Long before sunrise, in a pitch-black Colorado valley, climbers set out for the peaks, and when they reach the first summit, the perspective changes completely: the mountains that towered over them are suddenly within sight. That is exactly the perspective the Bible uses when it speaks of the end times. This sermon leads us through Revelation 6 and 7: the Lamb opens the seven seals, the four horsemen expose the empty promises of earthly empires, and the martyrs beneath the altar cry out for God’s justice. Listen and see why the victory belongs to those who refuse to compromise.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Revelation 6 the Lamb breaks the seals one by one, and the four riders bring conquest, bloodshed, famine and death. How might the first readers living under Roman rule have understood this picture?
- In Revelation 7 John first hears the number 144,000 and then sees a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language. What does this pairing tell you about whom God saves?
- The speaker compared the promise of the Pax Romana to the promises of every earthly kingdom that tries to build heaven on earth. Where do you look for peace and security outside of God's kingdom today?
- The martyrs under the altar cry out, how long? How do you respond to the fact that God answers them with a call to wait and gives them white robes?
- At the end of chapter 6 the question is asked: who can stand before the wrath of the Lamb? How does chapter 7 answer it, and how does that change the way you think about God's judgment?
- The sermon closes with the idea that the saints overcome when they refuse to compromise. In what specific situation this week do you feel pressure to compromise, and how do you want to stand firm in it?
