Bible Band Lesson (May 30, 2013)

TOPIC: Christ's Promise to Return

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Revelation 22:6-10, 12-13, 16-21

DEVOTIONAL READING:  II Peter 1:19; Hebrews 9:28; Mark 13:32

CENTRAL VERSE:  "He which testifieh these things saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20

INTRODUCTION: The church has its hope centered on the anticipated return of Jesus. Without that hope the  church would not be different from any other social organization.  What makes the church unique is that we believe in a risen Saviour and that He is coming  back to take the church to enjoy all He ha been preparing for them through the ages.  Christians are eagerly watching the sky every day, looking for its Master to return.

Jesus is Coming Soon (Revelation 22:6-10)
God who spoke through the prophets has now sent His angel to declare that which must soon come to pass in our day. John saw Jesus say that He was coming soon and that those who obey the instructions in the scroll will be blessed.  John was so overwhelmed that he bowed to worship the angel with the scroll.  The angels stopped him and said that he ought to worship God, for he was a creation just as John was.  Only God is worthy of worship.  all those who do what is written on the scroll are to worship God also.  It was then that the angel told John that the scroll was to stay open and not be rolled up, for the time had come for the things that were written in it to pass.

When Jesus Comes (Revelation 22:12-13)

As a church, we often take this matter lightly.  But here again, we have been adequately warned about the things that will happen.  All who stand before Him will receive rewards for what they have done while on earth.  Jesus said that He was the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  This meant that He had the authority to give rewards, for there is non greater in the entire universe.

The World Must be Told (Revelation 22:16-21)

The church is called not to only be ready for the Master's coming, but they also are to tell others so that everyone else is ready when Jesus comes.  The message that Jesus had for God's people on earth through the angel was simple, yet profound.  Jesus was the shoot from the root of David from what appeared to be cut down.  He was also going to sit on the throne of David in the end times, which was absolute proof of His Messiahship before the world.  Jesus also called Himself the bright and morning star.  This  star was the first star that shined in the darkness, symbolic of the Messiah who is the true light in the world.

The words of the scroll that were declared are seared.  They are not to be added to or taken away from, for the words are God's.  Terrible punishment like that mentioned in the scroll await those who distort the message of the book by adding to or taking away from the judgments of God.  The inheritance in the holy city and one's part in the book of life will be taken away from such people.


ESSENTIAL THOUGHT:  "Tell the world that Jesus is coming quickly."

QUESTIONS:

1.  Why must we worship only God?
2.  Why did Chris identify Himself as "the root and the offspring of David" (verse 16)?
3.  What strong warning is given about altering the message of Revelation?