The Book of Revelation:

The Book of Revelation:
Preparing for The Second Coming Part I

Statements and Quotations
“Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. “Isolated statements are often taken out of context, leaving their original meaning distorted.” —The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Approaching Mormon Doctrine(May 4, 2007) "As I say, it never ceases to amaze me how gullible some of our Church members are" -Harold B. Lee, "Admonitions for the Priesthood of God", Ensign, Jan 1973

Statements and Quotations
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “The voice of the First Presidency and the united voice of those others who hold the keys of the kingdom shall always guide the Saints and the world in those paths where the Lord wants them to be.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Ensign, July 1972) Boyd K. Packer: “Even with the best of intentions, [Church government] does not always work the way it should. Human nature may express itself on occasion, but not to the permanent injury of the work” (BYU Devotional and Fireside Speeches, 1990–1991 (Provo, Utah: University Publications, 1991), 84.)

“Whenever God gives a vision of an image, or beast, or figure of any kind, He always holds Himself responsible to give a revelation or interpretation of the meaning thereof, otherwise we are not responsible or accountable for our belief in it.” “The book of Revelation is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 290.)

The Isle of Patmos

The Isle of Patmos “John received this revelation during a difficult time for members of the Church. During this time, there was intense persecution toward the Saints and apostasy and divisions among Church members. All the Apostles except John had been killed (according to Tertullian, John was banished after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it. It is said that all in the audience of Colosseum were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle). Emperor Domitian, who had reinstituted emperor worship throughout the Roman Empire, exiled or executed those who did not worship gods approved by the Roman government and John was exiled to the island of Patmos for that reason” (New Testament Seminary Student Manual, 2015).

Story Time! PLEASE DO NOT SAY THE NAME OF THIS STORY OUTLOUD….

Wants pawn term, dare worsted ladle gull hoe left wetter murder inner ladle cordage honor itch offer lodge dock florist. Disc laddle gull orphin worry ladle cluck wetter putty ladle rat hut, en fur disc raisin pimple caulder ladle rat rotten hut. Wan moaning, rat rotten hut’s murder colder inset, “Ladle rat rotten hut, heresy ladle basking winsome burden barter and shirker cockles. Tick disc lady basking tudor cordage offer groin murder hoe lifts honor udder site offer florist. Shaker lake, dun stopper laundry wrote, and younder nor sorghum stenches dun stopper torqur wet strainers. “Hoe-cake, murder.” respendent ladle rat rotten hut, end tickle ladle basking on stuttered oft. Honor wrote tutor cordage offer groin murder, ladle rat rotten hut mitten anolmalous woof. “Wail, wail, wail,” set disc wicket woof, “evenescent ladle rat rotten hut. Wares or putty ladle gull goring wizard ladle basking?”

How is this experience similar to reading scriptures?

A look at the book of Revelation
Revelation has it’s own outline Revelation 1:19 Write the things which… REFERENCE TOPIC Thou hast seen Revelation 1 Jesus Christ Are Revelation Churches Shall be hereafter Revelation 4-22 The 7 Seals

Gerald N. Lund: “The basic structure of the vision is chronological. After seeing the Father and the Son in heaven (Rev. 4–5), he sees the first thousand years of history in rapid-fire form. Then he sees the opening of the sixth seal, which includes the restoration of the gospel. (See Rev. 6:12–7:17.) “After that, John sees the seventh period of a thousand years, with great judgments poured out upon the earth, including Armageddon (see Rev. 8–9, 11, 16), which eventually lead to the utter overthrow of Babylon (see17–18) and make way for the second coming (see 19). Immediately following that, John sees Satan bound and Christ reigning for a thousand years (see 20:1–6), a last great battle between the forces of righteousness and evil (see 20:7–10), and the final judgment (see 20:11–15). Finally, a new heaven and a new earth are brought forth. (See 21:1–22:5.)” (“Seeing the Book of Revelation as a Book of Revelation,” Ensign, Dec. 1987, 52). The Promise: Revelation 1:3

The Second Coming “The most often mentioned event in the entire Bible is that wonderful, yet awful experience that we will have when Jesus Christ shall come to judge our world. There are many important gospel doctrines mentioned in the Bible only briefly, and some not at all. Being born again is mentioned in the Bible 9 times; baptism is mentioned 52 times, repentance is mentioned 89 times… “…But the Second Coming of Christ is mentioned over 1,800 times. If God thought this subject that important, he must have wanted us to do something about it” (Sterling W. Sill, in Conference Report, Apr. 1966, 19).

Chapter 1 Jesus Christ

Revelation 1: Jesus Christ
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day…” (Revelation 1:10) What do you do to be “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s day?

Revelation 1: The Lord’s Day
Principles of Sabbath Worship Does it bring me closer to God? Is it unselfish? Does it keep me ‘unspotted’ from the world? Does it stop someone else from keeping the Sabbath?

Do you prepare for and strive to keep the Sabbath Day holy?
Application for Preparation Do you prepare for and strive to keep the Sabbath Day holy?

Scan Revelation 1:4-18 looking for a symbol. Revelation 1: 16‑18
Vs SYMBOL INTERPRETATION 4 Seven spirits Servants or leaders over the seven churches in Asia 6 Kings and priests Those who receive exaltation in the celestial kingdom 8 Alpha and Omega First and last letters of the Greek alphabet, representing Christ’s eternal role in God’s work 12 Seven candlesticks The seven churches that are to hold up the light of the gospel (see Revelation 2–3) 16–17 Right hand Covenant hand and symbol of power; Christ holds the seven churches in His right hand 16 Seven stars Another image representing the servants or leaders over the seven churches Sharp, two-edged sword The word of God, pronouncing judgment on the wicked and freeing the innocent 18 Keys of hell and of death Keys that unlock the doors of (overcome) spiritual and physical death Scan Revelation 1:4-18 looking for a symbol. Revelation 1: 16‑18 Seven Stars in the Right hand Leaders of our churches are in the Lord’s hand “Candlesticks carry light; they do not create it. Their function is to make it available, not to bring it into being. So by using seven candlesticks, the Lord is showing that his congregations on earth are to carry his light to the world. Christ is the Light of the world. ‘Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do.’ (3 Ne. 18:24; Matt. 5:14–16.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1965–73], 3:442).

“The faithful witness” (vs 5) “The ruler of the kings of the earth” (v.5) He “loves us” and He “washed us from our sins in his own blood” (v.5) The “Alpha and Omega” (vs 8) “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;” (v.14) “His feet like unto fine brass and his voice as the sound of many waters.” (v.15)

Jesus Christ was “in the midst of the seven candlesticks,” (Revelation 1:13). During His mortal ministry, Jesus promised, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Doctrine and Covenants 38:7: “Mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me.” President Henry B. Eyring ”The Lord watches with us. He who sees all things, whose love is endless, and who never sleeps—He watches with us” (“Watch with Me,” Ensign, May 2001, 39).

“The faithful witness” (vs 5) “The ruler of the kings of the earth” (v.5) He “loves us” and He “washed us from our sins in his own blood” (v.5) The “Alpha and Omega” (vs 8) “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;” (v.14) “His feet like unto fine brass and his voice as the sound of many waters.” (v.15)

Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8) “These letters from the Greek suggest the universal role of Jesus. He ought to be our Alpha and Omega...In every choice we make, he ought to be our point of reckoning. He should be the very brackets of existence. We should not stray outside him.” (Elder Holland, Sept 1974 Ensign)

Application for Preparation
Do you feel that the Savior is the center of your worship and the center of your life?

Revelation has it’s own outline Revelation 1:19 Write the things which… REFERENCE TOPIC Thou hast seen Revelation 1 Jesus Christ Are Revelation Churches

Chapter 2-3 7 Churches

REVEALATON 2-3: Letters to 7 Churches
Unwilling to bow to Caesar and to worship him, Polycarp was tried in the presence of a mob before the governor and told to curse Christ. His reply was simple: “86 years have I served him, and he hath done me no wrong; how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me?" The governor persisted: "I have wild beasts; if thou repent not, I will throw thee to them." Polycarp replied, "Send for the beasts!" Again the governor spoke: "If thou dost despise the wild beasts, I will make thee to be consumed by fire." Polycarp courageously answered, '"Why delayest thou? Bring what thou wilt." The governor’s messenger instructed the assembled multitude to burn him alive. Timber and kindling were brought and Polycarp was thrown to the flames.

We should be true “at all times, in all things, and in all places (Mosiah 18:10-18). Smyrna

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) The church had forsaken its “first love” (Rev 2:4). Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) “Ye shall have tribulation.” (Rev 2:10) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) Seek for ‘hidden manna’ (Rev 2:17). EXODUS 16

Manna Rules: Exodus 16:16-26 Cross-reference: Numbers 11:4-8 lust vs desire? Numbers 11:18-20, 31-33 For the Strength of Youth, “Sexual Purity”, 4th paragraph Cross-reference: D&C 63:16 (three things lusting causes) Opposite of lust? HINT: (It’s not ‘love’) See D&C 121:45-46 What three things can charity create?

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) The church had forsaken its “first love” (Rev 2:4). Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) “Ye shall have tribulation.” (Rev 2:10) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) Seek for ‘hidden manna’ (Rev 2:17). White stone? Doctrine and Covenants 130:8–11

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) The church had forsaken its “first love” (Rev 2:4). Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) “Ye shall have tribulation.” (Rev 2:10) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) Seek for ‘hidden manna’ (Rev 2:17). Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) “Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication…” (Rev 2:20). Those who overcome Jezebel did so “with the word of God”

Application for Preparation Are there any Jezebels in your life?
Do you feel that your study of the scriptures is enough to overcome powerful Jezebel-like temptations? Thyatira

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) The church had forsaken its “first love” (Rev 2:4). Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) “Ye shall have tribulation.” (Rev 2:10) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) Seek for ‘hidden manna’ (Rev 2:17). Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) “Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication…” (Rev 2:20). Those who overcome Jezebel did so “with the word of God” Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) “Remember what thou hast received and heard...” (Rev 3:3)

What is the most important word in the Dictionary?
“Remember” appears 240 times in the Book of Mormon. “It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of you have made covenants… our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day, to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray that they ‘may always remember him,’… ‘Remember’ is the word. ‘Remember’ is the program” (Spencer W. Kimball, Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, 147).

“When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen: My testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. “I urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness...You might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life? And then find a way to preserve that memory for the day.” (Ensign, October 2007) President Henry B. Eyring

How well do you remember the Lord throughout each day? How do you personally record the Lord’s dealings within your life? Sardis

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) The church had forsaken its “first love” (Rev 2:4). Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) “Ye shall have tribulation.” (Rev 2:10) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) Seek for ‘hidden manna’ (Rev 2:17). Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) “Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication…” (Rev 2:20). Those who overcome Jezebel did so “with the word of God” Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) “Remember what thou hast received and heard...” (Rev 3:3) Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…” (Rev 3:10).

Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…” (Revelation 3:10).

“We live in a world offering fast food, instant messaging, on-demand movies, and immediate answers to the most trivial or profound questions. We don’t like to wait. Patience is a precious and rare virtue. Patience is a purifying process. Our Heavenly Father knows what every good parent comes to understand over time: if children are ever going to mature and reach their potential, they must learn to wait.” (Ensign, May 2010)

How is your level of patience?
Application for Preparation How is your level of patience? Philadelphia

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) The church had forsaken its “first love” (Rev 2:4). Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) “Ye shall have tribulation.” (Rev 2:10) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) Seek for ‘hidden manna’ (Rev 2:17). Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) “Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication…” (Rev 2:20). Those who overcome Jezebel did so “with the word of God” Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) “Remember what thou hast received and heard...” (Rev 3:3) Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…” (Rev 3:10). Loadicea (Revelation 3:14-22) “Thou art neither cold nor hot…So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Rev 14-16)

Through a system of aqueducts, water was piped to Laodicea from Hierapolis (hot springs) and Colossae (cold springs). When these two rivers reached the Laodiceans, it was tepid and lukewarm.

7 Churches Marion G. Romney: “There are those among us who are trying to serve the Lord without offending the devil” (Brigham Young University devotional, September 1955). “Too many of us are not committed to fully living all the commandments. Bidding Babylon farewell is our obligation. We can’t keep a summer cottage in Babylon” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

What is your current gospel temperature reading?
Application for Preparation What is your current gospel temperature reading?

Revelation 3:20 A Home Teacher was visiting his families. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door…. At church the next Sunday, the mother of the family came up to him, sheepishly handed him his card back and saw she’d added to it, "Genesis 3:10." Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in laughter… “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

“One day [an artist named Holman Hunt] was showing his picture of‘ Christ Knocking at the Door’ to a friend when the friend suddenly exclaimed: ‘There is one thing wrong about your picture.’ “‘What is it?’ inquired the artist. “‘The door on which Jesus knocks has no handle,’ replied his friend. “‘Ah,’ responded Mr. Hunt, ‘that is not a mistake. You see, this is the door to the human heart. It can only be opened from the inside.’ “And thus it is. Jesus may stand and knock, but each of us decides whether to open” (The Miracle ofForgiveness [1969], 212).

Chapters 4-5 Vision of Heaven

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Chapters 4-5 WHAT JOHNSAW CROSS-REFERENCE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Throne (Revelation4:2–3) Doctrine andCovenants 137:1–4 Twenty-four elders with crowns (Revelation4:4) Doctrine andCovenants 77:5 Seven Spirits of God (Revelation4:5) Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation 4:5 (in Revelation 4:5,footnote a) Sea of glass (Revelation4:6) Doctrine andCovenants 77:1;130:6–9 Four beasts (Revelation4:6–7) Doctrine andCovenants 77:2–3 Beasts’ many eyes and six wings (Revelation4:8) Doctrine andCovenants 77:4

Book Sealed with 7 Seals Revelation 4:3-9 Animals from other worlds (D&C 77:2-3) Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “The four beasts were four of the most noble animals that had filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect: they were like angels in their sphere. We are not told where they came from” (in History of the Church, 5:343–44). Revelation 4:10-11 They throw their crowns down at his feet Do you have any crowns? Revelation 5:10 - what will he do with all you give him? President Ezra Taft Benson: "Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace."

Have you given your crown to the Lord? Do you, for example, wear a crown of popularity? The crown of creativity or fashion or intellect? Have you give it to the Lord?

Book Sealed with 7 Seals Revelation 4:6. “A sea of glass”
“While at dinner, I remarked to my family and friends present, that when the earth was sanctified and became like a sea of glass, it would be one great urim and thummim, and the Saints could look in it and see as they are seen” (in History of the Church,5:279). President Brigham Young : “This earth will become a celestial body—be like a sea of glass, or like a urim and thummim; and when you wish to know anything, you can look in this earth and see all the eternities of God” (in Journal of Discourses, 8:200; see also D&C 88:17–20, 25–26; 130:6–9).

Book Sealed with 7 Seals “The Lord’s throne is surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:9) STORY: Elder McConkie

Chapter 6 6 Seals

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

7 Seals Overview ANSWER: Revelation 7
REVELATION 6:2 1st White Purity BC Adam and Enoch REVELATION 6:4 2nd Red Violence BC Noah REVELATION 6:5 3rd Black Starvation BC Abraham/ Joseph REVELATION 6:8 4th Pale Death 1000BC-0 Alexander the Great REVELATION 6: th AD Early Christian Martyrs Revelation 6: th AD Seal Our day! Revelation 6:17 Who can stand during the sixth seal? ANSWER: Revelation 7

Chapter 7 The Faithful

Cross-reference with Helaman 5:12
Revelation 7:1 “I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree…” Cross-reference with Helaman 5:12

President Wilford Woodruff: “Can you tell me who the people are who will be shielded and protected from these great calamities? Those who honor priesthood. None but those who honor priesthood will be safe from their fury.” Milton R. Hunter, Pearl of Great Price Commentary: A Selection From the Revelations, Translations, and Narrations of Joseph Smith,

Priesthood What does the Suffix “hood” means?
Hood = Added as a suffix, it shows a current condition or state Motherhood = A condition or state of being a Mother Childhood = A condition or state of being a child Neighborhood = The condition or state of being neighbors in a proximity

PRIESTHOOD What is does Priesthood mean?
Answer: The quality or state of being a Priest. Ask: What is a Priest? Bible Dictionary: Priests are mediators between man and God. What is ‘Priesthood’? The condition or state of being a mediator between man and God.

Do you sustain and honor the Priesthood? Do you sustain the Prophet and Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators? Do you sustain your Stake President? Do you sustain your Bishop?

The Sixth Seal Revelation 7:2-3 How many are sealed up?
“Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand? A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the Church of the Firstborn.” (D&C 77:11)

The Sixth Seal “There will be twelve thousand chosen out of each of these tribes, one hundred and forty-four thousand in all [see Revelation 7:4-8; D&C 77:11]. Chosen for what? So that the power of death and pestilence and plague that will go forth in those days sweeping over the nations of the earth will have no power over them. These parties who are sealed in their foreheads will gather up and hunt out the house of Israel, wherever they are scattered, and bring as many as they possibly can into the Church of the firstborn, preparatory to the great day of the coming of the Lord. Quite a host of missionaries.” (Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 18:25)

The Sixth Seal “Seal” is the same term used earlier in the New Testament to describe faithful, baptized Saints who had received the Holy Spirit of Promise (see 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). Bearing this seal protects the faithful from divine judgments upon the wicked (see Revelation 9:4; 16:2). In this sense, the seal of God in the forehead symbolizes a protection much like the lamb’s blood that ancient Israelites in Egypt placed on their door frames to protect them from the destroying angel (see Exodus 12:13).

The Sixth Seal “The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the sealing of the faithful in their foreheads ‘signifies sealing the blessing upon their heads, meaning the everlasting covenant, thereby making their calling and election sure’ (in History of the Church, 5:530)” (New Testament Student Manual [Church Educational System manual,2014], 544).

The Sixth Seal Which kingdom will be the largest? (Let’s vote…)
Celestial? Terrestrial? Telestial? (Outer Darkness?) Revelation 7: How many are there?

Grace is not the light at the end of the tunnel.
Grace is the light that moves us through the tunnel. Grace doesn't help us earn heaven. Grace helps us learn heaven Grace is not about filling gaps. Grace is about filling us. Grace doesn't just save us from sin. Grace saves us for heaven. Grace isn't just a favor He gives to us. Grace is an investment He made in us.

Grace doesn't just cleanse us.
Grace transforms us. Grace does not just allow us to go home to heaven. Grace helps us feel at home when we reach heaven. Grace is not achieved down the road. Grace is received right now. Grace doesn’t make up the difference. Grace makes all the difference. Grace is not a finishing touch. Grace is the Finisher’s touch.

Is your view of the Godhead accurate? (He’s rooting for you!)
Application for Preparation Is your view of the Godhead accurate? (He’s rooting for you!)

The Sixth Seal Revelation 8:1 Silence for the space of half an hour
"What is meant by the half hour of silence has not yet been revealed. If it is to be reckoned on the basis of "the Lord's time" of 1000 years to a day, the duration would be some 21 of our years." (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, ], 3: 499.)

What if I have questions and can’t find the answers?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson explained, “I have been forced to turn to God for help almost daily over an extended period of years. This taught me truly how to pray and get answers to prayer and taught me in a very practical way to have faith in God. I came to know my Savior and my Heavenly Father in a way that might not have happened otherwise. I have learned to trust in the Lord with all my heart” (Elder Neil L. Anderson, October 2012 General Conference).

What if the answer doesn’t ‘fit’?
Some of you struggle with certain doctrines or practices of the Church, past or present; they just don’t quite seem to fit for you. I say, so what? That’s okay. You’re still young. Be patient, but be persistent. Keep studying them, thinking about them, and praying about them. Everyone has questions. I suppose even the prophets themselves had and have some questions. But don’t throw away the jewels you do have in the meantime. Hold on to them; build on them. Did you know that the two greatest intellectual achievements of the first half of the last century (the General Theory of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics) are in some points in conflict with each other? They cannot both be right in every detail. Yet scientists rely on both of these theories every day to advance scientific knowledge, knowing that someday the differences will be understood, reconciled, and corrected.

Like the scientist who uses relativity and quantum mechanics, we do not discard the gospel or our testimony because not every piece “fits” today. Years ago a Church leader used the following metaphor: Have you ever watched a stonemason build a rock wall? He will sometimes pick up a rock that just does not fit anywhere in the niches in the wall. But does he abandon the wall and walk away? No, he simply sets the rock aside and keeps building until a niche appears where it fits and then proceeds until the wall is finished. So perhaps should we temporarily set aside questions that we continue to struggle with and that we cannot quite seem to answer today, having faith that at sometime in the future a niche will appear in the rock wall of our testimony where they fit perfectly.

Don’t abandon the rock wall of your testimony because one or two rocks don’t seem to fit. (Elder Richard G Hinckley, 15 May 2007 BYU Devotional).

Chapter 8-9 Six Judgments

The Sixth Seal “When the testimony of the Elders ceases, the Lord will say to them, "Come home; I will now preach my own sermons to the nations of the earth." All you know the sermon that will be preached with fire and sword, tempests, earthquakes, hail, rain, thunders and lightnings and fearful destruction. You will hear of magnificent cities, now idolized by the people, sinking in the earth,. The sea will heave itself beyond its bounds, engulfing mighty cities. Famine will spread over the nations, and nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and states against states” (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 8:123).

Revelation 8 D&C 77:12 Q. What are we to understand by the sounding of the trumpets, mentioned in the 8th chapter of Revelation? A. We are to understand that as God made the world in six days, and on the seventh day he finished his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of the dust of the earth…and the sounding of the trumpets of the seven angels are the preparing and finishing of his work, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years—the preparing of the way before the time of his coming. Revelation 8:13 Big trouble

Six Judgments First—Revelation 8:7. What happened as a result of the “hail and fire” that fell to the earth when the first angel sounded his trumpet? Second—Revelation 8:8–9. What three things were affected when the second trumpet was sounded? Third—Revelation 8:10–11. What was the name of the star that fell? (Explain that wormwood is a bitter herb used to denote “bitter calamity or sorrow” [Bible Dictionary, “Wormwood”].)What happened when it fell? Fourth—Revelation 8:12. Following the sounding of the fourth trumpet, what three things were partially darkened? Fifth—Revelation 9:1–3. What came out of the bottomless pit when the fifth angel opened it? Sixth—Revelation 9:13–16, 18. How many soldiers were involved in the great battle that John saw after the sixth trumpet had been sounded? What portion of mankind did he see killed in this battle?

Revelation 8-9 Six Judgments
hail and fire mingled with blood are cast upon the earth (cf. Ex. 9:22–26; Ezek. 38:22); a great burning mountain is cast into the sea (cf. Ex. 7:19–25); a great star falls, affecting 1/3 of fresh water; 1/3 of heavenly bodies turn dark (cf. Ex. 10:21–23); sun is darkened by smoke; 5-month battle plagues mankind, of such extent it is called a “woe”; a 13-month war plagues mankind, but men still don’t repent, suggesting clearly the purposes for the “judgments of God.”

Doctrine and Covenants 88:88-89 “And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people. For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her.”

Do you repent quickly?

The Three Woes: Three Appearances
1. Christ will appear at Adam-ondi-Ahman (see Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14;D&C 116). 2. The Savior will appear to the Jews in Jerusalem (see D&C 45:48, 51–53; Zechariah 12:10; 14:2–5). 3. The Lord will appear in glory to all mankind (see D&C 45:44; 101:23;Matthew 24:30; Isaiah 40:5; JST, Revelation 1:7).

The First Woe and First Appearance
Chapter 9 The First Woe and First Appearance

Revelation 9 D&C 77:13 13 Q. When are the things to be accomplished, which are written in the 9th chapter of Revelation? A. They are to be accomplished after the opening of the seventh seal, before the coming of Christ.

Wars to Precede His Coming
“John the Beloved wrote concerning the history of the inhabitants of the earth to the end of time. It can hardly be disputed that he saw the manners and customs of the peoples of future generations, their wars and contentions, their methods of warfare and means of transportation.” Joseph Fielding Smith, The Progress of Man

Revelation 9:7-10 “It is not improbable that these ancient prophets were seeing strong armor and troops of cavalry and companies of tanks and flame throwers; airplanes and airborne missiles…” (Elder McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:503).

Rev 9:7?

Rev 9:8?

Rev 9:9?

Rev 9: 10

ADAM-ONDI-AHMAN “Before any of his appearances, He will come in private to his prophet and to the apostles. Those who have held keys and powers and authorities in all ages from Adam to the present will also be present”. Elder Bruce R. McConkie

1st Woe – 1st Appearance – Adam Ondi Ahman
“Adam-Ondi-Ahman will be the most momentous event of this earth.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection, p. 289) “Adam-Ondi-Ahman will adjust the affairs of the world.” (John Taylor, the Gospel Kingdom, p ) “Without Adam-Ondi-Ahman, everything would be in confusion at the Second Coming of the Lord.” (Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 18:344)

1st Woe – 1st Appearance – Adam Ondi Ahman
“The sons of Levi will offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” (3 Nephi 24:2-3) “144,000 sealed priests will be at Adam Ondi Ahman” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 5:326). “Both men and women will be present.” (B.R.McConkie, Millennial Messiah) “The righteous shall receive all the blessings of the temple, the fullness of the priesthood, and the Second Comforter” (ETB, Ensign, August 1985, pp. 6-10) All governments will become part the government of God.(Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, 1:106) A sacrament meeting will be held. (JFS, The Way to Perfection, p ; BRM The Promised Messiah, p. 610 and The Millennial Messiah, pp , 587; Daniel 7:10)

Do you attend your sacrament and other meetings? How well do you prepare for your worship services?

REVELATION 9:20 IDOLATRY Elder David R. Stone taught: “Our culture tends to determine what foods we like, how we dress, what constitutes polite behavior, what sports we should follow, what our taste in music should be, the importance of education, and our attitudes toward honesty. It also influences men as to the importance of recreation or religion, influences women about the priority of career or childbearing, and has a powerful effect on how we approach procreation and moral issues. All too often, we are like puppets on a string, as our culture determines what is ‘cool.’ … “Seduced by our culture, we often hardly recognize our idolatry, as our strings are pulled by that which is popular in the Babylonian world” (“Zion in the Midst of Babylon,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 91–92).

Abortion, assault, drunk driving, distracted driving. Theft
REVELATION 9:21 “They repented they not of their murders, nor of their thefts , nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication.” Murder Abortion, assault, drunk driving, distracted driving. Theft Identify theft. Larceny. Sorceries Pharmakeia (Gr). “Pharmacy” (Strong's G5331). Fornication Porneia (Gr). “Pornographic”

How many were there? How many were wise? How many were foolish? How many had oil? How many had enough oil (in vessles?) How many were sleeping when the bridegroom came? What does the oil represent?

How Do We Prepare for the Coming Events?
D&C 45:57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

Ezra Taft Benson The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 106-107
“There is a real sifting going on in the Church, and it is going to become more pronounced with the passing of time. It will sift the wheat from the tares, because we face some difficult days, the like of which we have never experienced in our lives. And those days are going to require faith and testimony and family unity, the like of which we have never had. We must prepare for the great day of the Lord. This preparation must consist of more than just casual membership in the Church. We must be guided by personal revelation and the counsel of the living prophet so that we will not be deceived.”

Gordon B. Hinckley Conference Report, April 1995
This is a time to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments.

The Book of Revelation:
Preparing for The Second Coming Part I

The Book of Revelation:

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