Note: this is an excerpt from Revelation 8 in the full lesson Pastor Chuck explains in full the structure of the book of Revelation. He chose to delve into the seventh seal where Jesus opens the seal leading to a moment of silence in heaven; a quiet before the storm. Pastor Chuck paints this as the eerie calm that precedes the destructive judgments coming with seven trumpets' sounds.In the first part of "Revelation Chapter 8", after the silence, John sees seven angels before God given seven trumpets. Another angel steps forward with a golden censer and much incense to offer with the saints' prayers on the golden altar before God's throne. Pastor Chuck underscores the importance of the earthly tabernacle symbolism to understand the heavenly counterpart. He equates saints' prayers to pleasing fragrant incense to God. As the silence breaks, the angel fills the censer with altar fire and casts it to the earth, thus, initiating the judgments.As per Pastor Chuck, the first four trumpets indicate the foreboding judgments on earth where hail, fire, and blood burn a third of earth's flora, a third of the sea turns into blood destroying creatures and ships, a great star called Wormwood falls, bittering water sources, leading to many deaths and a third of natural celestial light is darkened. The sermon concludes with Pastor Chuck stressing that these are merely preliminary judgments with worse yet to come as indicated by the announcement of upcoming woes.Indeed, he believes in the rapture happening before the tribulations, providing a way of escape and emphasizing on being prepared for the Lord's return. He invites the congregation to strengthen their relationship with God and assures them of guidance in these testing times. He concludes the sermon with the recital of the Lord's Prayer, embodying community and unity.
JUNE 2024
We here at ‘The Word For Today: Pastor Chuck Smith’,
As we pray for you, our listening audience, we ask the Lord for His guidance on what to publish.
Since not all video messages are available, due to damage caused by age,
We hope that those we are able to upload bless you.
Please pray that we continue to be faithful in this wonderful work of God.
Also, please share these with your loved ones to share the hope and salvation found only
in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our goal is to reach the world for Jesus.
Therefore, we are uploading Pastor Chuck’s messages.
"For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ.”.
Ephesians 4:12 kjv.
We thank you for your patience, prayers, and Agape-love.
May God Bless you and yours in Christ Jesus;
Maranatha,
The - Pastor Chuck Smith Word For Today - Team