Author: Scott Lane

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-7,16-17 (day five)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”

One of the sources of Christian love is the assurance and certainty of the age to come. The pictures and promise of eternal life give courage and conviction to the believer. The images and hope found in this week’s Re:Verse passage serve as a catalyst for the believer to risk and radically love, serve, and reach both believers and non-believers.
Paul gives the same explanation to the church at Collossae. 1:4-5 (“because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”). The hope of eternal security and comfort releases profound, unconditional love now.

The person who knows that his destiny is glorious and certain will be free to live the most radical life of love and sacrifice here on earth.- John Piper

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 19:11-21, 20:1-10 (day five)

And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Have you picked up your “Pray First” wristband (a reminder to pray for the pastoral transition and succession at FBCSA) They are available at the “Ask Me” booths.

Will you join me in praying for our next Pastor today??

Will you pray for thoughts, a heart, and words to be filled with power and truth from the Spirit? (An example and passion that would stir our hearts and bend our knees)

Will you pray for a humble servant/leader that would always point us to worship and glorify the Living God instead of lesser things or people?

Will you pray that our church be led to always display and proclaim the matchless beauty and saving love of Christ?

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 17 – 18 (Day five) 

Revelation 17:8 And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come.

Been thinking about these people a lot this week.  Those who “dwell” on the earth.  Another version used the word “belong” instead of dwell.

Scripture teaches this world is not “home” for believers.  Jesus says in John 18 John, “My kingdom is not of this world.  Those who have been saved through faith are citizens and members of God’s Kingdom.   I did some heart searching, asking the question, “How much do I dwell/belong to this world?”

Here’s where I checked:  Attention (What occupies my thoughts, dreams, perspective?), Affection (What activities, opportunities, and priorities capture my heart? Energy (Are activities and motivations more defined by work/productivity or ministry and service?) Passion (What is it that I want to be and do more than anything?) Longing (Are my values deeper, higher, and eternal?)

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 15 and 16 (day five)

Revelation 15:2-3 “those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God.  And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,”

There is something remarkable about singing praise to God. It lifts eyes, perspective, and outlook. Regardless of past experiences or current circumstances, praising God creates opportunity for joy, peace, and determination.  The busyness and rhythms of our lives often place praising God secondary. The hymn writer points out that we are often distracted and disrupted (hearts are out of tune) from praising God. “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace, Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.”

The descriptions given by John indicate that in heaven that won’t be an issue. We see in chapter 15, even those who have been persecuted, praise God for His character, sovereignty, and work.

How about you? Will you intentionally sing and praise God today?

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 14 (day five) 

14:3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.

Even in the end times, there are truths and realities that only believers know, understand, and learn. These lyrics/lessons are counter-cultural to a world where hope, values, and priorities are self-centered and not God-centered. The world won’t “get it”.

That’s always been the case. Look at 1 Corinthians 2:14 “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

Apart from the Holy Spirit’s help, man is incapable of learning these lessons.

Make a list today of the lessons/truths you’ve learned that are counter-cultural.  Here’s a start: Sacrifice, Love, Purity, Perseverance…

Re:Verse passage: Revelation 12:1-6, 13-17; 13:1-4, 11-18 (day five) 

The saints described in Revelation 12:11 remain faithful and devoted until the very end of the world. Their perspective has never changed or waivered. Their worldview remains biblically based.

Sin- Sin is too big a problem/condition for man to fix or solve. It is a man-made problem, but doesn’t have a man-made solution. The sacrificial death of God’s Son (the blood of the Lamb) is the only means by which to experience the forgiveness of sin.

Testimony- An experience deeper than emotion or intellect has forever changed the heart, mind, and soul of each believer. A life-saving encounter with Christ gives personal knowledge and understanding of the power of God. (power that opposes the attack and deception of Satan)

Life- Life is larger and longer than just the experience on earth. There is an eternal outlook and awareness. Physical death is not the end; therefore they need not fear it. (to live is Christ, to die is gain)

Will we be know as faithful and devoted?

Revelation 10:1-9; 11:1-15 (day five)

In John’s vision of the end times, there is clear direction and instruction for him. He is not just a spectator in this vision. He is involved. In chapter 10 &11 notice the prompts to John: do not write, take the book, eat the book, measure the temple, prophesy again. John is an active and obedient participant.

Some believers have a vision (version) of the Christian life that does not give attention to obedience. Following Christ does not allow for the option of being bystanders. He desires us to be engaged in the work of the Gospel and involved in God’s plan and purpose. He desires to use our gifts, talents, abilities, and opportunities for His Glory!! Daily we can join in His redemptive work that continues until he decides time has run out.   God will use us as an employee, student, husband, parent, co-worker, employer, neighbor, and a hundred more ways. Anyone struggle with being obedient? Repent and get in the game!!

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 8 and 9 (day five)

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Most often, we think the context is a present desire for God’s will and direction to be clear and then accomplished in us and through us. Looking at Revelation 8, scripture reminds us that this prayer has implications for the future and the end times. God is answering this prayer (His will being done and Kingdom coming), and they serve to usher in the end of the world.

Rev. 8- “that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God…” No prayer is ever unheard, ignored, forgotten, or set aside. All the prayers of all the saints counted, remembered, and rightfully placed before the throne of God.

How does this reality shape your prayers today??!!

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 6 (day five) 

Revelation 6 is almost unbelievable: all kinds of symbols and predictions of judgment and the wrath of God. How can we trust that the Lord is telling us the truth? Answer: Because, He has proven to always be truthful and trustworthy. Even in the hard and disturbing things, God’s nature and character is to tell the truth. Look at the life and teachings of Jesus. (John 14) In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; (John 16) I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone… In the world you will have tribulation,

Praise God!! He has proven to be a truth teller in revealing both the beautiful and difficult parts of His plan for mankind.  Do you believe that?

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 4:1-7, 5:1-14 (day five)

It’s the same picture we see in Revelation 1. Remember the description of the Glorified Christ? Strong, Wise, Holy, Powerful, Intimidating, and Magnificent!! Yet the same person comes to John and demonstrates love, compassion, and kindness by placing His hand on John’s shoulder and speaking words of encouragement. Same thing is found in Revelation 5. He is BOTH the Lion (Conqueror, Strong, Majestic, Ferocious) AND the Lamb (Gentle, Humble, Approachable, and Innocent).

There is danger in only seeing and acknowledging one or the other of these characteristics of Jesus. Relating only to Him as the Lamb, could make a human heart overconfident, arrogant, and prideful. But relating to Him as only the Lion could cause unhealthy and oversensitive fear, panic and separation, and an unwillingness to approach or trust Him.

We must see and sense Jesus in all his glory and mercy!! He is BOTH the Lamb that we can love and trust AND the Lion that we can submit to and serve!!