Bobservations' Column
Titled - "A Spiritual Battle"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
Literary tools are used in every book ever written. They are common throughout the world of literature. Among them is a tool to create continuity: a subject or character is introduced, and the following chapter or chapters build on the subject continually to make it a central theme of the book.
God’s Word is no different. In Genesis 1 we learn of God’s creative acts, which differ from those of chapter 2, enhancing our understanding, not contradicting it. Nothing was left out, nor minimized. Then in Genesis 2, The Author zeroes in on God’s creation of mankind. Chapters 3 and 4 expand our knowledge of Adam and Eve, their relationship with each other and their children, and their relationship with God. Chapter 4 in particular expounds on the failures of interpersonal relationships, and the weaknesses in all humanity when The Creator is left out of His central role in the lives of His Creation. Pride and jealousies arise, disappointments, anger, and even murder become the rule of the day. Separation is the end result without God at the center.
Revelation 12 introduces us to several characters of the Bible. They are not new characters, but their interaction with one another in their roles is new, and a study in relationships continues:
The Woman, Satan, The Child, The Archangel, and the Remnant; we will go on further next week into chapter 13 as we look at two additional characters: The Beast out of the Sea, and the Beast out of the Earth. Along with Satan, these last two characters are the ones most people are interested in or familiar with when it comes to the Book of Revelation. But do not fall into the terrible trap and leave out “The Child” when considering the prophecies fulfilled herein.
“The Child” is THE main character of the Bible. From Genesis through Revelation, all scripture points to Jesus, Son of God and Son of man. The Bible would not be complete without His acts, and His final, ultimate authority bringing a sinful world history to a close. But duplicity is at work on every page, and Revelation 12:1 unearths it in this chapter.
1 John 4:1 - “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
Bobservations Audio Version:
Sunday Morning's Audio Message
God’s Word is no different. In Genesis 1 we learn of God’s creative acts, which differ from those of chapter 2, enhancing our understanding, not contradicting it. Nothing was left out, nor minimized. Then in Genesis 2, The Author zeroes in on God’s creation of mankind. Chapters 3 and 4 expand our knowledge of Adam and Eve, their relationship with each other and their children, and their relationship with God. Chapter 4 in particular expounds on the failures of interpersonal relationships, and the weaknesses in all humanity when The Creator is left out of His central role in the lives of His Creation. Pride and jealousies arise, disappointments, anger, and even murder become the rule of the day. Separation is the end result without God at the center.
Revelation 12 introduces us to several characters of the Bible. They are not new characters, but their interaction with one another in their roles is new, and a study in relationships continues:
The Woman, Satan, The Child, The Archangel, and the Remnant; we will go on further next week into chapter 13 as we look at two additional characters: The Beast out of the Sea, and the Beast out of the Earth. Along with Satan, these last two characters are the ones most people are interested in or familiar with when it comes to the Book of Revelation. But do not fall into the terrible trap and leave out “The Child” when considering the prophecies fulfilled herein.
“The Child” is THE main character of the Bible. From Genesis through Revelation, all scripture points to Jesus, Son of God and Son of man. The Bible would not be complete without His acts, and His final, ultimate authority bringing a sinful world history to a close. But duplicity is at work on every page, and Revelation 12:1 unearths it in this chapter.
1 John 4:1 - “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
Bobservations Audio Version:
Sunday Morning's Audio Message
Revelation 12:1-17 - "A Spiritual Battle"
Summary/Bible Notes: Cancelled this week!
