Peter Barnes | Revelation 8-11
SERMON NOTES
Christ and the Seven Trumpets
(Revelation 8-11)
William Hendriksen sees a series of seven snapshots, each saying much the same thing
1. God repeatedly warns us about His judgment.
– 8:1 (see Hab.2:20) – like a drum roll
– 8:2-5; Luke 18:7-8
– 8:7-12 – first four trumpets (spoiled environments, disasters on the water, polluted waters, darkness, noting Isa.13:9-11; Ezek.32:7-12; Joel 2:28-32); 8:13-9:19 – fifth and sixth trumpets (demons and war)
– no lessons learnt (9:20-21)
2. The true Church is both persecuted and revived.
– 11:1-14 reflects the bitter-sweet experience of John in 10:8-11
– the two witnesses probably represent law and gospel
– C. S. Lewis: Mother Kirk is always crumbling but never quite crumbles
3. The final victory belongs to Christ.
– 11:15-19, in God’s own good time (10:1-7)