Thank you.
Well, we're going to be looking at chapters 4 and 5, so we're going to read almost all
of it.
Let's hear God's word together.
John writes,
Well, let's keep our Bible open there.
Let's pray.
Father, we thank you that you have given us your word written down for us today so that
we might see your greatness and your glory.
That we might see the living almighty God.
And that is what we want to do today.
We want to see you with our minds.
We want to know you in our hearts.
We want our lives to be changed.
We don't want to be the same.
We want to be different.
We want to be more like the Lord Jesus.
We want our church to be the way you've called us to be.
We want to be the same.
We want our church to be the same.
We want to be the same.
We want to walk on in our faith with confidence and assurance.
We don't want to settle for anything less
than living for you.
so would you by your spirit
make all what we have just prayed
a reality
in each of our lives today
we ask this in Jesus name
for his glory
Amen
so when you look out in the world
you turn on the television
and listen to the news
or read your social media
who do you think
is in charge
I bet most of you are thinking
well that's easy
God
God's in charge
and of course we'd be right
wouldn't we
but do we really believe it
do we live as if God is in complete control
over all things
and all people
you see we look at the world
and we see
tragic accidents
we see pandemics and wars
we experience the cost of living crisis
and shortages of energy
we watch as world leaders
threaten nuclear missiles
and invade countries at will
and rather than control
we see what is more like
chaos
destruction
and instead of sitting in peace
we are running around in panic
we fear and we worry
that God has lost the reins of power
and that the forces of evil
are encroaching
and are taking over
it's how the church felt
as John wrote down
his vision of revelation
the might of Rome
and the power of the emperor
were squeezing
and crushing the church
for a believer
at that time
to stand up
and speak out
would certainly leave you
isolated
and without a job
and to claim that
well
Jesus Christ
was Lord
well that would get you killed
things were not getting easier
they were getting a whole lot worse
who's in charge
round here
is God in control
of course the same pressures
are felt today
the subtle voices
that remind us
that Christianity
is completely irrelevant
and outdated
and done for
it's over
the constant silencing
of the church
and the objection
to God's word
we feel squeezed
and crushed
and in our private moments
when we're on our own
we're questioning
is God
is God really in charge
well let's look
and see what John sees
have a look at chapter 4
verse 1
after this
he says
so this is after his
first vision
back in chapter 1
so after this
I looked
and there before me
was a door
standing open
in heaven
we can picture John
there
as this
in his mind
he sees this
this door open
and
well we're invited
with John
to step
into
heaven itself
look at the rest
of verse 1
and the voice
I had first heard
speaking to me
like a trumpet
that loud
blaring blast
of a voice
come up here
and I will show you
what must take place
after this
from our
new vantage point
in heaven
we are going to see
history in the world
from God's
perspective
we literally
move from the
chaos that we are
in on earth
into the
calm
of heaven
through this
vision
we are entering
God's
control room
now we must
keep our eyes
wide open
because
as we enter
through the door
there's
lots of things
to see
we're not going
to be able to
stop and look
at them all
but we're going
to see the
main things
and the message
is clear
don't panic
God rules
his world
don't fear
God controls
your destiny
and don't worry
God is being
worshipped
so
don't panic
God rules
his world
three things
we see
that tell us
this
first
we see a throne
verse 2
at once
I was in the
spirit
and there
before me
was a throne
in heaven
well we know
what thrones
are for
they're for
kings and
rulers
people who
have power
and authority
so we are
entering into
the place
of sovereign
rule
in fact
John doesn't
want us to
forget
so everywhere
we look
we see
this throne
when John
describes something
it's always in
relation
to the throne
follow with me
as we look at
this chapter 4
verse 5
from the throne
came flashes
of lightning
in front
of the throne
were seven
lamps blazing
verse 6
in front
of the throne
there was
what looked
like a sea
of glass
in the centre
round the throne
were four
living creatures
chapter 5
verse 1
then I saw
on the right
hand of him
who sat
on the throne
verse 11
then I looked
and heard
the voice
of many angels
numbering
thousands
upon thousands
they encircled
the throne
can you
see
the throne
don't forget
the throne
John is telling
us
there's not
chaos
and anarchy
this is the
place of
power
and authority
well a throne
may symbolise
rule
but it's not
much good
unless somebody
is sitting
on it
is it
an empty
throne
is no good
to anyone
we need
someone
to rule
so the second
thing we see
is God
verse 2
at once
I was in the
spirit
and there
before me
was a throne
in heaven
with someone
sitting on it
this is
God's throne
for God
is the supreme
ruler over all
things and
all people
look at his
description
can you
see his
beauty
verse 3
and the one
who sat
there had
the appearance
of jasper
and ruby
these crystals
these jewels
of brown
and red
and not only
that but
there was
shining this
rainbow
that shone
like an
emerald
which encircled
the throne
so it's not
just kind of
our normal
rainbow
it's a
rain circle
if you like
multitude
of colours
glistening
bright
and dazzling
to reflect
and display
God's
majesty
his
beauty
but not
only that
can you see
his power
verse 5
from the throne
came flashes
of lightning
and rumblings
and peals
of thunder
and in front
of the throne
seven lamps
were blazing
you've been
in a storm
where you've
seen the
lightning crack
the sky
lightning up
and the
house almost
shakes
well multiply
this by
by ripples
and peals
of thunder
and fire
this is
earth
shattering
power
and it's
terrifying
but then
we can also
see his
calm
look at
verse 6
also in
front of
the throne
there was
what looked
like a
sea of
glass
clear as
crystal
we think
of the
sea
and we
think of
waves
crashing
into the
rocks
but here
the sea
is like
glass
completely
smooth
absolute
peace
and stillness
utter calm
as we
look at
God
on the
throne
we are
at once
together
in unison
blinded
and attracted
by his
staggering
beauty
we are
shaking
in fear
at his
awesome
power
and we
are overwhelmed
by his
calming
presence
this is
our God
who sits
on the
throne
ruling
and reigning
over all
things
and all
people
no one
and nothing
can compare
to his
magnificence
and greatness
God
can't be
contained
to something
manageable
and
controlled
God
is bigger
and awesome
as we
try to
grasp
his
beauty
his
power
and his
calm
this is
our
God
we see
a throne
we see
God
and we
see
worship
as we
look at
God
on the
throne
we also
see other
people
who were
there
and
creatures
and they're
all
surrounding
the
throne
picture
the throne
in the
middle
and on
the outer
circle
look at
verse 4
surrounding
the throne
were 24
other thrones
and seated
on each
throne
were 24
elders
now these
elders
most likely
represent
all God's
people
from all
time
so 24
12
patriarchs
representing
the old
covenant
believers
12
apostles
representing
the new
covenant
believers
24 in
total
this is
all of
God's
people
from all
time
and all
places
all
gathering
around
and then
we move
closer to
the inner
circle
look at
the middle
of verse
6
in the
center
round the
throne
were four
living
creatures
and they
were covered
with eyes
in front
and behind
they're looking
at everything
they see
everything
they know
everything
verse 7
the first
living creature
was like a
lion
the second
was like
an ox
the third
had a face
like a
man
the fourth
was like
a flying
eagle
these
strange
creatures
represent
the
whole
of
creation
think of
the lion
who
rules
the wild
animals
or the
ox
who is
the strongest
of the
domesticated
animals
man
who is
over all
humanity
the eagle
who soars
over the
skies
and the
mountains
each
creature
is a
picture
of power
and rule
in their
own
little
domain
and realm
but let's
not get
caught up
with
who they
are
but what
they are
all doing
can you
see what
these
elders
and creatures
are doing
they're all
facing and
focused on
God
who sits
on the
throne
they're not
dwelling on
their
particular
position
or power
they're
worshipping
the one
who rules
over all
and they
burst
into
song
verse 8
holy
is the
Lord
God
almighty
who is
and who
is
and who
is to
come
and
whenever
the
living
creatures
give
glory
honor
and
thanks
to
him
who
sits
on
the
throne
who
lives
forever
and
ever
well
there's a
ripple
effect
that goes
out to
the
outer
circle
verse 10
the 24
elders
when they
hear it
well they
fall down
before him
who sits
on the
throne
and worship
him who
lives
forever
and ever
and they
lay their
crowns
before the
throne
and they
say
you are
worthy
our
Lord
and God
to receive
the glory
and honor
and power
for you
created all
things
and by
your will
they were
created
and have
their
being
you see
God
is at
the center
of the
universe
not
me
not
you
not
any
earthly
power
of course
leaders
and influencers
live as if
they were
seated on
the throne
we
sometimes
think
we're
sitting
on the
throne
and act
as if
we are
in charge
but here
we are
invited
to step
through
heaven's
door
and we
see the
world
in history
from
God's
perspective
we see
God
on his
throne
no
rivals
no
questions
no
doubts
there is
only
one
ruler
the
Lord
God
almighty
who
was
and who
is
and who
is
to
come
never
was
there
a
time
when
he
did
not
rule
and
never
will
there
be
a
time
when
he
is
not
ruling
kings
and emperors
come and
go
and they
all
die
Putin
and
Biden
and
Martin
they
will
all
come
to an
end
governments
and
councils
the
UN
and
the
G7
they'll
all
come
crashing
down
but
God
lives
forever
and
forever
so
carry
a line
Baptist
church
when
you
feel
the
world
is
against
you
when
you
feel
the
church
is
under
threat
and
you
feel
isolated
and
alone
as
a
Christian
and
you're
wondering
are the
powers
of
evil
greater
and
better
don't
panic
God
rules
the
world
second
don't
fear
God
controls
your
destiny
again
as we
walk
around
heaven's
control
room
we
see
three
things
first
we
see
a
scroll
chapter
5
verse
1
then
I
saw
on
the
right
hand
of
him
who
sat
on
the
throne
so
God
is
seated
on
the
throne
and
he's
holding
in
his
right
hand
a
scroll
with
writing
on
both
sides
and
it's
sealed
it's
closed
up
it's
locked
with
seven
seals
what's
this
scroll
what's
written
on it
what's
the
secret
why is
it
hidden
well look
back to
chapter 4
verse 1
where John
was invited
to come
up here
and I
will show
you what
must take
place
after this
you see
God is
continuing
to unveil
and to
reveal
to
John
all
that
must
take
place
in
other
words
what
is
written
on
the
scroll
is
what
is
to
take
place
God's
purposes
and
God's
plans
for
history
in the
world
all
from
the
resurrection
of
Jesus
to
the
return
of
Jesus
our
future
destiny
the
history
of
the
world
where
we're
heading
what's
going
to
happen
is
all
wrapped
up
and
sealed
in
this
scroll
and
notice
chapter 5
verse 1
this
scroll
has
writing
on
both
sides
there's
no
room
there's
no
gaps
you
can't
add
anything
more
to
it
it's
complete
you
see
the
world
and
our
future
is
not
unfolding
by
chance
there's
no
random
event
it's
all
according
to
God's
design
and
order
it
has
been
written
down
our
future
destiny
is
in
God's
hands
but
we've
got a
problem
haven't
we
did
you
see
what
the
problem
was
no
one
can
open
this
scroll
there's
nobody
that
can
be
found
who
can
carry
out
God's
plans
and
purposes
verse
4
so
I
wept
and
wept
because
no
one
found
who
was
worthy
to
open
the
scroll
or
look
inside
you
see
God's
purposes
and
God's
plans
are
great
but
unless
they're
put
into
action
unless
they
become
a
reality
well
we're
done
for
the
world
and
our
future
destiny
is
lost
forever
there
will
be
no
end
to
the
suffering
and
the
struggle
darkness
and
death
will
reign
forever
and
ever
Satan
and
evil
will
win
the
day
no
wonder
John
is
weeping
the
scroll
containing
our
future
destiny
is
of
no
use
it's
useless
unless
somebody
can
come
and
open
it
and
carry
out
God's
purposes
for
the
world
what's
going
to
happen
is
there
anybody
who
can
do
it
are
you
going
to
stand
up
and
say
I'll
carry
out
God's
purposes
well we
just need
to look
back over
the history
of the
world
from the
very
beginning
where God
put Adam
and Eve
in the
garden
and said
Adam
and Eve
I want
you to
rule the
world
on my
behalf
I want
you to
be like
a king
and queen
to live
out my
purposes
to do
as I
please
so that
my
reign
will
fill
the
earth
they
failed
miserably
and in
our
attempts
all we've
done is
created
more chaos
and destruction
and disaster
there is not
one person
who is able
to fulfill
and live out
God's
purposes
and plans
but there
is one
because we
see not
just the
scroll
but we
see Jesus
verse 5
then one
of the
elders
said to
me
do not
weep
stop
your crying
see the
line of
the tribe
of Judah
the root
of David
is triumphed
he is
able to
open the
scroll
and its
seven
seals
this is
Jesus
God's
promised
king
he is
able to
open it
he is
the one
who is
able to
carry out
God's
plans
and purposes
why
because
verse 5
he has
triumphed
he has
triumphed
over sin
and Satan
he has
conquered
darkness
and death
he is
God's
victorious
champion
and how
did he
do it
well let's
read on
verse 6
then I
saw a
lamb
looking as
if it
had been
slain
I mean
what's
going on
here
our minds
are a
boggle
just a
moment ago
we were
looking at
the lion
the roaring
lion
now he's
a slain
lamb
beaten
up
rather
than
power
we see
a picture
of
weakness
instead
of
victory
there's
defeat
but look
where
this
lamb
is
then I
saw
a lamb
looking as
if it
had been
slain
standing
at the
centre
of the
throne
you see
God's
victory
comes
through
suffering
it is
through
the
death
of
Jesus
Christ
on
the
cross
that
the
powers
of
darkness
were
destroyed
it was
through
the
sufferings
of
Jesus
that
the
rule
of
sin
was
defeated
as
Jesus
died
on
the
cross
it
seemed
all
was
lost
it
was
as
if
hell
was
cheering
in
celebration
but
it
is
through
the
cross
that
Jesus
reigns
and
has
victory
over
all
things
and
all
people
so
can
you
look
now
and
see
where
the
lamb
is
and
what
he
looks
like
it
looks
as if
he
had
been
slain
but
now
middle
of
verse
6
the
lamb
had
seven
horns
and
seven
eyes
which
are
the
seven
spirits
of
God
set
into
all
the
earth
what's
all
these
sevens
about
well
the
seven
horns
his
perfect
power
the
seven
eyes
his
complete
knowledge
the
seven
spirits
his
eternal
presence
Jesus
Christ
is the
all
conquering
victorious
champion
he is
power over
all things
he knows
all things
he is
present in
all things
he is
the one
who will
carry out
God's
purposes
and plans
Jesus
can open
the
scroll
and unfold
our
future
destiny
because
he
has
triumphed
we
see a
scroll
we
see
Jesus
and
we
see
worship
once
again
the throne
of God
from where
Jesus
reigns
is the
focus
of our
attention
it's
pulling
us
in
like
a
magnet
the
song
of
praise
that
revolves
round
and
round
it
reminds
us
of all
that
Jesus
has
done
verse
eight
and
when
Jesus
had
taken
it
the
four
living
creatures
and
the
twenty
four
elders
fell
down
before
the
lamb
verse
nine
and
they
sang
a
new
song
saying
you
are
worthy
to
take
the
scroll
and
to
open
its
seals
because
you
were
slain
and
with
your
blood
you
purchased
for
God
persons
from
every
tribe
and
language
and
people
and
nation
and
you
made
them
to be
a
kingdom
and
priest
to
serve
our
God
and
they
will
reign
on
the
earth
this
is
what
Jesus
has
done
he
died
for
us
he's
purchased
you
he's
bought
you
with
his
own
life
so
that
we
might
become
his
kingdom
people
ruling
with
him
and
for
him
on
earth
forever
and
forever
so
Carragoline
Baptist
Church
don't
fear
your
future
destiny
is
secure
God
has
rescued
you
so
that
you
might
rule
for
him
on
earth
yes
suffering
will
come
our
way
yes
we
may
feel
squeezed
and
crushed
we'll
face
opposition
and
persecution
Satan
may
stand
against
his
church
but
through
the
death
of
Jesus
our
victory
is
secured
death
has
been
defeated
and
destroyed
we
are
on
the
winning
side
so
don't
fear
God
controls
your
destiny
so
don't
panic
don't
fear
and
don't
worry
because
God
is
being
worshipped
again
let's
see
what
we
see
I
hope
it's
clear
at
this
stage
that
we
can
see
the
worship
we
can't
miss
it
can
we
wherever
we
look
in
heaven's
control
room
there's
spontaneous
worship
as we
see
Jesus
who
is
God
seated
on
his
throne
as we
see
his
rule
over
all
things
and
his
control
over
our
destiny
so
heaven
responds
in
worship
can
you
see
it
taking
place
can
you
even
hear
the
song
in
the
center
God
is
reigning
through
Jesus
and
in
response
all
around
in
these
circles
going
out
and
out
and
out
we
have
the
four
living
creatures
all
of
creation
around
the
throne
and
beyond
that
we
have
the
twenty
four
elders
representing
all
God's
people
from
all
time
and
if
that
were
not
enough
look
at
verse
11
then
I
looked
and
heard
the
voice
of
many
angels
numbering
thousands
upon
thousands
ten
thousand
times
ten
thousand
they
encircled
the
throne
and
the
living
creatures
and
the
elders
and
in
a
never
expanding
circle
verse
12
in
a
loud
voice
they
were
praying
worthy
is
the
lamb
who
was
slain
to
receive
power
and
wealth
and
wisdom
and
strength
and
honour
and
glory
and
praise
I don't
see any
panic
here
do you
I don't
see any
fear
and I
don't
see any
worry
just
worship
joy
and delight
in all
that God
has achieved
through his
son
you see
when we
see God
for who
he is
when we
capture that
vision
we do
not need
to worry
he rules
all things
he controls
all things
and that
includes
every
detail
of your
life
because
it's all
been written
down
whatever
happens
God
is in
charge
not only
do we
see the
worship
but
we're
to join
the
worship
this
isn't
just a
spectacle
for our
entertainment
but it
demands
our
participation
one of
the things
I love
to do
is to
go to
a big
sports
match
especially
the big
ones
to take
your seat
in that
stadium
and to
watch
your team
and there
as you
look down
on the
pitch
everything
unfolds
before your
eyes
the longing
the hoping
the urging
your team
to win
the final
whistle blows
and the
crowd in
one voice
join in
the celebration
victory
has been
won
but that's
what we
have here
a sense
that I
want us
to capture
that we
have been
invited
today to
take our
place in
the stadium
of the
world and
the universe
worship of
God
we sit
and we
watch
because it's
him who
does it
all
as history
and the
world unfolds
before us
it's bloody
and it's
hard
there's
suffering
and there's
struggling
there's pain
and there's
death
but the
outcome is
never in
doubt
we watch
as God
rules the
world with
power and
authority
we watch
as our
future destiny
is secured
and we
worship
we celebrate
the victory
we join in
the praise of
heaven
verse 13
and I heard
every creature
in heaven
and on earth
and under the
earth and on
the sea
and all that is
in them
saying to him
who sits on
the throne
and to the
lamb
be praise
and honour
and glory
and power
forever
and ever
and the
living creature
said amen
and they fell
down
and worshipped
you see as we
join in
we begin to
get a glimpse
of life
and history
from God's
perspective
we're lifted
from the chaos
of this earth
to the calm
of heaven
we stop
looking at
self and our
own little
worries and
concerns
and we look
at God
we see his
glory and his
greatness and we
remind ourselves
of his sovereign
rule and the
panic and the
fears and the
worries become
less and
less
we join in
the worship
and we
bow in
worship
there's lots
of singing
going on
and we love
to sing and
we're going to
sing in a
minute
but you know
what standing
up to sing
or sitting
to sing
ain't going
to change
anything
you see
when we
worship
it's about
the heart
and our
hearts need
to be
right
mouthing out
words and
following a
tune
that won't
transform you
or me
do you see
how those in
heaven worshipped
go back to
chapter 4
verse 4
we see the
elders on
their thrones
end of verse
4 they were
dressed in
white and
had crowns of
gold on their
heads
but what do
they do
end of verse
9
they lay
their crowns
down before
the throne
chapter 5
verse 8
the four
living creatures
and the
twenty-four
elders fell
down before
the lamb
verse 14
they fall
down and
worship
do you see
what's happening
they see
God
and they
fall down
they are
taken in
by his
beauty and
his awesome
power and
his calm
his peace
and they
take off
their crowns
and they
bow in
submission to
God
their action
is an
attitude of
their heart
you see
for you and
I there is
only one
response to
this almighty
great God
and that is
we submit
to him
to acknowledge
that he alone
is at the
centre of
the universe
that God
alone has
power over
all things
knows all
things
and is
present all
things
and as
we worship
and as
we sing
we are
laying down
any claim
to God's
throne and
we submit
our life
to him
he created
the world
and he has
the right to
do whatever
he desires
in the world
he created
me and he
created you
and he has
the right to
use me and
you in
whichever way
he pleases
he is
and I do
not understand
his ways
but you know
what that's
okay
because God's
in charge
and I'm not
God
he is
so don't
panic
God rules
the world
don't fear
God controls
your destiny
and don't
worry
God
is forever
being worshipped
let's pray
as the rain
falls on the
roof
it just
reminds us
that we
have no
power
to make
it rain
no power
to make
it stop
but God
alone
is in
control
how awesome
how amazing
you are
we bow
before you
we submit
to you
and say
Lord
this is
my life
here
take it
and use it
as you
please
for your
glory
for my
good
help me
not to
panic
help me
not to
fear
or to
worry
but be
filled with
the vision
of our
great God
Amen
well I
think we
need to
sing
don't we
it would
be hard
not to
so
we're
going to
sing
bye
love
so
can't
was
sure
Huh