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R E V E L A T I O N :

3meet with God July 2010 2 meet with God July 2010

Revelation— just mention this book of the Bible and you get a strong reaction from people. They may be puzzled by it, intimidated by it, fearful of the vision or passionate about every detail and potential meaning.

At the beginning of this incredible vision, the beloved apostle John is told to “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this” (Revelation 1:19). In this Meet with God we’ll look at the things that were and are; next month, we’ll look at the things that are yet to come.

Among the things that were and are: the sin-ridden state of our world now and how we got here—and how the Church as the Body of believers can hold onto Christ until His return. But most important is Christ Himself, the Jesus we see in history past and history to come. He is at the center of life, the One around whom time and space revolve. And we want to see Him even better.

So then, in light of the coming days, how will you live on this day—right here, right now? As you explore the Book of Revelation, it’s our hope that you will begin to answer this question in your own life.

week one

The STaTe of The WorldAs hopeless as the world seems these days, find your hope renewed when you read God’s Word.

In early 1990, NASA scientists instructed the Voyager 1 spacecraft to turn its camera toward Earth. From approximately 3.7 billion miles away, Voyager sent back an image of a pale blue dot nearly lost in the sea of surrounding stars. From that distance, Earth seems peaceful and serene.

You and I know different.Though we have much to be thankful for on this

planet God has provided, it’s impossible to get through a single day without being reminded of our fallen nature

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renew yourselfin God’s Word!

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Read Genesis 3One of the “things that are” is the sinful condition of our world. How did sin enter the world?

What consequences did Adam and Eve receive (v. 16–19,22–24)?

How do these consequences affect you?

In what ways do you see God’s mercy in this chapter?

as human beings. In Genesis 3, Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempted Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And when they did, sin, injustice, human depravity, apathy and death entered the world. And now, not a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask, “When will it all end?”

Well, we know that too. God has put it in writing for us. In the Book of Revelation, God gives us a glimpse of how it will all end and His plans for the future of our human race and our planet. This glimpse is sometimes scary, sometimes confusing, but always points to the central figure of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who is worthy.

How will we make sense of it all? We’ll turn to God’s Word, where the future is recorded. This is why Jesus told John in Revelation 1:19: “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.”

As we wait for the things that will be, we’re still here dealing with the things that are. We live among the sin and lawlessness of this world and its impact on our lives. How do we cope with the realities of the things that are, today? God has some directions for us there too. From the beginning to the end, from the things that were to the things that are and on to the things that will be, God’s Word is our constant and best guide.

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Read Isaiah 44:6–20 What is it that makes idolatry so bad?

How is God different from the idols mentioned in this passage?

An idol isn’t only a figure made of wood or stone that people choose to worship, but it can be anything that replaces God in our lives. What idols are common today? Has anything really changed about them? What do you think has become or could become an idol in your own life?

dAY 3: IdolatrydAY 2: Injustice Read Psalm 34:15–22 Life isn’t fair; good people suffer while the wicked get rich and powerful. The world as we know it is full of injustice. Psalm 34 sheds some light on that reality. What can the righteous person expect from God?

What can he expect from the world?

How has God protected you when you’ve suffered injustice?

challenge Pray Psalm 34 substituting “me” or “my” or “I” when it refers to “the righteous.” Thank God for His care of those who love and serve Him.

God, on the other hand, operates His kingdom in the power and provision of His Spirit. His kingdom is eternal and will never fade away.

Satan, the prince of this world, runs his domain on wealth, power, influence—all the things the world sees as valuable. It will all come, however, to sudden ruin one day.

Revelation 18:1–24 describes the sudden destruction of Satan’s economic and financial system in the final hours of planet Earth. Compare that depiction and today’s worldview. Ask yourself, Is this something I want to be part of? Am I getting entangled with the love of money?

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dAY 4: Human depravity dAY 5: Apathy

Read Romans 5:12–21

Read Ephesians 2:1–10 Our general human condition is one ruled by fleshly desires, driven by our own passions, disobeying and disregarding God’s moral design. How does that change for the believer in these verses?

What is the basis for our redemption?

Describe what the difference in behavior should be between the person who is a believer and the person who is not.

Read 1 John 2:18–27In your own words, what is apathy?

Here John addresses a problem concerning antichrists who deceive and draw people away from the truth. Apathy to the truth and the things of God make us easy targets for these deceivers. According to John, what is the remedy for apathy? See also 1 Peter 5:8 and Romans 12:11.

What is the danger in not being vigilant in your relationship with Christ?

Divide a piece of paper into two columns, headed “Because of Sin” and “Because of the Gift.” Add what you find in these verses to the appropriate column. Here’s your first one: Because of Sin—death (v. 12); Because of the Gift—life (v. 17).This week we covered the negative aspects of life: the stuff we put up with or face because this is a sinful fallen world. But, someday, those things will all be gone. Which of the problems highlighted in the last five days are you looking forward to living without?

WEEKENd: death Because of Sin Because of the Gift

death (v. 12) life (v. 17)

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week two

reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1). How

many churches today look vibrant and thriving from the outside but are

spiritually dull and lifeless inside?Jesus’ strongest words (and also some

of the most memorable in the Book) were reserved for the church at Laodicea. “I know your

works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15–16).

Reading on, it’s clear that the church in Laodicea had become self-sufficient; they were wealthy and prosperous and felt they needed nothing from anyone. In other words, this was a church where even Jesus wasn’t welcome.

To one degree or another, this is the root cause of all the problems that can infect a church—a lack of dependence on Jesus, the Head of the Body. When Jesus is no longer the central focus, authority and message of a church, the church ceases to be an effective witness for Christ. But, remember, the Church is not the building; the Church is the believers who meet in that building. And as a member of that church, how can you help make sure that Christ will always be welcome there?

The STaTe of The ChurCh How can you make Jesus welcome in the Church today?

The Book of Revelation naturally divides itself into three distinct segments: The things John has seen (the vision of Christ in chapter 1), the things that are (the seven churches in chapters 2–3), and the things that will be (chapters 4–22). Jesus instructed John to, “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.”

In Revelation 2 and 3, Jesus addresses seven letters to seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. And these letters, as old as they are, contain practical instruction and necessary warnings for the Church today.

For instance, read through the letters to the churches and notice how many times Jesus says, “I know.” He does it at least once for every church, reminding them that nothing is hidden from Him. To the church at Sardis, Jesus said, “I know your works. You have the

renew yourselfin God’s Word!

dAY 1: Ephesus Read Revelation 2:1–7What seven good things does Jesus say about the Ephesian church?

What good things would you praise about your church?

What groups are you involved with at church? What are you doing to keep that group focused on serving Jesus?

Read Revelation 2:8–11What words of comfort are offered to Smyrna and any church facing opposition, suffering or persecution?

Write your own prayer for those Christians who are persecuted today.

dAY 2: Smyrna

dAY 3: Pergamum Read Revelation 2:12–17What particular challenges did the church in Pergamum face?

What do you think would be an equivalent situation today?

What are some appropriate ways you can address sin in your church?“Eighty and six yEars i havE sErvEd Christ and hE has donE mE nothing but good; how thEn Could i CursE him, my lord and savior?” —PolyCarP, bishoP of smyrna, a.d. 166

“Eighty and six yEars i havE sErvEd Christ and hE has donE mE nothing but good; how thEn Could i CursE him, my lord and savior?” —PolyCarP, bishoP of smyrna, a.d. 166

The letter to Pergamum warns of those who “hold the teaching of Balaam.” Balaam appeared in Numbers 22, where he was paid to curse the Israelites because Balak, king of Moab, was afraid of them. God intervened with a talking donkey and Balaam could only bless God’s people (Numbers 22–24; 31:1–16). However, Balaam’s advice to Balak eventually led to immorality and Baal worship among Israel. While he did some good, he also caused people to be led astray later.

Have you seen people who do good things for God but also teach what doesn’t square up to the truth? What’s the fallout?

dAY 4: Thyatira Read Revelation 2:18–29In what ways can tolerating evil creep into a church?

Why is this so dangerous?

What steps can you take to avoid tolerating sin?

the church you attend tolerates some form of sin? How can you help change this? When and how do you decide to seek another church? Try these steps to help you deal with the issue:

Steps to Dealing with Sin in Your ChurchStep 1: Determine the Real Issue

• Is it a personality issue? • Is it a matter of interpretation?• Is it doctrinal error?

Step 2: Attempt to Reconcile the Issue• If it’s a personality issue

Do: Seek reconciliation (Ephesians 4:1–3, Colossians 3:12–13).

• If it’s a matter of interpretationDo: Study together to understand the true meaning of the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).Do: Unless it’s on salvation, be willing to disagree agreeably (2 Timothy 2:23; Romans 12:4–5).

• If it’s a doctrinal errorDo: Kindly confront the person teaching the error (Matthew 18:15–17).Do: Bring the issue to the spiritual leaders (elders) of your church (Titus 1:9).

What if this two-step plan fails?If all else fails and it is a doctrinal issue, it may be necessary to leave your church (Romans 16:17; Revelation 18:4). How do you keep your attitude pleasing before God?

Don’t: Allow yourself to get bitter (Ephesians 4:31).Do: Pray for those who choose to remain (Ephesians 1:18–19).Do: Be prepared to explain your position but don’t pursue the issue (1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 5:15).Do: Trust God to take action if need be (Romans 12:19).

—ed.

But what about when ...

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dAY 5: Sardis

WEEKENd: Philadelphia

Read Revelation 3:1–6What are some characteristics of a spiritually “dead” church?

What does it take to revive a church in that condition?

What areas in your church need to be strengthened? What are you doing to help?

Read Revelation 3:7–13 In your words, what is the key to the church at Philadelphia’s success?

How well do you think your church and local ministry “succeeds” by this standard?

What “open doors” of ministry do you see available to you and your church today?

The CenTer of life Jesus is center of history, of time and of life itself. He makes past, present and future a reality.

What comes to mind when you think of the Book of Revelation?

It’s okay; be honest. You’re probably thinking of things like the strange and terrible beasts, the Antichrist, massive global disasters and the Battle of Armageddon. Those things are fascinating, but many people only go that far in their study of this book and never discover the true focus of Revelation—Jesus.

week three

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The very first verse of Revelation tells us this is “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw” (Revelation 1:1–2).

This book doesn’t merely unfold the strange and terrible things to come; it reveals Jesus Christ in all His glory. In the Gospels we read about Him as the carpenter from Nazareth, an itinerant teacher and miracle worker, the man dying on a cross. Now, in Revelation, we see “one like a son of man.... The hairs of his head were white, like wool.... His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze.... And his face was like the sun shining in full strength” (Revelation 1:13–16).

Jesus is visible throughout the Bible, and He has many different names. One of His most significant names is, “the Word.” John wrote in his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1–3).

Here in Revelation, Jesus, as the Word, takes center stage. He’s not only central to this book; He’s central to life itself. He was there in the beginning, and He’ll be there at the end. And every human being, whether they recognize His authority or not, will one day stand before His throne. And “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10–11).

dAY 1: Jesus, The Almighty Read Revelation 1:1–20 John describes Jesus from head to toe. Draw an outline of a person and label it with the descriptions John uses.

How did John react to this sight?

How do you think you would respond?

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renew yourselfin God’s Word!

dAY 2: I’ll Prepare a Place dAY 3: Caught Up Read John 14:1–4John saw Jesus as we will one day see Him when He returns as promised. But in the meantime, what is Jesus doing?

How does this affect the way you live today?

What are your expectations of heaven? With your family or in a group, describe what you think heaven will be like. Mention things you’ve heard in songs or sermons about heaven such as “streets of gold,” “mansions” etc. Find verses that tell you how accurate those depictions are. Here are a few to get you started: Revelation 21:21; Revelation 21:25; Revelation 21:27

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18What is our basis for believing that we will live forever in heaven?

Who will rise first?

What will you do today to “encourage one another with these words”?

dAY 4: Alpha and omega Read Isaiah 41:4; Revelation 1:7–8; 21:6

Who is speaking in these passages?

How does the speaker describe Himself?

What one idea is repeated in each verse?

Jesus has always existed and always will exist. He has seen everything and knows what is to come. The really good news for those of us who have accepted Him as our Lord is that one day He is going to return to this earth. He is going to walk here again. And we are going to see it.

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dAY 5: Jesus’ deity

WEEKENd: Emmanuel

Read Matthew 28:18–19; John 5:25; Colossians 1:16–17; Revelation 19:16 As you read each verse, jot down what you learn about Jesus’ identity.

Why is it important to understand the divine nature of Jesus?

We often use this name of Jesus at Christmas. Emmanuel means “God with us.” But it’s more than a name; it’s a promise. Look for Emmanuel in:

Read Psalm 27:4 What did King David desire above all else?

Read Psalm 140:12–13What does God promise to believers who are persecuted?

Read Revelation 3:21What is promised to the one who overcomes?

Read Revelation 21:3What is God’s eternal desire and plan for you and all His children?

Instructions: Go to www.backtothebible.org/MWG and print out the template for the alpha/omega symbol. You can then:

1. Use the template to cut a piece of art foam into a medallion to wear around your neck. Glue on acrylic jewels if you like. Paper punch a small hole at the top of the medallion (½ an inch from the top of the piece of foam). Add an inexpensive cord.

2. Put the image on a transfer and iron onto a t-shirt or bag or backpack.

3. Print onto sticker paper and use on your notebooks.

for kids or the kid in you ...fun zone

25meet with God July 2010 24 meet with God July 201024 25

“i have overCome” Through Jesus’ death and Resurrection, He has declared victory over sin and death. This makes Him, alone, worthy of all our praise and worship.

Jesus sat with His disciples in the upper room after the Passover meal. Though the disciples didn’t fully understand why, much of what Jesus had to say to them that night involved the future. He would be going away, but He would return. They would be hated, but they would receive the Holy Spirit.

Near the end of the evening, Jesus told His disciples: “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:32–33).

Less than 24 hours later, Jesus was dead.His death may have looked like a great tragedy,

but it was, in fact, the ultimate victory. As Paul later explained to the Romans, all

the injustice, immorality, apathy and death we experience entered the

world because of Adam’s sin. The suffering we face and the

hardships we put up with can all be traced back to that one moment in the Garden of Eden.

But right from the start God set His plan in motion. A child, a human child, would be born. He would be sinless and perfect. He would, in fact, be God in the flesh. He would be the sacrificial

Lamb that would take away the sins of the world.

Sin would no longer reign in the world because Jesus

would overcome.Three days after His death,

Jesus rose to life and claimed victory over death. Soon after, He ascended

to heaven promising to return. The Book of Revelation is a reminder of that promise. It’s a

reminder that no matter how bad this world gets, Jesus has overcome.

week four

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Read Revelation 5:1–5In the unfolding drama, John sees a scroll that needs to be opened. What causes John to weep?

In speaking to John, how does the elder describe the One who is worthy?

dAY 1: Who Is Worthy?

dAY 2: Lion of Judah Read Genesis 49:8–12; Numbers 24:17,19; Matthew 1:1–17Though the passage in Genesis refers specifically to Jacob’s son, Judah, how do these words apply to Jesus?

Why is Jesus’ earthly lineage so important?

dAY 3: Root of david Read 2 Samuel 7:4–17; Psalm 132:11–17; Jeremiah 23:5–7What is significant about Jesus being from David’s line?

What other names or descriptions is He given?

If you ever wonder about God’s promises having a time-limit, how do these verses speak to that?

renew yourselfin God’s Word!

We started by looking at what was wrong with the world and problems in the church. Here we find that Jesus is the answer. As we race headlong towards the future, Jesus Christ stands as the bridge between this sinful world and the holiness of heaven.

focus on Jesus’ humanity

Read Revelation 5:6–14What is your understanding of Jesus from this passage?

What’s different or unusual about this Lamb?

Who bowed before the Lamb? What did the thousands around the throne say?

dAY 4: I Saw a Lamb

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–58First Corinthians 15 may be one of the most beautiful chapters in the entire Bible as it spells out exactly what the death of Jesus accomplished and how we can escape the final judgment of sin. It shows us where we find hope, confidence and victory. Knowing what Jesus did for you, how will you live today?

Near the end of the chapter Paul declares, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (15:55) Meditate on these verses today and reconnect with the miracle of the shed blood of Christ.

dAY 5: Power in the Blood

for kids or the kid in you ...fun zone

make a lamb

Baaaa!!!

Paint the stick and clothespins white. When they are dry, clip the clothespins onto a craft stick ¾ inch from each end to serve as the legs. Glue cotton balls onto the stick to make the body of the lamb. Glue wiggly eyes to each side of your lamb’s head.

instructions:

Explain to your children that Jesus is called the Lamb of God because He came to earth to give His life. In the Old Testament, a lamb gave its life as a sacrifice for sin. This had to be done once a year. But God’s Lamb, Jesus, gave His life once and paid for all our sins forever.

for parents:

you’ll need:

a craft stick

two clip-on clothespins

cotton balls

wiggly eyes

WEEKENd: Amen!Read Romans 10:9–10Are you ready? If you haven’t made your decision about Jesus yet, now is the time. It is Jesus who stands at the center of history, and those who make Jesus the center of their lives will live with Him forever. If you made that decision today, let us know. We’d love to hear from you.If you made that decision earlier in your life, take a moment to consider what you know and have seen of Jesus Christ this week. How does this influence your faith in Him for today? And for the future?

How have you seen God offer His hope, mercy and grace to you even in this sinful, depraved world?

Holiness and faithfulness are as essential for the Church Body as they are for the individual believer. How are you building those two qualities into your local church body?

Jesus Christ is our anchor, the one constant to build our lives on. How have you seen Him anchor you in the past? How is He guiding your present? What do you anticipate in the future He’s promised you?

How does getting to know the Jesus of the future help you develop your faith and confidence in Him today?

sticking pointsrenew your memory

Meet with God, an official publication of Back to the Bible Woodrow Kroll, President

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Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version, unless otherwise noted. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Editor: Allen Bean Project Staff: Allen Bean, Ben Zuehlke, Barbara Gerhart, Brandy Griffin, Emily Wurl, Kathy Thorne, Leisa Larson

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