The Revelation of Jesus Christ

In this examination of the final two chapters of the book of the Revelation we see a new beginning. The Word of God gives us great detail regarding the description and demographics of the New Jerusalem. The book concludes with a blessing, a warning, and a call. The blessing is similar to that with which we began: 'Blessed is he who the keeps the words of the prophecy.' The warning is to those who would add to or take away from the words of this prophecy. The call is to those who will hear: 'Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.' This message was presented on Sunday, November 29, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

The Great White Throne judgment is a reality. Though man may seek to ignore, or deny, it, it still looms large on the prophetic horizon. 'It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.' Without Christ, individuals will stand before God based upon their own goodness and righteousness alone. Yet the standard of God is perfection. As James states in his epistle, 'For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.' The punishment is eternal. However, God offers the free gift of eternal life to whoever will believe on His Son, Jesus! This message was presented on Sunday, November 22, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this message we consider the final 'earthly' phase of eschatology (the study of last things). It is incredible that Biblical 'scholars' could read the Revelation of Jesus Christ and deny the literal millennial reign of Christ. Again, details are given that would not make sense if this were merely allegorical or figurative. Satan has been the deceiver and distorter of God's truth from his first encounter with man ... and it continues all the way to the end with his final attempt to thwart the plan of God. This message was presented on Sunday, November 15, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

A tale of two Suppers. In the last message we considered the Marriage Supper of the Lamb; it was the 'best of times.' In this message, we consider the second of those suppers: The Carnage Supper of the Great God, which is normally referred to as the Battle of Armageddon. The nations gather together to destroy the people of God (Israel) but, as we saw in the writings of the prophets, YHWH Himself will come to deliver His people and punish the nations. There will be a great slaughter and then the judgment of the beast and false prophet. This message was presented on Sunday, November 8, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this message we begin to see a tale of two suppers. This is reminiscent of Charles Dickens' novel: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' This message discusses the first of those suppers - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb - with a consideration of awesome Biblical context of this event. This message was presented on Sunday, November 1, 2009 by Bob Corbin. This message was presented on Sunday, November 1, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

We ended the last message with a consideration of the eight heads - not seven - of the beast. In that study we saw that there will be a resurgence of 'Babylon' in the end days. Who, or what, is or will be: Babylon? Throughout the Revelation of Jesus Christ we have been introduced to three different realms of Babylon - a political, religious, and commercial Babylon. Are they one and the same, or three separate entities? This message was presented on Sunday, October 25, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

We will be taking two weeks to fully consider the description and identities of the harlot, the beast and Babylon. Many opinions have been given over the course of time regarding their identities. When it is all accomplished, we will know for certain. As usual, however, we are given details that help us begin to understand more of the mystery. As well, we are left to wonder how it will all fit together in the days ahead. This message was presented on Sunday, October 18, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In Revelation 15-16 we come to the final stage of the end-time tribulation that will come upon the earth - the pouring out of God's wrath. As each of these final plagues are poured out upon mankind, we are told that 'they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.' This message was presented on Sunday, September 20, 2009 by Bob Corbin. This message was presented on Sunday, September 20, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Today, we begin to transition into the final three and a half year period of Daniel's vision with the proclamation of three separate angels. The first angel proclaimed 'everlasting gospel' to 'every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.' The second angel proclaimed a decree against 'Babylon.' The third proclaimed a warning to the people on the earth that whoever received the mark of the beast would drink from the cup of God's wrath! This scene immediately transitions to a vision of the end-time harvest. This message was presented on Sunday, September 13, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Juxtaposed to the mark of the beast and those who receive his mark, are a group of 144,000 redeemed believers who have the mark of the Father upon their foreheads! This special group, who are referred to as the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, had a song that no one could learn except themselves. This message was presented on Sunday, September 6, 2009 by Bob Corbin. This message was presented on Sunday, September 6, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In the midst of the accounting of the events of the final 'week' of Daniel's vision, we are reminded of the spiritual war that has been ongoing from the beginning. Satan has been seeking to thwart the plan of God throughout our earthly history. Though he is powerless to accomplish that take, he nevertheless has sought to destroy the Messiah at His birth. In this section, we also are introduced to the 'mark of the beast.' This message was presented on Sunday, August 30, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In the midst of the tribulation on earth; in the heavens there will be a time of worship! The worship of the 24 elders who sit before God will be filled with thanksgiving at seeing the culmination of God's jugdment. Then, the temple of God was opened. Not, that which is on the earth, but that which is in heaven! This message was presented on Sunday, August 16, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

As we saw in our examination of the endtime prophecies of Ezekiel, the Temple of God shall be rebuilt. In our examination of Daniel, we saw that there was still a 7-year prophetic period awaiting the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem. In chapter 11, we see these prophecies converge with beginning of the ministry of the two witnesses. Who are these two witnesses? What will be the effect of their ministry? Why is their ministry not beginning until AFTER the seals and during the sounding of the 7th trumpet? This message was presented on Sunday, August 9, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In chapter 10, we see a Mighty Angel descending in the clouds. The desciption of this 'Angel' lends to a credible identification being that it is Jesus Christ who appeared in the Old Testament as the 'Angel of YHWH.' Along with this recognition is the question regarding the mystery which would be finished, or perfected, at His coming in the clouds. This message was presented on Sunday, August 2, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Chapter 6 ended with an angel crying out, 'Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!' Today, we consider the first two of those woes. In this study, we are continually forced to try to imagine what John saw. What are the diabolical locusts that arise out of the bottomless pit? Who is the fallen star that opens it? Who are the armies that cross the Euphrates? Are they really horsemen? If you have not done so already, you will want to download the Overview Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/OverviewChart.pdf) and the Judgment Harmony Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/JudgmentHarmony.pdf) as a supplement to this study. This message was presented on Sunday, July 12, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Upon the opening of the 7th seal there was a period of silence in heaven during which time 7 angels were given 7 trumpets to blow. If you believe that the Bible should be interpreted literally, then this is a clear statement that these 'judgments' (seals, trumpets, bowls) should be taken sequentially. The blowing of the first four trumpets brings greater devastation upon the earth. And yet, we end with an angel crying out, 'Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!' If you have not done so already, you will want to download the Overview Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/OverviewChart.pdf) and the Judgment Harmony Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/JudgmentHarmony.pdf) as a supplement to this study. This message was presented on Sunday, July 5, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

When the sixth seal is opened there were tremendous natural signs in the heavens and the earth. People will recognize the apocryphal nature of the signs, and yet they will refuse to repent! During this time, but after the signs, we see God's interaction with two specific groups of people. First, there are 144,000 Jewish 'servants of God' that are sealed by God. The second group was 'a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.' If you have not done so already, you will want to download the Overview Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/OverviewChart.pdf) and the Judgment Harmony Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/JudgmentHarmony.pdf) as a supplement to this study. This message was presented on Sunday, June 28, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this message, we begin to examine what occurs when the Lamb begins to open the seals of the scroll. The first four seals contain the well-known picture of the four horsemen. As in previous prophecy, God gives us great detail while leaving 'just enough' as a mystery. What we do understand clearly is that there will be unparalleled death and devastation during this time. In the fifth seal, we come to a picture of individuals who had been slain because of their testimony for Christ! If you have not done so already, you will want to download the Overview Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/OverviewChart.pdf) and the Judgment Harmony Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/JudgmentHarmony.pdf) as a supplement to this study. This message was presented on Sunday, June 21, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

As a supplement to this study, you will want to download the Overview Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/OverviewChart.pdf) and the Judgment Harmony Chart (http://www.family-bible-church.org/2009Messages/JudgmentHarmony.pdf) for Revelation 6-22. It is critical to make sure that we interpret God's Revelation consistent with His previously declared prophecy, which we have already taken the time to consider. A major consideration when examining the Seals, Trumpets and Bowls revealed in this prophecy is to determine whether these three groupings are sequential or concurrent. However, a literal interpretation of this prophecy can only leave us with one option. This message was presented on Sunday, June 14, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In Revelation 5 we see a powerful presentation of the redemptive ministry of the Lamb of God. This Lamb is seen to be the 'Owner' of the Scroll (the Deed of the Earth). This Lamb, who proceeds from the throne, is the recipient of worship from the elders and an innumerable multitude - in the throne room of God! This message was presented on Sunday, May 31, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

After considering the endtime prophecies recorded throughout Scripture, we return to our study of the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. As we return, we are brought into the throne room of God to behold the person and presence of the Sovereign God of the Universe! He is Holy, Holy, Holy! He is worthy to receive glory and honor and power because He created all things, and by His will they exist and were created! This message was presented on Sunday, May 24, 2009 by Bob Corbin. This message was presented on Sunday, May 24, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In Paul's second epistle to the believers in Thessalonica, we see further information regarding the endtimes. Paul declares that those who reject the gospel 'shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.' This message was presented on Sunday, May 17, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

God used Paul to share additional information regarding the milieu of the endtimes. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul revealed what people will be like during the endtimes and, as a result, what the attitude of believers should be. To the believers of Corinth and Thessalonica, Paul revealed part of a 'mystery' regarding the church and the endtimes - the 'rapture,' or snatching-away, of the church. This message was presented on Sunday, May 10, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Jesus shared with His disciples details regarding the environment and event of His return. In relation to this, He also warned them (and us) regarding the prevalent unexpectant posture of the people in the day of His coming. Jesus compared this unexpectant posture to those who lived during the days of Noah and were swept away in the flood. We are exhorted to 'Watch!' - to be ready, faithful, prepared and fruitful! This message was presented on Sunday, May 3, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Through the prophets Ezekiel, Hosea and Zechariah, God confirmed prophecy that had shared through Isaiah and Jeremiah, and provided additional detail. God declared that there would be an extended period of time that Israel would be without a king and priesthood but that there would eventually be a returning of the people to Him. YHWH would one day revive and unite Israel. At that time, there will be a multi-national force that will attack and the loss of life from this attack would be so great, that they will be burying the dead for seven months! The temple will be rebuilt and temple worship will be restored. Finally, YHWH will fight for Israel and when He comes there will be a recognition of the One whom they pierced! This message was presented on Sunday, April 26, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

God spoke many prophecies to Israel and Judah via Isaiah and Jeremiah. However, our focus in this study is to consider those portions which have yet to be fulfilled, or have an effect upon future prophecy and history. In these portions of Scripture we seek the exciting promises of the return of Israel to the land and the gathering of the nations to the house of God. This message was presented on Sunday, April 19, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In Daniel 9, Daniel receives a message from God that 'Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city.' This statement signifies overwhelmingly that the recipients of this prophetic statement would be Daniel's Jewish countrymen and their 'holy city' Jerusalem. As in the other prophecies, we see specific details given to substantiate the prophecy and then portions left a mystery for further fulfillment. This message was presented on Sunday, April 5, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In the final two chapters of the book of Daniel we find a prophecy given that gives incredible detail regarding the future rise and splitting of the kingdom of Greece. Specific details are given regarding the wars between, and political intrigues of, the Seleucid and Ptolemaic portions of the Greek kingdom. This message was presented on Sunday, March 29, 2009 by Bob Corbin. This message was presented on Sunday, March 29, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Three times in the book of Daniel we see prophecy regarding nations who would arise in the future (from Daniel's perspective). These prophecies were so precise that many liberal theologians could not believe that they could be given prophetically. As history progressed, the nature of the coming kingdoms described in Daniel chapters 2, 7 and 8 were revealed exactly as they were described. Some parts of these prophecies have yet to be fulfilled! This message was presented on Sunday, March 22, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

As Biblical history unfolded, God made covenants with various people. In those covenants, God made promises. Since God is faithful and immutable, His promises will stand. These promises then are foundational in understanding His declarations regarding the future. To alter, or change, the promises of God from what He has declared is to state that God is either impotent or unfaithful! Additionally, the Feasts that God provided Israel to observe provide a picture of the redemptive sacrifice, resurrection, return and reign of the coming Messiah. This message was presented on Sunday, March 15, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Biblical prophecy is not of human origin, it is divine. As well, Biblical prophecy builds upon itself as God provided additional revelation throughout history. That which He revealed through subsequent prophets is not in contradiction to that which He revealed through previous prophets. Since God does not change, His plan has remained the same. As the mystery of the future unfolds, He chooses to reveal various segments through chosen vessels at specific periods of history. There is an order and purpose to history, as well as the future. Hence, as we study Biblical prophecy we must seek to synthesize and systematize the various revelations that God has given. This message was presented on Sunday, March 8, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this study, we consider the message of Jesus Christ to the church of Laodicea. Many people know of Jesus' message to this 'lukewarm' church. Jesus cries out to this church to recognize the wretchedness of their situation and their need to look to Him for their fulfillment. The illustration of Jesus knocking at the door is not an evangelistic picture. Rather, it is His call to the church to open their door to Him. Have you, or church, become content without the presence of Jesus in your life? This message was presented on Sunday, March 1, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this study, we consider the message of Jesus Christ to the church of Philadephia. In His introduction to this church, Jesus refers to His character and authority; both of which point to His deity. Jesus then commends this church unlike any of the other churches; He does not have a rebuke for them. Rather He gives them, as an assembly, two promises which can be summarized as: 'I will promote you and preserve you.' To individuals, He promises: 'To him who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of My God.' This message was presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this study, we consider the message of Jesus Christ to the church of Sardis. In His message to this church, Jesus reveals Himself as the One who has the Seven Spirits of God and who has the seven stars. Jesus rebukes the church of Sardis, declaring that they are a dead church! He then charges them to 'Wake up!' Jesus is coming back, will He come as a thief to you, or will you be alert to the signs of His return? This message was presented on Sunday, February 15, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this study, we consider the message of Jesus Christ to the church of Thyatira. Jesus rebuked the church for allowing a woman, whom He refers to as Jezebel, to deceive and seduce the church into abominable practices. Jesus challenged the church to repent and promised that those who overcame would be blessed. This message was presented on Sunday, February 8, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

Today, we consider the message of Jesus Christ to the church of Pergamos. Though Jesus acknowledges that He knows the works and faithfulness of the church of Pergamos, He also knows that they have within their church those who hold to the doctrines of Balaam and those who hold to the doctrines of the Nicolaitans. Jesus then commands the church to repent and promises to personally fight against those who hold to these erroneous teachings. To those who overcome Jesus gives some precious and exciting promises! This message was presented on Sunday, February 1, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

This study focuses on the message which Jesus Christ gave to John to forward on to the church of Smyrna. In His message to the church, Christ commended them for the richness of their faith but also challenged them not to fear the coming tribulation. In this study, we will take the opportunity to examine trials from a Biblical perspective. This message was presented on Sunday, January 25, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this message we transition into 'The Things Which Are.' In this portion of the Revelation, Jesus gives John a message to give to seven different churches located in the Roman province of Asia which is today the country of Turkey. The message given to each of these churches is important for the church of our day to hear and heed! In this study, we consider the call of Jesus Christ to the church of Ephesus to repent and return to their first love. This message was presented on Sunday, January 18, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

In this message, we have the privilege of focusing of person of Jesus Christ - who He is, what He has done, His declarations, and His appearance. As we consider this exciting portion of Scripture, we see the recognition of Jesus Christ as YHWH, the Almighty God! The response to seeing God is always worship. This message was presented on Sunday, January 11, 2009 by Bob Corbin.

We begin this study of the Revelation of Jesus Christ with appreciation, apprehension and anticipation! God promises (v. 3) to bless those who read and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and to keep the things written in it. There are many opinions regarding the interpretation of the various portions of this book. However, the Word of God should be taken literally - God said what He meant and meant what He said. With this in mind, we will be using the primary outline for this book that Jesus Himself revealed in verse 19 as He told John to 'Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.' This message was presented on Sunday, January 4, 2009 by Bob Corbin.