WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 16
- God is the ultimate authority
- Believers resist the enemy with God’s strength
- God and His purposes cannot be stopped
- God controls everything, including Satan
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Friday’s Digest BSF Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 15
- God feeds us with His word
- We are to love what God loves
- God limits the suffering of His people
- God always has the final say
TAKE AWAY: Because Jesus lives, we live too.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 5: Revelation 11:15-19
Summary of Revelation 11:15-19
The 7th trumpet sounds, and Christ will now reign on earth forever. The 24 elders worshipped God, thanking God for reigning on earth, judging the dead, and rewarding the servants the prophets.
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, revealing the ark of the covenant.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 5: Revelation 11:15-19
11a) The world has become the kingdom of our Lord and Messiah where he will reign forever. The elders responded by falling on their faces and worshipping God, singing His praising and thanking Him.
b) Unbelievers will be judged. God’s servants the prophets (aka believers) will be rewarded.
12) God’s temple in heaven was opened and inside was the ark of the covenant. There were also flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a severe hailstorm. It seems like such a beautiful, amazing place to be. I’m inspired to worship with anticipation the Lord’s return!
13) I will respond in faith as I witness God move in my life and in the life of my family. I will pray more about what God wants for my life and work to accomplish that! Lord, I thank you for all that you do and will do in my life. I pray to be closer to you and to know you and to honor you more. I pray to put you first in my life always and to forever be grateful for all that you are and do. Amen!
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 5: Revelation 11:15-19
This will be such a moment! What a sight! I wonder what John thought when this was revealed to him? Cannot wait!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 5: Revelation 11:15-19
This is the greatest news ever! Christ is coming to reign!
The ark is God’s throne. As you remember, the ark represented God’s throne in the Old Testament.
We see God in the thunder, lighting, and more! Such a moment!
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 5: Reread Revelation 8-9
Summary of Revelation 8-9
Revelation 8
Jesus opens the 7th seal. There was silence in heaven. 7 angels came with 7 trumpets. An angel carrying incense with the prayers of God’s people arrived. The angel hurled fire on Earth, along with thunder, rumblings, lightning, and an earthquake.
The first 4 trumpets were sounded:
- Hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down on earth, destroying a third of the earth
- Something like a huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea, killing a third of all sea life and ships
- A star on fire fell from the sky, turning a third of the river waters bitter
- A third of the sun, moon, and stars turned dark
An eagle called out to beware of the next 3 trumpets about to be sounded.
Revelation 9
The 5th angel unleashes a star (this is a person with many believing it is Satan) that falls to the earth. Smoke rose from the Abyss. Locusts were released and harmed those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were tortured for 5 months.
The 6th angel released the 4 angels who were bound at the Euphrates. They killed a third of mankind.
Those who were not killed did not repent of their evil deeds.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 5: Revelation 8-9
12a) The Plague of Blood is Exodus 7:14 is similar to the 2nd trumpet judgment in that water is turned to blood. The 3rd trumpet judgment is the reverse of the time Moses made the water sweet rather than bitter. The plague of Locusts is similar to the 5th trumpet judgment where locusts harmed unbelievers but did not kill them. The 1st trumpet judgment is similar to Exodus 9:13-25 where hail and fire fell upon the Egyptians. The 4th trumpet judgment can be compared to the Plague of Darkness (Exodus 10:21).
One main difference is that the plagues of Exodus solely target the Egyptians; whereas, the trumpet judgments target the entire planet.
b) The people who were spared from the trumpet judgments in Revelation continued their sinful ways and did not repent. Similarly, Pharaoh continued to disobey God by not releasing the Israelites until he did, but then he changed his mind anyway, letting the Egyptian people continue to face God’s wrath. God’s purpose is to bring all to Him. In the Exodus plagues, he specifically targeted the Pharaoh. In Revelation, God is targeting the entire world.
13) The study of Revelation has made me more in awe of God and His ways, more compassionate and urgent toward unbelievers, and more grateful for the saved life I lead in Him.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 5: Revelation 8-9
I love spending multiple days on the same passage. I get so much more from these lessons when we do so.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 5: Revelation 8-9
Revelation 8
The 7 trumpets are God’s announcement of the judgments.
The prayers of God’s people are pleasing to God, like the smell of incense. They come before Him.
It’s important to remember that the 7 judgments may not be chronological. It’s hard to pin down though with certainty.
The blood could be the color of the hail and fire or what emerges afterward.
Many believe that the “mountain-like object” will be a meteor.
The sea reference is to the Mediterranean Sea. Remember, this was before the discovery of America, and man’s knowledge of the vastness of the earth was limited.
The star could be a meteor as well.
Wormwood is an herb that is bitter.
The 4th trumpet will result in darkness.
The eagle’s announcement should be heeded because 1/3 of humanity is about to die.
Note that each judgment only destroys 1/3 of the earth.
Here, God is showing His power and His mercy. God is destroying man’s subsistence (food, water, shelter, light).
God is warning all to repent before it is too late.
Are you heeding His warning?
Revelation 9
Who is the star in the 5th judgment? We are not told, but some argue it’s Satan, a different fallen angel, God’s Word, or even Jesus. We just don’t know.
The bottomless pit/Abyss here is hell or Hades. This lends doubt to the fact of the star being Satan since Satan is not in charge of anything.
What we do know is that all of this is God’s plan.
The Abyss might not be an actual location.
The locusts should be considered demon creatures, as you could probably tell by the description of these beings. They are tortured in the hopes they will repent. The locusts are instruments of God’s judgment (Exodus 10:4-14, Deuteronomy 28:38, 1 Kings 8:37, 2 Chronicles 7:13, Joel 1:4, and Amos 4:9.)
Notice that John describes the creatures using “like.” This shows that the creatures are not what is being described.
The King of the locusts is Satan. The given name means “destruction” or “torment” in Hebrew.
It is very interesting how the prayers of God’s people play into the End Times.
The 4 angels in the 6th trumpet judgment are standing at the 4 corners of the altar.
Do note we do not know if these are the same angels in Revelation 7:1.
The Euphrates River, remember, is the Cradle of Civilization. It’s where mankind first settled down to farm. It is where many events happen in the Bible, from the first sin (Genesis 2:10-14) to revolt (Genesis 11:1-9) and war (Genesis 14:1). Abram came from here (Ur) and it is where God’s people abide. (Genesis 15:17-21).
The horsemen number may or may not be literal. The army may be demons, based on their description.
Despite the army against them, those remaining did not repent. He continued in his worship of idols and demons. Man’s memory is short. People move on very quickly.
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 4: Revelation 9
Summary of Revelation 9
The 5th angel unleashes a star (this is a person with many believing it is Satan) that falls to the earth. Smoke rose from the Abyss. Locusts were released and harmed those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were tortured for 5 months.
The 6th angel released the 4 angels who were bound at the Euphrates. They killed a third of mankind.
Those who were not killed did not repent of their evil deeds.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 4: Revelation 9
9) The first four judgments targeted the earth and animals. These judgments targeted man himself.
10a) Believers. They would be tortured for 5 months but not die.
b) It makes me want to tell them more about our Lord and Savior. This sounds horrible to endure.
11) They were worshipping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. They worshipped idols they could not see or hear. People do this still today. They worship ideas, objects, people — anything they can put above God.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 4: Revelation 9
These judgments against mankind are very harsh. They should propel you to try harder to bring those you know to Christ. God is merciful in giving us these details, so we can warn others.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 4: Revelation 9
Note the first four judgments target nature; the 5th & 6th judgment target mankind.
Who is the star in the 5th judgment? We are not told, but some argue it’s Satan, a different fallen angel, God’s Word, or even Jesus. We just don’t know.
The bottomless pit/Abyss here is hell or Hades. This lends doubt to the fact of the star being Satan since Satan is not in charge of anything.
What we do know is that all of this is God’s plan.
The Abyss might not be an actual location.
The locusts should be considered demon creatures, as you could probably tell by the description of these beings. They are tortured in the hopes they will repent. The locusts are instruments of God’s judgment (Exodus 10:4-14, Deuteronomy 28:38, 1 Kings 8:37, 2 Chronicles 7:13, Joel 1:4, and Amos 4:9.)
Notice that John describes the creatures using “like.” This shows that the creatures are not what is being described.
The King of the locusts is Satan. The given name means “destruction” or “torment” in Hebrew.
It is very interesting how the prayers of God’s people play into the End Times.
The 4 angels in the 6th trumpet judgment are standing at the 4 corners of the altar.
Do note we do not know if these are the same angels in Revelation 7:1.
Those who torture God’s people now face retribution.
The Euphrates River, remember, is the Cradle of Civilization. It’s where mankind first settled down to farm. It is where many events happen in the Bible, from the first sin (Genesis 2:10-14) to revolt (Genesis 11:1-9) and war (Genesis 14:1). Abram came from here (Ur) and it is where God’s people abide. (Genesis 15:17-21).
The horsemen number may or may not be literal. The army may be demons, based on their description.
Despite the army against them, those remaining did not repent. He continued in his worship of idols and demons. Man’s memory is short. People move on very quickly.
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 3: Revelation 8:6-13
Summary of Revelation 8:6-13
The first 4 trumpets were sounded:
- Hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down on earth, destroying a third of the earth
- Something like a huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea, killing a third of all sea life and ships
- A star on fire fell from the sky, turning a third of the river waters bitter
- A third of the sun, moon, and stars turned dark
An eagle called out to beware of the next 3 trumpets about to be sounded
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 3: Revelation 8:6-13
6) Angels are sounding their trumpets, releasing destruction upon the earth and its inhabitants.
7a) God is giving mankind more chances to come to Him, using this as a warning. He is showing mercy to those who survive.
b) God is merciful, powerful, wonderful, loving, and caring.
c) It gives me awe that God cares so much about us that he delays his judgment, giving all a chance to come to Him. Such a wonderful God we worship!
8a) “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
b) I am comforted because I know God is in control and I am saved by the blood of Christ, so I will not face his judgment.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 3: Revelation 8:6-13
I love how merciful our Lord is. He warns us what will happen, and even in the midst of judgment, He gives us second chances. He is like this in life, too, how in the midst of our trials, He is there, offering us a helping hand up.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 3: Revelation 8:6-13
“There came” is the divine passive.
The blood could be the color of the hail and fire or what emerges afterward.
Many believe that the “mountain-like object” will be a meteor.
The sea reference is to the Mediterranean Sea. Remember, this was before the discovery of America, and man’s knowledge of the vastness of the earth was limited.
The star could be a meteor as well.
Wormwood is an herb that is bitter.
The 4th trumpet will result in darkness.
The eagle’s announcement should be heeded because 1/3 of humanity is about to die.
Note that each judgment only destroys 1/3 of the earth.
Here, God is showing His power and His mercy. God is destroying man’s subsistence (food, water, shelter, light).
God is warning all to repent before it is too late.
When “woe” is spoken, doom usually follows.
Are you heeding His warning?
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 2: Revelation 8:1-5
Summary of Revelation 8:1-5
Jesus opens the 7th seal. There was silence in heaven. 7 angels came with 7 trumpets. An angel carrying incense with the prayers of God’s people arrived. The angel hurled fire on earth, along with thunder, rumblings, lightning, and an earthquake.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 2: Revelation 8:1-5
3a) Silence
b) It could either be silence to hear the prayers of the martyrs or silence because of the impending judgment to come. The half hour is significant because heaven is a place of constant worship and praise (hence, noise). So, this would most likely be striking.
c) An angel came and hurled the censer with fire towards earth. This could be in response to the prayers of the martyrs for judgment to be handed down.
4a)
Joel 2:1: The day of the Lord
Exodus 19:14-17: A meeting with God
Numbers 10:2: For calling the community together and for having the camps set out
Joshua 6:2-5: It was the signal for the army to shout and for the walls of Jericho to fall down
1 Thessalonians 4:16: Announcing God coming down from heaven and believers rising again
b) The coming of judgments
5) A trumpet blast could occur at any time, so we must be ready, prepared, and eager for the Lord’s return.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 2: Revelation 8:1-5
I love how solemn heaven is with the opening of the 7th seal. It’s such a profound moment when God decides it’s time for judgment.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 2: Revelation 8:1-5
The 7 trumpets are God’s announcement of the judgments.
The prayers of God’s people are pleasing to God, like the smell of incense. They come before Him.
It’s important to remember that the 7 judgments may not be chronological. It’s hard to pin down though with certainty.
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Friday’s Digest BSF Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 13
- God shields believers from harm
- When we praise God, we find peace, joy, strength, courage, and energy to keep going
- God is always with us, even in the suffering
- View your difficulties as opportunities to do God’s will for your life
- Live for Christ always
- God has got you
TAKE AWAY: Jesus’ blood protects us from God’s final judgment.
Friday’s Digest BSF Revelation: The Hope Lesson 12
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 12
- God is in control
- God executes perfect vengeance & justice
- We are righteous because Christ is righteous
- God’s Spirit lives within each of us
- God accomplishes everything in His timing for His purpose
- God knows what we cannot and controls what we cannot
- We triumph because God is powerful
TAKE AWAY: Only Jesus covers us from God’s wrath.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 12, Day 5: Revelation 6:12-17
Summary of Revelation 6:12-17
Jesus opened the 6th seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black, the moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth. The heavens receded, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 12, Day 5: Revelation 6:12-17
12) Exodus 19:18: Mount Sinai trembled, so both passages have earthquakes
Isaiah 34:4: All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. Both say that the stars will fall to the earth like figs dropping from trees. Both describe heaven as being rolled up/receding like a scroll.
Jeremiah 4:23-26: The mountains and hills were quaking, there were no people, and the light was gone from heaven. Both describe an earthquake, people hiding/not existing, and no light/stars in heaven.
Joel 2:30-31: The sun will be dark, the moon will be like blood. Wonders will be seen in heaven and earth. Both describe the sun as dark and the moon as red/blood. More wonders will be seen as well.
Zechariah 14:3-5: The mountains will split. People will flee. God will come. Both describe earthquakes and people running/fleeing/hiding. All before God comes.
13a) Hid in caves amongst the rocks of mountains. Refuge in God.
b) Psalm 46 says that God is our refuge and our strength. We shall not fear no matter what happens. The Lord is with us. He is our refuge. He will be exalted. Romans 5:1-11 says that we are saved, justified by the blood of Christ. We have peace with God because of our faith in Jesus. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us. This says a lot about God! God is everything we will ever need. All we have to do is hold onto Him.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 12, Day 5: Revelation 6:12-17
Basically, God is in control of everything that happens, and if we just give it all to Him, He will be our strength, our salvation, our hope, and our everything.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 12, Day 5: Revelation 6:12-17
The 6th scroll is near the End.
There will be many natural disasters when God comes. God will use nature and nations to execute his judgment.
Many people/Bible scholars hold different opinions on whether these things described will happen before Jesus comes again or as he is coming again. Many believe these are ongoing and you can expect an intensification of these natural events right before Jesus comes again.
Your answer to “Who is able to stand?” is the only question you need to answer. Only believers in Christ will be left standing at the end.
God’s wrath will not matter to believers. Jesus bore this wrath for us already. We have no reason to fear, only to worship!
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