What are characteristics of a memorable worship service? The Vision of Heaven: What are characteristics of a memorable worship service?

The Scroll Placement – Right Hand The Throne Room: The Scroll Placement – Right Hand Description – Writing in and out, sealed What is it? Options: Book of life, OT, Bill of Divorce, Contract deed, Book of Decrees Right hand – “in”, preposition that means more “on” than in, open palm. Pictures God waiting for someone to come and open it – HIS SON! What is it? Brings in Son of God – Lion Brings in Redeemer – Lamb Brings Worship when it is claimed! Redemption – Luke 21:28 Combination of Contract deed and book of decrees seem to be best fit. Seals = show completeness – fulfillment of the divine plan Writing inside and out – Daniel 12:8,9 - sealed, Rev. 22:10 – Open Jeremiah 32:9-15 – Jewish custom of Contract Deeds!

Who is Worthy? Question from angel No one worthy John Weeps…Why? The Throne Room: Who is Worthy? Question from angel No one worthy In heaven, Earth, or Under Earth John Weeps…Why? Angel – possibly Gabriel – known for announcing Heaven, Earth, Under Earth – foreshadows the universality of the proclamation – No one has the power to open book. John weeps – at postponement of redemption!

The Lion… Messianic Pictures The Throne Room: Gen. 49:10; Isa. 11:1 Possibly – 12 Tribes and 12 Apostles = whole of Redeemed. Also – 24 Orders of the priesthood – 1 Chron.24:4,5

The Lion is the Lamb Position – between creatures and throne The Throne Room: The Lion is the Lamb Position – between creatures and throne Standing – As one who has been slain. Horns and Eyes – Power and Wisdom “Went and Took” Standing/Slain – Perfect tense. Emphasizes the sacrificial work of Christ. “Having taken his stand”; “having been slain” Standing – Active, he is doing the action Slain = slaughtered. – Passive, done to him Went = aorist, past – incarnation. Took = perfect – active, His action has effects! Isa 53 – Eph. 1:4

Worship! Creatures and Elders – Fall down New Song – Ps 98:1 The Throne Room: Worship! Creatures and Elders – Fall down New Song – Ps 98:1 Song of Worth More join in – Uncountable number All of creation – Luke 19:36-40 Elders – Harps and bowls of incense – Harps = worship; bowls of incense = prayers of the saints New Song – happens at NEW EVENTS Not new in time – but in quality! – Kainos Song of worth: Slain – historical fact; Purchased people for God – Interpretation of Fact; 1 Cor. 6:20; Made to be kingdom of priests – Result of the fact. Same song of worth is ascribed to God on the throne, and Jesus the lamb – Strong Christology – I and my Father are I – John 10:30 Angels join in – myriad = 10,000 All of Creation = climax of redemptive work – whole of creation is praising God!

“Chapter 5 has revealed a central truth that governs the entire book of Revelation. By his sacrificial death the Lamb has taken control of the course of history and guaranteed its future. He alone was worthy to break the seals and open the scroll of destiny. The hosts of heaven break out in jubilant song honoring the redemptive work of the Lion who is the lamb…This vision of the grandeur of the triumphant Lamb prepares John to share with his readers the more solemn aspects of the judgments that lie in the future. A vivid portrayal of the one who has won the crucial battle against sin supplies the confidence that in the troubled times to come there remains a hope that is steadfast and sure.” Robert Mounce, The Book of Revelation

Who or what is worthy to receive your worship? Takeaway Thought.