Bible Studies, Inspired by Faith and Science

9: Revelation 13:1 – 15:8: Reading from the Scroll – 6 more signs Imagine the story of heaven and earth being read, but the truth is beyond human words and we struggle to understand. Now imagine the words read so beautifully, so powerfully, that we can see the images—the signs—in our minds. But the truth is beyond human images too; the picture is filled with symbols and we struggle to comprehend. 2. Deception of False Government: Revelation 12:18-13:10 brings back memories of the beasts Daniel 7 . Daniel’s beasts • A Lion /eagle/human • A tusked Bear • A Leopard with 4 wings and 4 heads and • A Ten horned monster with iron teeth and bronze claws. Revelation 13:2 : 2And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. Daniel’s prophesies : The beasts in Daniel represented governments of the world… • 4 kingdoms (beasts) lead up to final war against God’s people. • A little horn on last beast boasts, • oppresses God’s people ...

8: Revelation 12: Reading from the Scroll – The First Sign At this point in Revelation’s heavenly worship service, the readings from the scroll begin. The messages are told through pictures of the history of creation and salvation. Old Testament images, contemporary “apocalyptic” images, numerical symbols and Christian symbols all intertwine to create a fascinating story. But if we try to read it as “reality” we end up struggling to give rational meaning to pictorial symbolism, and risk missing the message—just like an alien trying to understand why Batman’s fist should create star-shaped patterns in the air with “BAM” and “POW” written across them. List of Signs 1. A History of Salvation. The dragon and the child. 12:1-17 2. The Deception of False Government. The beast from the sea. 13:1-10 3. The Consequences of False Religion. The beast from the earth 13:11-13:18 4. The Union of Heaven and Earth. The 144,000. 14:1-5 5. God’s answer. 3 angels. 14:6-13 6. God’s Harvest. 14:14-20 7. Sa...