An Atypical American’s Typical Bible Knowledge by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=1193

An Atypical American’s Typical Bible Knowledge

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Charles Barkley is no average Joe. In the 1990s, he was one of the best basketball players in the world. While playing in the National Basketball Association, he scored more than 23,000 points, played in nine All-Star games, was voted the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1993, and now serves as a television basketball analyst. Even people who know very little about basketball are familiar with Charles Barkley. As atypical as Barkley is as a famous athlete and television personality, sadly, his Bible knowledge is typical of many Americans.
In a recent political discussion with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Barkley condemned “conservative” Christians for making judgments against homosexuals and abortionists. He said:

Every time I hear the word “conservative,” it makes me sick to my stomach because they’re really just fake Christians.... I think they want to be judge and jury. Like, I’m for gay marriage. It’s none of my business if gay people want to get married. I’m pro-choice. And I think these Christians—first of all, they’re supposed to be—they’re not supposed to judge other people, but they’re the most hypocritical judge of people we have in this country.... [T]hey act like they’re Christians, and they’re not forgiving at all (2008).

Barkley has implied that “fake Christians” are those who oppose homosexuality and abortion. Christians who condemn homosexuality and abortion supposedly are hypocritically judging others, and being unforgiving.
Sadly, Barkley’s beliefs and allegations are typical of many, many Americans whose Bible knowledge would hardly fill a thimble. This kind of ignorance, combined with an attempt to teach people about unrighteous judgments, forgiveness, and morality, is a dangerous combination. You get the very opposite of what God’s Word actually teaches.
The same Jesus who said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), taught men to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). The same Jesus who taught about the necessity of forgiveness (Matthew 6:12; Luke 17:3-4), denounced fornication, adultery, and murder (Matthew 15:18-20). In the same letter in which the apostle Paul warned Roman Christians of making unrighteous judgments (Romans 14:3-4), he condemned men who “burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful” (Romans 1:27). To the same church that Paul wrote to “forgive and comfort” (2 Corinthians 2:7), he commanded to condemn sexually immoral Christians when the church gathered together (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
The fact is, Satan has sold lie after lie to Americans. Just like he convinced Israel in Isaiah’s day to “put darkness for light, and light for darkness...bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter,” he has convinced American politicians, the media, and others to “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:21). Woe to the typical, biblically ignorant American who attempts to pit the virtues of forgiveness and righteous judgments against specific sins that Almighty God condemns. Americans, be warned. Christians, listen carefully. The same prophet who condemned Israel for their depravity, prophesied of their captivity.

“Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge” (Isaiah 5:13, emp. added).

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

REFERENCES

Barkley, Charles (2008), “CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer,” CNN, February 17, [On-line], URL: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0802/17/le.01.html.

“Extra, Extra, Read all about it” by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=1565&b=Luke

“Extra, Extra, Read all about it” by Eric Lyons, M.Min.


One of the most commonly neglected rules of interpretation that Bible critics overlook when attacking Scripture is that extra information is not necessarily contradictory information. When one Bible writer offers more details than another on a particular subject, it is inappropriate to assume that one of the writers is mistaken. When a journalist in the 21st century writes about a man on the side of the road who has just escaped death following a particular catastrophe, while another journalist writes how this same man and his wife (standing next to him) are suffering survivors of the devastating disaster, it does not mean that the first journalist was dishonest in his representation of truth. Similarly, countless times throughout Scripture, and especially within the gospel accounts, extra information is given that critics cannot justifiably prove to be contradictory.
Consider how Matthew, Mark, and Luke all wrote about how a man named Joseph took the body of Jesus following His crucifixion, “wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock” (Luke 23:53; cf. Matthew 27:59-60; Mark 15:46). The apostle John, however, noted that Joseph actually had help in burying Jesus. He wrote: “Joseph of Arimathea...took the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury” (19:38-40, emp. added). Are the accounts of Jesus’ burial contradictory? Such could never be proven by skeptics. This simply is an example of extra information being given by one of the Bible writers. Had Matthew, Mark, and Luke stated that Joseph was the only person involved in Jesus’ burial, then skeptics would have a valid point to argue. But as it stands, John simply added facts to the story.
When Mark and Luke recorded how the Jews petitioned Pilate for the release of Barabbas, they both called him a murderer (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18-19; Acts 3:14). Yet when John wrote about Barabbas, he omitted all discussion about his homicidal past and simply indicated that “Barabbas was a robber” (John 18:40). Is it possible that Barabbas was both a murderer and a thief? Of course. How many prisons around the world today house individuals who have committed both murder and burglary?
The Bible writers may not have worded things exactly the way some may think they should have, but such personal (or cultural) preferences do not invalidate their writings. Throughout the gospel accounts, statements are supplemented. Extra evidence frequently is given. And, the truth is, such supplementation should be expected from inspired, independent writers who did not have to participate in collusion in order to convey accurately the Good News of Jesus Christ. When one recognizes that supplementation cannot inherently be equated with a contradiction, many of the so-called “Bible contradictions” are easily (and logically!) explained away.

Mark, the Power Gospel by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/markthepowergospel.html

Mark, the Power Gospel

Powerfully and concisely, Mark tells “the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (1:1). The testimony of the Roman centurion at the cross expresses the theme of the book, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” (15:38).


Mark and the other Gospels

The Gospels are four inspired accounts of the life of Christ. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16); “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

This explains both the similarities and the differences in the Gospels. The Holy Spirit is the Author of all four Gospels, so of course they are similar! There are differences because the Spirit moved four different men to write, each from his own perspective and with specific goals and primary audiences in mind.

The many Old Testament quotations in Matthew are persuasive for Jews and others familiar with the Old Testament. John’s intention was obviously to record information not found in the other Gospels (John 20:30, 31; 21:25). Luke, a Greek Physician (Colossians 4:14), addresses his narrative to “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3), a title appropriate for a Greek person of some standing. Mark’s emphasis on the power of Christ would impress the Romans. He gives the Roman coin equivalence of the widow’s two mites in 12:42, a ‘quadrans’.

Combined, the four Evangelists powerfully proclaim Christ to all people of all times!


Writer of the second Gospel

Although the writer is not specified in any of the Gospels, there is no reason to doubt the names historically assigned to each.

Numerous historical sources state that the second Gospel was written by John Mark, the son of Mary whose house was a place of prayer when Peter was in prison (Acts 12:12), the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), and the fellow worker of Peter (1 Peter 5:13) and Paul (2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24).

He is designated as the writer by Eusebius in references from Papias, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria and Origen (H.E. 2:15; 3:39; 5:8; 6:14, 25) and in the writings of Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3:10, 5) and Tertullian (Against Marcion 4:5). According to these authors, Mark based his Gospel on the eye- witness accounts of Peter.


Date of writing

There is no definite knowledge about the date of writing of any of the Gospels. The supplemental nature of John and historical references favor its being written last. Since Luke was written before Acts (Acts 1:1), which ends its narrative abruptly while Paul is at Rome in 62 AD, we surmise that Luke was written before that date. It is usually believed that Matthew and Mark were the first two Gospels written, but it is not known when, or, which was written first. Mark’s concluding statement, “And they went out and preached everywhere” (16:20) indicates that the gospel had been preached widely by the time he wrote. Historical references favor Matthew as having been written first.

Disputed ending

The last 12 verses of chapter 16 are missing from the earliest (almost) complete manuscripts of Mark, Codex Vaticanus (est. d. 325-350 AD) and Codex Sinaiticus (est. d. 330-360 AD). This can be explained, however, by the ease with which the end of an earlier scroll could have been broken off and lost before it was copied, resulting in a chain of incomplete manuscripts.

The above two manuscripts end with a conjunction, and in such an abrupt manner that something is obviously missing. “And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:8) is hardly how one would expect Mark to end his Gospel! Although Vaticanus lacks 16:9-20, it has a blank column after 16:8 indicating that the copyist left room for an ending he knew was lacking in his source.

Codex Alexandrinus (est. d. 400-440 AD) contains 16:9-20.

Christian writings much older than these manuscripts contain references to these verses, the oldest being by Justin Martyr (160 AD) in the First Apology, Chapter 45, “preached everywhere” from 16:20 and by Irenaeus (180 AD) who quotes all of 16:19 -“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God” (Against Heresies 3:10, 5).

The testimony of the vast majority of NT manuscripts, which contain 16:9-20, cannot be set aside by two manuscripts, which - although old - are obviously defective at this location, as indicated by a blank column in one of the two.

For a detailed scholarly rebuttal of internal arguments presented against the authenticity of verses 9-20 see “The Style Of The Long Ending Of Mark” by brother Bruce Terry at http://bible.ovc.edu/terry/articles/mkendsty.htm


Interesting details

Although Mark is the shortest Gospel, it contains details not found elsewhere.

Although only four parables are included, one is not in the other gospels (4:26-29). Emphasizing the power of Christ, miracles comprise more than 20% of Mark with two of the eighteen not being mentioned elsewhere (7:32-37; 8:22-26).

More details are given than in Luke’s account about the calming of the storm (4:35-41) and than in Matthew’s account about the cursing of the fig tree (11:12-14, 20-24).

Mark mentions a young man who, while Jesus was being arrested, escaped by leaving his clothes behind (14:51, 52). Some wonder if this might have been Mark himself.


Emotions of Christ are described in greater detail

He “looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts” (3:5). “He marveled because of their unbelief” (6:6). “Then looking up to heaven, He sighed” (7:34). “But He sighed deeply in His spirit” (8:12). “When Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased” (10:14). “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him” (10:21).


People’s reactions are told in greater detail.

“Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him’” (1:17).

After Jesus healed the man let down through the roof, “all were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’” (2:12).

After Jesus walked on the water, “they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled” (6:51).

“Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him” (9:15).

When Jesus told His followers what would happen to him in Jerusalem, “They were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid” (10:32).

After the three women saw an angel in the empty tomb, “They went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (16:8).

Such reactions are also in the other Gospels, but more details are given in Mark. In addition to the above, people ‘marveled’ (5:20; 12:17; 15:5, 44) and were ‘afraid’ (5:15; 9:6, 32).


Certain Jewish customs are explained.

Ablutions of the Pharisees and Jews are explained (7:1-4). The Roman coin equivalent, a quadrans, is given for two mites (12:42). It is explained that the Preparation Day is the day before the Sabbath (15:42).


Aramaic words are used and translated

Much more than in the other Gospels, Mark inserts the actual Aramaic words used on several occasions, which adds a warm, personal touch. Translation is included where needed.

Jesus called James and John “Boanerges” [Sons of Thunder] (3:17).

To the dead daughter of the ruler of the synagogue, Jesus said: “Talitha, cumi” [Little girl, I say to you, arise] (5:41).

A selfish son who did not want to help his parents would tell them: “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban” [that is, a gift to God] (7:11).

As Jesus healed a deaf man, “He sighed, and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened’” (7:34).

Rather than the standard Hebrew ‘Rabbi’ usually used, the Aramaic ‘Rabboni’ is used in dialogue by the man who wanted to be given his sight (10:51). It is also used by Mary in John 20:16.

“Hosanna” (11:9) is also used by Matthew and Luke.

In the garden, Jesus prays, “Abba, Father” (14:36).

On the cross, He prays, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” [My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?] (15:34). This is also found in Matthew.


A suggestion

Mark’s Gospel can be read aloud in an hour and twenty minutes. Some Lord’s day afternoon, why not gather the family around and take turns reading Mark’s Gospel aloud from beginning to end? It will strengthen your faith.
Roy Davison
[First published in the Gospel Herald, September 2012]

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Listen, try, repeat! by Gary Rose

By this time, you are probably aware of how much I enjoy viewing clouds. I am not exactly sure as to the WHY of it; I just do, that's all.  If I were to guess- I would say it has to do with possibilities and what MIGHT BE. 

The picture and quote are great as far as they go, but consider the context and its application.

Mark, Chapter 9 (WEB) 

   ² After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them.  ³ His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.  ⁴ Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. 

  ⁵ Peter answered Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  ⁶ For he didn’t know what to say, for they were very afraid. 

  ⁷ A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” (emp added GDR)

  ⁸ Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only. 

  ⁹ As they were coming down from the mountain, he commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.  ¹⁰ They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant. 

  ¹¹ They asked him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 

  ¹² He said to them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Son of Man, that he should suffer many things and be despised?   ¹³  But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him.”

When I was 18, I thought I knew just about everything. If someone asked me a question on ANY TOPIC- I had a ready answer. Well, after almost 50 years later, I realize how much I don't know, and frankly its a bit scary how true this is. However, more often than not, I can find "an" answer or two and then make a good guess as to what is right! 

When it comes to matters of a religious nature, I have learned to trust God. God, the father says listen to Jesus; I will listen to Jesus. Like the disciples coming down from the mountain I don't understand a lot and I wonder sometimes about a variety of topics, but I will listen to Jesus from his word.

The thing is: Just listening is not enough, I must internalize and apply it.

I keep trying and trying and trying. I imagine you do as well. Take heart, as long as we both keep trying, eventually WE WILL SUCCEED!!!!

"THE BOOK OF REVELATION" Chapter Eleven by Mark Copeland

                        "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                             Chapter Eleven

As the interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets continues, two
more visions are seen.  The first involves John himself as he is given
a reed and told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those
worshipping there.  He is instructed, however, not to measure the court
outside the temple, for it has been given to the Gentiles who will tread
underfoot the holy city for forty-two months (1-2).  This vision may 
illustrate that while the city of Jerusalem will undergo great
persecution during the Jewish War, which lasted about 3 1/2 years (42
months), the true temple of God will not be destroyed (the church, cf.
1Co 3:16; Ep 2:19-22).

Then there is the vision of the two witnesses, which falls into three
sections.  With power they prophesy 1,260 days (42 months), clothed in
sackcloth.  Identified as the two olive trees and the two lampstands
standing before the throne of God, they have the power to devour with
fire from their mouths those who wish to harm them.  They also have
power to stop the rain during the days of their prophesying, to turn
water to blood, and to strike the earth with plagues (3-6).  But when
their testimony is completed, the beast from the bottomless pit makes
war with them and kills them.  For three and half days their bodies
lies in the street of the great city that is spiritually called Sodom
and Egypt (where Jesus was crucified, i.e., Jerusalem).  Those who had
been tormented by the two prophets rejoice, make merry and exchange gifts
(7-10).  However, after three and a half days they are raised to life and
ascend into heaven, bringing great fear on those who saw them.  In the 
same hour a great earthquake occurs in which a tenth of the city fell and
7000 men were killed. The rest were afraid and gave glory to God (11-13).

The two witnesses are reminiscent of Moses and Elijah, also Joshua and
Zerubbabel (cf. Zec 3-4) perhaps even John the Baptist and Jesus, but I
do not believe they portend two literal persons.  Rather, they represent
the witness of the church, with the number two signifying the strength of
their witness (e.g., "two or more witnesses").  When their testimony is 
completed, there will be a time of persecution by "the beast" (later 
identified as Rome, Re 17:7-17) and those of "the great city" (already 
identified as Jerusalem, Re 11:8).  However, the witnesses (i.e., the 
church) will be victorious, symbolized by their resurrection and 
ascension to heaven.

The interlude ended, it is time for the third woe and final trumpet.  As
the seventh angel sounded, loud voices in heaven proclaimed "The kingdoms
of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and
He shall reign forever and ever!"  The twenty-four elders then fell on 
their faces and worshiped God, giving thanks to Him for having taken His
great power and reigned.  While the nations were angry, His wrath has 
come. So also has the time come for the dead to be judged (which may 
refer to the martyrs, who were now vindicated, cf. Re 6:9-11), His 
servants the prophets and the saints to be rewarded, and for the 
destruction of those who destroy the earth.  Then the temple of God was 
opened in heaven, with the ark of the covenant in the temple, accompanied
by lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake and hail (15-19).

The physical temple in Jerusalem, which along with the ark (that had
disappeared long before) was once the focal point of God's worship and
reign, is no more.  Now the temple and the ark are seen in heaven, 
perhaps symbolizing that the worship and reign of God has become
universal rather than localized in a physical city and nation (cf. Jn
4:20-24).

We have reached the climax of the first half of the Revelation, in which
we have been shown judgment against unbelieving Israel, especially the 
city of Jerusalem. Through the visions of the seven seals and seven 
trumpets we learn of the arsenal at God's disposal: conquest, war, 
famine, pestilence, natural calamities, moral decay, external invasion.
Just as God used such instruments in His dealings with the nations in the
Old Testament, so His Son would use His power to reign over the nations
with a rod of iron (cf. Re 1:5; 2:27; 3:21). Truly, "The kingdoms of this
world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He 
shall reign forever and ever!" (Re 11:15). The destruction of Jerusalem
in A.D. 70, as foretold by Jesus in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, 
exemplified the power of His reign over the nations.  His victory over 
Rome described later in Revelation will confirm His power and dominion as
 King of kings and Lord of lords (cf. Re 17:14).

We have also seen visions designed to comfort the saints being
oppressed by their enemies, especially martyrs.  God has taken notice
of their suffering, and while persecution may temporarily be their lot,
victory will ultimately be theirs!  Those who suffer death at the hands
of their enemies are promised salvation and the blessing of being in
the presence and care of the Lord.  Nothing can totally stop their
witness, and nothing can keep God from remaining true to His covenant
with them!

POINTS TO PONDER

*  The remaining visions in the interlude between the sounding of the
   sixth and seventh trumpets, and what happens when the seven trumpet
   sounds

*  The significance of these visions, and possible explanations of what
   they mean as we summarize what we have seen in the first half of the
   book of Revelation

OUTLINE

I. MEASURING THE TEMPLE OF GOD (1-2)

   A. THE COMMAND TO MEASURE THE TEMPLE AND ITS OCCUPANTS (1)
      1. John is given a reed like a measuring rod
      2. Told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who
         worship there

   B. THE COMMAND NOT TO MEASURE THE OUTER COURT (2)
      1. Told not to measure the court outside the temple
      2. For it has been given to the Gentiles, who will tread the holy
         city under foot forty-two months

II. THE TWO WITNESSES (3-14)

   A. PROPHESYING FOR 1260 DAYS (3-6)
      1. Two witnesses given power to prophesy, clothed in sackcloth
      2. Identified as the two olive trees and two lampstands standing
         before God
      3. Those trying to harm them are devoured by fire from their mouths
      4. Having power:
         a. To shut heaven so no rain falls during their prophesying
         b. To turn water to blood
         c. To strike the earth with plagues as they desire

   B. KILLED AND DEAD FOR THREE AND A HALF DAYS (7-10)
      1. Their testimony finished, the beast will kill them
         a. The beast that ascends from the bottomless pit
         b. Who will make war against them and overcome them
      2. Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city
         a. Spiritually called Sodom and Egypt
         b. Where our Lord was crucified
      3. The peoples, tribes, tongues, and nation who dwell on the earth
         a. Will see their bodies three and a half days
         b. Will not allow them to be put into graves
         c. Will rejoice over them, make merry, and exchange gifts,
            because the two prophets had tormented those who dwell on the
            earth

   C. RAISED AND ASCENDED TO HEAVEN (11-14)
      1. After three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered
         them
      2. They stood, and great fear fell on those who saw them
      3. A loud voice from heaven tells them to "Come up here"
      4. They ascend to heaven in a cloud as their enemies saw them
      5. In that same hour there was an earthquake
         a. A tenth of the city fell
         b. Seven thousand men were killed
         c. The rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven
      6. The second woe is past; the third woe is coming quickly

III. THE SEVENTH TRUMPET:  THE KINGDOM PROCLAIMED (15-19)

   A. VICTORY PROCLAIMED (15)
      1. The seventh angel sounded his trumpet and there were loud voices
         in heaven
      2. Saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of
         our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and 
         ever!"

   B. THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS WORSHIP GOD (16-18)
      1. The elders fell on their faces and worshiped God
      2. Giving thanks to the Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who
         was and who is to come
      3. Because He has taken His great power and reigned
      4. The nations were angry, and His wrath has come
      5. The time has come
         a. That the dead should be judged
         b. That His servants the prophets, the saints, and those who
            fear His name, should be rewarded
         c. That He should destroy those who destroy the earth

   C. THE TEMPLE OF GOD OPENED IN HEAVEN (19)
      1. The temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His
         covenant was seen in His temple
      2. There were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and
         great hail

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Measuring the temple of God (1-2)
   - The two witnesses (3-14)
   - The seventh trumpet:  the kingdom proclaimed (15-19)

2) What was John given and told to measure? (1)
   - A reed like a measuring rod; the temple of God, the altar, and
     those who worship there

3) What was he told to leave out?  Why? (2)
   - The court outside the temple
   - It has been given to the Gentiles who will tread the holy city
     underfoot for forty-two months

4) What were the two witnesses to do? (3)
   - Prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth

5) How are they identified? (4)
   - As the two olive trees and two lampstands standing before God

6) What happens to those who try to harm them during this time of
   prophesying? (5)
   - They are devoured by fire from their mouth

7) What power do these two witnesses have? (6)
   - To shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy
   - To turn water to blood
   - To strike the earth with plagues, as often as they desire

8) What will happen when they finish their testimony? (7)
   - The beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war with
     them and kill them

9) Where will their dead bodies lie? (8)
   - In the street of the great city spiritually called Sodom and Egypt,
     where Jesus was crucified

10) How long will people see their dead bodies? (9)
   - Three and a half days

11) How will those on the earth react to their deaths?  Why?  (10)
   - They will rejoice, make merry, exchange gifts
   - Because the two prophets had tormented them

12) What happened to the two witnesses after three and a half days? 
    (11-12)
   - The breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their
     feet
   - A loud voice from heaven called them to come up and they ascended
     to heaven in a cloud

13) What happened in that same hour? (13)
   - A great earthquake, in which 1/10 of the city fell and seven
     thousand men were killed
   - The rest were afraid and gave glory to God

14) What was heard when the seventh angel sounded his trumpet? (15)
   - Loud voices in heaven saying "The kingdoms of this world have become
     the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign 
     forever and ever!"

15) What did the twenty-four elders do? (16)
   - Fell on their faces and worshiped God

16) For what did they give thanks? (17)
   - The Lord God Almighty took His great power and reigned

17) As expressed in their praise, what had come? (18)
   - His wrath
   - The time of the dead, that they should be judged
   - That He should reward His servants the prophets and the saints
   - That He should destroy those who destroy the earth

18) What was then opened in heaven, and what was seen in it? (19)
   - The temple of God; the ark of the covenant

19) What then followed? (19)
   - Lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

"THE BOOK OF REVELATION" Chapter Ten by Mark Copeland

                        "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                               Chapter Ten

Just as there was an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals that
included two visions designed to comfort the saints, so we find an
interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets with three visions
that would have similar effect.

Chapter ten contains the first vision in this second interlude, in which
John describes a mighty angel coming down from heaven and standing with 
his right foot on the sea and his left on the land.  Of particular note
is a little book in the angel's hand.  When the angel cried out with 
lion-like voice, seven thunders uttered their voices, but John is 
forbidden by a voice from heaven to write the things which the thunders
uttered.  At this point the mighty angel swears by God that there will be
delay no longer, for when the seventh angel sounds his trumpet the 
mystery of God will be finished, as God declared to His servants the 
prophets (1-7).

Then the voice from heaven tells John to take the book from the angel. 
As he does so, the angel tells him to eat the book, with a warning that
while it will be sweet as honey in his mouth, it will make his stomach
bitter.  When John eats the book, he is told that he must again prophesy
about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings (8-11).

The significance of eating the little book is clear enough, for it
symbolizes John mastering the contents of the message (cf. Eze
2:1-3:11).  As to its contents, it may pertain to the prophecies of
chapters 12-22, which certainly contains prophecies of peoples, nations,
kings, etc.  While the sounding of the seventh trumpet would indicate the
mystery of God was finished regarding the judgment of Israel, John would
be shown more things to proclaim regarding the judgment of Rome starting
in chapter 12.

The significance of the seven thunders may forever remain an enigma. 
Summers believes that John was forbidden to record their utterances
because there would be delay no longer and the time for warning was over.
Hailey suggests that it may indicate that God has many unrevealed weapons
in His arsenal of judgments to be used at His discretion, and that man 
cannot know all of God's ways.

This vision appears designed to impress upon John that with the sounding
of the seventh trumpet his work will not be over.  Indeed, in chapters
12-22 we shall see the revelation of God's judgment against pagan Rome 
and ultimately the world.

POINTS TO PONDER

*  The first vision of the interlude between the sounding of the sixth
   and seven trumpets

*  The significance of the little book given to John to eat

OUTLINE

I. THE MIGHTY ANGEL WITH THE LITTLE BOOK (1-7)

   A. THE ANGEL, THE BOOK, AND THE SEVEN THUNDERS (1-4)
      1. John describes another mighty angel coming down from heaven
         a. Clothed with a cloud
         b. A rainbow on his head
         c. His face like the sun
         d. His feet like pillars of fire
         e. A little book in his hand
         f. His right foot on the sea, his left foot on the land
         g. Who cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars
      2. When the angel cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices
         a. John prepared to write what he heard
         b. But a voice from heaven instructs him to seal up the things
            uttered by the seven thunders, and not write them

   B. THE ANGEL AND HIS OATH (5-7)
      1. John sees the angel lift his hand to heaven
      2. The angel swears by God that there will be delay no longer
         a. For in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, the
            mystery of God would be finished
         b. As God declared to His servants the prophets

II. JOHN EATS THE LITTLE BOOK (8-11)

   A. JOHN IS INSTRUCTED TO EAT THE BOOK (8-9)
      1. The same voice from heaven instructs him to take the book from
         the angel's hand
      2. He is told to eat the book, which will be sweet as honey in his
         mouth, but will make his stomach bitter

   B. JOHN EATS THE BOOK (10-11)
      1. Taking it from the angel's hand, he ate it
      2. It was sweet as honey in his mouth, but his stomach became
         bitter
      3. He is told:  "You must prophesy again about many peoples,
         nations, tongues, and kings."

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The mighty angel with the little book (1-7)
   - John eats the little book (8-11)

2) How does John describe the angel which comes down from heaven? (1-2)
   - Clothed with a cloud
   - A rainbow on his head
   - His face like the sun
   - His feet like pillars of fire
   - A little book in his hand
   - His right foot on the sea, his left foot on the land
   - Who cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars

3) When the angel cried out, what happened? (3)
   - Seven thunders uttered their voices

4) What did John start to do?  What was he told? (4)
   - To write what he heard
   - To seal up and not write what the seven thunders uttered

5) What did the mighty angel swear by God? (5-7)
   - That there should be delay no longer
   - That in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, the mystery
     of God would be finished, just as God declared to His servants the 
     prophets

6) What is John then told to do? (8)
   - To take the book from the mighty angel

7) What is he told to do with the book? What did he do with the book?
   (9-10)
   - To eat the book
   - He ate the book, which was sweet as honey in his mouth, but made his
     stomach bitter

8) What was he then told? (11)
   - He must prophecy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and
     kings

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

"THE BOOK OF REVELATION" Chapter Nine by Mark Copeland

                        "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                              Chapter Nine

Following the ominous warning of the angel (eagle) in the previous
chapter, the fifth angel sounds his trumpet.  John sees a star fallen
from heaven, to whom is given the key to the bottomless pit.  As the
pit is opened, smoke rises that darkens the sun and air.  Then locusts
with power like scorpions came out of the smoke, to whom was given
power to harm only those who did not have the seal of God on their
forehead.  Their power was limited only to torment, not kill, and only
for five months.  Even so, men wished they could die.  John describes
the appearance of the locusts, and identifies their king as the angel
of the bottomless pit whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is
Apollyon, both meaning "destruction".  Thus ends the first "woe", with
two more to come (1-12).

When the sixth angel sounds his trumpet, John hears a voice from the
four horns of the golden altar before God.  It tells the sixth angel to
release four angels who have been bound at the river Euphrates.  These
angels had been prepared for the hour, day, month and year, to kill a
third of mankind.  At this point John hears the number of an army of
two hundred million horsemen. Describing the colorful breastplates of
those on the horses, he also relates how the lion-like heads of the
horses blew fire, smoke and brimstone which killed a third of mankind. 
They also did much harm with serpent-like tails.  Despite these two
"woes", the rest of mankind did not repent of their idolatry, murders,
sorceries, sexual immoralities and thefts (13-21).

As one can imagine, attempts to interpret these visions have been many
and some quite fanciful.  Together with the first four trumpets, I
suggest the fifth and sixth trumpets signify tools at God's disposal to
bring wrath upon the persecutors of His people.  Though allowed to go
only so far, Satan's influence can have the effect of weakening a
nation from within.  There is also the threat of external invasion by
enemy forces.  Therefore I concur with others that the vision of
locusts from the bottomless pit symbolizes the hellish rottenness and
internal decadence that would weaken the enemies of God's people from
within.  The two hundred million horsemen symbolize external invasion
as another instrument God would use.  Together with natural calamities,
(depicted in the first four trumpets), these combined to bring down
apostate Israel (cf. Mt 12:43-45; Lk 21:20-24).
 
As Christians in John's day were oppressed by what seemed to be
invincible opponents, visions like these would remind them that those
"who do not have the seal of God on their forehead" (Re 9:4; 7:3) would
be susceptible to God's wrath.

POINTS TO PONDER

*  The sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets

*  The significance of the visions when the two trumpets sounded

OUTLINE

I. THE FIFTH TRUMPET:  LOCUSTS FROM THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (1-12)

   A. THE "STAR" FALLEN FROM HEAVEN (1-2)
      1. With the sounding of the fifth trumpet...
         a. John saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth
         b. To whom was given the key to the bottomless pit
      2. When the bottomless pit was opened...
         a. Smoke like that of a great furnace arose out of the pit
         b. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke

   B. THE "LOCUSTS" AND THEIR POWER (3-10)
      1. Out of the smoke locusts with great power came upon the earth
         a. Power like scorpions
         b. Commanded not to harm the grass, any green thing, or any tree
      2. The extent and nature of their power
         a. Could harm only those who do not have the seal of God on
            their foreheads
         b. Could not kill, but only torment them for five months
         c. Men will seek death, but death will flee from them
      3. The locusts described
         a. Their shape like horses prepared for battle
         b. On their heads were crowns of something like gold
         c. Their faces were like those of men
         d. Their hair was like women's hair
         e. Their teeth was like lions' teeth
         f. With breastplates like those of iron
         g. The sound of their wings like chariots with many running
            horses
         h. With tails like scorpions, and stings in their tails (though
            limited in power)

   C. THE "KING" OVER THEM (11-12)
      1. The angel of the bottomless pit
      2. Whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon
      -- The first of three woes is past; two more to come

II. THE SIXTH TRUMPET:  THE TWO HUNDRED MILLION ARMY (13-21)

   A. THE FOUR ANGELS BOUND AT THE EUPHRATES (13-15)
      1. With the sounding of the sixth trumpet...
         a. John heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar
            before God
         b. Speaking to the sixth angel who had the trumpet
         c. Telling him to release the four angels bound at the river
            Euphrates
      2. The four angels released...
         a. Who had been prepared for the hour, day, month, and year
         b. Who were to kill a third of mankind

   B. THE ARMY OF TWO HUNDRED MILLION HORSEMEN (16-19)
      1. John heard the number of them
      2. What he saw in the vision...
         a. Those on the horses had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth
            blue, sulfur yellow
         b. The horses had heads like those of lions
         c. Out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone
      3. The power of this great army...
         a. A third of mankind killed by the fire, smoke, and brimstone
         b. The power to harm is in their mouth and tails like serpents'
            heads

   C. THE FAILURE OF THE SURVIVORS TO REPENT (20-21)
      1. Those not killed did not repent of their idolatry
      2. Nor did they repent of their murders, sorceries, sexual
         immoralities, or thefts

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The fifth trumpet:  locusts from the bottomless pit (1-12)
   - The sixth trumpet:  the two hundred million army (13-21)

2) When the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, what did John see? (1)
   - A star fallen to heaven to whom was given the key to the bottomless
     pit

3) What came out of the pit when it was opened? (2-3)
   - Smoke which darkened the sun and air; locusts with power like
     scorpions

4) What were the locusts allowed to harm? (4)
   - Only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads

5) What other limitations was placed upon their power (5-6)
   - Could not kill, but only torment for five months

6) How are the locusts described? (7-10)
   - Their shape like horses prepared for battle
   - On their heads were crowns of something like gold
   - Their faces were like those of men
   - Their hair was like women's hair
   - Their teeth was like lions' teeth
   - With breastplates like those of iron
   - The sound of their wings like chariots with many running horses
   - With tails like scorpions, and stings in their tails (though limited
     in power)

7) Who was their king?  What was his name in Hebrew and Greek? (11)
   - The angel of the bottomless pit
   - In Hebrew, Abaddon; in Greek, Apollyon

8) What did John hear when the sixth trumpet sounded (13-14)
   - A voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God
   - Telling the sixth angel to release the four angels bound at the
     river Euphrates

9) What were the four angels released to do? (15)
   - To kill a third of mankind

10) What did John hear next? (16)
   - The number of the army of horsemen:  two hundred million

11) What were the colors of the breastplates of those on the horses? (17)
   - Fiery red, hyacinth blue, sulfur yellow

12) What were the heads of the horses like?  What came out of their
    mouths? (17)
   - Like the heads of lions; fire, smoke, and brimstone

13) Who was killed by the smoke, fire, and brimstone? (18)
   - A third of mankind

14) Where was the power to do harm in the horses? (19)
   - In their mouths and in their tails

15) Of what did those who were not killed not repent? (20-21)
   - Idolatry, murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, theft

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012