Revelations -- New Beth Moore Study

I just started a new study at North Metro called Here and Now, There and Then: A Study of Revelations by Beth Moore.  So far, I have learned so much! AND it has only been one week!! 

My small group of ladies is lead by Helen. I believe I am the youngest of the crowd, but our ages range from late 20's to early 60's. Our group includes two teachers, a technical writer, a stay at home mom, and a retired hypnotherapist..which really gets me excited! :)

We watched the first video last Thursday.  I enjoyed it immensely. We only looked at Revelations 1: 1-8.  Here are some key points.

1.  Whoever reads Revelations will be blessed -- vs. 3

2.  Even more blessings come to those who hear the book of Revelations...so read it aloud!  -- vs. 3

3.  God gave the word of Revelations to Jesus, Jesus translated the word to his archangels, the archangels passed the word onto John, who delivered it to us! -- vs. 1

4.  Jesus is the translator to us of God's decrees. Hence, why he is the WORD, literally! -- vs. 1

5. We need to study up on Revelations because the time is near! -- vs. 3

6.  Revelations is figurative, full of symbols that represent literal things.  This translation says that Jesus "signified" what God told him. Similar to what he did on earth when he told parables -- vs. 1 (American Standard Version)

7.  The first 8 verses describe all aspects of the trinity, including the Holy Spirit (quoted as being either seven spirits or seven eyes).
God -- the one who was, who is, and is to come (vs. 4)
Jesus -- the faithful witness, firstborn of the dead, ruler of the king ( vs. 5)
Holy Spirit -- seven spirits before the throne (vs. 4)

8. The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as being the eyes of God. That God is stationary on his throne, Jesus beside him, but that the Holy Spirit with it's 7 eyes wanders the earth reporting back to God and Jesus. -- Zechariah 3:9, 4:10

9. Jesus' description symbolizes the death -- "faithful witness", resurrection -- "firstborn of the dead", and ascension-- "ruler of the king".  -- vs. 5

10. God has made us priests!! -- vs. 6

11.  Reference to the second coming -- vs. 7

12. Reaffirmation that God is the God who was, who is, and is to come -- vs. 8

So much learned in only 1 hour!!  Can't wait to learn more!

Excellent series!