This study, taught by pastor Barry Forder at our Sunday morning service on Sunday 20th March 2016 is the 11th in our verse-by-verse study through the book of Revelation.
After all the intensity and tremendous worship we have seen from chapters 4-7, with the great chorus of praise from the great multitude, the elders, the angels and the four living creatures, everything now comes to a screeching halt. The suspense and anticipation of this moment is tangible. Back in chapter 7 we saw an angel holding back the judgments that we now see unveiled through the sounding of the 7 trumpets. The reason was that the 144,000 Jews had to be sealed (granted supernatural protection) before these trumpets were to sound.
In chapter 8 we another earthquake followed by one third of the trees, grass, marine life, ships in the ocean, all destroyed. In chapter 9 we see demonic locusts released from the bottomless pit to cause terror on the earth.
As terrifying as is, we should remember that this is still the ‘beginning of sorrows’, the Great Tribulation is still to come. This highlights God’s great mercy, because all of the judgments in these chapters are in measure, they are restrained. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), God does not delight in the death of the wicked, but wants them to turn to Him (Ezekiel 33:11).
So, if you are a Christian, these chapters should stir you to be the light and salt you have been called to be; to preach the Word, in season and out of season, because the people standing next you in the queue at the supermarket, or at your work place, may well be the people who end up experiencing the first hand effects of these judgments.
If you are not a Christian, as the Bible says, today is the day of salvation. Don’t leave it a moment longer. if you want to know more, please contact us.
May this study encourage you and deepen your love for God and His Word!
To aid your personal study, the Powerpoint slides used in this teaching are available for download here, and a verse-by-verse text commentary of Revelation Chapter 8 & 9 is also available in the Pastor’s Blog section of this web site entitled “The Sound of Silence”
Every blessing,
Pastor Barry.
