Sermon Tone Analysis

INTRO:

Timeline:

These events take us into the 2nd uarter of the tribulation

The 7th seal sounds, and then the 7 trumpets begin.

As we progress through the book of Revelation, we see things grow more catastrophic.

God’s judgment will be poured out on earth.

Literal or Figurative:

Much debate arises over literal or figurative nature of the events.

Figurative-

hold that these events are symbolic descriptions of other things.

Literal events

Hermenuetics rules indicate that Scripture is to be considered literal unless clear evidence indicates otherwise:

such as a statement that it is parable

There is no indication that the book of Rev. is to be taken symbolically.

1st Trumpet

1/3 of trees and all green grass burned up

God’s judgment begins seriously.

What has God done in the past which is similar according to &

Ex 7:

How does this relate to the prophecy of Joel in 2:30-31?

2nd Trumpet

A great burning mountain falls into the sea

1/3 of the water turns to blood, 1/3 of the sea creatures died, and 1/3 of ships destroyed.

Many believe this to be an asteroid impact in teh Mediterranean sea.

Whether or not this is an asteroid, doesn’t change the fact that God sends this judgment.

3rd Trumpet

Rev.

This is likely another asteroid

scientists have looked at this passage and predict it could be a low mass asteroid that breaks up upon entering the atmosphere.

If the asteroid is toxic (like Arsenic), it could easily o exactly what this passage says.

1/3 of the water is poisoned by this.

4th Trumpet

1/3 less sun, moon, and stars

less bright

Possibly change in speed of earth’s rotation

Imagine how disorienting these first 4 trumpets would be:

a. hail/fire/blood rains down

1/3 of earth burned

1/3 of trees

all of the grass

b.

Mountain into sea

1/3 sea turns to blood

1/3 of marine life dies

1/3 of ships destroyed

c.

Wormwood makes water bitter

many die

d. light brightness and length of day and night change.

God’s judgment is falling on earth.

5th Trumpet/1st Woe

First comes the warning

The next 3 trumpets are also called woes.

An angel announces that you ain’t seen nothing yet!

As bad as the others are described, the next 3 trumpets will make them pale in comparison

Next, the trumpet is sounded

Imagine being stung by a scorpion and it hurts for 5 months.

Described as demons being released from the bottomless pit!

Apollyon, the ruler of the “locust demons” means destroyer

How do the following verses support ht theory that these are demons being discussed?

,

Their sting torments but not kills

Judgement is aimed at only humans

It is also aimed at only the lost

6th Trumpet/2nd Woe

4 demons set free from Euphrates River and kill 1/3 of the remaining population of earth.

200 million demons go with them

They emit fire, smoke and brimstone

Once again, believers are exempt from this judgment.

7th Trumpet/3rd Woe

Rev. 11:15-19

Like the 7th seal, this trumpet ushers in the 7 bowls which together are called the 3rd woe.

As the trumpet sounds, worship breaks out in heaven.

The eternal kingdom is pronounced.

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.

18 The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

God’s eternal nature is celebrated

God’s sovereignty is celebrated

God’s judgment is celebrated.