TOPIC: TAKE IT TO HEART

OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me spiritual insight into the truth of your word as I study it.

Introduction to the Book of Revelation
Apostle John wrote this book at a time of persecution when the Roman authorities were enforcing the cult of Emperor worship. John wrote primarily to the seven churches in Asia asking them to reject compromise and to resist the Emperor worship firmly. While Genesis tells the origin of things, Revelation discloses what the end will be.

God began all things, and it is He who will bring the world to an end. He, and not Emperor, is in control of events that happen in the world. At the end, Christ will return to put an end to the world as we know it. The book is full of symbols and imageries that are rather complex to interpret. You are, therefore, advised to read and meditate on it with extreme caution.

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1:1‐8

 MESSAGE

The book of Revelation exposes the future? “what must soon take place” (v.1). God’s future plans affect us in the present. Although this revelation is addressed to “the seven churches in the province of Asia”, it is ultimately meant for all Christians who must “hear it and take to heart what was written in it” (v.3).

Can you identify the Trinity in vs.4 and 5 noting that “the seven spirits” is another name for the Holy Spirit? The figure “seven” symbolizes completeness and perfection, which are attributes of God. God revealed His plans through His Son, Jesus (v.1). Hebrews 1:1‐2 identifies Christ in God’s communication with humanity (cf. John 1:1‐4).

If God speaks to us through His Son, then we must speak with Him through His Son only? no other medium. V.5 mentions three more attributes of Jesus that enable us to know Him better. Notice the benefit promised in v.3.

Doers of the Word are blessed while hearers only deceive themselves (James 1:22‐25). V.7 has a great deal in common with 1 Thessalonians 4:16‐18 and gives us a comforting hope. By describing Himself with the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet Alpha and Omega (v.8), God Almighty reveals His eternal existence (See Introduction).

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Scripture Union Daily Guide 1st August 2022 Closing Prayer
• Lord, I thank you for your revelation in the Bible. Help me to take to heart everything that is written in it, apply it to my life, and always obey you.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with Jeremiah 31:3

One Year Bible Reading Plan
Isaiah 22‐24.

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN

Mon, 01-Aug-2022

PRAYER FOCUS

OPEN HEAVEN
The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the works of your hands…
Deuteronomy 28:12

THANK GOD FOR:
☀ Being our God and always faithful to care and provide for His children.
☀ Bringing us unto another month where we can safely depend on Him for our protection, provision and love.

PRAY FOR:
☛ Grace to be faithful and true to God in all your dealings with Him and with men from now on.
☛ Provision and security for yourself and your family and the brethren in this month.
☛ Deliberate decision to continue in your fellowship with God and the brethren this month.

PRAY AGAINST:
⚠ Going down in health, spirituality or finance this month.
⚠ Any distraction that will make the heavens to become closed to you and to the brethren.