2. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:1-11 THE THRONE ROOM of HEAVEN! JOHN WRITES: - “AFTER THESE THINGS” …

3. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:1-11 THE THRONE ROOM of HEAVEN! Verse 3 -“And the One Who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.”

4. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:11

5. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:11 I. COME UP HERE! John “in the Spirit” – 3 rd Heaven? Like Paul” (II Corinthians 12:1-4) Jewish Idea of 3 heavens- 1. The atmosphere – birds 2. The “heaven” of the celestial bodies – stars, moon, sun, etc. 3. The Dwelling Place of God Does this represent the raptured church?

6. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:11 II. THE 24 THRONES and ELDERS Mentioned here and chapters 5, 11 & 19 Who are they? Daniel 7 mentions “thrones” Mathew 19:27-28 – a huge clue! Ephesians 3:1-6 - a further clue! ELDERS=“Those who direct the affairs of the church.” (I Timothy 5:17)

7. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:11 Matt 19:27-28 27Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" 28Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (NIV) Ephesians 3:1-6 - a further clue!

8. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:11 Eph 3:2-6 2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

9. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:11 III. The FOUR LIVING CREATURES! Mentioned here and in Chapters 5,6,7,14,15,19

10. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:11 III. The FOUR LIVING CREATURES! Who or What are they? ARE THEY MERELY SYMBOLIC? PROBABLY NOT – They are real and literal creatures of God! Ezekiel 1:5-14 - These same 4 living creatures are described! Ezekiel 10: 9-15 - Here they are described again and called “CHERUBIM” Ezekiel 28:12-19 - READ TOGETHER Guardians of the Holiness and Worship around God’s Throne!

11. REVELATION – CHAPTER 4:11 IV. THE WHOLE SCENE is WORSHIP! W.I.S.A.T. ! Isn’t amazing – everybody wants to go to heaven and everybody ultimately believes that they will go to heaven! ( over 90% of American population when polled) – Yet only less than 40% are actively and consistently in Church on Sunday Mornings! If you are not happy in church NOW…you won’t be happy in Heaven for ETERNITY! If you can’t bear to WORSHIP now…how will you do it with JOY for ever and ever? It all is about your RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS!