Don't miss the pictures of the zoo days. The Lord willing, Creation Creature Features soon.

Review: See the previous sermon notes on the Web -

Every warning, struggle, temptation, promise, strategy, and victory 
in the Revelation can also play out in your life, your family, and your church!  
The choice is yours ................

The Text ("Blue Letter Bible"): Revelation 4-5  (Strong's numbers, Hebrew-Greek lexicons, cross references, etc., can be accessed from the above link)

Review: Outline of The Revelation:  Key verses = Rev 1:8 & 19

I.  Character of Christ  for His Father's Glory (Who Was) (Things You've Seen) Chapter 1
What about your character, & your family's character, & that of your church?
Can other people see Jesus' goodness, unselfishness, & humility through each one?
  A.  Introduction (1:1-8) Of Jesus to His servants (1:4 Church)  (see also 6:1 Israel)
  B.  Post-Incarnate, glorified Jesus (1:9-18)

II.  Counsel of Christ for the Church (Who Is)  (Things Which Are)  Chapters 2-3
This counsel also applies to you personally, your family, your local church, & all of "Christianity".
  A.  Command to Prophesy (1:19)
  B.  Seven Churches Counseled (1:20) ESP-TS-PL  (Praise before correction!)
  C.  Ephesus (2:1-7)                Loveless
  D.  Smyrna (2:8-11)               Persecuted
  E.  Pergamos (2:12-17)          Compromising
  F.  Thyatira (2:18-29)             Corrupt
  G.  Sardis (3:1-6)                    Dying
  H.  Philadelphia (3:7-13)        Revived
   I.  Laodicea (3:14-22)           Lukewarm (no praise)

III.  Consequences of Christ for the Church, Israel & the World  Chapters 4-22
         (Who is to come again!) (Things which will happen soon!)
Are you ready for your future?  The judgment seat of Christ?

1.  The Rapture  (Jesus Rescues His Bride) up to Heaven (4:1)
2.  The Groom & Bride prepare for the future. (4:1-5:14)

  B. Tribulation of Israel (Jacob's) Trouble on Earth (6:1-18:24) (Daniel's 70th Week)

1.  Seals (Seven) of Judgments (Rev 6:1-8:2)
2.  Trumpets (Seven) of Judgments (Rev 8:2-11:19)
3.  Players (Seven) on the Tribulation Stage (Rev 12-14)
     * These three chapters are an interlude, zooming in for a personal look at the people.
4.  Bowls (Seven) of Judgments (Rev 15-16)
5.  Babylon's Final Fall (Rev 17-18)

  C.  Christ's Wedding & War (19:1-21)
  D.  Millennial Kingdom (20:1-6)
  E.  Final Futile Rebellion (20:7-10)
  F.  Great White Throne & Second Death (20:11-15)
  G.  New Heaven & Earth Coming (21-22:15)
  H.  Jesus' Promise & Warning for YOU, your family, & your church (22:16-21)

III. A. 1.  Church Raptured 
                        (Christ Rescues His Bride) up to Heaven (4:1-5:14)

Rev 4:1  "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven.  
And the first voice which I heard was  like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, 
'Come up here, and I will show you things  which must take place after this."' 

In chapters 1-3, the word "church" (ekklesia) is used 19 times.  Yet from chapter 4 onward, "church" is not used.
"Ekklesia" means "the people called out of the world".  Beginning with Ch. 4, the church is no longer on earth.
Also, believers on the earth from here on are not called the "church" either.
The church is seen in heaven.  How did it get there?  
Many scholars believe it will be raptured at this time. Jesus rescues His Bride!
Before we can study through chapters 4-5 and see what happens to the church after the rapture, 
we must first examine some very important questions about the rapture itself.

Questions about the RAPTURE:

-  Will there be a literal, physical second coming?  Is it really important?
-  Is there going to be a rapture?  What is God's purpose for the rapture?
-  What is the difference between the rapture and the second coming?

Will there be a literal, physical second coming?  Is it really important?
Yes and yes!  Jesus promised many times that He would come again (John 14, etc.).  So if the second coming is not true, then Jesus would merely be a legend, liar, or lunatic.  But Jesus is Lord of Lords, proven by hundreds of fulfilled messianic prophecies, which point forward to the validity and certainty of His promise to return.

Is there going to be a rapture?  
What's God's purpose for the rapture?  
Rescue His bride, before He pours out His wrath.
The term "rapture", just like the term "Trinity" is not in the Bible.  Yet both doctrines are presented by God in His Word, and are vital truths that are necessary for our understanding of God, His plan, and how we can cooperate with Him for His glory!
Remember that Enoch and Elijah were both caught up to Heaven, without having died physically.

The term "rapture" comes from the Latin "rapere" for the Greek term used in 1 Th 4:17, "harpazo", which in English is translated as "caught up".  Harpazo is used 14 times in the NT for situations when something is carried off or taken away (for example: Acts 8:39; 2 Cor 12:2-4; 1 Th 4:17; Rev 12:5).

Three Main Bible Passages Clearly Presenting the Rapture
(Rapture's Purpose = Christ's Rescue & Preparation of His Bride)

John 14:1 ff (Jesus comforts His anxious Bride)

"Let not your heart be troubled" = comfort given to the believers. 
"in my Father's House" = which is in Heaven.
"I go to prepare a place for you" = this is what the Jewish groom would do before His wedding.
"I will come again & receive you unto Myself" = the groom goes to get His bride.
"that where I AM, you may be also" = Where?  Heaven, not right back down to the Temple Mount where the disciples already stood.

1 Cor 15:51-52  (To comfort all believers)

"Behold, I tell you a mystery = The "mystery" could not have been that He'd return, or that we'd be resurrected, since these truths were already known (Remember Abraham's hope when he offered up Isaac as a sacrifice, and Job's statement that "in my flesh shall I see God".).  A mystery has to be something newly revealed, and previously unknown.
"We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed" = "sleep" in the NT means dead in Christ (1 Co 11).  So this says that not all believers will die physically, yet all will be "changed" into glorified people (body and soul).
"in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet." = instantly, faster than the speed of light.  
* What does Paul mean by the "last" trumpet?

"I do not think that this trumpet necessarily will be the last heavenly trumpet ever to be sounded.  It will, however, be the last as far as living Christians are concerned, for it will sound the end of the church age, when all believers will be removed from the earth."  (John MacArthur, p. 444, of The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, 1 Corinthians.)

"For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." =  some dead believers will have their old bodies raised and reunited with their souls, while living believers will be transformed without ever dying.

1 Th 4:13-18  (To comfort believers who had saved relatives die)

¹³But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope"  = Yet some pastors won't teach on prophecy because they fear it's too controversial, so the people in their church remain ignorant! 
¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. = "those who sleep in Jesus" means those believers who have died.
¹⁵For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. = as in 1 Cor 15, when Jesus comes, dead believers will rise first, then living believers right after them.  See the next verses ....
¹⁶For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. = Note the parallel use of the "trumpet" voice also in Rev 4:1.
¹⁷Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up (Latin = rapere, from Gk, harpazo) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 
¹⁸Therefore comfort one another with these words."

* Who are the dead who will be raised, and when?

The Bible teaches that there are two categories of resurrections for the dead:

"And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, . . . who had not worshipped the beast . . . .  And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.  But the rest of the dead did not live again until the 1000 years were finished.  This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.  Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a 1000 years."

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it . . . .
The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.  And they were judged, each one according to his works.  Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death." (Rev 20:4-6, 11-14)

1.  The First Resurrection to Eternal Life. (Only Believers: Jesus, Church, Trib saints, OT saints)
2.  The Second Resurrection to Second Death. (All Unbelievers)

"The order of events in the resurrection program would be:
(1)  the resurrection of Christ as the beginning of the resurrection program (1 Cor 15:23);
(2)  the resurrection of the church age saints at the rapture (1 Thes. 4:16);
(3)  the resurrection of the tribulation saints (Rev 20:3-5), together with
(4) the resurrection of the Old Testament saints (Dan. 12:2; Isa 26:19) at the second advent of Christ to the earth; and finally

(5)  the final resurrection of the unsaved dead (Rev 20:5, 11-14) at the end of the millennial age.  The first four stages would all be included in the first resurrection or resurrection to life, inasmuch as all receive eternal life and the last would be the second resurrection, or the resurrection unto damnation, inasmuch, as all receive eternal judgment at that time."
(Dwight Pentecost, p. 411 in, Things to Come.)

What's the difference between the rapture and the second coming?

The Rapture is NOT the Second Coming
(They are separated by the seven year tribulation)

Rapture (characteristics contrasted) Christ's Bride Rescued

Second Coming (characteristics contrasted) Kingdom Established

1.    Transportation of all believers. 2.    Transported believers go to heaven. 3.    Earth not judged. 4.    Imminent, any-second, signless return. 5.    Not mentioned in the Old Testament. 6.    Believers only. 7.    Before the day of wrath. 8.    No reference to Satan. 9.    Christ comes for His own. 10.  Christ meets believers in the air. 11.  Christ claims His bride. 12.  Only His own see Him. 13.  Tribulation begins ...........

1.    No transportation mentioned at all. 2.    Transported saints return to the earth. 3.    Earth judged and righteousness established. 4.    Predicted signs come first (the tribulation). 5.    Old Testament predicts this period many times. 6.    Unbelievers & believers are affected this time. 7.    Occurs after the day of wrath. 8.    Satan is bound for a 1,000 years. 9.    Christ comes back with His own. 10.  Christ comes down to the earth. 11.  Christ comes with His bride. 12.  Every eye shall see Him. 13.  Tribulation ends & millennial kingdom begins.

 

Rapture (sample passages)

Second Coming (sample passages)

John 14:1-3 Romans 8:19 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 1 Corinthians 16:22 Philippians 3:20 Philippians 4:5 Colossians 3:4 1 Thessalonians 1:10 1 Thessalonians 2:19 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 1 Thessalonians 5:9 1 Thessalonians 5:23 2 Thessalonians 2:1 1 Timothy 6:14 2 Timothy 4:1 2 Timothy 4:8 Titus 2:13 Hebrews 9:28 James 5:7-9 1 Peter 1:7, 13 1 Peter 5:4 1 John 2:28-3:2 Jude 21 Revelation 2:25 Revelation 3:10

Daniel 2:44-45 Daniel 7:9-14 Daniel 12:1-3 Zechariah 12:10 Zechariah 14:1-15 Matthew 13:41 Matthew 24:15-31 Matthew 26:64 Mark 13:14-27 Mark 14:62 Luke 21:25-28 Acts 1:9-11 Acts 3:19-21 1 Thessalonians 3:13 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 2 Thessalonians 2:8 1 Peter 4:12-13 2 Peter 3:1-14 Jude 14, 15 Revelation 1:7 Revelation 19:11-20:6 Revelation 22:7; 12, 20

What will those left behind say when the rapture occurs?  Some might remember the Bible truths about it, which were given by friends, pastors, relatives, and then recognize that Jesus came for His followers.  Others might claim it was UFO's, a transdimensional, quantum shift, or even an act of cleansing by "Mother Nature" (Gaia).

Further Questions:

-  Will the rapture occur before, during, or after the millennium?
-  Will the rapture occur before, during (pre-wrath), or after the tribulation?
-  Will the rapture be for all or just some believers (partial)?

** We don't have the time to lay out all of the arguments for the various views above.  I agree with the majority of millennialists, that the tribulation will occur before the millennium, and that the rapture will happen sometime before the tribulation.  The tribulation begins, as we will see in a later study, when a seven year peace treaty is signed between Israel and a geopolitical entity representing a revived Roman Empire.  This revived "roman" or "European" governance will promise to protect Israel for a period of seven years.  This will mark the start of the final 70th week of Daniel chapter nine.

The most important fact about the rapture is that it is imminent, which means it could happen at any second.  There is no sign that must happen before the rapture.  And the rapture could even occur many years before the start of the general tribulation.

After the church is taken up to heaven, there will be an Award Banquet (rewards, 1 Cor 3) for believers based on good works done after after salvation!  Also, as described in Ch 19, the Wedding Supper of Jesus the Christ and His bride the Church will occur in heaven after the rapture.

There are many other passages that support the doctrine of the pretribulation rapture, such as 2 Th 2:1-1212.  This passage tells us that "He" ("the one") who retrains must first be removed before the antichrist can rise to power.  The salt and light of the Spirit-regenerated Body of Christ currently restrains Lucifer from rallying the world in self-worship.

Could the rapture happen today?  Absolutely, any time!
Could the tribulation be soon?  Yes, the world is ready.
Does all of this excite you?  Does it motive you to action?  It should!

1 John 2-3 ... Who & what do you love the most? (The world or the Lord?)

* Awe at God's glory and love (Jesus' love for His bride).
* Zeal for holy living.
* Zeal for evangelism and world missions.
* Zeal for real discipleship that will L.E.A.D. to restoration & maturity in Christ character.
* Zeal for helping to build and multiply real church families.

Men, what kind of husbands are you, compared to Jesus the groom?
        * Are you building you home God's Way?
        * Are seeking to be filled & satisfied in the Lord, and then giving the overflow to your wife?  Or are you pulling from her to feel satisfied?  (Click the diagrams below for more details on applying these crucial principles for being a husband)

       or   

                      
Pulling from one another, things, and activities
to try and feel loved, esteemed, and satisfied.
A 50% - 50 % relationship:
"I'll do my part if you do yours.  But if you don't, then I won't"
(Isaiah 53:6; 2 Tim 3-4)

Now that you understand the basics of the doctrine of the rapture, we can study chapters 4-5 and see what the church will be doing in heaven, during the time of Jacob's Trouble on the earth.

Remember, every warning, struggle, temptation, promise, strategy, and victory in the Revelation can also play out in your life, your family, and your church!  The choice is yours ................
What do you need to change?

(The final question to ask God, whenever you study God's Word)
Lord, how am I doing on your conflict meter, for your glory?
Giving Up < < < < Standing Firm > > > > Blowing Up

Remember there are only two modes for a believer:
* Marching forward with the gospel.
* Standing firm when conflict arises!

Return to related articles from "The Bible:  One Bite at a Time" -

Biblical Prophecy:  A Jigsaw Puzzle with Pieces Throughout the Bible
How to Interpret Prophetic Passages: Four Different Views with Important Consequences
Why "Normal" Interpretation is the Key to Prophetic & Apocalyptic Passages
Daniel's 70 Weeks: The Heart of God's Prophetic Puzzle 
      (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, Mat 24, 2 Th 2)
Introduction & Outline of The Revelation
 . . . . . . . 

For further study on the Rapture:

Soulcare's Recommended Materials on Prophecy (books, audios, videos, etc.)
http://www.soulcare.org/Resources_Biblical_Authority.htm#Prophecy
Booklet:  The Rapture, by Thomas Ice & Timothy Demy
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1565073924/qid%3D980349983/104-6768955-3395119
John MacArthur, D.D., The Second Coming of Jesus: Signs of Christ's Return & the End of the Age.
     - Book: This text is an excellent overview, placing the puzzle pieces together until the picture is clear.
   *- Audio Set (9 tapes): This tape set is the best I've heard yet. Nothing beats the spoken word for clarity.
J. Vernon McGee, B.D., M.Th., Th.D., Thru the Bible Commentary Series, Revelation.  Dr. McGee's commentaries are probably the simplest, most practical, yet thorough and biblical that are available on the Bible.
_______, Reveling Through Revelation.
Chuck Missler, Revelation Commentary in MP3 on CD.  Chuck's commentaries on Daniel, The Revelation, etc., on CD not only contain extensive study notes, but also many hours of audio teaching.
Dwight Pentecost, Ph.D., Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology. This is a 600 pp encyclopedic reference to all of the major passages, topics, and issues involved.
_________ Thy Kingdom Come:  Tracing God's Kingdom Program & Covenant Promises Throughout History.  1995.
Randall Price, Ph.D. Jerusalem in Prophecy (Th.M. graduate of   Dallas Theological Seminary and holds a Ph.D. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of  Texas at Austin. He has done graduate study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and  conducted archeological excavation in Israel with the University of  Texas in conjunction with the   teaching of courses in biblical archaeology and the history and culture of modern Israel.)
Renald Showers, Th.D., Maranatha, Our Lord, Come! A Definitive Study of the Rapture of the Church.  [Dr. Showers, a graduate of Grace Theological Seminary, serves with Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, as well as the Institute of Biblical Studies.]

Audio Message: "The Rapture: The Great Escape", John Ankerberg
http://www.khouse.org/media/conferences/steeling/stmankerberg98.html
Article:  "The Great Snatch", by Chuck Missler
http://www.khouse.org/articles/prophetic/19950101-35.html
Article:  Byzantine Text Discovery & the Rapture
http://www.khouse.org/articles/biblestudy/19950601-39.html