The sixth seal is opened and forecasts utter devastation. Chapter six ends with the question, "Who can stand?" Chapter seven answers the question with the 144,000. But who are they? Jews? All believers? Various interpretations are addressed.

The mercy of God understands our weakness, and meets us in our frailties; The sovereign magnificence of God fulfils his own purposes without adjustment or alternation – from beginning to end. In spite of all his excuses, Moses obeyed. God used him because he obeyed. Because the Lord is truly sovereign over all things, then the only reasonable response to his call on our lives is to trust him. It is his omnipotence that matters, not our incompetence.

Seal five on the scroll is opened by the Lamb and we see the souls under the altar asking, how long before they are avenged and justice is executed? This is followed by a seal six that previews the final judgment that will come after the last soul comes into the kingdom of God.

As Jesus opens the seals horsemen are released causing war, famine, and death. There are various interpretations, some of which are covered in the message. But we know the theme is that God oversees it all to judge the wicked and purify the believers lives. What we see as disaster is often God bringing His people home while judging the wicked. We are in a spiritual war!

The resurrection revealed a mystery that was hidden in God. God's plan was always to redeem the lost, but until the disciples saw the risen Lord, the plan was not fully understood. Many Jews even thought there was no afterlife. Jesus' resurrection not only proved that there was, but that faith in His death on our behalf was the way to eternal life.

The death and burial of Jesus are central events in Christian theology. Jesus was crucified and died on the cross. This act of burial was done in haste due to the approaching Sabbath, during which no work could be done. The accounts of Jesus's death and burial are found in all four canonical gospels, with each providing unique details to the narrative. These events set the stage for what is considered the cornerstone of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus.

Will there ever be justice in the earth? Will pain and suffering and heartache go on forever? Will the kingdom of God ever be established as an experiential reality on the earth? Revelation 4 introduced us to the throne room of God. Revelation 5 reveals the Victor who bring all these things to pass. All of creation comes together to praise the Lamb of God for the victory He is ushering in.

After the letters Jesus had John transcribe for the churches, John was caught up into the heavenly realm. There he saw what others in the Old Testament saw, the throne room of God. The descriptions are awe inspiring. The intent is to help us see that there is so much more than what we see on this earthly plane. From that realm God reigns supreme over the affairs of man. It is meant to have us lift our eyes from our earthly troubles and realize that the God who loves us is the focus of heaven and should be our focus as well.

Confession and repentance are two essential aspects of the Christian life. Confession means admitting our sins to God and asking for His forgiveness. Repentance means turning away from our sins and changing our behavior to align with God's will. When we confess and repent, we receive God's grace and mercy, and we restore our relationship with Him. Confession and repentance also help us grow in holiness and maturity as followers of Christ.

The church of Laodicea was a very affluent city. The church enjoyed their physical prosperity to the extent that they had impoverished themselves spiritually. Wealth and comfort can be a hindrance to our spiritual life in Christ. We can rely on wealth instead of relying on God. We can become so focused on comfort that we avoid doing what we know the Spirit of God is directing us to do.

The church of Philadelphia was one of only two churches that did not receive a rebuke. They had a little power, and they kept the Lord's word and had not denied His name. They stood firm, refusing to compromise with the world. The Lord Jesus was setting before them an open door. To those who kept the word of patient endurance, Jesus' promised to keep them from the hour of trial. And to the conquerors, He gave the promise of making them pillar in the temple and to put His name on their foreheads.