Revelation 1:1-8 summarizes the entire book, explaining the prophetic route: God gives the sealed scroll to Jesus who opens it. Jesus sends an angel with the open scroll to New John. New John testifies to this revelation from Jesus to people, nations, and kings. At the first coming, Jesus’ blood atoned for sin. At the second coming, his blood purchases a kingdom of priests. Jesus returns as a spirit with clouds (angels), not physically. His spirit works through New John, the “one who overcomes,” not replacing Jesus but testifying to what he fulfills. God prophesies as the Alpha and fulfills as the Omega. The symbolic language depicts how this revelation is being conveyed and fulfilled today.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

Memorization

Yeast of Heaven

No one can stop God’s kingdom. There’s an old saying that goes, “A train continues on its way no matter how much a dog barks at it”. Luke 22:28-29, Romans 8:17-18.

[Evangelist]

Isn’t this true? No one can stop God’s kingdom. God will not stop fulfilling His plan just because someone doesn’t believe and accept it. God’s kingdom will continue.

The question is, will we be on that train when it continues? Or are we going to be left behind?

As believers, we need to have complete faith. What does complete faith mean? 

Complete faith means believing everything that’s written. Complete faith means believing in the prophecy and its fulfillment. We should not stop just to acquire knowledge about the prophecy of Revelation. We need to have faith that this prophecy is being fulfilled.

Prayer that we are truly those who are in the train as the kingdom of God advances and not those who will be left behind.

[Instructor]

We’ll be studying Revelation 1:1-8 today. I’ll start with a quick prayer, then share my screen, and we’ll begin the lesson.

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, creator of all things and fulfiller of the promises in the book of Revelation, we thank you for allowing us to gather today. This is surely a blessing for many of this Class’s students who have been distinguishing good from evil and seeking a place to worship where the open word is given.

Thank you for providing this time for them in this class. Please continue to guide each of this Class’s students here today. We want to see your will done on earth as it is in heaven.

We believe the promises in Revelation are being fulfilled now, and their realities have appeared. Help us understand and perceive today’s lesson on Revelation 1:1-8. While knowledge isn’t everything, please help us have correct knowledge, faith, and actions appropriate for our time.

For those facing difficulties in their physical, emotional, or financial lives, or with family, please help and guide them to persevere. We know Satan will try to hinder us from receiving Revelation, as it’s the weapon to overcome the evil one. We pray to be sealed during this time.

Help us prepare the lamp and oil. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds and hearts that understand. Grant us a spirit of endurance, as we may be tired in this evening time. Please give us the extra push to finish until the end. We ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection

This is something you’re very familiar with – the four fields. It’s nothing new, right?

These four fields are the path, the rocky, the thorny, and the good soil. Remember, Jesus wasn’t talking about farming or planting physical seed in a physical field. He was talking about how people’s hearts react when hearing the word, when the seed is being sown. When the seed is sown, people’s hearts can be in one of these four conditions.

We covered this at the beginning of the course, but do you think it doesn’t apply to us now? It certainly applies to us even more now.

Luke 8:11 says, “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” Even if somebody receives the word, if there’s something they don’t understand, the devil comes and takes away the seed that God tried to sow in that person’s heart.

I don’t want the devil anywhere near my heart, and I think it’s the same for you, right? We have to make sure that when we’re studying, we understand very well.

How do we do that? The disciples were famous for it. They asked Jesus many questions: “Jesus, when will this happen? What do you mean by that, Jesus? Can you explain this to us, Jesus?”

They were good at asking questions because they didn’t want to be those who didn’t understand, but those who understood. We should do the same, but of course, there’s a proper time to ask questions. Don’t blurt them out in the middle of class. We’re trying to finish the lesson each day by a certain time.

There’s small group time, before and after small group time, one-to-one times, and phone calls with your evangelist. There’s always an opportunity to ask questions.

Your job is to make sure you don’t become the path. Don’t let the devil near your heart. Make the effort to understand. Studying the word is an active effort. It’s not done through osmosis – you can’t just passively hear the word, and it’ll suddenly be in you. Be very active with your life of faith, actively review, and take time to memorize verses, test questions, and notes.

Your evangelists are like coaches. Does everyone usually like their coach, especially when they’re saying, “Get up, time to exercise”? Nobody likes that, but it’s a form of love because your coach realizes you have far more potential than you can see in yourself.

If the evangelists are pushing you a little, it’s with godly pressure and the best intention of helping all of us enter the kingdom of heaven. Let’s not be the path. Let’s also not be the rocky.

Verse 13 says, “Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing, they fall away.” So, in reality, what does that look like?

We’re studying the word. We hear it and get excited about it. But then suddenly, something difficult comes into our lives. Hardships at work, in family, with friends, at school, or personally. Persecution might come. During these times of testing, we might say, “God, I’m done. I can’t do this anymore. It’s too much. I can’t keep studying the word.”

This represents the seed that fell on the rocky path – having a rocky heart. We must be careful with this, especially with the thorny field. Verse 14 says the seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and do not mature.

In reality, this looks like studying and hearing the word, which may even enter our hearts. But then suddenly, one of life’s worries, pleasures, or the deceitfulness of wealth begins to choke out the word that was once planted in us.

We must be careful with life’s worries, riches, and pleasures. For example, I had a student who was very focused on business. There’s nothing wrong with business, as people do it to sustain their lives. The problem was their reluctance to dedicate time to studying the word, justifying it by saying they had a business to grow.

We start making reasons to justify our actions, even when they differ from what the Bible says. Don’t you think if somebody dedicates their time to God, everything else will be well? It may not be as we imagine, but everything will be well. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you as well.”

We all, including myself and the evangelist, must be careful with the path rocky, the thorny, and become the good soil. The good soil represents those who hear the word, retain it, and, by persevering, produce a crop. We must become people who retain the word. It’s not easy, but with God, all things are possible.

Think of Moses. He was in his 80s when he was told to go to Pharaoh and say, “Let my people go.” Most movies picture him as someone in his 30s or 40s, but in reality, he was much older. It was only possible with God’s help. For you too, Harvest Class, with God’s help, anything is possible.

Finishing this class, possible. 100% attendance, absolutely possible. Memorizing Revelation 1:1-8, it’s possible. Don’t put limits on God or God’s work. We cannot measure God’s work with our own measure. God can do things far beyond our imagination.

Let’s study the word with diligence and tenacity until the end. We can do it with God’s help. On our own, we cannot, but with God’s help, we absolutely can.

In Revelation 7, God is the one who promised people would be sealed. The only way somebody can be sealed with the word is through God’s help. Right now, as you’re studying the word, who knows how many angels are helping you seal? We must understand that there are ministering spirits sent to help us.

There are many angels you can’t see that are helping you study now. They’re also watching how diligent you are. So check: Is your Bible in front of you? Is your notebook in front of you? Is your phone away from you? Unless you’re using it to study, of course.

Make sure there are no distractions and that you’re 100% focused on the word. Try to plan your dinner time around the class too. It’s awkward sometimes when I see people who should be spiritually eating, but they’re also enjoying pizza, steak, and chicken wings. Please be careful with that. We want to give God our full attention.

Rev 1:1-8: The Summarized Conclusion of the Entire Book of Revelation

You likely recall the title of Revelation 1:1-8. If you remember the title, you essentially understand the main point of the entire chapter.

Broadly speaking, Revelation 1:1-8 serves as both a summary and conclusion of the entire book of Revelation. It’s similar to the prologue in novels, which typically summarizes the main points, explains the author’s purpose, and guides readers on how to approach the book. The first eight verses of Revelation accomplish this same task.

These verses provide a summarized conclusion of the entire book. Understanding this summary means grasping the main points of the whole book, which is exciting news.

Many of us might have thought we’d never comprehend the book of Revelation. However, by God’s grace and because Jesus opened the scroll, we can now understand it easily. The process from God to Jesus to the angel to John has already been fulfilled, making it accessible to us today. You’ll realize that Revelation is not difficult to understand, not due to personal wisdom, but because of God’s grace and Jesus opening the scroll.

As children, we probably never imagined living in the time of Revelation’s fulfillment. We grew up normally, not considering such things. Yet, this is the era we find ourselves in today. What a blessing it is!

It’s comparable to living during the first coming when Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled, but even better. Why better? Because now God’s work is reaching its conclusion.

This is the time when God’s work comes to its fulfillment.

Key Points of Revelation 1:1-8

ONE – The route by which the revelation is conveyed.

One of the key points is the route through which Revelation is conveyed. This route begins with God, then moves to Jesus, to the angel, to John, and finally to many people, nations, languages, and kings, including you and me. Hallelujah. This is the route.

We can find this information in Revelation 1:1-3. While the entire book of Revelation is extremely important, if we were to select the three most crucial verses from the whole book, it would be these three: Revelation 1:1-3.

Why are these three verses so significant? They illustrate the route by which revelation is conveyed.

In other words, these verses show us how you and I can receive God’s words, the word of truth, at the time of the second coming. This is of utmost importance.

James 1:21 instructs us to do two things: 

1. We must get rid of all moral filth. 
2. We need to humbly accept the word planted in us, which can save us.

Humbly Accept

We are told to get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the word. How many in this class consider themselves humble?

When we receive the word, God desires us to have a humble heart.

There are two types of students: those who are humble and those who are prideful. Humility comes from God, while pride comes from Satan. If I am prideful, it is a characteristic of Satan that needs to be removed from within me. I must become more and more humble, and humbly accept the word.

Being humble also involves admitting when I don’t know something or when my understanding was incorrect. It’s not only about admitting mistakes but also being able to accept what is true. As the verse states, we should “humbly accept the word which can save you.”

To be Saved

Do we need the word to be saved? Yes, we do. James 1:21 tells us that the word is necessary for our salvation. However, we can’t receive lies and expect them to help our life of faith.

We must receive the truth, but not everyone has access to it today. According to Revelation, there’s only one way the truth will be made known to people: from God to Jesus, to the angel, to new John, then to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.

We might have thought that we could discover the truth by spending time alone with the scriptures, reading, praying, and asking for understanding. For historical and moral teachings, this might be true. However, when it comes to prophecies like the book of Revelation, God predetermines the path of understanding: from God to Jesus to the angel to New John.

Some might prefer the word to come directly to them, but this is a wrong thought. It’s contrary to and adds to the book of Revelation. This is what it means to “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

Let’s not ignore the first half of James 1:21, which says to “get rid of all moral filth.” What good is it if we’re receiving the open word, yet our morals don’t change? Shouldn’t we become more morally upright people if we’re receiving the word?

If we’re eating healthier and exercising, our bodies naturally reflect those changes. The same applies spiritually. If we’re receiving the open word, our morals should improve. We should become kinder and more forgiving.

If we’re receiving the word but our morals aren’t changing, we must question whether the word is truly entering our hearts. Our morals should change along with our understanding of the word.

Personal Story

I’ll share a personal example, though I can’t believe I’m telling everyone this.

My family used to consider me the angriest person among them. However, after taking this course, they became interested in what I was studying because they noticed I wasn’t as angry anymore. I had learned to forgive many people and pray for them. I also realized I had a lot of filth that others needed to forgive me for, and Jesus forgave me as well. The point is, the word should change us too. I cannot receive the word and continue with my old bad habits.

We are the Representatives of Mount Zion

These habits have to change. If I have really bad habits, I can’t be in Mount Zion. Why not? Mount Zion represents God’s kingdom. Don’t we all represent God’s family? We must be good representatives of God’s family.

Here’s another example. At one point in my life, I worked at Chick-fil-A. One of their rules was that every time you greet someone in the drive-thru, you have to say, “It’s a great day here at Chick-fil-A, how may I serve you?” You couldn’t simply say, “Hello, can I take your order?” You had to say the whole sentence. Also, when someone said “thank you,” you couldn’t say “you’re welcome.” You had to say “my pleasure.” It’s different nowadays, but that’s how it was when I worked there.

Why was this? Because they considered their employees as representatives of their company. Similarly, we’re becoming God’s representatives, so let us represent Him well, both within the class and outside of it.

Let our families and friends see the change that this word is giving us. Amen.

1 – Revelation of Jesus Christ → Jesus opens the scroll

In Revelation 1:1-3, we see “the revelation of Jesus Christ” mentioned. It’s important to note that “revelation” here is written with a lowercase “r”. Remember, there are three types of revelation:

1. Vision revelation
2. Fulfillment or actual reality revelation
3. False revelation

This particular revelation is called “the revelation of Jesus Christ”. Why? Because revelation means to open and show, and in the book of Revelation, Jesus is the one who opens each of the seals of the scroll. He opens it, which is why it’s called the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Jesus opens the scroll, and Apostle John, on the island of Patmos, recorded the prophecies of the book of Revelation.

Verse 1 states, “the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him”. It continues, “to show his servants”. God gives the scroll to Jesus to open it, ultimately to make it known to the servants. What kind of people does God want and need today? Servants – people who can help God do his work.

The verse goes on: “the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant, John.”

God (Rv 5) → Jesus (Rv 6,8) → Angel (Rv 10:1-2) → Servents

The servant →  Prophecy → Apostle John. 

When revelation is fulfilled, who receives the open scroll through this process?

The servant → Fulfillment → New John (Rev 10:8-11)

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to show his servants what must soon take place, was made known through an angel sent to his servant, John. When fulfilled, New John testifies to everything he saw. In essence, New John’s role is to testify.

New John, as a servant, serves God and Jesus. His testimony is not limited to just one or two people, but reaches many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.

Many people hear the open word, but not everyone who hears it becomes a servant. Some reject it, while others are indifferent. Verse 3 states, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it because the time is near.” Although many have the opportunity to hear the revelation of Jesus Christ, only those who hear it and take it to heart can become servants.

For servants, there are two groups:

GROUP ONE – 144,000 sealed | Revelation 7:3-4

In verse 3, we see that a seal will be placed on the foreheads of the servants. Verse 4 then specifies the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the 12 tribes of Israel. This group of 144,000 represents the first group of servants.

Where can these 144,000 be found? According to Revelation 14:1-3, they are gathered on Mount Zion.

Given this information, if someone today claims to be a servant of God but is not on Mount Zion, we must question whether they are truly serving God. The answer would be no; they are serving Satan instead.

It’s important to note that God and Jesus promised to be on Mount Zion. Similarly, the servants of God and Jesus were also promised to be on Mount Zion.

Cheating

If someone claims to serve God and Jesus but doesn’t attend Mount Zion on Sunday, they should reflect on who they’re truly serving and worshipping. One of the worst things a spouse can do is cheat on their partner. Couples often debate what constitutes cheating, trying to find that “line.” We must also consider this from a spiritual perspective.

As brides of Christ, we should only receive the spiritual seed that comes from God and Jesus. If we receive the open word on weekdays but attend a place where the word is sealed on Sunday mornings, do we think God will be okay with that? It’s like catching your partner with someone else and them saying, “We didn’t do anything.” That doesn’t make you feel better, does it?

Similarly, telling God, “I know I’m receiving an open word in this class, but the place I worship on Sunday mornings doesn’t have the open word. You understand my situation, right?” won’t make things better with God. We must reflect on this because we don’t want to spiritually cheat on God or receive a different seed than the one we’re supposed to. As brides of Christ, we need to be faithful.

God promised His word or seed would be given through a specific process. Pastors shouldn’t claim they received the word through theology school; they should say they received it from an angel, as stated in Revelation 1:1-3. Let’s discern and be thankful to God because we understand things today that many people long to understand but can’t.

The disciples didn’t know who the faithful and wise servant was because it wasn’t for their time, but we know. They didn’t understand what Jesus meant by “flee to the mountain” because it was meant for us and our time today. Glory to God! Let’s not take this class lightly but persevere until the end. Amen.

The first group of servants is the 144,000.

GROUP TWO – Great Multitude in White | Revelation 7:9-14

Revelation 1:1-3 covers many chapters of the book. For instance, the sealed scroll in God’s right hand appears in Revelation chapter 5. Jesus opens the scroll in two chapters: Revelation 6 and 8. We see an angel with a little scroll in his hand in Revelation 10:1-2. In Revelation 10:8-11, we witness one person, New John, receiving and eating the open scroll.

These three verses essentially summarize the entire book of Revelation. They encompass chapters 5, 6, 7, 10, and 14, all within just three verses. These verses are crucial because they reveal how we, in our time today, will receive God and Jesus’s words.

This raises the question: Has the word been opened, and are we receiving it now or not yet?

If we are indeed receiving the word now, it implies that at least up to Revelation 10 must be fulfilled. This is significant, as it’s only one chapter away from 50% of the book being fulfilled.

2 – Remember OPAGH, Parables

To understand Revelation 1:4, and indeed the entire book of Revelation, it’s essential to remember OPAGH: Objects, People, Animals, Geographical Locations, and Historical Events. God uses these elements as parables to describe future events.

Revelation 1:4 states, “John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia.” This verse is connected to Revelation chapters 2 and 3, where the letters to the churches are sent. It serves as a summarized conclusion to the entire book of Revelation.

To the 7 Churches → 7 People

In Revelation 2 and 3, letters are sent to the messengers of the 7 churches. Remember, Revelation is prophecy recorded in parables. Is it talking about letters sent to physical churches 2,000 years ago? Or is there something else being discussed, hiding a greater plan for God?

Did you know that churches or temples can also represent people? As stated in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you?” So, a temple or church represents a person or people.

What about a spiritual country or nation? It represents a church. Jesus is called the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but physically, He was not a king. Jesus had the role of a shepherd. Therefore, a spiritual king is a shepherd, and the kingdom or nation that shepherd rules over is the church belonging to that king.

Jesus, called King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was not physically a king holding a scepter in a castle ruling over a big kingdom. He had the role of a shepherd, pastor, or teacher. The kingdom or nation He ruled over was His church. Today, there are many pastors who are like spiritual kings, and their kingdom or nation is the church they rule over.

So, when it says “to the seven churches in the province of Asia,” it’s talking about seven people in one kingdom.

Second Coming → 7 Messengers

Seven people are present in one church. During the second coming, seven messengers have the role of preparing the way.

When Revelation is fulfilled, as we will learn in Revelation 2 and 3, Revelation 4:1 discusses the event of letters being sent. These letters are not addressed to seven physical churches in a physical kingdom or nation. Instead, they are parables that represent seven spiritual churches, which are seven people in one spiritual nation, constituting one church. This is symbolized by the seven golden lampstands. We will cover this topic in more detail, of course, in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, which we’ll begin exploring after the next class.

3 – Role of Jesus Blood

In Revelation 1:5-6, it states: “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

The passage continues: “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” This refers to Jesus. It further says, “And has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father, to him be glory and power forever and ever.”

First Coming – Atonement of Sin

When we consider Jesus’ blood, we often focus solely on events from 2,000 years ago during the first coming. However, it’s important to note that Jesus’ blood plays a significant role throughout the book of Revelation.

A question arises: What is the function of Jesus’ blood in this context?

The passage states that Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people. This sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin occurred at the first coming.

It then mentions that he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

At the first coming, the role of Jesus’ blood was the atonement of sin.

Second Coming – Purchase a kingdom and priests

How about today, at the second coming?

In Revelation 5:9-10, it mentions a new song being sung. The song declares Jesus’ worthiness to open the scroll and its seals because He was slain. What does Jesus’ blood do according to this passage?

It says that with His blood, Jesus purchased people for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation. He made them a kingdom and priests to serve God, and they will reign on earth.

For the second coming, Jesus’ blood is used to purchase a kingdom and priests. This happens only when Revelation is fulfilled, not before that time.

Today, God’s kingdom is Mount Zion, where you’ll find 144,000 making up 12 tribes. We can say God’s kingdom is the 12 tribes of new spiritual Israel during Revelation’s time. The priests or teachers within that kingdom are the 144,000 servants who are sealed and singing the new song.

If you’re confused about how the 12 apostles’ names become the names of the 12 tribes of new spiritual Israel, ask your evangelist to explain it again.

Today, Jesus’ blood is used to purchase a kingdom and priests. Many people claim to be purchased by Jesus’ blood, but if they don’t belong to God’s kingdom, is what they’re saying true? The answer is no.

Living a life of faith should be objective and based on the Bible, not subjective or based on personal thoughts or feelings. Some people dislike this idea, calling it legalistic. However, God gave us the Bible so we could live according to it.

Evangelist Don often asks, “Who am I according to Revelation?” and “Who am I according to the Bible?” This means we should examine our beliefs in light of Scripture. If someone claims to be purchased by Jesus’ blood but doesn’t know which tribe they belong to or where Mount Zion is, that’s problematic.

As stated in Revelation 18:1-3, God’s people are drunk with the maddening wine of adulteries and need to find the promised place: Mount Zion and the 12 tribes. We must discern daily if we’re living a life of faith, according to Revelation.

It’s crucial to learn Revelation chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Don’t take any word mentioned here lightly or as a joke. This is the time we’re living in now. If someone is purchased by Jesus’ blood, they should be on the mountain, living a life of faith according to Revelation’s promises.

4 – Jesus comes with a cloud → Spiritually

Verse 7 states, “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him, so shall it be.” This verse mentions Jesus coming with a cloud.

Often, when people hear this explanation, they interpret it physically. They imagine that on the day of the second coming, they’ll hear a trumpet and then see Jesus moving through the sky on a cloud.

However, Revelation is a book of prophecy written in parables. When it says Jesus comes with a cloud, it’s not meant to be taken literally. We shouldn’t expect to look outside and physically see Him on a cloud. Even then, people assume they would easily recognize Him.

It’s important to note that we weren’t alive 2,000 years ago. We’ve never seen Jesus face to face. How would we recognize someone we’ve never seen?

To be frank, I’m not saying this to criticize anyone. I’m simply asking, how would you recognize Him? Even the images people create today are made by individuals who haven’t seen Him either.

Is the Spirit working with whom? 

How can we recognize Jesus when He comes? It’s said that He comes with a cloud, riding on the clouds. This isn’t a physical cloud, but a figurative representation.

Currently, Jesus is a spirit, not flesh as He was 2,000 years ago. In Revelation chapter 1, which we’ll study next time, His appearance is described figuratively. His eyes are like blazing fire, His feet like bronze, and His voice like rushing waters. Have you ever met someone with such features? No, because this represents Jesus in spiritual form.

When it says Jesus comes on a cloud, remember that clouds represent spirits. Jesus comes as a spirit with many spirits. For example, Matthew 24 mentions that after the sun, moon, and stars go dark, Jesus comes with angels to harvest. This illustrates Jesus coming as a spirit with other spirits.

If Jesus is a spirit, how can we listen to Him or hear His words? We must remember that spirits work through people. However, a significant problem today is that everyone claims Jesus’ spirit is working through them. Shouldn’t there be biblical evidence to support such claims?

We can’t rely solely on people’s words. If Jesus’ spirit is truly using someone today, they should know about the hidden manna, the white stone, the iron scepter, and that Jesus is working on Mount Zion. We must test people according to their words.

Just because someone says Jesus’ spirit is working through them doesn’t make it true. We must test. But when Jesus’ spirit is actually working through someone, people often have a problem with it.

This back-and-forth is similar to the first coming when the Pharisees claimed God was with them, but when God was actually with Jesus, everyone had an issue. Today, many claim Jesus is working, speaking, and teaching through them. However, Jesus only promised to give the iron scepter, hidden manna, and white stone to one person. Only one receives the open scroll and must give it to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.

When Jesus chooses someone, what kind of person do you think they would be? Worldly or godly? Humble, a person after God’s own heart. I believe all of you have that heart, which is why you’re here. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Jesus’ spirit only works through New John.

Jesus promised to work through the one who overcomes, known as New John. However, it’s important to understand that Jesus wouldn’t choose just anyone; this person must have a genuine heart for God.

Today, Jesus comes as a spirit, invisible to our eyes. Yet, we can see the flesh through which the spirit works. Remember, the spirit is greater than the flesh.

Let’s be clear: New John is a servant, and Jesus is the master. The master is greater than the servant. New John does not replace Jesus; he is not Jesus. New John is appointed by Jesus, who remains the master.

There is no one greater than Jesus. This distinction is crucial to understand. Some people may study and disagree, claiming that we teach that the new John is Jesus. This is incorrect. The Bible never states that new John is Jesus or replaces Him. The relationship is clearly defined as master and servant.

Here’s a secret of heaven: I’ve never heard anyone testify more about Jesus than New John. In every sermon, he mentions Jesus, testifies to His blood, and acknowledges the martyrs’ sacrifices. He always emphasizes that he’s a servant, not the master.

Isn’t it comforting to know that someone is promised to serve Jesus, not just claim to do so? It’s better to have biblical evidence supporting this service rather than merely guessing.

You can’t see the spirit, but you can see the flesh, like a mascot. If you punch the mascot, you’re also punching the person inside. So, if someone says they love Jesus but rejects the concept of new John as the one who overcomes, it’s problematic. The “one who overcomes” in Revelation 2 and 3 wasn’t written by me; Jesus recorded it. Let’s believe in Jesus’ words.

Now, we’re done with Revelation 1:8.

God promises, and then He fulfills them.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and is to come, the almighty.” This refers to Alpha and Omega. In the Greek alphabet, Alpha is the beginning, and Omega is the end.

How does God begin His work? What does He do first? He prophesies. God tells the end from the beginning, and then He fulfills it. 

God prophesies and then fulfills. When it says that God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, it means God is the one who promises and fulfills His promise. That’s the kind of God we serve.

Someone who fulfills all the promises they make is trustworthy. God, too, because He fulfilled every single promise He’s made, is trustworthy. So, let’s believe in God 100 percent.

Let’s also believe in the fulfillment that God is taking part in, actually fulfilling today – Revelation’s fulfillment. 

Today we’ve covered Revelation 1:1-3, which is the summarized conclusion of the entire book of Revelation.

The most important part is this one here. This is the most important, verses 1 through 3.

Memorization

Let’s Us Discern