believers. These are saved people.
• John is writing this book to the 7 churches, and he’s sending them all a copy of this book.
• He had to write it 7 times. They didn’t have computers, printers, and copy machines.
• He wrote it 7 times and sent each church a copy.
• He has a personalized message for each of the 7 churches which we’ll see in Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation.
• Why would he write to 7 different churches?
• One of the possible reasons can be seen in Revelation 22, which has this warning.

[18] Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

• If you have 7 copies and someone changes one of the copies, you’ll know that those words have been changed.
• You’ll know which one is the fraud.
• If you have 500 baseball cards printed and 3 of the very rare cards have printing errors on them, you’ll know the frauds very quickly because 497 are correct and say the same thing.

We Will Always Have The Word Of God

• The same thing goes for the entire Bible. There have been many attempts to corrupt and change the word of God.
• So, why did John write to 7 different churches and send 7 copies, one to each church?
• Here’s another possible reason in the Book of Psalms.

[19] Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

• Let’s continue in verse 4:

[20] Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

• What’s this mean about the writing being FROM the seven Spirits which are before His throne?
• Let’s turn to Revelation 3:1 quickly. This is Jesus speaking here.

[21] Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

• Jesus is saying that He has the 7 Spirits of God. So, what are these 7 spirits?
• The Bible tells us in Isaiah what these 7 spirits are that Jesus Christ Himself has.

[22] Isaiah 11:1-2 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Jesus Has The Seven Spirits Of God

[23] There are 7 Spirits listed there in Isaiah 11:

1. Spirit of the Lord
2. Spirit of Wisdom
3. Spirit of Understanding
4. Spirit of Counsel
5. Spirit of Might
6. Spirit of Knowledge
7. Spirit of Fear of the Lord

• In Verse 1 it also directly states this is talking about Jesus Christ and the 7 Spirits resting upon Him.
• The rod that comes out of the stem of Jesse is Jesus Christ Himself.
• Jesus comes out of the seed of David and David is the son of Jesse.

[24] John 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

• Let’s continue in verse 5 of Revelation 1.

[25] Revelation 1:5-6 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

• These verses give us the Gospel of Jesus Christ right here.
• Many “Christian” religions today will say that we can only reach heaven if we’re good people who do good things.
• They say that we must live good lives to make it to heaven. This is what man says. In the Bible, God says:

[26] Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

[27] Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

[28] Matthew 19:17a And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God:

• Man says one thing and God says another.
• God says the ONLY reason we can be made kings and priests unto God is because our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ Himself.
• That’s it. Nothing we do of ourselves is good enough to save us, and Revelation 1:5-6 is telling us that yet again.

[29] Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

• Let’s look at the end of verse 6.

[30] Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

• When John uses the word Amen here, this means he is closing a thought and starting a new thought next.
• The Bible does the same thing in many, many spots.
• We do the same thing when we pray and say “Amen“ to close.

The Word AMEN Is A Closing Word

• 24 of 27 New Testament books close with the word “Amen.” See the table.
• Only the Book of Acts, James, and 3 John do not close with Amen.

[31]

Book	End w/ Amen	Book	End w/ Amen	Book	End w/ Amen
Matthew	Yes	Ephesians	Yes	Hebrews	Yes
Mark	Yes	Philippians	Yes	James	No
Luke	Yes	Colossians	Yes	1 Peter	Yes
John	Yes	1 Thessalonians	Yes	2 Peter	Yes
Acts	No	2 Thessalonians	Yes	1 John	Yes
Romans	Yes	1 Timothy	Yes	2 John	Yes
1 Corinthians	Yes	2 Timothy	Yes	3 John	No
2 Corinthians	Yes	Titus	Yes	Jude	Yes
Galatians	Yes	Philemon	Yes	Revelation	Yes

• John is closing his thought in verse 6 and starting new in verse 7.
• Verses 1 through 6 of Revelation are an introduction to the Book of Revelation.
• The next verse, Verse 7, is the number ONE KEY verse in the entire book of Revelation so hear this now.

[32] Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

• NOTICE: There’s an AMEN right before verse 7 and an AMEN at the end of verse 7.
• This MUST be a KEY VERSE, and we better pay attention to this verse.

The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ Is The Focus Of The Book Of Revelation

• This verse is telling us that the SECOND COMING of Jesus Christ is the FOCUS of the Book of Revelation and God’s Judgement upon the wicked is another major FOCUS of the Book of Revelation.
• Notice where verse 7 says:

[33] Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

• Wailing means to cry out with pain, grief, anger, and anguish.
• This verse is telling us that Jesus is coming and His judgement is coming upon the wicked.

[34] Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

• Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 13:42 that there will be wailing in hell.
• Revelation 1:7, again, is telling us Jesus is coming with clouds at His second coming.
• Every eye shall see Him, and judgement will be poured out on the wicked.
• Understanding Revelation 1:7 completely is the way to understand the entire book of Revelation.
• If you do not understand verse 7, you will not understand the entire Book of Revelation.
• Really, it comes down to that.

We’ll Spend Time On Revelation Chapter 1 Verse 7

Let’s spend some time on Verse 7 so we fully understand it because it’s THAT important.

• The Bible put an Amen before verse 7 and at the end of verse 7 so we’ll take that hint and spend some time on that verse.
• GET THIS CLEAR: Verse 7 says HE COMETH WITH CLOUDS.
• So, this obviously talking about JESUS COMING BACK. This is HIS SECOND COMING.
• This is what all the saved people in this world want to see. We want to see Jesus come back.
• The Book of Revelation is going to reveal many things about His Second Coming.
• What about the first coming of Jesus Christ? When did this happen?
• This happened when he was born in the manger of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.
• This is when He came to Earth the first time.

[35] John 1:11-12 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

• Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross.
• His soul went to hell because of our sin and not His own, He defeated death and hell.
• He arose in His body, He appeared to over 500 witnesses at once in His body
• Stayed on Earth for 40 days in His resurrected body.
• And then He ascended into heaven to sit on the right hand of God the Father.
• I want to look closely at Acts Chapter 1. Jesus is with his disciples in this Chapter.
• I want to start in Verse 9 where Jesus is about to ascend into heaven to be with His Father.

[36] Acts 1:9-10 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

• His disciples watched Him very intently. They looked upon Him as He went up toward heaven.
• Notice there are 2 men standing by them in white apparel as Jesus is ascending into heaven.
• Notice what these 2 men in white apparel say to His disciples in verse 11.
• Hear this as this is very important.

[37] Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

• Jesus will come in like manner just as He ascended towards heaven that day.
• And remember that they were watching Him as He ascended towards heaven.
• For Christ’s second coming, people will be watching, people will see Him, and He will be coming back with clouds just as clouds received him out of their sight during His ascension into heaven.
• Just as Revelation 1:7 tells us: “Every eye shall see Him” as He comes with clouds.
• This will be the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Is Coming With Clouds

Let’s look at other parts of the Bible that mention Jesus coming with clouds. Let’s see what the Bible has to say.

• Remember, this is very important to understand today.
• We’re simply taking what God says in His Bible and understanding the Book of Revelation.
• The HUGE majority of Christians today have Verse 7 wrong and most of Revelation and other books wrong too.
• We’ll make sure we get this right today. Let’s turn to Matthew 24 verse 21:

[38] Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

• This is Jesus speaking here, and He’s talking about Great Tribulation.
• The Book of Revelation talks about great tribulation.
• And we’ll learn more about that later, but let’s keep going. Move down to verse 29 in Matthew 24.

[39] Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

• So right there the Bible tells us about events that will happen IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION.
• The sun shall be darkened, the moon shall not give her light, stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
• These are ALL major events that will happen, and these same events show up throughout the Bible over and over and over again.
• Here’s one example from the Book of Joel:

[40] Joel 3:14-15 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

• The Bible tells us in several places that the Day of the Lord is associated with the sun and moon being darkened.
• Remember and keep in mind that the Day of the Lord occurs when the sun and moon are darkened.
• Now let’s go back to Matthew 24 verse 30.

[41] Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

• Matthew 24 tells us that we will see the Great Tribulation first.
• Then, the sun and moon is darkened. Next, we see the sign of the Son of man in heaven.

Jesus Is The Son Of Man

• Jesus Christ is the Son of man as he calls Himself the Son of man over 80 times in the New Testament.
• Then, all the tribes of the earth will mourn.
• And finally in verse 30, we’re told “They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
• Let’s compare Matthew 24 with Revelation 1:7.

[42]

Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

[43] Notice these similarities between verses and how they match up exactly:

1. He is coming with clouds.
2. Every eye shall see Him, and He will be seen.
3. All kindreds and tribes shall wail and mourn.

• Let’s go back to Matthew 24 verse 31:

[44] Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

• Do you see that? “They shall gather together His elect.” His elect refers to people who are saved.
• Every time the Bible mentions “The Elect” it’s talking about people who are saved.
• Here’s one example, but there are many more.

[45] Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

• If you’re saved (anyone can be saved by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ), you’re part of the elect.
• You’re part of God’s group of people.
• It doesn’t matter if you’re Jew or Gentile.
• You’re God’s elect if you’re saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.
• The elect is NOT referring to the modern day nation of Israel which is a man-made nation not of God.
• The nation of Israel consists mainly of the religion of Judaism, which HATES the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Trumpet Sounds And The Saved Are Gathered Together

[46] Here’s what happens in order:

1. A trumpet will sound.
2. Gathers up the saved who are the believers.

• Now, let’s look at Mark Chapter 13.

[47] Mark 13:24-27 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

• So far, we should all be able to say that Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24, and Mark 13 are all talking about the same event.
• Right? Do you see that? Jesus is coming in the clouds. People are wailing and mourning.
• It’s the same event. It matches perfectly.
• Now, let’s look at Luke 21. You should remember Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21.

[48] Luke 21:25-28 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

• Pay close attention to these verses. Their hearts are failing them for fear of things that are coming.
• Then it says after this shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
• In Matthew and Mark, it tells us that the saved will be gathered together and this is redemption for God’s saved people.
• Luke tells us once these things come to pass, to look up, to lift your heads, for your redemption draweth near.
• He’s saying you’re about to be gathered together. This is your redemption!

Compare The Parallel Passages

So again, Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are all parallel passages.

• These are very obvious, and you can go match the chapters up yourselves.
• You’ll see how they match perfectly. Revelation 1:7 is speaking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
• This is so easy to see, but all the churches around here and all the religions around here believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture.
• This means they say God’s elect will be gathered together and taken off the earth BEFORE the tribulation!
• If you’ve been listening so far today, how can they say this? It’s NOT Biblical at all.
• And yes, I believed in the pre-tribulation rapture before and studied it very well.
• 100% without a doubt it is a MAN-MADE teaching. It’s not from the Bible AT ALL.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all say different when compared to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture (which is false).

• Jesus repeats Himself 3 times in those books. Yet, we have false teaching everywhere!
• The Bible says “AFTER THE TRIBULATION” then you will see the Son of man COMING in the clouds.
• And Revelation Chapter 19 is NOT the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• Revelation Chapter 19 doesn’t match Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 AT ALL.

Everyone (or all churches and people I know) agree that 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 is speaking about the rapture.

• The rapture is the gathering of God’s elect in the clouds with Jesus Christ.
• The entire PROBLEM we have is the Pre-Tribulation rapture group (which is all churches in this area) will say that the Rapture is NOT the second coming of Jesus Christ!
• They will say that Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, and Acts 1 are all describing a different “COMING” of the Lord Jesus Christ than what you see in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4.
• They try to separate it FOR SOME REASON and say that the Rapture with Jesus “COMING” in the clouds doesn’t count as a “COMING” of Jesus Christ.
• What??? See: they make those changes to match their false teaching.
• Instead, listen, hear, and see what the Bible says. Don’t change the Bible to match your lies.
• The Bible is the truth. We don’t get to change the words in the Bible.

Please remember this:

• The Pre-Tribulation Rapture group (which is every church in this area) will say that 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 does NOT describe the SECOND COMING of Jesus Christ.
• So, let’s read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4, and you can judge for yourself.
• Is this really talking about some separate event that takes place BEFORE the tribulation?

[49] 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

• 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 verse 15 is talking about the COMING OF THE LORD!
• God Himself in HIS BIBLE using HIS WORDS calls this THE COMING OF THE LORD.
• Make sure you see that. It’s right there. It’s called “THE COMING OF THE LORD.”
• Yet, the Pre-Tribulation False Teachers (which is every church around here) will say that 1 Thessalonians is NOT talking about THE COMING OF THE LORD!
• Obviously, the event in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 is talking about THE COMING OF THE LORD!

STOP Changing The Words Of The Bible

Open up your eyes and your ears and let’s put a STOP to all this false teaching and heresy.

• Don’t change God’s words, and don’t allow false preachers to change them either.
• Don’t make them to be whatever you want them to be so they match your views.
• And if you aren’t sure, then stop teaching others something you aren’t sure about.
• This is what happens in Churches around here, and I’m sick of it.

How can anyone who is saved read 1 Thessalonians 4:15 and teach others that this is NOT talking about the COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?

• So, if this isn’t the second coming of the Lord as churches around here teach, then what is it?
• Which coming of the Lord is it? The Bible calls it the coming of the Lord.
• So which coming is it? Is it the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, coming 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.5, 3.5?
• That’s ridiculous, right?
• They say it’s not a coming of the Lord and that it doesn’t count because the feet of Jesus do not make contact with the ground.
• What??? Where do they get this stuff? From a man-made doctrine! It doesn’t come from God.

[50] 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

• There is no getting out of this verse and these words. Is this the second coming of Jesus Christ or NOT?
• These false churches and false teachers say NOT. Then, you’re going against what the Bible says.
• Then, this tells me, you don’t believe what God says, which takes us back to John 8:47.

[51] John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

• Preachers and teachers and pastors and ministers want to play games with the word of God.
• We don’t play games here at this church. What God says, goes. And He calls it a coming of the Lord!
• Let’s continue with 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4:

[52] 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

• So, the dead in Christ rise first. The bodies of all the dead whose souls are in heaven will rise first.
• The newly resurrected bodies will meet the souls from heaven in the clouds with Jesus Christ.
• Then, those who are alive and remain on earth will be caught up together with those newly resurrected bodies from the dead in Christ.
• The ones who are alive will then have a new body as they are gathered together in the clouds.

Comfort One Another With These Words

Why would verse 18 say: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words?”

• This simply means that you’re going to see all of your loved ones who are saved in the clouds when we’re all caught up together!!!
• This is comforting. Do you want to go to heaven and not know anyone?
• Do you want to look around and not see anyone you know?
• Be comforted because you will see the ones you’ve known who are saved.

[53] So, in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4, we have all of these things happening:

1. Jesus Christ is coming.
2. He’s coming in the clouds.
3. Trumpet of God (Matthew 24:31).
4. Gathering together of the Elect.

Did ANY PART of Thessalonians Chapter 4 mention anything about this COMING of the Lord occurring before the tribulation as the false churches and false teachers will tell you?

• NO. It does not. It doesn’t yet say anything about the timing of this event.
• Let’s keep going in 1 Thessalonians. Verse 18 is the last verse in Chapter 4.
• So let’s look at verse 1 in Chapter 5.
• Remember, man input the chapters and the verses BUT they can’t change the words of God (God says He will preserve His words).
• The first word in Chapter 5 verse 1 is “BUT” which happens to mean that we’re continuing from Chapter 4.

[54] 1 Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

• Yes, we see that the timing was never given to us. But, let’s keep going. On to verse 2.

[55] 1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

• Obviously, the Day of the Lord is equivalent to the Rapture.
• We just talked about the Rapture a few verses before this. And now we read about the Day of the Lord.
• We don’t need to know the timing of the Rapture because we’re told that the Day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night.

The Day Of The Lord Occurs Soon After The Sun And Moon Are Darkened

• And we know the Day of the Lord is always characterized by the Sun and Moon being darkened!
• The Bible tells us this over and over again.
• So, you might ask: “Well, where’s the wailing and mourning?” Let’s continue reading in verse 3.

[56] 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

• So it tells us they will have travail like a woman with child.
• Travail means painful or laborious effort.
• So this matches Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
• But, these pre-tribulation rapture people will tell you: “DON’T WORRY BECAUSE YOU’LL BE LONG GONE BEFORE ANY OF THIS HAPPENS.”
• Is that what the next verse says? Of course not. Let’s look.

[57] 1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

• Does that say that you’re not going to be there? Does it imply that you won’t be there?
• Does it say you’re already gone and have been raptured into heaven with Jesus?
• NO! It doesn’t say that. This is what the Pre-Tribulation Rapture group will tell you.
• It simply says that the Day of the Lord will not overtake you as a thief.
• So remember, the Pre-Tribulation rapture group is saying the Rapture has already occurred and the Day of the Lord comes later.
• They’re saying none of this is important for us to understand. This is completely false.
• The rapture and the Day of the Lord happen on the same day!
• Let’s continue in verse 5:

[58] 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

• He’s telling us to watch and the day will not overtake you as a thief.
• He’s telling as that we are the children of the light and that means we will understand His words, know when this is coming, and will not be overtaken as a thief.
• We’ll see it coming!

Don’t Be Overtaken As A Thief

• Others who believe false teaching and the word of man over the word of God, will be overtaken as a thief when that day comes.
• This simply means you will be there, but that day will not surprise you. You’ll see it coming.
• Just like Luke 21:28 says:

[59] Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

• This is saying you’ll know that the Day of the Lord is coming, that the Rapture is coming, once you see these things come to pass.
• It says “LOOK UP! LIFT UP YOUR HEADS! FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH!”
• I want to go over just a couple more things before we move on from Revelation 1:7.
• Let me show you what 2 Thessalonians verse 1 says:

[60] 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

• So look, there’s more proof that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ also includes OUR gathering together unto Him.
• This matches the Rapture. This matches the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Seven Things About The Coming Of The Lord Jesus Christ

• One last thing before we move on. Go to Matthew 24 again. Go to verse 32.
• Now, remember, Matthew 24 has already told us these things about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ:

[61]

1. Immediately after the tribulation.
2. The sun and moon shall be darkened.
3. The sign of the Son of man shall appear in heaven.
4. All the tribes of the earth shall mourn.
5. Jesus is coming in the clouds.
6. His angels will be sent with the great sound of a trumpet.
7. The elect shall be gathered together.

• Now, Jesus gives us the parable of a fig tree starting in verse 32.

[62] Matthew 24:32-33 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

• He’s saying right there that YOU SHALL SEE ALL THESE THINGS.
• If you’ve already been raptured, you sure wouldn’t see all of those things, and He wouldn’t need to say any of this.

[63] Matthew 24:34-36 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

• So He says in verse 36 right there: “But of THAT DAY.”
• You would ask next: “Well, which day is He talking about.”
• He’s talking about the day that He’s been telling us about in Matthew 24.
• It’s the Day of the Lord and the day the Rapture takes place. It’s the day the elect is gathered.

Jesus Is Not Coming At Any Moment

These false teachers, preachers, and churches keep telling people that Jesus can come at any moment.

• They take Matthew 24:36 and say that Jesus can come at any moment and they base their entire doctrine or teaching on that idea.
• They say: “No man knoweth the day or the hour.”
• These are the people who are using verse 36 of Matthew to say the rapture can happen at any time.
• But, go back just a few verses earlier to Matthew 24:29 and it says this:

[64] Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

• So verse 36 is talking about the Day of the Lord, which happens immediately after the tribulation.
• But they want to take that and say the Rapture can happen at any time because no man knows the day or the hour.
• But they also say that Matthew 24 isn’t talking about the Rapture! So, which one is it?
• Do you see how confusing these false teachers and churches are for everyone?
• They cause confusion and scatter God’s sheep.
• All you false teachers and preachers out there today, hear this warning from God:

[65] Jeremiah 23:1-2 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. 2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

• You don’t get to pick and choose verses to support whatever you want.
• You say Matthew 24 isn’t about the rapture, but you use a verse from Matthew 24 to support the timing of the rapture in your own mind.
• You don’t get to do that. You’re making up your own god when you do that.
• Listen to what God says and not your own mind with man-made doctrine.

You’ll hear people in churches all around this area say things like this: “Jesus can come back at any moment. He could come back tonight. Amen Brother. Amen Brother. Amen. Amen. Amen.”

• This is what you hear. And it spreads like a wildfire.
• People just listen to these amens and they believe it too without ANY backing from the word of God.
• I’m sick of this. Don’t trust any man and his words. Trust the TRUE WORDS from God.
• God says we do not know the day and the hour BUT we do know it’s after the tribulation.
• So if we haven’t gone through tribulation and great tribulation (which you haven’t), then Jesus sure isn’t coming back tonight.
• Why? Because HE SAYS SO right here in the Bible!!! Do you hear that???
• Jesus isn’t coming back tonight or tomorrow unless you’re reading this and the tribulation is about over.

Listen To The Words In The Bible

Look: I know the Rapture, the Day of the Lord, and Second Coming of Jesus Christ is all happening on the same day because the Bible says so.

• I also know that day will come after the Tribulation because the Bible says so.
• But, I don’t know the day or the hour. But, I will know when it’s getting closer and closer.
• I will know that’s it coming soon once there’s tribulation.
• And then I’ll know it’s coming really soon once there’s GREAT TRIBULATION.
• But no matter what, I will not know the exact day or the exact hour.
• No one knows this except God. God the Father will make that day known.

[66] Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

• Please turn to Revelation 6 verse 12.
• We need to get Revelation 1:7 right so we’re spending the time studying this today.
• Jesus gives us the signs of his coming in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Like 21.
• If we look for those same signs in the Book of Revelation, we see this.

[67] Revelation 6:12-13 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

• So Revelation 6:12-13 is THE ONLY TIME that the Book of Revelation mentions the sun and moon being darkened and the stars falling.
• This must be the same event that we see in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21.

[68]

Revelation 6:12-13 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Mark 13:24-25 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

• When we look back at Revelation 6, we can see that the sun and moon are darkened after the SIXTH SEAL is opened.

[69] Revelation 6:12-13 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

• Everything that happens before the Sixth Seal being opened is part of the tribulation.
• Anything after the sixth seal is opened is considered to be AFTER THE TRIBULATION.
• Once the sun and moon is darkened, the tribulation period is over. It’s that simple.
• God begins to pour out His wrath after the Tribulation.
• The Tribulation and God’s Wrath are not the same thing as evidenced by their names and what the Bible calls them.
• But, we’ll learn more on that later.

Daniel’s 70^th Week Is A 7-Year Period Of Time

The events that occur in the Book of Revelation are covered in a 7-year period, which is also called Daniels 70^th week.

• Daniel’s 70^th week is described in the book of Daniel.
• The tribulation doesn’t cover the entire 7-year period.
• God’s wrath, which is not the tribulation, covers much of that 7-year period.
• The Bible NEVER says that all of Daniel’s 70^th week is TRIBULATION. It doesn’t say that ONCE.
• So now, finally, let’s get back to Revelation Chapter 1 verse 8. That’s where we left off.

[70] Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

• Now, who is that speaking in verse 8? Is that God the Father or the Son of God?
• Look down to verse 17 and 18.

[71] Revelation 1:17-18 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

• That’s obviously Jesus speaking here because He was alive and was dead and is now alive forevermore.
• He has the keys of hell and death. This is Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior speaking. So back to verse 8.

[72] Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

• This is important because many false religions out there today like the Jehovah’s Witness say that Jesus isn’t God.
• Their man-made bible is false and they change the words.
• Here in verse 8, Jesus is called the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, and THE ALMIGHTY.
• Jesus is Almighty God. There is ONE GOD. God the Father is God. Jesus Christ is God.
• The Holy Ghost is God. One God in 3 distinct individuals.

[73] Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

• Pay attention to the underlined words there. John says he is a companion in tribulation.
• John obviously has to go through tribulation.

Christians Will Go Through Tribulation

• And I’m saying this because the Pre-Tribulation Rapture group will say that God would NEVER make His people go through any tribulation.
• Well, the entire Bible teaches the opposite of what those false teachers will say.
• They make up whatever they want and call themselves men of god.
• If you’re a man of God, you wouldn’t make everything up. You would use the word of God.
• The word tribulation is found in the Bible 22 times. The first instance is in Deuteronomy, which says this:

[74] Deuteronomy 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

[75] Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

[76] 1 Thessalonians 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

• So, it sure looks like God’s people will go through tribulation.
• It refers to persecution, and it usually happens because of the word of God.
• If you stick up for the WORD OF GOD, you will have trouble in this world. It’s coming.
• NEVER once in the Bible does God equate His Wrath being poured out in Revelation to tribulation.
• NEVER. Only the Pre-Tribulation rapture group does this on their own.
• They made it up without any backing from God’s word.
• When God pours out his wrath with the trumpets and vials, this is NOT part of the tribulation.

[77] Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

• Again, John is talking to saved people in the Book of Revelation.
• He says in verse 9 that he is our brother, and he is our companion in tribulation.
• Then this Pre-Tribulation group goes and says that saved people won’t have to go through tribulation.
• This is false. It’s pretty easy and clear to see this.

[78] Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

• Remember, the Book of Revelation is written to reveal things to God’s servants.
• People who aren’t saved won’t understand this book. They won’t see and hear the words.
• They won’t understand, and they won’t get it right.

Again, Be Saved First And Then Understand

• It’s time to go back to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and be saved.
• Once you believe on Jesus Christ, you’ll see and understand His words when you put in the work.
• Search the Scriptures. In the Scriptures, you will find TRUTH. You will find life.
• If you are a true servant of Jesus Christ, you will go through tribulation.
• You won’t get along with everyone in this world. You will be persecuted. Most people will hate you.
• Understand that today. Don’t believe me? Hear this:

[79] 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

• People don’t like it when the word of God proves them wrong.
• These are the same people who will say they believe in the Inspired Word of God and trust in everything that it says.
• Yeah, until it doesn’t match their own man-made beliefs. They won’t give those up for nothing.
• They trust themselves more than God. This is what you call unsaved people.

[80] 1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

[81] Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

• Back to Revelation 1 verse 10:

[82] Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

• John says in verse 10 that he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day.
• So, he is being shown in the spirit what was happening on the Lord’s Day. He’s not being raptured himself.
• If so, he would be in his body and not in the spirit. Remember that because it’s very important.
• The rapture is a bodily resurrection. Your body meets your soul in the clouds.

Did John hear a trumpet in this verse? No, it wasn’t a trumpet.

• It says he heard behind me a GREAT VOICE as of a trumpet.
• So it was a very loud and great voice like a trumpet.
• This is important because people base false doctrines on that verse right there saying that John heard a trumpet.
• With the word of God, every detail matters. Every word matters. John didn’t hear a trumpet.
• He heard a voice like a trumpet. A VERY LOUD VOICE!!!

[83] Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

• There are the 7 churches again. We talked about those earlier.

[84] Revelation 1:12-13 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

• The Son of man is Jesus. So the voice that sounded like a trumpet was the voice of Jesus.
• Verse 12 says John saw seven golden candlesticks.
• We already know from Revelation 1:20 that the seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches.
• So John sees the seven churches and the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

What Does Jesus Look Like?

• We see that Jesus is clothed to the foot and He has a golden girdle around his chest.
• What else does Jesus look like? Let’s continue.

[85] Revelation 1:14-15 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

• His head and hairs were white like wool and white as snow. His eyes are like a flame of fire.
• His feet like fine brass. His voice is loud and powerful like the sound of many waters.

[86] Revelation 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

• What are the seven stars? Revelation 1:20 tells us the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.
• So Jesus has the angels of the seven churches in His right hand.
• We’ll learn more about the 7 churches in Revelation 2 and 3.
• And coming out of His mouth is a sharp two-edged sword which is the Word of God.

[87] Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

• And then Revelation 1:16 says His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength.
• The sun is very bright and impossible to look at because of its brightness. The sun will blind you.
• Looking at Jesus is like looking at the sun because of His light.

[88] John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

• Back to Revelation 1:17:

[89] Revelation 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

• When John saw Jesus, he fell at His feet as dead. He just collapsed because of the greatness of Jesus.
• But Jesus immediately comforts John and tells him it’s okay.
• He put his right hand on Him and tells him to fear not for Jesus is the first and the last.

[90] Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

• So He continues speaking to John and tells him that He is living, He was dead, and He is alive forevermore.
• Jesus is speaking of the death, burial, and resurrection that He went through for you and for I so that we can one day see Jesus face to face just as John is seeing Him here.
• Notice Jesus says I have the keys of hell and death.

Jesus Holds The Keys To Death And Hell

• Jesus defeated death and hell and He has the keys of hell and death.
• Notice that Satan or the devil doesn’t have the keys to hell.
• No one else has the keys to death and hell. It’s Jesus alone.
• Some people actually believe that Satan runs hell.
• This is wrong and false teaching. Jesus has the keys.

[91] Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

• Please pay attention here in verse 19 as this is a VERY important verse for the rest of Revelation.
• Notice that Jesus tells John to write 3 things:

[92]

1. Write the things which thou HAST SEEN.
2. Write the things which ARE.
3. Write the things which shall be HEREAFTER.

• This gives us an outline of the Book of Revelation because Jesus gives John instructions on what to write.
• Keep this in mind as we’ll talk about this in other chapters too.
• So, we’ve already been talking about what John has seen. This is given to us in Chapter 1.
• Then, the “things that are” will be what is happening right now in the present day that John is receiving this Revelation.
• This is written about in Chapters 2 and 3. The 7 churches in John’s present day are talked about in detail in Chapter 2 and 3.

And finally, he’ll write about things that will happen later.

• This starts in Chapter 4 and continues throughout the Book of Revelation.
• If you take a look at the beginning of Chapter 4, this is all very clear.

[93] Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

• So, John says: “AFTER THIS” right at the beginning of Chapter 4.
• Then he hears the voice telling him that He will show him the things which must be HEREAFTER.
• This matches Revelation 1:19 in which Jesus tells John to write the things which shall be HEREAFTER.
• Do you see that? It matches perfectly.
• The Bible is amazing and I would say that you’ve probably never noticed that before.
• So, the outline will look like this:

[94]

1. Write the things which thou HAST SEEN – Chapter 1
2. Write the things which ARE – Chapter 2 and 3
3. Write the things which shall be HEREAFTER – Chapter 4 and on

The Outline Of The Book Of Revelation Is Very Important To Understand

And all of this will make perfect sense as we go through this BECAUSE God is revealing all of these things to us.

• When God has a purpose, He gets it done. He said that He’s going to reveal things to us. He will.
• And you’re going to fully understand the Book of Revelation when we’re done. It’s easy. It’s simple.
• Remember this timing and outline because MANY churches and religions will FALSELY teach that Chapters 2 and 3 are about future events.
• This is obviously false when you listen to what the Bible says.

Now, there are some things in those chapters that make reference to future events, but the 7 churches are actual and literal churches in that day and age of John’s writing.

• They are not future churches represented by church ages! The Bible NEVER says this anywhere.
• These are the things that ARE as Jesus says in Revelation!
• These aren’t different church ages or dispensations or any other false teaching like that.
• Let’s finish out Chapter 1 with the final verse.

[95] Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

• That’s it for Revelation Chapter 1.
• Let’s stick together through all 22 chapters of Revelation, let’s learn this together, and you’ll know the Book of Revelation very, very well.
• You’ll be ready for the things which are to come next.
• You’ll know what to look for, and you won’t be deceived because YOU KNOW THE WORD OF GOD.

Let’s pray.