Chapter 5 -- The Book of Revelation

Sorry this is a day late!

Please read Revelation Chapter 5!

The Lamb Opens the Scroll

Verse 1: Seven seals: the Lord's number.  Seven shows up in many places throughout the Bible. Examples: Joshua 6:4, Genesis 2:2, Revelation 1:4, Daniel 9:24, Matthew 18:22, Hebrews 4:4, and Revelation 4:5 

Verses 2-5: I have never understood verses two through four, because in verse five, "the Lion of the tribe of Judah... is worthy to open the scroll..."  What do you think about these verses?

Verse 6: Describes the Lamb... Here is another representation of the number seven!

Verses 7-14: These verses explain the worship given to the Lamb.  Someday we will have the opportunity to worship God like this!  What an honor!


This looks like a short one this month.  Verse three shows us that absolutely no human being  has done what was necessary to redeem us.  We are imperfect beings, and would never measure up to the standard of the law.  In the worship of the four living beings, elders and angels, it is reiterated that salvation can only come from Jesus (the only perfect One).

I don't know about you, but salvation is something I cannot fathom.  I know the stories that the Bible tells us, but until we are all celebrating in heaven, I don't think I will be slightly close to grasping how wide, high, long and deep God's love for me is.

Hope you all are having a great month!!

~ S*

What's Your Favorite Scripture (Part 2)

Another favorite scripture of the group was Matthew chapter five.  Also known as the "Sermon on the Mount".  I encourage you to read the entire chapter this week, but will touch on a few verses that stuck out to one of the Bible study's members...

While discussing verses 13-16, we began asking each other if we were the salt and light that we should be to those around us.  We also asked each other what this area of scripture meant, and how we could apply it to our lives.  One member mentioned that darkness is only the absence of light.  How we speak or what we talk about/call other people is our representation of Christ.  Reconciliation, forgiveness, repentance, and loving others are all ways we can shine our light in the darkness.

Verse 28 brought up a bit of discussion... We all agreed that, when we think of lust, we usually associate it to men.  Women are not as drawn in by the looks of a guy, while men can totally fall into sin just by looking at a woman.  We asked each other if, in society today, men fall prey to the lust of the eye as much as they used to, since provocative clothing etc... is all around them all the time.  One of the girls gave this great analogy: Dogs love treats.  A dog could be in a room surrounded by treats, and he could enjoy eating every single one of them.  But when tomorrow comes around, he will still love treats.  He will not get tired of them or say "Oh, I've had a lot of treats lately..." or "I can get a treat whenever I want, so why would I want one now..."  He would always want more treats.  Our conclusion... It doesn't matter how much we are surrounded by the provocative clothes or sexy advertising of this world... It is still tempting, and it always will be. 

Part two of this verse's discussion brought up the point of how we as women can help prevent lust.  Dressing appropriately, not flirting, etc... are great examples of how we can be a better sister in Christ to all of our fellow brothers out there.  One idea is to think of the people around you (especially guys) as true brothers and sisters.  This will help you put your actions and reactions to people in a better perspective. 

Verses 31-37 talk about Divorce and Oaths/Promises...  What great topics to put one after another.  One more downfall of our current world is not keeping our promises.  Don't make a promise that you can't keep.  When you say I do, that means for better or for worse, in sickness and in health...  Not divorce when: I don't feel the spark between us anymore, I see another person over there that I would like to get to know better, or you don't have any money anymore so why are we still together...  A promise should be a lasting covenant.  Also like verse 37 says so clearly, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."  If you don't make promises, you can't break them.  Be a person of your word... Don't allow the words of your mouth to become unreliable.

Verse 48 is very humbling.  "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."  He wants us to strive for perfection.  This is a verse that gets overlooked a lot.  Yes, it is impossible for us to be perfect, but we should have the same attitude as Jesus had... We should strive for perfection as best we can. 

What are some of the verses of Matthew chapter five that really stand out to you?  Have you ever thought about what we discussed above?  What would you add to our discussion about these selected verses?

Blessings!

~ S*