John, probably in his early or mid-80s, survived the Nero years, and now, the megalomaniac emperor Domitian was in charge. Only you can answer that question! John didn’t just see a very impressive jewel encrusted symbol of power, but an actively occupied throne. But as I thought of the marvel of redeeming love, I felt as if the walls of that room faded away, and I, too, was standing with this great throng in heaven singing of the wonder of redemption -- God's love for mankind, manifest in the cross. Everyone in this room will be involved in this worship, but the question will be, "Which group will you be with?" He is the author of several books, including Unveiled Hope, Revelation: Hope in the Darkness, and Ephesians: The Love We Long For. So, as John, the elderly pastor and apostle wrote to his beloved friends and the churches of Asia Minor, what was the most important image he wanted to burn into their hearts and imprint on their imaginations? And, says John, he heard them singing a new song. Charlemagne in France tried to do the same thing. There comes vividly to my memory a scene from my early manhood, 50 years ago in the city of Chicago. 4I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. A decent education for all. As surely as our bodies will be raised and glorified when Jesus returns, so all of God’s creation will be purified, healed, and brought to the fullness of God’s eternal plan. (Matthew 7:21) You Must Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins. One of my favorites praises God for his creative wisdom: I sing the mighty power of God, That made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad, And built the lofty skies. I de-churched long before it was popular. Paul, in his letter to Timothy writes, "I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1) ... "for God would have all men to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth," (1 Timothy 2:4). The 24 elders and the four living creatures around the throne are singing a song they never felt themselves.
I read recently that there is a movement abroad to add Ronald Reagan to Mount Rushmore. He expected to see a Lion but what he saw was a Lamb, with the marks of death still upon him.

Get your copy today! (Revelation 5:6 NIV). I never take the cup of communion without thinking of the words of Peter, "We are not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish and without fault," (1 Peter 1:19 KJV). This uniting of the Lion and the Lamb is the basis for C. S. Lewis' novels for children (and childlike adults), called "The Narnia Chronicles." It is a moving presentation, and the closest thing we have on earth to the scene described here. It is both our duty and privilege to worship the Creator because all that we have -- life, talents, all ability -- comes from his creative power. Not Heaven? There was no panic in heaven in John’s day, and neither is there in ours. Having grown up in the “institutional church,” I left it soon after becoming a Christian, during the Jesus Movement of the 60s and 70s. I sing the wisdom that ordained, The sun to rule the day. When this scroll begins to unroll God is calling the nation back to the ultimate fulfillment of promises that they have long held, but never realized. We need to recalibrate our hearts to this good news about Jesus. What is also patently clear is if we think we see a lot of disheartening things in the church today, read Revelation 2–3. Why can't we get a handle on these? Habits Versus Ruts: What’s the Difference? They have had to learn of redemption by watching God's grace applied to sinners -- willful, rebellious, defiant men and women like us, who want their own way and whom, nevertheless, God calls, forgives, restores and saves. (Revelation 5:11-14 NIV). All there understand the meaning of history and the solution that is God's program. He was crying because he saw what was going to happen to him and you and I if no one was able to open this book. As John watches, all the universe is caught up in the wonder of that sacrificial love. So this scroll is a "mystery" book. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Billions and Trillions… seems like! I still sing it to myself when I am facing some strong temptation that powerfully allures me and I feel tempted to give in to it. Others will reluctantly acknowledge that he is indeed Lord. We have a better understanding that no man in heaven or earth was able to open the book or even look into it; it is speaking that no man was able to deliver this creation and intercede between God and man.

All rights reserved. Happiness (no war). There we’ll find Jesus himself saying to his Bride, “You are so much more broken, messy, and needy than you realize. Many of the Psalms reflect this in beautiful passages. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Lions roar; lambs die! 10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.

I do not think he will make it, but even the four faces there could not solve the problems of history. The book of Revelation is essentially an “unveiling” by Jesus about Jesus.

11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Look who and how many were around the throne and the beasts and 24 elders; the number was HUGE! You will recognize that this is the same scene that is presented by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians. Sign up Today … put your name and email in the form to the right side of this post (scroll up and voila)! Why is it sealed? It was opened to the hymn, "Beneath the Cross of Jesus."

2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" As far back in history as you can go, no one has made any advance in solving them. Who is worthy?".
Notice I didn’t say “a worship service,” but worship service—all of life lived to the glory of God. Get your Bible, and study along with us. The very fact that it was written is significant. The book of Revelation calls us to worship and live in light of this amazing reality. There’s time to turn back to Him if we have wandered away. It answers questions that men have been asking for generations which no one has been able to answer. Your email address will not be published. As John saw that no man was worthy to open the book, he began to cry heavily. What is required in order to open the scroll? We need to recapture the wonder of believing all of history is tied to God’s commitment to redeem for himself an every-nation family, and eventually, finish making all things new through Jesus. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,     and they will reign on the earth."

The church, with all of her faults and shortcomings, is still central to God’s plan of redemption and restoration in the world. As Pilate said of his writing on the Cross: "what is written is written," (John 19:22).


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