Debora

[Q.5. What is the significance of the exalted Jesus walking among the lampstands? The significance is unity. Jesus walks among the churches, the lampstands: - there is one church of heaven and earth, the churches are united - there is a one unified body of believers where Christ is head of the Churches - there is one faith, a common belief, trust and loyalty; to Jesus - there is one set of rules to obey governed by the same person, Jesus - there is one ruler who rules over all churches - there is the same overseer of all churches who is in control - there is one ultimate power for churches to consult What does this teach us about the church? - it is protected, safeguarded and watched over - it is established - it is governed - it is secure - it is victorious - it is prevailing - it has a heirachy system What does it teach us about Jesus? - Jesus is worthy and chosen by the Father for the job - Jesus is in control of the churches and has power to rule over them - Jesus is given the position and power to rule over the churches by the Father - Jesus holds the highest position in churches - Jesus is given authority to judge what each does - Jesus is King given to govern all people in God's kingdom - Jesus is powerful - Jesus is trustworthy - Jesus is faithful and consistent; the church has prevailed since his death - Jesus is respected; we respect God, we respect His Son who is like Him - Jesus is the High Priest; we are his priests of the Kingdom - Jesus is security, protection and victory under Him - Jesus watches over us all; God's people - Jesus is the uniter of all believers, brothers and sisters in neighboring churches

Q4. The vision of Christ among the lampstands (1:12-20) is much different than the Carpenter-Teacher who walked the roads of Galilee and Judea. Why? What overall emotions is this vision of Jesus among the lampstands designed to evoke in the reader? Why is this understanding of Jesus important to a balanced faith? The vision of Christ among the lampstands and the vision of Christ as Carpenter-Teacher is different. I see Christ among the lampstands as the glorified risen one, Christ, as King and Ruler of all nations, shining in all glory as the Messiah that people on earth were expecting him as the one to come. He is in divine state as seen in Revelation. Jesus did rise to take his place or position as the Messiah, the glorious church now reigns with a ruler and is head of the church(es), head of the body of who makes up church, which is people, God's people. As Carpenter-Teacher I see Christ as the suffering servant, persecuted, tried. On earth doing what he was doing was one who took to form the church(es), establish them on earth. The emotion that evokes in me as I see Christ among the lampstands is gratitude, gladness, and strength. I get a sense of security, of being solid, firm as one standing on earth. There is a foundation that is strong, it is built. The church is built by Him and is ruled now by him, Christ. This understanding of Jesus makes me see Him as human being who had to suffer and be servant as he built the kingdom. He worked like us as in jobs we take on, his mission done enduring all He had and must endure. Doing the footwork of the job to be done, in menial tasks, it was step by step in faith that he walked and into the top position as Ruler. Ruler, Christ in his glorified state, divine though still serving. Then we are like him when we have new life, living in two realms while on earth. He is in us. He is in control of the church which is us, His people who make up church. The church is seen as one that prevails then. It was established by him while on earth and now ruled by him in heaven. We prevail then as humans who have Christ in us, as church. Every step then, is taken in faith. Jesus' steps were took in faith while on earth. Jesus is in control now of the Church and my belief, trust and loyalty in and to Him increases. Faith is balanced since the outcome is determined through the scriptures. He is in control and Christ is among the lampstands. The church of earth and heaven is united and ruled by the risen one, our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ who walks now among the churches in spirit and not in body as he did once when he set out to establish the church. All for God's greater glory and for us, that to me is wonderful. Thank you God and Jesus.

Q3. In what countries are Christians presently experiencing tribulation or persecution for the faith? How can the Book of Revelation be a comfort and encouragement to them? What comes to my mind are the countries of Israel, China, Afghanistan and India who are experiencing tribulation or persecution for the faith. The words in the book of Revelation bring hope. The words of Revelation give a picture of a life to come that is greater than the one we live. If one has that personal relationship with Jesus, a sure knowing He is in one's life and with the testimony and witness given in the book of Revelation there is an anchor in one's life. That anchor is Jesus. The book of Revelation gives my outcome to my faith in Him who will never abandon me. I count on Him. I know in my own life when times are tough, when there are trials, suffering or constant struggles. I read the words of the Bible. There is strength given in the words, there is hope, there is encouragement. I can endure and perserve what comes by my way. The fear of the unknown is cast out as to the outcome in a situation. When battles and struggles are long and drawn, encountering hardships like those who live in countries where there is tribulation or persecution we can read and find that this is a temporary situation for the book of Revelation reveals greater things in store for the future. There is something to look forward to if we hold on, endure and perserve in faith. The words of Revelation tell us that it will not be this way forever but a greater way is in store for those who love God and remain faithful like his Son, Jesus, the faithful witness. Come, Lord Jesus to those suffering in countries, experiencing tribulation or persecution for the sake of faith, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen

Hi, I am new to internet Bible Studies and forum settings. I accidently posted a welcome note in Gideon than in Revelation. Thank you Pastor Ralph for making Bible Studies available via internet. I live in Canada and I look forward to the study of the book of Revelation and to posting in forum. "He who is the faithful witness to all these things, says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20

Q2.What does this tell us about the Father? The Father is the speaker here in 1:8 and in 21:6. But Jesus is the speaker in 1:17 and 22:12-13. What is the significance of this for our understanding of who Jesus is? The Bible tells me in 1:8 that the Father is the one who is in control. That He is eternal existence. The Father says that life is everlasting and He is the provider of everlasting life. It is through the Father that everlasting life is. That he freely gives to those who ask at no cost from the spring of the water of life. He gave Jesus the living waters and Jesus will offer it to us. It is done, and now available for us if we want and ask. But I see that he placed his Son, Jesus, the firstborn, the one who conquered, who overcame to be in a position of authority. Jesus witnessed to John after he died and rose and said "do not be afraid". He appeared to John. Jesus conquered death and received eternal life claiming the promise what the father gives freely. Jesus is testimony and witness to the fact of the Father's promise of salvation. Jesus is one with the Father, as the Alpha and Omega. The Father it says gave Jesus reward and gave power to ruler over us, to judge by what we may do. It is through Jesus we may drink the living waters. These passages reveal that Jesus has authority, over me and you. It is Jesus who we are under. There is a heirachy where God is first, and who is in control then Jesus. It will be Jesus' approval and through Jesus that we can be united with the Father. The Father gives us Jesus as the way, the truth and the life. Jesus is like a doorway for us to enter. Jesus is given a postition in the Father's Kingdom in these passages. He also says do not be afraid to John. John and Jesus are friends. We are friends of Jesus. Jesus' words are encouraging and strengthening to help go thru what one may. I am also reminded that Jesus is watching us, given the authority by God to give to everyone according to what each has done. It is free and at no cost says God that we can have like Jesus was given and that is an eternal spring of water. A spring to drink from of living waters that is everlasting. I think there is no better friend than to have than Jesus, as brother, to walk with hand in hand in this world to be encouraged and strengthened by.

Q1. Revelation is written to encourage and strengthen a church facing intense persecution. Why is the theme of testimony and witness so important to that purpose? How is Jesus as the "faithful witness" (1:5) supposed to encourage us? Why are we afraid to be clear witnesses in a culture where we aren't persecuted? When I think of the meaning of purpose which is the end to be obtained and that end that I want to obtain is to be with the Father for eternity which is a promise given that of which is salvation, my goal or destination is eternity in heaven with the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. One purpose Jesus had, was to unite us to the Father. So the theme of testimony and witness is very important I believe to that purpose. For testimony and witness gives us assurance. The word is the truth and is assurance. With and by the Holy Spirit we can acknowledge what is written to be true. So testimony is important for it gives assurance of the promise made by God. Witness is important for it gives us evidence. Jesus came and will come again. We know he came once for sure, for our spirit testifies by the Holy Spirit crying out Abba, Father. Testimony and witness affirms and confirms the mind and heart, giving encouragement and strenght to endure to the end. The occurrences of testimony and witness instills a deeper level of faith. Jesus to me is the faithful witness. God is the 'I am'. Am is the first singular of 'be'. And 'be' is to have actuality; objective existance; be by nature; lives. Jesus lived and was as a human and divine two natures, who is now by the Spirit of Christ and one with God, and who is to come as the Alpha and Omega who is like the 'I am". They have the same nature. Both God and Jesus 'be' as one. Jesus came to earth, sent by the Father to complete a mission. He died, rose and through our baptism(s), our acceptance of Jesus into our lives, we confirm the truth that he is the faithful witness at an inner level of our beings through Spirit. He completed the mission, we rejoice and are glad. Jesus witnesses to us now in Spirit. There is assurance by word and by Spirit that Jesus is the faithful witness. In response to the question why are we afraid to be clear witnesses. To be afraid means uncertainity or a lack of security and it not of God. I believe if one is afraid then one could be standing on shaky ground or, one who does not have a firm foundation of Jesus Christ to stand on. I believe one has to have the word and a personal knowledge of God, Jesus to give witness. It could be that those that do not have a personal relationship are afraid to witness. If we know someone, a loved one like a family member and have to go through something frightening it can be done if there is support given and we are not afraid. Like a child that is learning to ride a bike, he or she is afraid at first. The child is insecure and scared. But if daddy is with the child close by helping, coaching, teaching the child is not afraid and will learn and have boldness or confidence. Reflecting on my own journey it becomes easier to witness as I grow in relationship with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I go to greater lengths and do what he asks more readily. I am secure in knowing He is right there all the time to rely on. More so than eight years ago. The more I know the more I want to speak about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to share and let others know about God, Jesus. What else comes to mind is what others may think of them after, if they witness. People are not willing to suffer or go through persecution or die for God. People determine how far they will go with God and draw a line to commitment, making partial commitment not full commitment to God. What holds people back is being trapped by the world. The world tugs on them and so does God. They chose the world more than God. The question could then be asked what is my priority in life. What is my goal. Is God first? What comes to mind is the priority Jesus and John placed God in their lives. They had a living relationship with God. Jesus had a relationship with the Father, and John had a relationship with Jesus and God. We see with such boldness what both did in their lives on earth as to being witnesses and giving testimony. Both as well went through sufferring or persecution for their faith, they gave their all and it did not matter what others thought. They were secure in their relationship, in knowing who is God.

I accidently had entered twice the welcome message.

Wrong forum, registered in another.