Johann
Active Member
My apologies-encouragement to @Grace ambassador and I have already shown you Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega is worthy of our highest eulogies and worship-but you deny this.
Are we told to worship Jesus or are we told to worship God?
- Thread starter MatthewG
- Start date
Johann
Active Member
If you want to be a loner-living a reclusive style of life, that's your prerogative. In the council of many there is wisdom.
You can always private message, and talk to your friend if you want to. I have not denied that Jesus is the Lord God Almighty, however Jesus expressed that Yahweh should be worshipped in spirit in truth, however you it seems you denied this.
You don't need someone always to guide you either. You have Yahweh, ... and the Holy spirit of God, and the Spirit of Christ.
It's OK that you won't actually discuss the warnings in the Scriptures I posted. Or address your own words regarding "Random Preachers" whose sermons are promoted here. And I understand how powerful the tradition is to adopt the opinion of others as opposed to study ourselves, as instructed, which takes effort and work.
Nevertheless, as Paul teaches;
2 Cor. 5: 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Thanks for the opportunity to share the Scriptures with you.
There are "many" Prophets, and faithful men in the Scriptures. We have the Words of the One True God, AND His Son who this same God sent. We have the 12 Disciples and the Apostles of Christ given to Him by God. And they all agree one with each other. If Matt is joined to this Body, he is not a loner at all, in my view. If Matt trusts the council of these "many" who God Himself has Glorified, and preserved as examples of Faithful men throughout the ages, would this not be considered "wisdom" in your religion?
We also have another religious way in this world Yeshua warned about. A way that "Many" walk in. "for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:"
And the Yeshua "of the Bible" tells us that there are "MANY" deceivers who come in His Name, whose Words I posted, but are pretty much ignored. So would these many deceivers be preaching to folks, "Come follow us on the path to destruction"? I think not.
According to the Christ "of the Bible", these "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works". And then will I (Yeshua) profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
So would it be wise to receive council of these "MANY" who come in Christ's Name, but Transgress God's Commandments by their own Traditions?
Or would it be wise to receive council from the Holy Scriptures God inspired, "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness", as Paul instructs in your own Bible?
It's a great question in my view, and one worthy of discussion. Why not actually engage, regarding the actual topic of this thread?
Johann
Active Member
Why should I? I can choose to engage in any topic of MY choice.
Christ did not even please himself.
Perhaps all of us still have growing up in certain areas of life spiritually in the Lord Jesus Christ.
It's never good to throw up your defenses and not self reflect ones own decisions and actions comparatively in how Yeshua had also lived his own life.
Perhaps all of us still have growing up in certain areas of life spiritually in the Lord Jesus Christ.
It's never good to throw up your defenses and not self reflect ones own decisions and actions comparatively in how Yeshua had also lived his own life.
The way to worship God is by giving glory to Him through acting in accordance with His nature, and the Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact image of His nature (Hebrews 1:3), so the way to worship the Son is exactly the same as the way to worship the Father, which means that your question is moot. For example, we God by honoring our parents, keeping the Sabbath holy, doing charity, and so forth in obedience to His word, which is exactly the same way to worship God's word made flesh.
Jesus states that the Father in heaven is looking for those to worship the Father and truth. While there is nothing wrong with giving praise and honor to the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Its important to know the our fellowship is with the Father and the Son. The Father is the one whom recieves the glory for praising the Son, for all that he has overcome, allowing him to sit on the seat of his throne. I dont see anywhere in scripture where a person is told to worship Jesus, but God, who is the God of Israel, Yahweh.
Johann
Active Member
However, just recently, we were astounded to notice the following on the board in front of a large denominational church. It said: “Jesus Christ should be followed, not worshipped.”
Surely we are living in days of apostasy when a man who calls himself a minister of the gospel would have the brazenness to put such a saying in front of a church which pretends to bear the Name of Christ.
How can we follow Christ, unless we can worship Him as well? If the Lord Jesus Christ was not the Eternal Son of the Living God, then He was a deceiver of the basest sort, and is neither to be followed nor worshipped. If He was God manifest in the flesh, as He claimed to be, then He certainly is to be worshipped as well as followed, and like Thomas, we should prostrate ourselves at His feet and say, “My Lord and my God.” We need not speculate, though, as to whether He was or was not the God-Man. Hear the testimony of the Father Himself, who testified from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” We read also, “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him” (John 5:23). Is God the Father worthy of our worship? Then so is God the Son.
The Apostle Paul, through whom the truth for this age has been revealed, says, “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more” (2 Cor. 5:16). If we are to follow Christ today, we must obey 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Thus, as we follow the Risen, Ascended Christ in Glory, according to the revelation of the mystery, we also worship and adore Him as the Blessed Son of God, “Our Lord Jesus Christ, which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15).
no need to reply.
Johann
Active Member
Without the Scriptures I know not what I think. By the Scriptures I think that Christ was, and is, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, everlasting Father; that He was in the form of God and took upon Himself the form of a servant; that He was with God; that He was God. I think that all things were created by Him; that He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. I think that in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; that in Him are hid the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; that in all things He should have the pre-eminence; that when the Father brought Him into the world, He said, “let all the angels of God worship Him,” and the Father said to the Son, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.” My thinking is based upon the following Scriptures Isaiah 9:6 . . . Philippians 2:5 to 9 . . . John 1:1 to 10 . . . Ephesians 3:9 . . . Colossians 1:15 to 19 . . . Colossians 2:3 to 9 . . . Hebrews 1:1 to 8 . . . . Because Christ had glory with the Father before the world was, He could truly say, “I and Father are one,” “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”
Every one should either bow before Christ, with Thomas, and: say, “My Lord and My God,” and sing with men and angels, “worthy is the Lamb that Was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory and blessing,” or else discredit and reject the only written story of Jesus Christ as a fable or a forgery, and confess that there is no authentic document that can be examined for an intelligent answer to the question. John 17:5 . . . John 10:30 . . . John 14:9 . . . John 20:28 . . . Revelation 5:12.
It certainly would not be the mark of intelligence to hand the New Testament Scriptures over to the religious modern scholars of this age and tell them to separate truth from fiction; for we would find the Christ of their creation more impossible than the Christ they reject. You have only to read “The Man Nobody Knows” to be convinced of this fact.
The Christ of orthodox Christianity is truly the Christ of the Scriptures, the only true Christ, the only Christ who could communicate saving grace to the sinner. He had power to lay down His life and take it up again. Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to answer the first question aright. Only the Christ of the Bible could bring sinners to God by His shed blood. And it is by His precious blood that believing sinners are saved. Ephesians 2:13; I Peter 1:18 to 21.
Despising the grace of God, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:28 to 33.
Now for the second question:
“WHAT SHALL I DO THEN WITH JESUS WHICH IS CALLED CHRIST?” MATTHEW 7:22.
“Christ died for our sins.” He was delivered for our offenses and raised again for our justification.” “The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Before His death, the Saviour said, “the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” The Son of man came to give His life a ransom for many. “Neither is there salvation in any other.” . . . I Corinthians 15:3 . . . Romans 4:24 . . . Isaiah 53:6 . . . John 10:11 . . . Mark 10:45 . . . Acts 4:12.
“God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST DIED FOR US.” Romans 5:8.
Are you not moved to action because of this sacrifice of love?
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him. should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Surely this should move you to act quickly. You should act, for two reasons; first, because of God’s great love. He has done something with Christ, for your sake and mine. Christ suffered an awful penalty, obediently and willingly, for us. That love is enough to constrain us to action. But secondly, we should act immediately, because of the awful penalty, the terrific judgment awaiting all who refuse to act. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. “He that believeth on the Son is not condemned; but he that believeth not condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18.
Pastor J. C. O'Hair
Πίστευσον
Transliteration: Pisteuson
Morphology: V-AMA-2S
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's no.: G4100 (πιστεύω)
Meaning: To believe, have faith in, trust in; pass: to be entrusted with.
Jesus states that the Father in heaven is looking for those to worship the Father and truth.
John 4:23-24 New King James Version (NKJV)But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father (Yahweh) is seeking such to worship Him. God (Yahweh) is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The choice becomes do I listen to what other people say, or Jesus, @Johann.
John 4:23-24 New King James Version (NKJV)But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father (Yahweh) is seeking such to worship Him. God (Yahweh) is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The choice becomes do I listen to what other people say, or Jesus, @Johann.
Johann
Active Member
4:26 "I who speak to you am He" This may be an allusion to Isa. 52:6. It is a plain, open affirmation of His Deity (so different from the Synoptic Gospels)! It is a play on "I Am," which reflected the OT Covenant name for God, YHWH (cf. Exod.3:12, 14). Jesus used this OT name for God as a way of referring to YHWH's self-revelation visibly and clearly in Jesus (cf. John 8:24, 28, 58; 13:19; 18:5 compare Isa. 41:4; 43:10; 46:4). This specialized use of "I Am" must be differentiated from the well known "I Am" statements of John, 6:35, 51; 8:12; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5, which are followed by qualifying NOUNS
Still Do I listen to what Jesus said, or do I listen to what others tell me?
Jesus not above the Father. Jesus gives
everything back to him (Yahweh) once overcoming all things after the last enemy is destroyed which is death.
I think its important, however ones own relationship with Yahweh, and Yeshua are personal, @Johann. If you worship Jesus by all means, go ahead.
Johann
Active Member
Finally, Paul warns us of philosophy of the type that is “not after Christ.” This is the foremost reason that we must “Beware.” Any philosophy, teaching, or belief that is “not after Christ,” and which disregards, belittles, or leads us away from Him, is satanic, dangerous, and something that we must reject.
Why Settle for Less?
“For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9).
The word “for” introduces the reason for abandoning the false teachings of philosophy that are not after Christ. And the reason is that Christ is God! The reasoning is, why would anyone settle for anything less than Him Who is God Almighty? Man’s philosophies are “vain” or empty, and they only fill anyone with more emptiness; in contrast, Paul wrote about the One Who has all fullness (Col. 1:19), the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
In Christ dwells ALL the fullness of the Godhead. He is not part God or 50% God, or 99% percent God, but 100% God. This verse is a dramatic, airtight declaration of the deity of Jesus Christ. As John Newton put it in his poem on page 4, “So guilty, so helpless am I, / I dare not confide in His blood, / nor on His protection rely, / unless I were sure He is God.” We are sure He is God, and before us is one of the clearest statements in all of Scripture testifying to this fact.
Considering that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ, He cannot be a halfway god or a junior god. Christ wasn’t merely inspired by God or illuminated by God. Christ is not God-like. Christ was God. Christ is God. Christ will always be God.
All that God is, Christ is. Christ is complete Deity. He is God essentially and perfectly and has all the infinite attributes and perfections of God in full measure.
And the term “dwelleth” here speaks of permanence. Commenting on this, Pastor and professor Marvin Vincent (1834-1922) wrote, “The indwelling of the divine fullness in Him is characteristic of Him as Christ, from all ages and to all ages. Hence the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in Him before His incarnation.… It dwelt in Him during His incarnation.…The fullness of the Godhead dwells in His glorified humanity in heaven.…He carried His human body with Him into heaven, and in His glorified body now and ever dwells the fullness of the Godhead.”
Colossians 2:9 teaches that not only is Christ fully God, but He is also fully human. He is the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Having the fullness of the Godhead in His Person as God the Son within the Trinity has always been the case from eternity past. But having the fullness of the Godhead “bodily” has only been the case since the incarnation roughly 2000 years ago and now for eternity future.
Christ is God in a human body. And when Christ ascended to heaven, He did so in His body of flesh and bones. After His resurrection, the Lord said, “Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have” (Luke 24:39). Christ is now in heaven in His risen, glorified body. He
currently and permanently has a body of flesh and bones, and He will always now be the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Part of Christ’s sacrifice for us is that He Who is God, the Son of God, took on a human body for eternity. And now forevermore He is the “one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). Being 100% God and 100% Man, Christ is the perfect Intercessor and Mediator between God and man.
Incomplete vs. Complete
“And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Col. 2:10).
The implication of being complete in Christ is that we are incomplete outside of Him. As a result of sin and the curse, mankind is in a state of incompleteness. We are spiritually incomplete, unrighteous, dead in our sins, and separated from the life of God (Eph. 2:1). But when we trust the One Who is the fullness of the Godhead bodily, that He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, we immediately go from incompleteness to being “complete in Him.”
“Complete” in Colossians 2:10 means to be made full, to fill to the full. We are made full in Christ. Verse 9 says that “in Him” dwells all fullness of the Godhead bodily. Verse 10 says that “in Him” we find fullness and are made full. There’s no room for anything more and, being in Him, there’s nothing missing. There aren’t any other things to add. Christ makes us whole spiritually.
The teaching of fullness from verse 9 carries into verse 10. Christ is the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and there is nothing that could be added to Christ to make Him be more God. He is completely God. He lacks nothing as God. Likewise, believers find total fullness and completeness in Christ.
Just as Christ is the fullness of the Godhead bodily, there is nothing we lack in Him. There is not one thing that could or ever needs to be added to make us more complete in Him or more filled by Him. In Him, we have everything we need for salvation and spiritual life. You cannot add anything to the completeness that you have in Christ. You do not need anything more than you already have in Him.
Born Complete
Being complete in Christ is not a status to be achieved, it is a truth in which to rejoice. And this truth is all by grace. It is nothing we deserve. At the moment we trust Christ as our personal Savior, we are complete in Christ. Professor and Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe (1929-2019) has written, “When a person is born again into the family of God, he is born complete in Christ.”
Paul doesn’t say to you the believer that you will be complete in Christ, he says you “ARE complete in Him.” From the moment you believe and for all eternity, this is permanently so. In Christ, we will never be anything but complete.
Being complete in Christ is true because Christ is truly God. If Christ were not God, we could not be complete in Him. And we won’t find completion in anyone or anything else. Salvation is in Christ alone. In Him alone, our hope is found.
Paul goes on in verse 10 to say that we are complete in the One “which is the head of all principality and power.” He is far above the hierarchy of heaven and over all angelic principalities and powers. He is the Creator of those principalities and powers: “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers” (Col. 1:16).
Reinforcing His deity and our completeness in Him, Paul shows us that Christ is abundantly able to save, because He is Lord, Creator, and God Almighty, before Whom all in heaven submit and Who commands all the host of angels. In this all-glorious One, we are complete. It is He which supplies us with so great and so complete a salvation.
No one is refuting any of those things @Johann.
Refusing to answer my question and to continue to the post of other peoples works is a little overboard if you ask me. I have read the bible. Jesus was the Word of God made Flesh. He was with God as the Word in the beginning and always has been, when he was sent in flesh, he was given the name Jesus.
Do I listen to Jesus or not? He said His Father (Yahweh) who sent the Word of God, down to earth, is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and truth, because that is what the Father seeks.
Refusing to answer my question and to continue to the post of other peoples works is a little overboard if you ask me. I have read the bible. Jesus was the Word of God made Flesh. He was with God as the Word in the beginning and always has been, when he was sent in flesh, he was given the name Jesus.
Do I listen to Jesus or not? He said His Father (Yahweh) who sent the Word of God, down to earth, is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and truth, because that is what the Father seeks.
Johann
Active Member
11. The Worship of Christ (Revelation 5:1-14; 19:1-8)
Revelation 5:1-14 Then I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and back and sealed with seven seals. 5:2 And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” 5:3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it. 5:4 So I began weeping bitterly because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered; thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” 5:6 Then I saw standing in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been killed. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth 5:7 Then he came and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne, 5:8 and when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders threw themselves to the ground before the Lamb. Each of them had a harp and golden bowls full of incense (which are the prayers of the saints). 5:9 They were singing a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were killed, and at the cost of your own blood you have purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. 5:10 You have appointed them as a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand – thousands times thousands – 5:12 all of whom were singing in a loud voice: “Worthy is the lamb who was killed to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and praise!”5:13 Then I heard every creature – in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and all that is in them – singing: “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be praise, honor, glory, and ruling power forever and ever!”5:14 And the four living creatures were saying “Amen,” and the elders threw themselves to the ground and worshiped. NET
Revelation 19:1-8 After these things I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a vast throng in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 19:2 because his judgments are true and just. For he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and has avenged the blood of his servants poured out by her own hands!” 19:3 Then a second time the crowd shouted, “Hallelujah!” The smoke rises from her forever and ever. 19:4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures threw themselves to the ground and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne, saying: “Amen! Hallelujah!”19:5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God all you his servants, and all you who fear Him, both the small and the great!” 19:6 Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a vast throng, like the roar of many waters and like loud crashes of thunder. They were shouting: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the All-Powerful, reigns!19:7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, because the wedding celebration of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 19:8 She was permitted to be dressed in bright, clean, fine linen” (for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints).
Easter season plays often depict Jesus’ festive welcome 2000+ year ago, but what about His praise in heaven? I was taken back when I noticed the saints who worshiped at Jesus’ throne in heaven carry palm branches too, reminiscent of that joyous parade long ago. This time, not on a lowly beast of burden, but as a victorious ruler upon His throne. Can you imagine the scene? How should these scenes in Revelation depicting God’s worship in heaven inform our worship of Him today?
Context for Revelation 4 & 5; 19:1-8
Both of these passages detail scenes of Christ’s worship in heaven. Revelation 5 records John’s vision in heaven just before the Lamb opens the scroll containing the seven seals of judgment to be poured out upon the earth.
Revelation 19:1-6 comes after these judgments, before the return of Christ to the earth to wage war against His enemies (last week’s passage.) It opens with the praise of God for condemning the “great prostitute,” Babylon, which was seen in Revelation 18. Babylon historically is thought to be the empire of Rome. In the future Babylon is believed to be the world system in rebellion against God.
Suggested Study Schedule
Day 1: Read Revelation 5; 19:1-8 and the context information paragraph
Day 2: Read Revelation 5 again, and the verses in discussion question 3b and appl. question 2.
Day 3: Read Revelation 18 (context for 19) and 19:1-8.
Day 4: Focus on Revelation 19:6-7 and look up the verses in application question 6.
Day 5: Answer the “discussion questions”
Day 6: Answer the “application questions”
Day 7: Spend time in prayer and meditation on your application
Discussion Questions: Grasping the Meaning
1. In 5:1-2, what is the scroll with 7 seals? Why is John weeping?
2. Who is found worthy to open it? Why doesn’t the Father open it? Why is Christ uniquely ‘qualified’ to open it? Why do you think Christ is called by this title—”the Lion of the Tribe of Judah1“?
3. How is the Lamb2 described in 5:6-7?
4. Why do you think the two titles (Lion and Lamb) are brought together here3?
5. What might be meant by the 7 horns and 7 eyes? (See how “horns” and “eyes” are portrayed in these verses: Deuteronomy 33:17; 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 75:4-5; Psalms 132:17; Zechariah 4:10; 2 Chronicles 16:8-9; Psalms 11:4-5.)
6. What is the response of the following groups when He takes the scroll?
…of the 24 elders and the living creatures?
…of the angels?
…of every creature?
7. These verses in 5:1-14 also image another similar scene in Revelation7:9-144. Who are the ones mentioned in these verses and what are they saying?
8. Revelation 19:1-8 follows the “Fall of Babylon” in chapter 18. How are 18:20 and 19:1-3 related?
9. There are 3 praise utterances given in this section. What are they? What phrase begins each section?
(19:1-2)
(19:35)
(19:6-86)
10. In Revelation 19:5, what exhortation is given to the worshipers? How are the worshippers addressed7?
11. Who is the “great prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her sexual immorality” (19:2)? And what is meant by “The smoke rises from her forever and ever” (19:3)?
12. What is the contrast shown in 18:23, 19:2, and 19:7-8? (We will explore more of this marriage metaphor next week.)
13. Summarize what we learn about Christ and His praise in 5:1-14 and 19:1-8.
Application Questions: Grasping the Heart
1. In the first section of 5:1-14, it might seem strange that Christ is both found worthy to open a scroll of judgment, yet His worth is due to the fact He shed His blood which saved men from judgment. How would you explain this? (See John 5:22; also Hebrews 10:29.)
2. These passages help develop the Lion/Lamb metaphor more fully. How do these contrasting images impact you as you picture Christ?
Genesis 49:8-10
Judges 14:18
Proverbs 28:1
Isaiah 11:6
Isaiah 31:4
Isaiah 53:7
John 1:29, 36
1 Peter 1:18-19
3. The sole ‘activity’ we observe of the saints, living creatures, and 24 elders in the presence of God is community worship. In Revelation 19:10, we see John spontaneously bowing down to worship the angel who showed him this vision. What do you picture it will be like to enter the presence of God? How do these images inform your impressions?
4. In 19:5, why do you think the worshipers are referred to as “His servants” and all those “who fear Him”? How might these titles inform the way we approach God even now? If a new Christian asked you how to approach God, how would you reply? What other Scriptures would you use to support your answer?
5. “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the All-powerful, reigns…” Is God currently reigning, or is His reign a future promise? Chew on this question for a bit before looking up these verses which highlight “reign”, “rule” or “kingdom”, paying attention to the verb tenses. Is His reign present, future, or both?
Genesis 1:28
Psalms 110:2
Psalms 145:11-13
Micah 4:7
Zechariah 6:12-13
Luke 1:32
Luke 17:20-21
1 Corinthians 15:24-25
Ephesians 1:19-21
6. “…Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory!” Is this verse a reality to you? Does your heart rejoice and experience gladness in worshipping Him because of His current and coming reign? Does this comfort you? Why or why not? How can you grow in setting your heart on these present and future realities?
7. We have seen some of what worship looks like in heaven. How do we see it expressed by His children on earth? Are there “right” and “wrong” ways to do this? What activities most draw your heart to worship? What might be some creative, out-of-the-box expressions of delight and joy in the person and ways of God8?
8. Share with one another what truths have been most meaningful to you. Spend a moment writing down the insights you have heard from others during this study that have enriched your own perspective.
9. The Lion from the tribe of Judah; the slain Lamb worthy to open the scroll of judgment; the judge of the wicked and the purifier of His bride. What about this week’s lesson has made Him appear more beautiful or glorious to you this week? Spend some time meditating on these images and write out your own words of worship to God, as well as one application you will take away from this lesson.
B.O.
Revelation 5:1-14 Then I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and back and sealed with seven seals. 5:2 And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” 5:3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it. 5:4 So I began weeping bitterly because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered; thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” 5:6 Then I saw standing in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been killed. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth 5:7 Then he came and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne, 5:8 and when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders threw themselves to the ground before the Lamb. Each of them had a harp and golden bowls full of incense (which are the prayers of the saints). 5:9 They were singing a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were killed, and at the cost of your own blood you have purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. 5:10 You have appointed them as a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand – thousands times thousands – 5:12 all of whom were singing in a loud voice: “Worthy is the lamb who was killed to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and praise!”5:13 Then I heard every creature – in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and all that is in them – singing: “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be praise, honor, glory, and ruling power forever and ever!”5:14 And the four living creatures were saying “Amen,” and the elders threw themselves to the ground and worshiped. NET
Revelation 19:1-8 After these things I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a vast throng in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 19:2 because his judgments are true and just. For he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and has avenged the blood of his servants poured out by her own hands!” 19:3 Then a second time the crowd shouted, “Hallelujah!” The smoke rises from her forever and ever. 19:4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures threw themselves to the ground and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne, saying: “Amen! Hallelujah!”19:5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God all you his servants, and all you who fear Him, both the small and the great!” 19:6 Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a vast throng, like the roar of many waters and like loud crashes of thunder. They were shouting: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the All-Powerful, reigns!19:7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, because the wedding celebration of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 19:8 She was permitted to be dressed in bright, clean, fine linen” (for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints).
Easter season plays often depict Jesus’ festive welcome 2000+ year ago, but what about His praise in heaven? I was taken back when I noticed the saints who worshiped at Jesus’ throne in heaven carry palm branches too, reminiscent of that joyous parade long ago. This time, not on a lowly beast of burden, but as a victorious ruler upon His throne. Can you imagine the scene? How should these scenes in Revelation depicting God’s worship in heaven inform our worship of Him today?
Context for Revelation 4 & 5; 19:1-8
Both of these passages detail scenes of Christ’s worship in heaven. Revelation 5 records John’s vision in heaven just before the Lamb opens the scroll containing the seven seals of judgment to be poured out upon the earth.
Revelation 19:1-6 comes after these judgments, before the return of Christ to the earth to wage war against His enemies (last week’s passage.) It opens with the praise of God for condemning the “great prostitute,” Babylon, which was seen in Revelation 18. Babylon historically is thought to be the empire of Rome. In the future Babylon is believed to be the world system in rebellion against God.
Suggested Study Schedule
Day 1: Read Revelation 5; 19:1-8 and the context information paragraph
Day 2: Read Revelation 5 again, and the verses in discussion question 3b and appl. question 2.
Day 3: Read Revelation 18 (context for 19) and 19:1-8.
Day 4: Focus on Revelation 19:6-7 and look up the verses in application question 6.
Day 5: Answer the “discussion questions”
Day 6: Answer the “application questions”
Day 7: Spend time in prayer and meditation on your application
Discussion Questions: Grasping the Meaning
1. In 5:1-2, what is the scroll with 7 seals? Why is John weeping?
2. Who is found worthy to open it? Why doesn’t the Father open it? Why is Christ uniquely ‘qualified’ to open it? Why do you think Christ is called by this title—”the Lion of the Tribe of Judah1“?
3. How is the Lamb2 described in 5:6-7?
4. Why do you think the two titles (Lion and Lamb) are brought together here3?
5. What might be meant by the 7 horns and 7 eyes? (See how “horns” and “eyes” are portrayed in these verses: Deuteronomy 33:17; 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 75:4-5; Psalms 132:17; Zechariah 4:10; 2 Chronicles 16:8-9; Psalms 11:4-5.)
6. What is the response of the following groups when He takes the scroll?
…of the 24 elders and the living creatures?
…of the angels?
…of every creature?
7. These verses in 5:1-14 also image another similar scene in Revelation7:9-144. Who are the ones mentioned in these verses and what are they saying?
8. Revelation 19:1-8 follows the “Fall of Babylon” in chapter 18. How are 18:20 and 19:1-3 related?
9. There are 3 praise utterances given in this section. What are they? What phrase begins each section?
(19:1-2)
(19:35)
(19:6-86)
10. In Revelation 19:5, what exhortation is given to the worshipers? How are the worshippers addressed7?
11. Who is the “great prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her sexual immorality” (19:2)? And what is meant by “The smoke rises from her forever and ever” (19:3)?
12. What is the contrast shown in 18:23, 19:2, and 19:7-8? (We will explore more of this marriage metaphor next week.)
13. Summarize what we learn about Christ and His praise in 5:1-14 and 19:1-8.
Application Questions: Grasping the Heart
1. In the first section of 5:1-14, it might seem strange that Christ is both found worthy to open a scroll of judgment, yet His worth is due to the fact He shed His blood which saved men from judgment. How would you explain this? (See John 5:22; also Hebrews 10:29.)
2. These passages help develop the Lion/Lamb metaphor more fully. How do these contrasting images impact you as you picture Christ?
Genesis 49:8-10
Judges 14:18
Proverbs 28:1
Isaiah 11:6
Isaiah 31:4
Isaiah 53:7
John 1:29, 36
1 Peter 1:18-19
3. The sole ‘activity’ we observe of the saints, living creatures, and 24 elders in the presence of God is community worship. In Revelation 19:10, we see John spontaneously bowing down to worship the angel who showed him this vision. What do you picture it will be like to enter the presence of God? How do these images inform your impressions?
4. In 19:5, why do you think the worshipers are referred to as “His servants” and all those “who fear Him”? How might these titles inform the way we approach God even now? If a new Christian asked you how to approach God, how would you reply? What other Scriptures would you use to support your answer?
5. “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the All-powerful, reigns…” Is God currently reigning, or is His reign a future promise? Chew on this question for a bit before looking up these verses which highlight “reign”, “rule” or “kingdom”, paying attention to the verb tenses. Is His reign present, future, or both?
Genesis 1:28
Psalms 110:2
Psalms 145:11-13
Micah 4:7
Zechariah 6:12-13
Luke 1:32
Luke 17:20-21
1 Corinthians 15:24-25
Ephesians 1:19-21
6. “…Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory!” Is this verse a reality to you? Does your heart rejoice and experience gladness in worshipping Him because of His current and coming reign? Does this comfort you? Why or why not? How can you grow in setting your heart on these present and future realities?
7. We have seen some of what worship looks like in heaven. How do we see it expressed by His children on earth? Are there “right” and “wrong” ways to do this? What activities most draw your heart to worship? What might be some creative, out-of-the-box expressions of delight and joy in the person and ways of God8?
8. Share with one another what truths have been most meaningful to you. Spend a moment writing down the insights you have heard from others during this study that have enriched your own perspective.
9. The Lion from the tribe of Judah; the slain Lamb worthy to open the scroll of judgment; the judge of the wicked and the purifier of His bride. What about this week’s lesson has made Him appear more beautiful or glorious to you this week? Spend some time meditating on these images and write out your own words of worship to God, as well as one application you will take away from this lesson.
B.O.
I dont care about any of this if its not your work and you are giving a source to your information, man its pretty ridiculous.
Jesus is the Word of God, and He is not above His Father, while together they are Joined as the Lord God Almighty now today, Jesus is still not over his Father though they eternally dwell with each other as one.
Jesus stated we are to worship the Father, yet you continue to strive to show that Jesus is worshipped, and I just dont see it.
Johann
Active Member
Refute the Scriptures-don't "turn on me"-I am not giving you a link since you are not interested in links.
Well doing that stuff and expecting me to read it most likely not going to happen. I have read the bible. Im not an unbeliever.
