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Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the book of Revelation, the Seals of Revelation are introduced as a critical element of the prophetic narrative, symbolizing the unfolding of divine judgments. In chapter 5, a scroll sealed with seven seals is presented, held by God the Father and handed to Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who alone is worthy to break the seals and reveal the contents. This act of breaking the seals signifies the beginning of the revelation of events that are to come, a process that is not hidden to those who have the Spirit of God. The breaking of the seals in chapter 6 demonstrates a progression of time, with each seal being opened sequentially, revealing events that unfold in history. As the first seal is broken, its events begin to manifest, and with each subsequent seal, additional events are added, increasing the intensity of the unfolding prophecy. By the time all seals are broken, the cumulative effect of these events becomes overwhelming, bringing disaster upon disaster to the earth, as the intensity grows with each seal's revelation. The seventh seal, opened in chapter 8, introduces the seven trumpet plagues, further illustrating the sequential nature of these prophetic events. The time between the opening of the sixth seal in chapter 6 and the seventh seal in chapter 8 includes a digression in chapter 7, which clarifies the fate of certain groups during these tumultuous times, showing that even amidst the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, God provides a means for conversion. This sequential unfolding of the seals, trumpets, and related events underscores a consistent progression of time throughout the book of Revelation, moving toward a climactic conclusion.
The Sixth Seal
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Seals of Revelation, as described by John, unveil a series of catastrophic celestial and terrestrial events that signal divine wrath. Under the sixth seal, the sun darkens, becoming black as sackcloth of hair, perhaps depicting a solar eclipse or a massive dust storm from a volcanic explosion, severely limiting visibility even during daylight hours. The moon turns like blood, a chilling sight that presages calamity and death, often linked to war, and sometimes caused naturally by dust in the atmosphere after eruptions or earthquakes. The stars appear to fall, likened to late figs blown down by violent winter winds, suggesting a meteor shower of immense proportions with larger-than-normal meteorites, intensifying the terror as if the heavens themselves are collapsing. The sky recedes, compared to a scroll rolling up, possibly indicating turbulent clouds building to thunderheads and flying across the sky, making it seem as if the expanse is splitting apart. Mountains and islands move due to a great convulsion of the earth, causing massive land transformations and unprecedented destruction, terrifying earth's inhabitants as nothing remains stable under their feet. This succession of cosmic signs from God produces terror, driving people of every origin and status to flee into caves under mountains, vainly attempting to hide from the wrath of God the Father and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. They cry out to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and conceal them, correctly identifying these catastrophic events as evidence of divine anger. The phrase "wrath of the Lamb" reflects the complex nature of Jesus Christ, embodying both the sacrificial Redeemer and the Exalted Lord and Judge. The sixth seal culminates in the declaration that the great day of Their wrath has come, posing the rhetorical question of who is able to stand against such judgment.
The Lamb of Revelation (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe book of Revelation portrays Jesus Christ as the Lamb, a title emphasizing His role in redemption rather than atonement. The scroll in the heavenly vision, bearing the characteristics of a title deed to all creation, can only be opened by the Lamb who was slain. This Lamb, with seven horns symbolizing perfect strength and power, and seven eyes linked to the removal of iniquity and restoration of true worship, begins opening the seals in Revelation 6:1, redeeming what belongs to Him. The scope of His ownership extends beyond Israel or the church, depicting Him as the Creator, Heir, and Owner of all things. The opening of the seals unleashes cataclysms, akin to the plagues on Egypt during Israel's redemption, as not all accept the Lamb's claim. Yet, Revelation 11:15 declares His ultimate success, with the kingdoms of this world becoming the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, who shall reign forever and ever. The Sixth Seal reveals the Lamb's wrath, showing His zeal for what He possesses, which can include tremendous destruction as He dynamically realigns His creation with His government. In Revelation 14, the Lamb stands on Mount Zion with 144,000 redeemed from the earth, and in Revelation 15, those victorious over the beast sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, echoing God's redemption of Israel from Egypt. In the final chapters of Revelation, the Lamb and His Bride reflect a story of redemption, with Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, poised to redeem the church, Israel, Jerusalem, the Land of Promise, and all who have not rejected Him.
The Four Horsemen (Part One): In the Saddle?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are a terrifying image of impending doom. The hoofbeats of these fearsome figures can already be heard on the earth!
Silence in Heaven (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhen the Seventh Seal opens, all activity in heaven appears to stop as the heavenly realm turns its attention to what comes next, pausing in silent anticipation.
The Patterns of God
Sermon by John O. ReidThe Seven Bowls or Vials of God's Wrath represent the culmination of divine judgment upon a disobedient world, as depicted in the sequence of catastrophic events following the sounding of the seventh trumpet. These seven last plagues, comprising the third woe, are poured forth on mankind as a final act of correction. They come after a series of devastating trumpet plagues that bring immense suffering, including vast military conflicts and natural disasters orchestrated by God to demonstrate His authority. Despite the horrors of preceding events, mankind remains unrepentant, filled with hatred and defiance against God's will. The pouring out of these vials signifies God's ultimate response to this rebellion, ensuring that every people, race, and nation finally listens to Him as everything else is stripped away. The last punishment within the seventh trumpet includes a great plague of hail, with hailstones weighing from 75 to 130 pounds, symbolizing the complete attention of the world to God's power. Through these vials, God brings an end to the wars and false beliefs that have plagued humanity for millennia, ushering in a time of unprecedented peace and national repentance.
Worthy to Take the Scroll
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe sealed scroll most resembles a title deed, which can only be opened by the redeemer of the property. The rightful owner of the title deed is Jesus Christ.
Worthy to Take the Scroll
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThough often skipped, Revelation 5 narrates an event of tremendous magnitude: the opening of the divine scroll. What is the scroll, and why did John weep?
Matthew (Part Thirty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe events in Matthew 24 parallel the six seals of Revelation 6 and the seventh seal of Revelation 7, showing a definite chronological progression.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe transfiguration prefigured the Kingdom of God, with the disciples only seeing Jesus in the end, showing salvation is through Him alone.
The Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWill we trust God in the basic areas of life—food, clothing, and water—or compromise, accepting the mark of the beast to save our physical lives?
Intensity is Increasing: Are You Listening?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)It is far more important for God's called-out ones to be ready than to know the time of Christ's return, an event to which even He is not privy.
The Four Horsemen (Part Five): The Pale Horse
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughDeath rides a ghastly pale horse and is accompanied by Hades. The Four Horsemen picture God's judgment due to man's rejection of His way of life.
God's Throne
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon's opulent throne pales miserably in comparison to God's heavenly throne, surrounded by angelic beings, demonstrating the perfection of His government.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist cautions the Pergamos congregation to shun the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The Church suffers when it harbors those who compromise and offend.
Wars and Rumors of Wars
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIncreased war is one of the signs of the end, as Jesus shows in Matthew 24. Is the world becoming more peaceful or more violent?