The question was raised in Rev. 6:17 whether any would be saved when the great Day of God's wrath has come. This is answered in Revelation chapter 7. Two classes or groups of the saved are now mentioned:

1. the servants of God numbering 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:1-8), and
2. those of all nations who, though saved spiritually, are martyred (Rev. 7:9-17).

Chapter 7 is a parenthesis between the sixth and seventh seals (Rev. 8:1), revealing those who are faithful to Christ during this tribulation time.

The opening of the seventh seal is a most important event, confirmed by the fact that there was silence in heaven for about half an hour after it was opened. The contents of the seven trumpets are different from the seven seals. The seventh seal is important because it actually includes all the events from Rev. 8:1 through Rev. 19:10.

The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. Satan or this demonic angel was given a key to the shaft of the Abyss or the bottomless pit. The Abyss or bottomless pit is a place in the depths of the earth where evil spirits were thought to be imprisoned (Luke 8:31). Satan then is pictured as opening the lid or the door (that can be closed or locked) to this Abyss, so that demons can be released to inflict men and women on the earth.

This angel is pictured as robed in a cloud, having a rainbow above his head, his face brilliant with glory like the sun, and with his legs... like fiery pillars. John added that the angel held a little scroll and stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. At the same time he shouted like the roar of a lion. The scene is certainly one to inspire awe, and when this angel shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. John was forbidden to record what the seven thunders said. Someone in heaven said, "Don't write what you heard; do not reveal or tell it." While Revelation is primarily designed to reveal and not to conceal God's purpose and future events, some revelation was kept hidden as illustrated by God's prohibiting John to write what "the voices" of the seven thunders said.

An amazing variation of interpretations of this portion of Scripture have been offered. Some say this chapter is one of the most difficult in the whole book of Revelation. The best guideline to follow in interpreting this section is to take each fact literally. In line with this principle there will be a literal temple. The city should be considered the literal city Jerusalem. The time periods of 42 months (v. 2) and three and one-half days (vv. 9,11) again should be considered literally. The earthquake will kill literally 7,000 individuals, and the two witnesses should be considered as two individual men.

Christ commissioned his followers to preach His gospel with signs and wonders. Learn how we have authority and power to preach the gospel.

In this second teaching in the Table Talk series I talk about the implications of following Jesus. I think very few of us understand this concept. I believe we need to re-examine our presentation of the gospel and follow the model given to us in scripture.

In this teaching we discuss how the harvest is not the problem. What we need are workers in His harvest to say and do as our master commanded.

In this teaching we look at how Paul preached the gospel of the Kingdom and we see this pattern continue through the book of Acts.

In this teaching we talk about how sin put us under Satan's domain, but the cross legally secured God's ownership of the individual and granted the forgiveness of sins.

In this teaching we talk about the conversion of the apostle Paul. You may be surprised by what Jesus commands Paul to do! Acts 9:1-19; Acts 22:6-16; Acts 26:12-20

In this teaching we talk about what the apostle Paul had to say about his own baptism. You may be surprised! Rom 6:1-7; Col 2:11-12; Gal 3:26-27.

In this teaching we talk about what the Apostle Peter says to those who want to follow Christ. He instructs them on what they must do to come into the salvation that God has provided.

What message did the early church hear from the Apostles? How did people respond to the salvation invitation? You will be surprised!

In this teaching we discuss how water baptism was proclaimed within the preaching of Jesus. Check it out for yourself! Acts 8:26-39

In this teaching we talk about how the church needs to be restored to preach and demonstrate the gospel of Christ once again.

In this teaching we discuss how the Apostle Paul in Acts 19 asked believers if they received the baptism with the Holy Spirit when they believed. They knew nothing of this subject just as many know nothing of this subject today.

What is the purpose of speaking in tongues? Why has the devil fought against this particular gift more than any other? Find out as we examine closely the scriptures on this particular subject.

Our commission from Christ is to heal the sick, cast out devils and preach the gospel. Why do our churches teach differently?

Can a Christian turn back to the world and be lost? In this teaching we will explore this question and consider the warnings of the Scriptures.