1. Revelation Chapter 8

2. 1 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. 6 And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them.

3. Revelation chapter 8 What does the silence in heaven represent to you? How about the silence when the prayers of the saints? Think about in previous chapters the activity that is occurring in Heaven.

4. Revelation chapter 8 Think about the contrast of myriads of people talking, singing, worshipping and serving…and then dead silence. Is the time frame of about half an hour important? What are your thoughts about incense being offered with the prayers of the saints?

5. Revelation chapter 8 What are your thoughts about the fire filled censer being chunked to the earth and the noises, thunder, lightning and earthquakes? Remember what fire symbolizes in scripture How about the number of trumpets? 7 See your number chart

6. Revelation chapter 8 7 trumpets blowing would do what? Get the attention of a large number of people Emphasize the importance of the coming activity

7. Revelation chapter 8 7 The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

8. Revelation chapter 8 In scripture what does hail and fire represent? Judgment and destruction Especially crops, think of the economic impact See Exodus 9: 23-25 Why did the destruction in this verse only harm 1/3 of the earth? Is a 1/3 destruction of the earth significant?

9. Revelation chapter 8 8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, 9 and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10. Revelation chapter 8 What does the imagery of a burning mountain being cast into the sea bring to your mind? Possibly a volcano Think about seeing a bonfire on a beach from the distance Remember Exodus 7: 20 Think of the impact of losing 1/3 of the water, fish and boats.

11. Revelation chapter 8 10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters. 11 The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

12. Revelation chapter 8 Who or what is this great star? Rome Satan Does the identity matter? What is significant about 1/3 of the rivers being destroyed?

13. Revelation chapter 8 review Seventh seal is open resulting in silence followed by the sounding of trumpets These trumpets seem to describe punishment for sinners The message seems to warn against upcoming physical and financial trials to come The message seems to also warn of the consequences of sin Seems to be an emphasis on repentance