Revelation

Revelation 1 v 1 - 3 and 18 -20

This begins with a recap of what has been preached in preceding weeks. This works well for us as we don't have any recordings of the first sermons in this series.

God made promises and He is faithful.
Many promises are now recorded history but some are yet to be fulfilled. We are confident they will be because of the accuracy and completeness of what has gone before.
Ian gives examples of biblical 'gaps' in time and we are living in one such period - the church age. This age will end with the rapture.
In Revelation John tells us in Chapter 1 of what has been seen. In Chapters 2 and 3 he tells of things that are - in this church age, and starting at Chapter 4 he tells us what will happen in the future from the time of the rapture.

Listen to this sermon of 10th April 2005

(18) I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
(19) Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.
(20) The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Revelation 1 v 19 - Chapter 2 v 7

Jesus told John to write seven letters to seven churches all of which had different characters and different problems which have been prevalent through church history. The letters are history in advance and are applicable today.
1) To Ephesus. At the end of the apostolic era the church is beginning to lose its first love.
2) To Smyrna. The persecuted church - especially by the Romans. 100AD to 313AD.
3) To Pergamos. The church of compromise. 313AD to the 7th century.
4) To Thyatira. The Papal church of the dark ages. 7th century to 16th century.
5) To Sardis. Church of reformation. 16th century to 1739.
6) To Philadelphia. A church of revival and awakening. 1739 to 1860.
7) To Laodicea. The lukewarm church of the last days before the rapture. OUR days.

To the church in Ephesus

Ian explains who in the church this letter was written to - the angel and the stars. This church had been established amongst opposition and idolatry and had tremendous beginnings.
They are warned they may lose their lampstand, that is their church not their salvation. Ian gives examples of churches today that are no more as they were.

In this letter the Ephesians are commended . . .
. . . they cannot bear those who are evil - as a believer how are you affected by society and the evil presented (eg) on TV?
. . . they have 'tested everything' and hate the Nicolatians - finding in the church false teachers just as we do.

We all start things with enthusiasm but it can sometimes be hard to keep going against opposition. We are to keep our first love - the Lord.
We are to continue in reading His letters to us and we are to love the truth.

Listen to this sermon of 17th April 2005

(1) "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
(2) "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;
(3) and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.
(4) Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
(5) Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent.
(6) But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
(7) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."'

Revelation 2 v 8 - 11

To the church in Smyrna - The Persecuted Church.

We are reminded that these seven letters were written to seven actual churches but are applicable to seven general periods of the church and to us today.
Christians are still persecuted throughout the world. In this country it is usually nothing more than verbal abuse and ridicule but real persecution and suffering is on the way for true believers.
In verse 9 our Lord tells us that He KNOWS of our sufferings.
How is it that people of some nations can make a stand for Christ that puts us to shame? Their love for Christ is strong. How strong is YOUR love?
Are we ready for what is to come? Can we deal with it? Can we cope with slander and poverty?
What would you do if faced with the option of bowing to an idol or being killed?
Those that do not have a strong love for Christ will come up with a reason as to why it would be better long-term to 'bow to Ceaser' and to live.
Be reminded that we may have things of this world taken away from us but we are immensely rich. Daily - count the blessings that you have and realise you are a millionaire.
Ian explains what is meant by (verse 11),"He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."
Don't be fearful, be faithful.

Listen to this sermon of 1st May 2005

(8) "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
(9) "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
(10) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
(11) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."'

Revelation 2 v 12 - 17

To the church in Pergamos - The Compromising Church.

Who are those who 'hold the doctrine of Balaam' and who teach Balak? How did they get into the church? Why were they accepted?

Pergamos (Pergamon) means 'married to power'.
Ian speaks about Constantine and the church being married to the state. Previously those who were in the church were serious in their faith as they faced severe persecution with likelihood of torture and death but then came a time where not only did persecution end but it was seen to be beneficial to be called a Christian.
It is the same today. Many, including leaders of 'the church' are Christian in name only. They say that unity with others is more important than doctrine. This is compromise and compromise is 'accepting defeat in installments'.
They are indeed 'a stumbling block before the children of Israel' - of all true believers.

Listen to this sermon of 15th May 2005

(14) But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

Revelation 2 v 18 - 29

The Corrupt Church of Thyatira.

Thyatira means 'ruled by a woman'.
The message from the Lord in all these letters to the churches is 'Repent'. Repentance brings forgiveness. Refuse to repent and God will bring judgement. What happens to a church that refuses to repent?
Why does God refer to Jezebel?
What church would ever hide the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ from the people and say it is only for the priesthood to understand and interpret? What church would conduct services in an ancient language not understood by the people?
Ian preaches about corrupt religious systems and how they came into being. How could people of God allow this to happen?
We are reminded that there can be no compromise. We are to hold fast to what we have - the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Listen to this sermon of 22nd May 2005

(20) Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
(21) And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
. . .
(29) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 3 v 1 - 6

Sardis - The Church of Reformation.

Sardis means 'precious stone' or 'shining light'.
Verse 1 addresses those who have a reputation of being 'alive', having sound doctrine and good preaching but are now 'dead'.
Ian mentions several great men - 'precious stones' of the reformation - Luther and Calvin who challenged the authority of man in their interpretation of scripture. What happened after they died?
People put the emphasis on the men and devised 'isms' instead of continuing with biblical truth.
Ian also speaks about the unbiblical doctrine of 'purgatory' and those who would take money on the pretext of buying blessings from God.
We are to 'strengthen what remains' - how? - by waking up and being watchful. Wherever there is dying flame we are to fan it into fire again.

Listen to this sermon of 29th May 2005

(1) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
(2) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

Revelation 3 v 7 - 13

Philadelphia - The Faithful Church.

Ian talks about what happened after the reformation - why are there many different denominations in 'the church'?

Philadelphia means brotherly love. No church is perfect but the Lord doesn't bring any criticism against Philadelphia. This suggests He was pleased.
Do we want to please God? Do we want to be a part of a church that pleases God?
We are commanded to love one another. This is not the love of feeling affectionate but love made by choice just as God chose to love us while we were still in sin and His enemies.

Love must be the motivating factor in all that a Christian does. It was love for Christ that motivated the great preachers and missionaries.
When people look at you do they see the love of Christ? Ian asks, 'are you a pillow or a pillar in your church'?
Will you be kept from the hour of trial or will you be left behind?

Listen to this sermon of 5th June 2005

(7) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
(8) "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
. . .
(10) Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Revelation 3 v 14 - 21

Laodicea - The Lukewarm Church.

Laodicea means 'power of the people'
Of the seven letters to the churches this is the only one where there is no commendation but God still loves them and stands at the door knocking.
Ian uses the 'emergent church' and the lukewarmth of many in true churches as examples of how Laodicea relates to us today.

Listen to this sermon which is also available via our 'Prophecy' page.

(14) "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
(15) "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
. . .
(19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Revelation 3 // 2 Thessalonians 2 v 1 - 7 // 2 Timothy 3 v 1 - 7

Introduction to the Rapture.

We are not to know the day or the hour of the rapture when Christ comes for His people so there are no specific signs that would enable us to calculate when it will occur.

All we are to know is that the rapture is imminent and there is an abundance of signs to tell us so. Scripture refers to the prevailing attitude of 'the church' and of people.
There are those who may be confused between the rapture - when Christ comes FOR His saints , and the second coming - when Christ comes WITH His saints. Ian explains the difference and gives us seven indicators of the coming rapture which the bible mentions in detail . . .
1) The existence of the State of Israel.
2) Religion.
3) Politics.
4) The social and moral climate of the world.
5) Technological developments.
6) The natural realm.
7) Demonism.

Are you like the Laodiceans (Rev 3 v 15) and 'neither cold nor hot' or are you ready for the rapture?

Listen to this sermon of 19th June 2005

2 THESSALONIANS Ch.2
(3) Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
(4) who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

2 TIMOTHY Ch.3
(1) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
(2) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
(4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

Revelation 4 // 1 Thessalonians 4 // 1 Corinthians 15

The Rapture.

Ian reiterates the foolishness of trying to set dates and then begins to examine what exactly will happen at the rapture. What will it mean for believers and what effect will it have on those who are left behind?
As millions of believers disappear in an instant - the twinkling of an eye - what chaos and catastrophe will result. Nations will be in turmoil and people will want answers.
They may be offered scientific explanation. They may accept 'new age' religious explanation. They may be convinced of alien abduction!
The antichrist will have an answer convincing to most people.
What will happen to those who have heard the gospel but chosen to reject Christ?

Listen to this sermon of 26th June 2005

And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
. . .
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

2 Corinthians 5 // 1 Corinthians 3

The Judgement Seat of Christ.

Following the rapture what happens next for believers?
Ian identifies four judgements to come but the first - the judgement seat of Christ - is only for believers. Are we on trial for our sin? Is this judgement to ascertain whether we go to heaven or hell?
No. If you are a sinner you won't be at this judgement but you will be at the others. The believer's sins have been paid for by Christ. This judgement is to determine what rewards believers are to receive.
We are to be rewarded for what we have done since being saved. God prepared works for us to do - have we done them? What were our motives? What was in our heart?
Believers are to receive 'crowns'. What are they for? What of those who "will suffer loss"?

Listen to this sermon of 3rd July 2005

2 CORINTHIANS Ch.5
(10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

1 CORINTHIANS 3
(14) If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
(15) If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Revelation 13 v 1 - 10

The Tribulation.

Following the rapture what happens next for those left behind?
The tribulation - Jesus tells us there has never been a time like it before and there will never be a time like it again. (Mark 13:19)
With a world in chaos people want somebody who can explain and put everything right. They want somebody with global authority and respect. A man of peace who can unite the world. He will be a man of charm and charisma and will accomplish such things that world leaders will willingly give him authority.

He is coming. The people will get what they want. He is the antichrist.

The world is being conditioned to expect and to welcome him and he is probably alive NOW.
In explaining this passage and a prophetic 'riddle' it is interesting to remember that this sermon was preached in 2005. Ian makes predictions which have been proven correct at the time of uploading (2016).

Listen to this sermon of 10th July 2005

REVELATION Ch. 13
(1) Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.
(2) Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.
. . .
(3) And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

Revelation 13 v 1 - 10

The Antichrist.

Ian talks more about the EU and the revised Roman empire. People of some countries have shown that they can unite and make a stand against the 'powers that be' but what will it take to get the world to unite?
A crisis is required. An event that will be opportunity for one world leader to emerge. The event will be the rapture. The world leader the antichrist.
The bible tells us the world will 'marvel' at this man. He will appear to die and come back to life.
The bible tells us people will 'worship' him. Why would they do that?
Ian explains these words and asks what is it that you worship - where does your allegiance lie?

Listen to this sermon of 17th July 2005

(4) So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"
(5) And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.

Revelation 13 v 11 - 15

The second beast.

We were created to have a relationship with God and man has an inbuilt desire to worship. With the fall of Adam the devil brought false religions to the world and wherever we go in the world today we find peoples still wanting to worship but often worshipping something other than God.

People cannot be made to worship by force. Their hearts and minds must be won - through belief - through religion.

Appearing as a humanitarian, a man of peace with a plan for unity of all people the Antichrist will be welcomed by people in shock following the rapture. World goverments will hand over power to him.

Ian gives us more insight into why people will worship the beast and of the second beast (known as the false prophet), the leader of a one world religion. One who appears "like a lamb" - meek and peaceful but will speak "like a dragon" - the devil.

Listen to this sermon of 31st July 2005

(11) Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.
(12) And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
(13) He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
(14) And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

Revelation 11 v 1 - 14

The Two Witnesses.

Since the beginning people have had an interest in the future. Some look to the occult but scripture tells us by prophecy exactly what will happen and has been proved to be 100% accurate.
We are reminded of what we have heard in the last few sermons regarding the rapture, the tribulation and the emergence of the antichrist and the second beast.

With all true believers gone in the rapture who is there on Earth to relate the true gospel?
God provides two witnesses who will perform signs and wonders but do miracles cause all people to recognise God? No.

We live in a generation where the whole world will know of these men and some will listen, repent and gain salvation. Most will not. Most will hate these men as God's word exposes sin and after 1260 days the world will see them dead.

Three-and-a-half days later these two dead men will return to life and the world will see them ascend to heaven.

Listen to this sermon of 21st August 2005

CHAPTER 11
(3) And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
. . .
(5) And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
. . .
(8) And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
(11) Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.

The Gospel Message

Ian reads Revelation Ch.12 but this evening he is moved to deliver the message of the gospel in a short concise sermon.
Satan is a real entity. We have all sinned and one day will stand before God for judgement - not for a trial where we plead a defence but for absolute and final judgement.
God's law states that the penalty is death. No fines, no second chance. The penalty is eternal.
We are all guilty and there is nothing we can do to change that but God has provided a way to forgiveness and salvation for us through Christ.
We are loved so much that Christ (who was without sin) took our punishment on behalf of all who would repent and accept Him as saviour.

Listen to this sermon of 28th August 2005

Revelation 12

Satan vs God.

The tribulation is coming. All Christians will have gone in the rapture and the bible tells us the 'restrainer' will be taken away. How will it be possible for people to be saved in such circumstances?
Ian takes us through Ch.12 starting with explanation of who the woman of verse 1 is.

Two themes run through the Old Testament. The coming of the Messiah as our saviour and how we were to recognise Him, and Satan's endeavours to prevent God's word being fulfilled.
Satan's plans - Stop the child being born - failed. Kill the child - failed. Prevent Christ's sacrificial death - failed.
What plan is he up to now? He attacks what is dearest to God.

Listen to this sermon of 4th September 2005

CHAPTER 12
(1) Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.
(2) Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.
. . .
(12) Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
(13) Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.

The Key to understanding Revelation.

Chapter 5

Many people struggle to understand Revelation but this evening Ian explains the 'key' to understanding which is given to us in chapter five.
As with others books we know the full title, we know who penned it and we are given a list of contents. The scroll (verse one) is God's battle plan containing all that will happen. Only He can open it. The seven seals are seven periods given in chronological order.
The seven bowls ARE the seventh seal and the seven trumpets ARE the seventh bowl.
Ian gives us an overview of the horrors and misery that will come in the tribulation.

Listen to this sermon of 18th September 2005

CHAPTER 5
(1) And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
(2) Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?"
(3) And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.

Revelation Chapter 14 v 6 - 13

A final opportunity to repent.

Ian reminds us of the messages brought in recent weeks. After the rapture comes the horrific time of the tribulation with billions of people dying.
There will be disease, disasters and nuclear war. Is there any hope for people during that time? God has His 'two witnesses', He has 144,000 in the world and He sends Angels. All people hear the gospel.
People will see the horrors around them, they hear the message of salvation but will they repent? God is patient - he gives us more than one opportunity but then the opportunity will be removed.

Listen to this sermon of 25th September 2005

CHAPTER 14
(6) Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth-to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-
(7) saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."

Revelation Chapter 14 and 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 v 1 - 12

The mark of the beast.

When this sermon was preached we had credit cards but not those we use now which need only be in proximity of the card reader. We had acts of terrorism but not on the scale we have now. We had 'identity theft' but not as it is now. The world is ready to accept a system that gives us security with our money and identity. A system that will combat infiltration by terrorists.

Implantation of a tiny microchip is the apparent solution to so many problems and it will be welcomed but what of the 'religious fundamentalists' who refuse to accept a chip? The same people will also refuse to worship the one the world sees as messiah - the antichrist - and the bible tells us they will be killed.

God repeatedly holds out His hand to offer salvation but many are even now hardening their hearts and may reach a point where hope is gone.

Listen to this sermon of 2nd October 2005

CHAPTER 14
(9) Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,
(10) he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, . . .

(11) And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 v 1 - 11

The Second Coming.

Every day we are one day nearer the return of Christ but Satan has sown confusion in the church as to future events.
God wants us to understand these things and we should be able to recognise the intensity and frequency of world events as the 'birth pangs' of what is to come.
Are you ready? Are you watchful, prayerful and sober?

Listen to this sermon of 23rd October 2005

1 THESSALONIANS Ch.5
(3) For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
. . .
(6) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

Revelation 16 v 12 - 16

Armageddon.

Hollywood has put into many minds what 'armageddon' may mean but Ian gives the correct version. This future 'battle' (v.14) is more of a war rather than a battle.
Ezekiel Ch.38 tells us some of those involved and in this sermon we learn the identities of Gog, Magog, Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, etc. We learn of the Islamic countries and who provides weapony.
The antichrist has his own military capability, "But news from the east and the north shall trouble him;" (Daniel 11 v 44). What news from the east?
What is the outcome of all this?

Listen to this sermon of 6th November 2005

REVELATION Ch.16
(14) For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
. . .
(16) And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

Revelation 19

The Second Coming.

At the end of the tribulation Christ returns. What happens then? The Earth quakes and cities fall but an escape route is provided for His people. No matter what situation we face God always gives us the strength to deal with it or a means of escape from it.
Christ has unfinished business. He will restore His people Israel to Himself and put an end to all gentile rule. He will judge all nations and He will set up His throne on Earth.
The bible identifies different judgements that are yet to come. Ian explains when and where they will occur and who will be present. Man likes to put people into groups. God sees only two groups and they will be separated as sheep and goats, those who have received Christ as Lord and Saviour and those who have not.

Listen to this sermon of 13th November 2005

CHAPTER 19
(11) Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
(12) His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
. . .
(21) And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 20

The Millenial reign of Christ.

What will life on Earth be like during the millenial reign of Christ? He will sit on a throne in Jerusalem and will administer perfect justice.
In the spiritual realm Satan is bound, Jesus is physically and visibly here, there are people in resurrection bodies and people in their natural bodies.
At the start of the millenium there are no unsaved.

There will be only one religion - that of believers. A new temple will be built and all nations will be required to go to worship the king.
In the natural realm the earth will be abundntly fruitful and topography will change, there will be a return of longevity and the constitution of animals will change.
Jesus will be king, ruling in peace and righteousness.
Do we understand the point of it all?

Listen to this sermon of 20th November 2005

CHAPTER 20
(1) Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
(2) He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
(3) and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.

Revelation 20 v 7 - 15

Love or Rebellion.

At the end of the millenium there will be rebellion against God - by multitudes. How can this possibly be on an Earth that is almost perfect?
Do we say it is all Satan's fault due to his release or does the responsibility lie with man?
Knowing what will happen why does God release Satan again?
How and why does this apply to us today?

Listen to this sermon of 27th November 2005

(7) Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison
(8) and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.

Revelation 20 v 11 - 15

Is your name in the Book of Life?

Who will be sat in judgement and who will be judged?
This passage refers to two groups of people, those whose names are written in the book of life and those who are not. This evening Ian talks about those who are not. Those who have rejected Christ.
Many have the idea that the good things they have done will outweigh the bad and that will result in a favourable outcome but that isn't what the bible says. Knowing that you are to be judged and that the penalty for breaking the law is the eternal torment of the second death would it not be sensible to look at what the law actually says and determine yourself whether or not you are guilty?
This is nothing to do with man's law but with God's. ALL men break God's law, that is they are sinners. The penalty for any sin is death BUT Jesus paid that penalty for all who put their faith in Him and repent.

Listen to this sermon of 4th December 2005

(10) . . . And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

(11) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.
(12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

Revelation 21 v 1 - 8

An introduction to Heaven.

What is heaven like? We have looked at previous prophecy in Revelation and can compare what is to come with things that we have some knowledge of but how can words describe to us something with which we have nothing to compare? For that reason some of these verses can be difficult to understand but in this introduction Ian dispels some false beliefs and gives insight as to the new earth we will occupy in our new physical bodies.

Listen to this sermon of 11th December 2005

CHAPTER 21
(1) Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
(2) Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.