Tribulation Series

September 21, 2003

Title: Tribulation

Text: Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9, 11; 3:19

Introduction

1. A couple weeks ago, I faced quite a challenge as I endeavored to share a 1-sermon summary of the 7,000 year plan from Creation to Eternity.

A. This week, I faced another challenging endeavor in my desire to share with you 1 sermon on the Tribulation.

Although the Tribulation only lasts 7 years, there is SO MUCH that goes on during those 7 years...

that I was somewhat overwhelmed at the task.

B. The Tribulation is covered in 3 of the Gospels in what is called "The Olivet Discourse"

This is an extensive conversation that Jesus had with some of His disciples on the Mount of Olives.

It is also covered in the Book of Daniel...

and the Book of Revelation...

and perhaps to a smaller degree in other books of the Bible.

I was tempted to divide this up into several sermons...

but I really wanted to have a good 1-sermon summary of this important event in Scripture.

2. The Tribulation is mainly made up of three 7-fold judgments upon the world

A. The 7 Seals

B. The 7 Trumpets

C. The 7 Bowls

Read Text: Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9, 11; 3:19

Body

1. The 7 Seals

A. Seal #1: White Horse Rev 6:2

The First seal has the picture of CONQUEROR

This paints a picture of the Anti-Christ coming as a conqueror.

B. The 2nd Seal: Red Horse Rev 6:4

The Red horse is symbolic of warfare and bloodshed.

Jesus Christ, in His Olivet Discourse, refers to "wars and rumors of wars" Mt. 24:6

Throughout the 7 year Tribulation there will be much war and bloodshed (even though the anti-christ will be seen as bringing in a period of peace).

C. The 3rd Seal: Black Horse Rev. 6:5-6

The black horse symbolizes famine

When war comes, inflation and famine often come too.

Also, several of the other judgments that we will talk about in a moment will bring horrific environmental effects...

which will make growing crops nearly impossible.

D. The 4th Seal: Pale Horse Rev 6:8

The Pale horse represents Death.

1/4 of the population of earth will be destroyed by sword (red horse)

famine (black horse)

and death.

E. The 5th Seal: Martyrdom of Christians Rev. 6:9-11

The white robe symbolizes their purity...

and that they are ultimately victorious...

even though they died a martyr’s death.

F. The 6th Seal: Great Earthquake Rev 6:11-15

With the opening of the 6th seal, several horrific events take place...

a huge earthquake that literally shakes the whole world..moving mountains and islands.

the sun will become black...and the moon red Joel 2:31 says, "Joel 2:31 The sun will turn dark, and the moon will be as red as blood before that great and terrible day when I appear.

stars will fall to the ground like figs from a fig tree in the wind.

At this point, the situation on earth will be so terrible that Scripture says, "The kings of the earth, its famous people, and its military leaders hid in caves or behind rocks on the mountains. They hid there together with the rich and the powerful and with all the slaves and free people. Then they shouted to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us! Hide us from the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb. That terrible day has come! God and the Lamb will show their anger, and who can face it?" (Rev 6:15-17 CEV)

G. In Rev. 7, it describes the picture of Christians in the Presence of Christ, John writes, "After this, I saw a large crowd with more people than could be counted. They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood before the throne and before the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches in their hands, as they shouted, "Our God, who sits upon the throne, has the power to save his people, and so does the Lamb." (Rev 7:9-10 CEV)

Then verse 14 says, "These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb’s blood.

And, therefore, many Christians believe that the Rapture will have occurred by this time...

and thus the remainder of this time is experienced by those who will be left behind.

While we Christians are in the presence of the Lord. Scripture describes it so beautifully. " Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Rev 7:15-17 WEB)