Introduction to chapter 1
There are many principles of truth given in the first chapter of Revelation. We should approach this book in the reality that we have information concerning the future. However, we also have truth to guide us today in preparing for the future. We should always be seeking revelation of Him. That’s how this book begins. Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Just always remember that a revelation of Jesus comes after a revelation of yourself. By God's revelation, the word of God opens our eyes to see and our ears to hear. We have been caught thinking that more knowledge of the Word will give us everything we need. The study of the Word is the greatest thing you can give your time to. However, it will come to nothing without first being in the presence of God so that we can truly understand what we are reading. It is the Spirit of God that leads us into all truth. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ must come before the acknowledgment of our position as kings and Priests in His kingdom. It has been my passion for many years to gain an understanding of how vast, real, and powerful His kingdom on earth is to me now. I’ve looked for those who understand kingdom principles and live by them. Building kingdom relationships with those saints give the encouragement and strength needed to walk in this world. His kingdom on the earth is made possible for us now because of His death on the cross. We walk in His kingdom because we have been washed in His blood and made acceptable to the Father through the work of His Son and the birthing power of the Holy Spirit. The only way to survive through the darkness and problems of life is to be in the Spirit. Much goes into being in the Spirit. Sometimes it takes adversity and persecution to drive us into the Spirit. The persecution of John by being exiled to the Isle of Patmos left him with no other option but to be in the Spirit. Before John received the revelation of Jesus and wrote the book we call the book of Revelation, he had to get in the Spirit. Being in the Spirit is the only way we can accomplish any task in the kingdom. When in His presence, all we can do is worship. John was not worried about his situation when in the presence of Christ. Notice John didn’t say deliver me from this place. John didn’t ask one thing for himself. All John could do when in the presence of Christ was fall at His feet and worship Him.
If chapter one teaches us anything, we should come away from this chapter knowing the power of His presence and how true worship changes our perspective of what we are going through. Some of the greatest counsel we could receive while going through hard times is to be in the Spirit and see Jesus. That is what lifts the burden. You may still be on the Isle of Patmos, but God will use even that for His glory, and your usefulness will satisfy your heart. The power of His presence is the offensive weapon in our warfare against flesh nature and Satan that defeats the enemy’s plans.
You can find the entire E-Book on Revelation by Jeff Rowland here: https://www.kingdompropheticsociety.org/e-book
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