Revelation--week of April 17

#30—A Flood of Lies
Note: John 4:22--"You worship that which you do not know; we worship that which we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
Jesus was born a Jew because salvation is from the Jews
1. Emphasis in this message is Rev. 12:12-17.
2. What is Gen. 3:1-24 about?
3. We have already seen that the seals, trumpets, and bowls remind us of the Exodus plagues. What part of Exodus should the following phrases remind us of and what specifically does each refer to?
Persecuted woman; into the wilderness; poured water like a river out of his mouth & be swept away with flood; earth drank up river
(Exodus 14 & 15)
Rev. 12:13-16-- And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. And the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, in order that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth.

4. PS says that there are 3 different images given in 12:12-17. What are they?
The following questions concern the 1st image (pursuit & escape of woman)
a. Who is the persecuted mother
b. Nehemiah 9:11-- "And Thou didst divide the sea before them, So they passed through the midst of the sea on dry ground; And their pursuers Thou didst hurl into the depths, Like a stone into raging waters.
Who is pursuer here?
c. In verse 14 how is woman rescued & what in Exodus does this correspond to?
5. PS gives 5 other examples in scripture besides the one in Rev. 12 where this Exodus imagery of divine intervention is used. List 3 of them—either write out or summarize the verse.
6.We often think of wilderness as a place of deprivation & suffering. What is there in scripture that supports idea of it being a place of nourishment?
How are we nourished by God today?
How long was she nourished for? (12:14, 6)
7. The following questions concern the 2nd image (flood & drinking of water by earth).
a. What does the water like a river represent?
b. What is serpent’s principle tool?
c. How does he deceive?
d. How was the woman saved?
8. What is the point of the 1st image? What is the point of the 2nd image?
9. The following questions concern the 3rd image (angry war against the woman & the rest of her offspring)
a.Who are the rest of the woman’s offspring?
b.What is the mark of the offspring?
c.What is the difference between the woman is 12:1 AND 12:6, 14, & 17? What is the significance of this?
d.How is the 3rd image different from the first two? Why?
10.What applications does PS make?
11. What Psalm was sung after the message & why?
12. Is there anything else in this message that you would like to discuss?
13. What application did you make from this message?

Revelation==week of April 10

#29-Satan is Cast Off!
1. What is Rev. 12:1-17 about?
2. What is Zechariah 3:1-10 about?
3. What followed the enthronement of Christ?
4. Who were the opponents in the war & who won (12:7-9)

5. Where else in the Bible do we see Michael and what does he do?
NOTE: Verses relating to Jesus defeating Satan
Mark 3:27--"But no one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house.
Luke 11:20-22--"But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own homestead, his possessions are undisturbed; but when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied, and distributes his plunder.
Heb. 2:14-- Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil;
1 John 3:8--the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
Col. 2:`14-15-- having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
6. Why did Christ send Michael to fight Satan instead of fighting him Himself?

7. Rev. 12:9 talks about the dethronement of Satan. What are the 4 names given to him in this verse?

8. What are the Greek words for Satan & demon and what does each mean?
NOTE: PS says Devil deceives us into sin and then Satan accuses us before God of that sin
Satan can no longer accuse God’s people as in Job 1:9f; 2:4f; Zech. 3:1f
9. What do heaven & earth do after Christ enthroned & Satan dethroned? (12:12)
Rev.12:12--"For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time."
NOTE: Satan is thrown out of court as our adversary & Christ is seated in court as our advocate
1 John 2:1--My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous
1 John 3:8 says Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.
With his obedience he destroys deceptive temptation
With his cross he destroys sin
With his resurrection he destoyed death
With his enthronement he destroyed accusation
With his return He will enforce all His fullness
10. What Psalm was sung after the message?

11. Anything else you would like to discuss?
12. What personal application did you make?

Revelation-- week of April 3

Questions only #28—The Sorrows & Joys of Birth
1. What is Rev. 12:1-17 about?
2. What is Isaiah 66:1-24 about?
3. Remember John is weaving together all kinds of pictures from the OT. If you don’t understand Revelation from standpoint of OT what does PS say the result is?

NOTE: Things on earth are copies of things in heaven and will not come to fulfillment until heaven comes to earth with the 2nd coming of Christ (discussed in Rev. 21)
NOTE: This chapter begins a new section. We just finished the section on the 7 trumpets.
NOTE: This section is a between the scenes picture—it shows the deeper conflict behind what is happening on earth

4. How many figures are there in this section (12:1-15:4), what are they, & what is the significance of this?
5. What is the woman a symbol of & how do we know this?
6. What is the significance of the following phrase describing the woman?
*“clothed with the sun & the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars”—
7. What does the great red dragon (vs. 3) represent?(Answer is given in vs. 9) Where in OT do we see similar imagery?
8. Why is it red?
9. Why does it have 7 heads & 7 diadems?
10. What is the significance of 1/3 stars of heaven being swept away in 12:4?
11. List three of the examples of the dragon “devouring the child” which PS gave from scripture.
NOTE: Satan wants “child” killed because of Gen. 3:15—he knows it will crush his head
12. Who is the child? (12:5)
13. Where did the woman flee to (12:6) and what is the significance of this? Please discuss the following phrases: into the wilderness; a place prepared by God; nourished; one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
Rev. 12:6--And the woman fled into the wilderness where she *had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
14. John 16:19-22--Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, "Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you will not behold Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me’? "Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned to joy. "Whenever a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she remembers the anguish no more, for joy that a child has been born into the world. "Therefore you too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away from you.
What travails and births does PS discuss under the heading “II. The Sorrows & Joys of Birth”
15. What does PS sat that God is testifying to with our suffering?
16. What Psalm was sung after the message? Why?
17. Is there anything else in this message that you would like to discuss?
18. What personal application did you make?

Revelation--week of March 27

#27—The Last Trumpet!

1. What is Rev. 11:1-19 about?
2. What is Exodus 15:1-21 about?
3. The 7th trumpet is the last trumpet. What does PS say is the significance of the last trumpet?
Rev. 11:15--And the seventh angel sounded; and there arose loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever
1 Cor. 15:52--in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
2 Sam. 18:16--Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.
2 Sam. 20:22--Then the woman wisely came to all the people. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, each to his tent. Joab also returned to the king at Jerusalem.
4. `PS repeatedly tells us that the 7 trumpets are reminiscent of the 10 plagues sent to Egypt before the Exodus. Why were 10 decreased to 7 and is there an OT basis for this?
5. What are the two main ideas of why there are 3 sets of 7 (7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls) and
Which does PS think is correct?
6. What is the difference between the last 3 trumpets & the three woes?
7. PS says Daniel sees the end of the beginning. What does he say John sees?
8. What 5 points does PS make under the heading “The Kingdom Come”
9. What chiasma does PS see in the final judgment (final & perfect justice to wicked) of 11:18
What is 19a about?
10. Rev. 19a--And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple,
11. Where else in scripture do we see the destruction of the wicked in the presence of God?
12. What is Rev. 19b about?
Rev. 19b--and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
13. What proofs does PS give that Christ will not always be gracious in His rule even though He presently is?
14. Whose example does PS say we should follow?
15.What Psalm was sung after the message & why?
16. Anything else that you would like to discuss?
17. What application did you make?

Revelation #26--week of March 20

#26—For So They Persecuted the Prophets

1. What is Rev. 11:1-19 about?
2. What is Ez. 37:1-14 about?
3. What does PS say heavenly worship & earthly life symbolize?

NOTE: Many witnesses are discussed in Rev.: Jesus Christ (1:5; 3:14), John (1:9), Antipas (2:13), those who had been slain (6:9). The 2 witnesses in 11:3-13 are reviewed on this tape and then new material is discussed. Can you answer the folowing questions about them?
4. What is the significance of there being 2 instead of 7 lampstands as in chapter 1?
5. Where were they standing (vs. 4) and why?
6. Where did their power come from?
7. Were these 2 witnesses calling people to repentance?
8. What were they wearing (11:3) and exactly what is sackcloth?
9. What 2 things does PS call this?
10. In addition to speaking out against unrepentant sinners, these 2 witnesses were also called to endure persecution of these unrepentant sinners. When persecuted what defense do they have and how long does it last?
*Rev. 11:5-6--And if anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies; and if anyone would desire to harm them, in this manner he must be killed. These have the power to shut up the sky, in order that rain may not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.
2 Kings 1:10--And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty." Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
Jer. 5:14-15-- Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, "Because you have spoken this word, Behold, I am making My words in your mouth fire And this people wood, and it will consume them."Behold, I am bringing a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel," declares the LORD. "It is an enduring nation, It is an ancient nation, A nation whose language you do not know, Nor can you understand what they say.
*Rev. 11:7--And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them.
11. What will happen after these 2 prophets have finished the work of prophesying which God gave them to do?
12. What happens after the 31/2 days?
13. What happens in 11:13 (and in 6:12-17)?
14. How can you perseveringly pursue the profits of prophets?
15. What was the final Psalm?
16. Anything else you would like to discuss?
17. What application did you make?

Ancient History--weeks of March 13-17 and 20-24

Ancient Rome (I used the Bob Jones World History book--you can use whatever history reference you have)
1. What two geographic features of Italy were the opposite of Greece’s geography?


2. Where did the early inhabitants of Italy come from (several places)?


3. On a map identify: Apennine Mountains, Alps, Tiber River, Rome, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Carthage, Spain, Rubicon River, Actium. You don’t need to do this all at once but print out a map of the Mediterranean Sea and mark these things as you read about them.
4.According to legend when and how was Rome founded?



5.The basic unit of Roman society was the same as that of our society which is the
family. What are the two social classes into which early Roman society was
divided?


6.The Roman Republic began with the overthrow of the Etruscan king in 509 B.C.
The two main political offices were the consuls and the members of the Senate.
How many of each were there, how long did they serve, and what was the
function of each?



7.Initially the patricians held all the power. How did the plebians gain some power
for themselves?



8. What authority did the Council of Plebians have?


9.The unwritten law was written down around 450 B.C. and called the Law of Twelve Tablets. What is the significance of this?


10.With these changes that took place over about 200 years the distinction between plebian and patrician became less important. What new class distinction appeared?


11.Where does the term “Pyrrhic victory” come from?


12.Like Athens in Greece, Rome became the leading city in Italy. By 265 B.C. Rome controlled the entire Italian peninsula. How did Rome treat her conquered subjects?


13.Who was Rome’s principal enemy after they gained control of the Italian peninsula?
14.What do you know about this enemy city? Location, origin, strengths?



15. What were the 3 wars fought between these cities from 264 B.C. to 146 B.C.
called? Why?
16. Who was the most famous Carthaginian general? How did he invade Italy?


17. Even though Hannibal defeated Rome in many battles on the Italian peninsula, he
never captured Rome. Why?


18.What was the outcome of the final Punic War?


19.What was going on in the eastern Mediterranean during the Punic Wars?




During the 200 years before the birth of Christ the foundation of the republic was shaken. It had functioned well until the vast expansion of Rome’s power. Economic problems were caused for the small farmers who had to spend so much time fighting. As a result discontent arose between the classes and there were 3 civil wars. The first ended with Sulla declaring himself dictator. He used his power to return power to the Senate and then resigned. After Sulla’s death in 78 B.C. Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar all competed with one another for power. In 60 B.C. they joined together to form the triumpherate (means rule of 3 men) to rule Rome together.

20. What did Julius Caesar do between 60 B.C. and his death in 44 B.C?



21. Who ruled after Julius Caesar’s assassination?

22. What famous woman charmed Antony?
23. What battle is said to mark the end of the Roman republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire? Who fought and who won?


24. The Roman Empire was already an “empire” before Octavius became ruler but it is called an empire instead of a republic from this point in history. What are the dates considered to be the beginning and end of the Roman Empire?

25. What was the Pax Romana?



26. Who gave Octavius the name Augustus? Why?


26. What did the Romans do in Israel in 70 A.D.? Who was the emperor at that time?

27. What happened after the Pax Romana ended?

Revelation, week of March 13-March 17, 2006

#25—Heavenly Citizens, Earthly Aliens

1. What is Revelation 11:1-19 about?
2. What is Zechariah 1:12-2:13 about?
3. PS says Revelation is an apocalyptic book. How does he describe apocalyptic?
4. What argument does PS make in support of his contention that Revelation was written after the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D.?
5. What does PS say is significance of measure & not measure in Rev. 11:1-2
6. In Rev. 11:1-2 what was measured & what was not measured?
7. What is significance of having 2 witnesses (11:3)
8. What do the two lampstands & the two olive trees (see Zech. 4:2-6) represent?
9.Why are there just 2 instead of the 7 of Rev. 1:20?
10. What is purpose of both book (10:11)& lampstands (11:9, 6, & 7)?
11. What is significance of fire that proceeds from mouth? (11:5)
12. What OT men are we reminded of in 11:6 and what do each represent?
13. The temple is a place of protection so that the testimony can be given. What is significance of court outside the temple?
14. PS says 2 witnesses manifest the gospel of God both by their words & by their lives. How do their lives manifest glory of God.
15. PS says the time references in chapters 11, 12, & 13 form a chiasma. What does he mean by this and what does he say is core of it?
16. What conclusion does PS come to when he compares 10:5-6 & Dan. 12:7?
Rev. 10:5-6--And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT, that there shall be delay no longer,
Dan. 12:7--And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.
17. PS makes analogy between heaven & earth and measured & unmeasured. What is it?
18. Anything else you would like to discuss?
19. What Psalm was sung after the message & why?
20. What application did you make?

Revelation week of March 6-10

Questions only #24—Eat the Book!

1. What is Rev. 10:1-11 about?
2. What is Ez. 1:26-3:15 about?
3. What are the 4 parts of Revelation?
4. What are the 2 interludes & what are they about?
5. Why does PS think the open book in chapter 10 and the sealed book in chapter 5 are the same?
6. What is the mystery of God in 10:7?
7. Why is book first sweet and then bitter?

*similar sweet-bitters
prophets found word sweet but were persecuted because of it (bitter)
some receive word with joy (sweet) and then fall away (bitter)
Romans 7:22--For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, (sweet)
Romans 7:23-- but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war
against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in
my members. (bitter)
8. What does PS say is the purpose of the command to eat in 10:9?
9. What Psalm was sung at the end & why?
10. Anything else that you would like to discuss?
11. What application did you make?

Ancient Literature for week of March 6-10

Please remember for our discusion the week of March 6 (we will meet March 6 or March 8) you are to have written a short paper on Aesop and bring a list of 10 favorite fables with a related Bible vefrse. You are also to bring the topic sentence for your term paper. We will also be discussing Rev. 23

Now to the new assignment:
Read "The Apology" (which was handed out in class) and answer the following questions.
1. Who wrote The Apology?
2. Who is speaking in it?
3. What does calumny (first word on page 427) mean?
4. Who is the oracle at Delphi? Who did he say was wisest of all?
5. What was Socrates’s initial reaction to this? What was his final conclusion?
6. Do you think the majority in our country would agree or disagree with Socrates? Would postmodernists agree or disagree?
7. What were the accusations made against Socrates?
8. On page 434 what does Socrates say will convict him if he is convicted?
9. On page 435 why does he say it is foolish to fear death?
10. Does Socrates’s statement on 436 (from lines 11-17) starting with, “All I do is to go about” express a Christian truth? How about his statement on page 435, “I will obey god rather than you.”?
11. On page 436 Socrates uses 2 metaphors.
12. Do you think Socrates accepts the truth taught in Romans 3:23? (see page 438).
13. Does the Court find Socrates guilty or innocent? What was the vote? 281 to 220.
14. What does Socrates say would be the just penalty? (p 442)
15. On page 445 Socrates says death is one of two things. What are they? Is he correct? Why or why not?
16. What final request does Socrates make of the Court?
17. What is the final line of the Apoogy?

After finshing "The Apology" I want you to read Aristophanes "The Cloud". Just read over it get the basic idea of it and enjoy some of the humor. I want you to write out three things in it that you found funny and also write how it ends.