Dear Church, Remember to love me Pastor Kile Baker May 5th, 2024 The book of Revelation seems to be weird. The book of Revelation is actually a blessing, when you understand how to read it. The book of Revelation helps us unveil God’s heavenly perspective on our earthly life. Revelation 1:1-3 The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near. When reading Revelation, most people focus on the when, or how, rather than the who and why. Unlocking Revelation: Mastering the 5 Key Concepts Revelation uses three styles of literature Letter - Addressed to specific churches. Prophecy - Foretelling and forth-telling. Apocalypse - It reveals or unveils heavenly secrets. Revelation uses symbols and imagery to convey information and ideas. Light vs. Dark = Good vs. Evil Horn = Strength Gold and Purple = Royalty Lamp Stands = Churches Head = Authority Stars = Angels or Messengers Unity, Stands Alone Complete, Perfect Balance, Harmony, Rightness Unity, Tribes, Apostles, Church Imperfect Huge, a long time The structure of Revelation is cyclical rather than chronological. The end of the world and the final judgment are described many times throughout Revelation. See Revelation 6:12-17; 11:15-18; 16:17- 21; 19:19-21; 20:11-15; 21:1-8 There are major themes that form the backbone of Revelation. The authority and power of Jesus. Jesus’ victory over Satan and evil. The importance of the unseen world. Who we love and live for. The setting and context tell us why Revelation was written. The electric chair vs the easy chair 1st Century believers face severe persecution, and cultural seduction. Revelation chapters 4–5: A key vision and two key questions Why should you love God? Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. How should you worship God? Day and night they never stop,saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come. Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne and say, Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.