8 April 2008
Text:
Revelation 18:21-24; 19:1-10
(I) THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF JUDGMENT ON BABYLON
1. A symbolic stone
“Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘’Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.” Revelation 18:21
2.
Final judgment
a) No more merry-making (Revelation 18:22)
b) No more trades (craftsmen) (Revelation 18:22)
c) No more homes (millstones) (Revelation 18:22)
d) No more light (Revelation 18:23)
e) No more marriages (Revelation 18:23)
f) No more merchants (Revelation 18:23)
3.
Reasons (highlighted)
a) Sorcery (Revelation 18:23)
b) Murder (genocide) (Revelation 18:24)
“And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” Revelation 18:24
(II)
RESPONSES TO THE JUDGMENT OF GOD
1. The great multitude in heaven
“…Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honour and power belong to the LORD our God!
For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.
Again they said, ‘Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!’ ” Revelation 19:1-3a) Rejoicing in the Person of God
i) Glory
ii) Honour
iii) Power
b) Rejoicing in the judgment of Godi) True are His judgments
ii) Judging of the great harlot who corrupted the earth
iii) Vengeance by the Lord; justice for the servants of God slain
2.
The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures
a) Fell down and worshipped the Lord
b) In full agreement with “the multitude in heaven”
“…Amen! Alleluia!” Revelation 19:4
3.
A Call to Praise God
“Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” Revelation 19:5
4.
A mighty spontaneous Response
“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the LORD God Omnipotent reigns!’ ” Revelation 19:6
Theme: The LORD God Omnipotent Reigns!
(III)
THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB
1. Announcement of the Marriage of the Lamb
“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7
a) Gladness
b) Rejoicing
c) Marriage between the Lamb and the Church
2.
Preparation for the Marriage
“And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:8
a) The righteous acts of the saints form the fine bridal garments
b) A great challenge to be beautiful in righteousness deeds
3.
Invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
“Then he said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! And he said o me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’ ” Revelation 19:9
a) Blessed indeed- to be invited
b) The true sayings of God
(IV) CORRECT RESPONSE
1. Wrong response of John
“And I fell at his feet to worship him…” Revelation 19:10a
2.
Right response taught
“…But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. aWorship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’ ” Revelation 19:10
a) The testimony of Jesus
b) The spirit of prophecy