Weekly Cell Notes
Cell Notes for W/C 5th February 2012
What awaits the Christian?
Read Revelation 6:1-11. John tells us more of what has been revealed to him: Jesus, who is both lion and lamb, proves to be the one who can break the seals on the scroll. As the seals are broken, a series of disasters are released. What are these disasters and would they still seem like disasters if they were unleashed on us today?
Those who first heard John would recognise these disasters as classic judgements from God. Look up Jeremiah 14:12, Ezekiel 14:21, Zecheriah 1:8, Romans 12:19, Luke 21:22 and Matthew 24 verses 6-8, 9-14, and 29-30.
The shocking events are brought into the world by the four horsemen of the apocalypse. We wouldn’t recognise the significance of this. If John were writing today, how might such events be heralded?
Under the altar are the martyrs, those who have died for God, waiting to be avenged. Is Christian martyrdom a modern reality?
Today’s Christians are often taught about God as a loving father to gentle Jesus, meek and mild. How do we reconcile this with a picture of a vengeful God who is willing to cause suffering?
Commentators tell us this is actually a picture of hope. What evidence of hope can you find in the passage? How is it made plain that God is in charge and his intention is to put matters right?