Gospel Dynamite with J. Allen Mashburn

When Hell Comes to Your House | Revelation 9:1-12 | J. Allen Mashburn

There can be little doubt that the Book of Revelation contains some of the most frightening images in the entire Bible. This passage may be the most frightening of them all.
We are in the midst of the seven trumpet judgments. The first four trumpets have been sounded and they brought forth horrible scenes of death and destruction. The earth’s environment has been shattered and mankind is writhing under the awful judgments of a holy God.  Chapter 8 closes with an angel flying through Heaven pronouncing three “woes” upon the “inhabiters of the earth”. This angel knows that the plagues unleashed by the sounding of the last three trumpets will be far more horrible than anything we have witnessed yet.
Why does the Lord give us these graphic descriptions of what the world will face during the Tribulation? Why write about such tragedy, death and suffering? I think there are three very good reasons why these things are dealt with in the book of Revelation.
1.  These things are mentioned so the church will know what we have been saved from. It is exciting to know that God will deliver His people from this kind of judgment.
2.  He extends this glimpse of the future as a warning to those who have not trusted Jesus as their Savior. He wants them to know what they will face if they continue on in their sin and in their rejection.
3.  They are given so that those of us who know the truth might be motivated to share the Gospel with the lost.
As we consider the judgment associated with the fifth trumpet, I would like to share some of the awful realities that are presented in these verses. Regardless of whether you are saved or lost there is a word here for you.
We are living in a day when the subject of Hell is viewed with much skepticism. People just don’t believe in a literal place of torment. In fact, many preachers and church members reject the notion of Hell, as it is presented in the Bible. People joke about Hell and use the word as a byword in everyday language. But, these fact is, Hell is a real place! Real people are going to endure real torments for a real eternity in a real place called Hell. They can attempt to deny it is they wish, but Hell is still real. In these verses, Hell visits earth. I would like to take these verses and point out the terrible realities that will be visited upon the earth in the last days.

When Heaven Falls Silent | Revelation 8:1-13 | J. Allen Mashburn

We continuing to watch as the events of the Book of the Revelation unfold. We have already witnessed the end of the church age, which will culminate in the Rapture of the church, Rev. 4:1. We have watched as Heaven worships God and the Lamb for Who They are, what They have done and for what They will do, Rev. 4-5. We have seen the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus, take the seven-sealed scroll from the hand of His Father and, we have watched as He began the process of breaking the seven seals, Rev. 6. As He did, the earth was engulfed in horror after another as the judgments of God began to fall on sinful men. We also studied the events of Rev. 7, where 144,000 Jewish evangelists are saved, sealed and sent out to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to all the nations of the world, Rev. 7:1-8. As they preached a vast multitude was saved out of great tribulation and washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb. 
This redeemed multitude is pictured, healthy and whole, in Heaven in the presence of the Lamb and of the Father, Rev. 7:9-17.
That brings us to our text for this study. Here, in verse 1, the seventh seal is broken by the Lord Jesus. When He breaks this seal, seven trumpet judgments are unleashed upon the earth. If you think things have been horrible thus far, you are right, but the worst is yet to come.
Today, we are going to watch as the first four of the trumpet judgments are sounded against the earth. We are going to see things go from bad to worse for those who will be living on the earth during the Great Tribulation. Allow me to share with you the observations offered in this passage as I preach on the subject When Heaven Falls Silent.

A Multitude No Man Could Number | Revelation 7:9-17 | J. Allen Mashburn

As we continue to move through the book of the Revelation, we are in the middle of a parenthetical passage. Chapter seven is inserted into the narrative to allow us to catch a glimpse of the grace of God at work during the most horrible time earth has ever known.
      In our last study, we saw the Lord redeem 144,000 Jewish men. These men were sent out into the entire world to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to all nations. In this passage, we will see the fruits of their preaching, as a vast multitude is brought to faith in Jesus Christ and is delivered out of the Great Tribulation.
      It comforts my heart to know that the Rapture of the church does not spell the end of people being saved. I praise the Lord that He intends to redeem a multitude that no man could number during the dark years of the Tribulation Period. This passage reveals the heart of our great God. It is in His heart and plan to save sinners, and He is going to do just that during the Tribulation.
      The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ came into this world for the sole purpose of saving sinners from their sins, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15. It is also clear that God intends to save every person who will turn to Jesus by faith, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out,” John 6:37. Here is God’s promise to His elect, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” 2 Peter 3:9. That is the heartbeat of God and it can be heard in the verses before us today.
      Let’s go back into the heart of the tribulation period and rejoin John in his vision of that terrible time. In these verses, we are going to learn about a vast multitude of redeemed saints, and we are going to get a glimpse into glory as the curtain is pulled back just a little. So, let’s take these verses and consider the subject: A Multitude That No Man Could Number.

The Mystery of the 144,000 | Revelation 7:1-8 | J. Allen Mashburn

In Revelation chapter 6 we were witnesses to a world under a storm of divine judgment. The Lord Jesus took possession of the title deed to this planet in chapter 5. He began opening the seven seals of that title deed. He is beginning the process of redeeming this planet out of the hands of sin, sinners and Satan.
We watched Jesus open six of the seven seals on the scroll. Before He did, there was a great peal of thunder in Heaven, Rev. 6:1. Thus thunder signaled the approaching storm of God’s divine wrath. As each seal was opened judgment and wrath began to be poured out upon the earth. I just want to remind you that we haven’t seen the worst of the suffering and sorrow that coming upon this world. After the seals seven trumpets will sound and seven bowls will be poured out upon the earth. As we move deeper into the heart of this book we are going to death, judgment and sorrow intensify.
Before that happens, we are confronted with a divine parenthesis. Chapter seven is a parenthetical passage that represents a pause in God’s plan to judge the earth. The first part of the storm has passed; the worst part lies unseen in the future. We will examine the events that come later in due course. Today, we will consider the first part of Revelation 7.
Let’s watch as the Lord extends grace to a select group of people right in the midst of the Tribulation Period. Two groups of people are in view here in Revelation 7. The first group is identified as the 144,000 in verses 1-8. The second group is identified as a redeemed multitude in verses 9-17. We will consider the 144,000 today and, Lord willing, the redeemed multitude next time.  Let’s take these verses and see what God has to say about the 144,000.

Two Worlds in Prayer | Revelation 6:9-17 | J. Allen Mashburn

As we continue our journey through the book of Revelation, we are just beginning to deal with the events related to the Tribulation.  As we understand it, this period of terror and judgment will not begin until the church has been removed from the world in the Rapture.  The Tribulation Period itself is a seven year period of time that is divided into two 3 ½ year segments.  The first half is known as the Tribulation and the last half as the Great Tribulation.
In our last study we looked at the first of four seal judgments that will come upon the world.  We saw the rise of the Antichrist, and the coming wars, famines and pestilence that will claim the lives of ¼ of the earth’s population.  The first four seals deal with the first 3 ½ year portion of the Tribulation.  The two seals we will consider today will deal with the last 3 ½ year portion of the Tribulation Period.
 
Just so you will know, the book of Revelation is not written in chronological order.  The events do not necessarily take place in order in which they are written.  The events of this book overlap in time.  As we continue to move through the book, we are going to be seeing events that will overlap one another from time to time.  In Revelation 6:1, from this verse it describes the actions of the great King, the Lord Jesus Christ, in claiming His inheritance, breaking the power of the usurper, Satan, and ultimately defeating all His foes—bringing His people finally to the great Kingdom reign and heaven itself.
It is important to note:  Jesus is opening the seals on the scroll in heaven.  Jesus is unleashing every element.  He is sovereignly in control, and exercising the great strength, restraint in His dealings with men on the Earth, and it is He who gives the Antichrist in (6:1), his nod to proceed with Satan’s evil work BUT it is God’s plan to bring judgment to prideful and sinful humanity.  In essence, they are pawns in the Hands of God—exercising His will in every circumstance.
In our verses today, we see an unusual dynamic at work.  We see people in Heaven and people on the earth in prayer.  We see both saints and sinners engaged in the business of prayer.  We want to study these two seal judgments today.  As we do, I would like to talk to you about a couple of the events that will take place during the latter portion of the Tribulation Period.

Horsemen on the Horizon l Revelation 6:1-8 l J. Allen Mashburn

Revelation chapter six is a shock to the senses.  In the past two chapters, we have been allowed to witness scenes of heavenly worship.  In this passage, we are going to see images of divine wrath.  We have been a place where there is praise and shouting.  We are about to examine a scene filled with pain and suffering.   In chapters four and five, we have been seated in “heavenly places” observing “scenes of joy”.  In chapter six, we are brought down to “earthly places” to observe “scenes of judgment.”
Beginning in chapter six all the way through chapter nineteen, we are placed in the middle of “Tribulation Period”, or the time known as the “Great Tribulation”.  This period of seven years is broken down into two parts, with each portion lasting 3 ½ years.
This period of time is clearly described in the Word of God.
·        Jeremiah 30:7, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.”
·        Daniel 12:1, “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”
·        Matthew 24:3-24
·        Matthew 24:21-22, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”
In this passage, the seven seals on the book in the hand of the Lord Jesus begin to be broken, one by one.  
As the seals are opened, a series of divine judgment is poured out upon the earth and those who dwell on the earth.  The four seals that we will consider in this message describe events that will take place during the first 3 ½ year portion of the Tribulation.
We are about to witness a time of destruction, devastation and death that can hardly be comprehended by our mortal minds.  These verses describe events that will take place on the earth after the church has been removed in the Rapture.  The world we are about to see is a world that has no Gospel witness. 
There are no Christians, no Gospel singing or preaching, and no peace.  This is a world that is in rebellion against its Maker; and it is a world that stands on the brink of terrifying judgments.

Sweet Songs in Heavenly Places | Revelation 5:8-14 | J. Allen Mashburn

This passage finds us still in Heaven in the presence of God and of the Lamb.  The church has been raptured, perfected and safely delivered home to Heaven.  The landing has been safe!  Revelation chapters 4 and 5 find us in Heaven’s courtroom.  God is preparing to judge this world.  But, before He does, there is a pause for praise in glory. 
      In these verses, Heaven is unable to contain itself and all the residents of that fair land burst forth in rejoicing and praise to God and the Lamb.  There is praising, singing and there is music.  This the first mention of music in this book, but it will not be the last.
Music is a vital part of our lives.  From the time the alarm clock sounds in the morning, we are surrounded with music.  The radio and television are all about music.  We have music in our cars, in our homes and at our places of business.  Music is used to move the minds of people.  When a restaurant is busy, for example, they might play fast music.  When fast music is playing, people eat faster and clear the tables sooner.  Music can set the scene in a film and let you know whether you should be afraid, sad or happy.  Music is an important part of our lives. 
It is also an important part of our walk with the Lord.  Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16 speak about the vital role music plays in our relationship with the Lord.  Thank God for music that honors Him!
This passage seems to indicate that music will be one of the things that will follow us from earth to Heaven.  The music in Heaven will but serve to make Heaven sweeter.
In these verses, John takes us into Heaven and gives us front row seats at the concert of the ages.  Let’s go in, take our seats and listen to the hosts of Heaven as they lift their voices in praise and worship of God and the Lamb.

Worthy is the Lamb l Revelation 5:1-7 l J. Allen Mashburn

As we enter this fifth chapter, it would be a good time for a little review.  In chapter 4, John is caught up into Heaven.  When he arrives there, he sees God Himself sitting on a glorious throne.  John sees Heaven arrayed as a courtroom.  God is preparing to unleash His wrath on the inhabitants of the earth.
In the midst of this awesome scene, we also see that Heaven is filled with the praises of Jehovah.  Heaven understands what the Lord is about to do and the inhabitants of that city praise the Lord for His glory, His power and for His creation.  They are also acknowledging His right to judge the earth.
It seems that John is taken to Heaven to give him a heavenly perspective concerning what is about to happen on the earth.  Now this is most noteworthy BECAUSE only God could do this; He is presenting to John, a scene in heaven that is being displayed in the present tense, yet it is totally FUTURE TENSE.  ONLY THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO IS NEVER GOVERNED, NOT CONSTRAINED BY TIME—could do this!
I mentioned this last week, but it is still true: when the events of this earth are viewed from a purely earthly perspective, they can cause fear, doubt and confusion.  
But, when all the events of history are viewed through the eyes of Heaven, everything makes sense!
So, chapter four ends with God receiving the praise of His created ones and of His redeemed ones.  Heaven throbs with the voices of those caught up in their love for Almighty God.  Chapter five finds us in the same courtroom in Heaven.  Now, praise has ceased for a moment and heavenly business is about to be transacted, and we are going to have front row seats as it is acted out.
We are about to find out that, in Heaven, Jesus is the central Figure.  He is the center of attention.  I believe that Heaven will be a glorious, wonderful place.  I believe there will be streets of gold, walls of jasper, gates of pearl, and more glory than you and I can imagine.  I believe it will be great to see Abraham, Moses, Paul, and the rest.  But, the main attraction of Heaven will be Christ, Himself.  In this passage, we are going to see Jesus Himself, in His rightful place; glorified and exalted in Heaven.
This passage sets the stage for the judgments that will come during the Tribulation.  It also reveals Jesus in His exalted glory. 
Let’s look at these verses and consider the thought: Worthy Is The Lamb.