In this week’s message, Pastor Mark Deering focuses on understanding the judgment passages in the book of Revelation, specifically the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls that represent God’s confrontation with evil. Pastor Mark explains that these judgments shouldn’t be viewed as chronological events but rather as different perspectives on the same period of time, like watching a football play from multiple camera angles. He emphasizes that God is not doing evil but confronting it, and that these symbolic visions would have been understood by first-century readers facing persecution under the Roman Empire. The sermon concludes with three encouraging truths: Jesus is in control (holding the scroll), Christians shouldn’t be surprised when evil things happen since Jesus already warned about them, and Jesus has already won the war and written the end of the story.
Reflection Questions
- What stuck out in today’s message? What did you find challenging and encouraging? Did you learn anything new?
- What does the number 7 represent in Scripture, and how do you see that reflected in these cycles?
- What is the difference between exhortation and speculation? Why is this helpful to know, looking at the judgment passages in Revelation?
- While not stepping into speculation (like mentioned in question #1), do we observe actions from these chapters playing out today or do we believe they will happen in the future?
- How do you see both justice and mercy at work in these passages from the sermon? Why is it important that God is both just and merciful?
- What thoughts or feelings come up for you when talking about God’s wrath and judgment? How can we view God’s judgment as a relief like the original audience would have?
- These chapters are intended not to bring a sense of escaping the world but a sense of urgency and endurance in the midst of it. How can we live faithfully, with both urgency and endurance as we wait for Christ’s return? How can we practically encourage each other as a group to endure?
- The book of Revelation is intended to bring hope and encouragement to the Church. How do these passages bring hope and encouragement?
