What is 'the great tribulation' of Revelations Chapter 7?

In Revelation 7.14 John sees a great multitude of people praising God.  They are standing before the Throne and they are wearing white robes.  John doesn’t know their identity so an Elder tells John that they have come ‘out of the great tribulation.’  

Does ‘the great tribulation’ refer to a specific period or event, or is it a general term?  Theologians differ as to the meaning of this phrase.  Some see it as a specific -7 year period of time that precedes the coming of Christ.  Others see it as a general term that refers to the opposition that God’s followers face while on earth.

My opinion is that the great 'tribulation’ in 7.14 is a general term.  This same word is found in 1.9, in 2.9 and 10, and again in 2.22.  Each time the word is used in Revelations it refers generically to the sufferings that God’s people endure.  The word ‘tribulation’ doesn’t appear again in the book of Revelations.

God is pouring his wrath upon the world.  His wrath is seen in the Seals, the Trumpets and the Bowls.  During this time the forces of this world are rising up and opposing God and his people.  I believe that the phrase ‘great tribulation’ of 7.14 is referring to this period of time prior to Christ’s final return.

What about your thoughts on this phrase and its meaning?

Jesus Hates Zombies

In Revelations Chapters 2 and 3, Jesus writes to seven local Churches.  He not only cares for His Church, but He knows all that is going on within each Church.  

To those Churches who are being persecuted, He encourages them to stay strong.  

To those Churches who are allowing false teachers into their Church, He warns them to hold fast to the Truth.

 But to the Church located in the town of Sardis, Jesus blasts them to through and through.  In Revelation Chapter 3 verse 4 Jesus states, ‘I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.’  Translated: ‘You really don’t have anything positive about you, in fact the best thing that you have going for you is your reputation!  But even that isn’t great; truthfully, you’re dead!’

The Church in Sardis is a Zombie Church.  They appear to be alive, but in reality are walking dead: they are nothing more than Zombies going through the religious motions.  The spiritual antidote to this Zombie Church is five-fold.  Wake Up, Strengthen what is still alive, Remember the Truth, Obey the Truth, and finally Repent.

Sunday Left-Overs -Revelation 2 -February 12, 2012

    On Sunday we entered into the section of Revelation where Jesus addresses seven local Churches.  Jesus packs these letters with wisdom for His Church!  Specifically these letters help us deal with the reality of persecution.  Many Christians experience persecution and therefore these letters resonate with a great degree of urgency.  But what about those of us who aren't persecuted, what can we learn from this section of Revelations?

A few thoughts:
1. Suffering may be certain, but it is always limited.  Jesus told us not to fear those who can kill the body, but to fear the one who can kill the soul.  He always wins out in the end because he is the one who holds the keys of life and death!


2. We may not be persecuted, but others are.  The reality is that there are Christians all over the world who daily face persecution for their faith.  The February 13, 2012 cover article of Newsweek Magazine most recently brought this to light.  www.Persecution.com is the site to an organization that tracks Christians and the nations that persecute them.  They have great resources to help direct our prayers for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.


3. We just may face persecution, so we should prepare now!  This isn't fear mongering or 'painting the devil on the wall;' rather it is a fact that we must deal with.  I have no idea what is in-store for American Christians, but I do know that we are always wise to dig deep in our relationship with Christ.


4.  Have we avoided persecution because we have made compromises for our faith?  This is as tough a question for me to write as it is a difficult one for us to answer.  I am convinced that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us this answer, but let us take the initiative and ask it first!

Revelation 2 and 3. The Letters to the Seven Churches

     At first glance, Revelation Chapters 2-3 seems like an odd segment of text.  In Chapter 1 John sees Jesus in all his glory and in Chapter 4 John is transported into heaven!  So what do we make of these seven letters?  Some have taken the view that they represent not literal churches, but seven eras of Church History.  Others see these letters as rhetorical devices used to present the problems that the rest of the Book of Revelation addresses.     In our study of Revelation we will look at these churches as literal letters written by Jesus which show His passion for His Church!  

Chapters 2 and 3 are not a pause in the story of Revelation; rather they show the impending persecution and the real life situations of Christians who are under threat of the Roman Empire.  

I would encourage you to read through Revelation 2 and 3 and send in your questions!

Sunday Left-Overs -Revelation 1 -February 5th, 2012

We started our series on Revelations with a look at Chapter 1.  In this chapter John hears a voice telling him to write to seven local churches.  He turns to hear the voice and sees an amazing site:  It is Jesus standing among seven lamp stands.  In Revelation 1.13-16, eight different images are pulled from the OT and assigned to Jesus:

1. Long Robe with a Golden Sash - This may refer to the robes that the High Priests wore -see Exodus 28.4- or it may refer to the garments worn by noblemen.
2. White Head and Hair -  In Daniel 7.9 we are told that the Ancient of Days will have hair, 'white like wool.'
3. Blazing Eyes - Another image that originates from the book of Daniel, specifically chapter 10, verse 6.
4. Bronze Feet - This image is meant to evoke glory and strength, as Bronze was used for military purposes and in coinage.  See Daniel 10.6 and Ezekiel 1.7 for Old Testament illustrations.
5. Powerful Voice - The Prophet Ezekiel referred to God's power and glory as like a 'roar of rushing waters.'  See Ezekiel 1.24 and 43.2 for further insight.
6. Stars in his Right Hand - The right hand in scripture is frequently used to show power and authority. Revelation 1.20 shows us that the stars symbolize the local churches.
7. Sword from His Mouth - Isaiah 11.4 points to the truth that the Messiah will have the power of Judgment over his people.
8. Radiant Face - This final image is meant to evoke Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai after meeting with God.  The sun is frequently used to describe God in the Old Testament.

We are meant to look at these images and to see the power and glory of Christ.  Jesus is the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophesies and images!

Revelations and childhood nightmares

God bless my parents. They really wanted to instill solid Christian values in me and surrounded me with Christian books and records. But hanging on my wall, over my bed was a painting that truly gave me great fear. It was a painting of Dallas Texas, at the moment of Jesus' return. Of course the idea that Jesus would appear at Dallas is a given! You'd think that a painting of Jesus would bring joy, but not to me. This painting depicts buses crashing off the highway, cars ramming into each other, and, even more terrifying, is a plane crashing into one of Dallas' skyscrapers...! Click on the painting to take a closer look, and then tell me your opinion of it!