WHAT A SCENE !!           		Pastor Bob Chroninger 
Trinity C.U.  10-24-99 A.M.  		 Revelation 4:1-11    	
	The Apostle John was "caught up" in spirit and saw things which will be "hereafter"... and
was allowed to write about them.  Paul was caught up to the "third" heaven... but was not allowed to 
write what he saw. (2Cor.12:2-4)  John's vision comes after the vision and messages to the seven churches.
What he sees is the between the "judging" of the church age saints and the judgment of the Tribulation. 
I.  JOHN SAW A THRONE..  (being set..) 
  A. The Location... it was in heaven 
  B. The Implication..  authority, sovereignty, judgment.. Ps.103:19 
II. JOHN SAW ONE ON THE THRONE.. 
  A. No Name... but obvious!   Daniel saw the "Ancient of Days" Dan.7:9 
  B. No Figure.. but the likeness... 
    1. Of a Jasper stone..  clear as a diamond ? 
	- the last stone on the "breastplate of judgment" the priest wore. Ex.28:15.. Benjamin, 
	"son of the right hand"; beloved of the LORD 
    2. Of a Sardius stone.. ruby red.. - the first stone on the "breastplate of judgment.. 
       Reuben, a son 
III.  JOHN SAW BEFORE THE THRONE.. 4:5 
  A. Seven lamps of fire burning..  Seven Spirits of God.. 
    1. The "triune" God being revealed.. 
	- The seven Spirits are a reference to the Holy Spirit..  Is.4:4 
	- The blazing lamps..= a flaming indignation..  Nahum 2:3,4; Mal.4:1 
	- The Judgment of God is on its way 
  B. Sea of Glass.. like crystal.. Ex.24:10,11; Ezek.1:22 
    1. The awesome presence of God.. the Stability of God 
IV.  JOHN SAW (and HEARD) OUT OF THE THRONE.. 4:5 
  A. The Lightnings, Thunderings, Voices.. 
    1. A time of judgment... not of Grace..  (Ex.9:23,28; 19:16; 1Sam.1:10; 12:17,18 
  B. The Declaration of Things To Come.. Justice is to be meted out. 
V.  JOHN SAW AROUND THE THRONE.. 
  A. The Rainbow.. like emerald.. (light green)  4:3 
    1. Earth's rainbows are spectacular.. even breathtaking.. 
    2. Here is a promise of hope, mercy remembered in midst of wrath. 
  B. The Twenty four "seats".. thrones
  C. The Twenty four "elders".. sitting on the thrones (various ideas about them) 
 ** They are NOT.. angels, Not Israel, Not Tribulation saints, Not a combination of the Church 
	and Israel. (24 = a number that represents the whole) 1Chron.24:4,5, 7-18 (priests); 
	1Chron.25.. (singers in the temple) 
    1. They are "clothed" in white raiment 
	- The church at Laodicea..  3:18 They needed it!! 
	- The "bride" at the wedding feast.. 19:8  They had it !!(righteousness of the saints) 
    2. They had "crowns" of gold.. the victor's crown.. 2Tim.4:8  (already judged & rewarded)
    3. They gave a Testimony.. 5:9. (though many newer translations leave out "us", the weight of 
	textual evidence favors the KJV)   ** note on back.
    4. They Worship God.. 4:10,11 
    5. They cast their crowns before the throne.. 4:10 
  D. The Four Living Creatures.. 4:6-9  (Ezek.1:5-28) .. 
    1. One "like" a Lion.. tribe of Judah 
    2. One "like" a Calf (ox)..  tribe of Ephraim 
    3. One "like" a Man.. Reuben 
    4. One "like" a Flying Eagle.. Dan 
 ** All of the camp of Israel marched under the standards of these four... and Jewish tradition 
	attaches the "likeness" to the tribe. Numbers 2 
	- They were full of eyes.. awareness, intelligence.. 
	- They had six wings.. (Is.6) 
	- They rest not day or night..  (?)  saying.. 
	   - Holy, Holy, Holy (God is absolutely untainted by any evil)
	   - Lord God Almighty..(No weakness, He can do anything His holy will purposes... 
           Isaiah 46:9,10 
	   - Which was, is, and is to come.. His eternal being! 
	- They Lead in Worship.. 4:9.. giving glory to God.. 
	- They Inspire the Twenty-four Elders.. Who then... 
	   - Fall down before Him.. the Holy One.. 
	   - Worship Him.. the Lord God Almighty.. 
	   - Cast their crowns before Him.. in appreciation, thanks, honor 
	   - Cry out.. "Thou art Worthy"  4:11 
		- To receive glory, honor, and power 
		- Because you created all things.. 
WOW !! WHAT A SCENE FOR JOHN!!
   OH GOD.. CONVICT US OF OUR SINFULNESS IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR HOLINESS. 
   OH GOD.. DRAW THE LOST TO YOURSELF NOW... WHILE IT IS THE DAY OF SALVATION. 
   OH GOD.. INSPIRE THE SAVED TO ZEALOUS INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR PLANS