Sometimes we teach that the reason for being a Christian is so we can go to heaven.  Actually that does not inspire a lost person.  It is too futuristic.  In reality, heaven is not the place for a selfish person.  However, the saved person wants to see God.  What inspires the lost is the day-to-day relationship with a loving, caring God and a loving caring church family. 

Today we want to look at worship. Worship pleases God, but the truth is, we get more out of true worship than God does because it changes us!
 

We now move from the letters to the seven churches to an entrance into heaven.  John reports an exciting, new aspect of his vision.  The Holy Spirit transports him into heaven!  John was excited!  He is in awe as he moves from the desolate island of Patmos to the glories of the throne room of God. 

Most conservative scholars believe that "the rapture of the church" described in John 14:3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16 has taken place by this point in John's vision.  There are three reasons for believing this: 

(1)  Beginning with Revelation 4:1, the term “church” or “churches” does not appear again until 22:16.

(2)  The bride of Christ (i.e., the church) appears in chapter 19 already with Christ in heaven before He returns to earth to judge the wicked and to reign in the millennial kingdom.  

(3)  The promise given to the Philadelphia church in 3:10 pertains to all believers who stand true to Christ before the tribulation.

In 4:1, John states, "I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before, that sounded like a mighty trumpet blast, spoke to me and said, 'come up here and I will show you what must happen in the future!' "  In the Living Bible the next phrase states, "And instantly I was in heaven, and oh, the glory of it!"

Picture it with me!  God is sitting on a throne.  John chooses to describe God by His brightness rather than by human characteristics.  He describes great bursts of light flashing forth from God as from a glittering diamond or shining ruby.  He tells us that a rainbow encircles the throne.  The rainbow glows like an emerald!  Remember the first rainbow when God promised Noah He would never flood the entire earth again?  Jesus represents that rainbow in the New Testament.  And now we see a rainbow around the throne signifying perfect union with God.  Although we get discouraged at times, we will see that God keeps His word!

Lightning and thunder issued from the throne, with voices singing praises to God.  Think of the most awesome film that you have seen – one with lots of drama.  That film will fade in comparison with what you and I will see in heaven!  Church services may seem boring to you at times, but I can assure you, heaven will not be boring!

Around God’s throne are another 24 thrones with elders sitting on them, representing both the old covenant and the new covenants.  They probably represent the entire body of believers.  Sitting denotes honor, rest, and satisfaction.  Sitting about the throne signifies nearness to God.  Since they are seated on thrones it also suggests responsibility and status.  They were clothed in white raiment, reflecting the imputed righteousness of the saints and their holiness.  On their heads crowns of gold, signifying the glory they have with him.

Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne.  This represents the gifts, graces, and operations of the Spirit in the church.  The laver for purification is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which cleanses from all sin.  All of us must be washed in this, to be admitted into the gracious presence of God on earth, and His glorious presence in heaven. 

Four living beings were in front of God’s throne.  They have unusual descriptions, which make us step back and say, "Wow!"  It appears that these beings represent all of God’s created beings:

These cherubim are God's agents in the implementation of the decrees of God in His creation. Numerous eyes indicate spiritual perception, insight, and knowledge. Thus, the heavenly scene depicts the angelic messengers and the redeemed, resurrected human beings all worshiping, honoring, and extolling the eternal God.

These word pictures seem strange to us.  It helps to realize that when John wrote these things that life was a LOT different then than it is now.  No TV, no air conditioning, no automobiles, no airplanes, no color comics … lots of things were different, therefore his word pictures are different then ours would be.

Day and night these beings worshiped God saying, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty – the One who was, and is, and is to come."  You may be thinking that worshiping God day and night sounds like a lot of work – like housework or farming or going to school, but it will be different!  It will be glorious because of the unbelievable joy that will fill our hearts.  We will not need rest, for we will have glorified bodies.  Also, we won't be so self-centered! 

People do drugs, drink to excess and seek sexual thrills just to get the high.  When we walk in full communion with God – even on this earth we walk in such a joy that drugs, booze and sex outside of marriage has no appeal.  And the beauty of such a close walk with the Lord is that there are no "morning after" regrets!

Verse 9 states, "And when the Living Beings gave glory and honor and thanks to the One living on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the 24 elders fell down and worshiped before Him.  He is the eternal living One.  And they cast their crowns before the throne saying, 'O Lord, You are worthy to receive the honor and power, for You have created all things.  They were created and called into being by your act of will.' "

This is a wonderful chapter and points us to the next chapter, which we will look at next week.  This morning we are focusing on praise and worship.  Please do not take me wrong.  I love the old songs we sing – for they point to God and teach a great doctrine.  But too often they point to the work we do or the trials of our journeys.  This is worship.  However, sometimes we need to sing directly to God, songs such as, "Holy, Holy, Holy"; "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow"; and "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty." 

God desires our worship.  The word praise is found in the Bible 304 times in 266 verses.  Praises is found 51 times in 49 verses.  The word worship is found 311 times in 301 verses.  The word joy is found 275 times in 263 verses.  Joyful is found 29 times in 29 verses.  I believe God wants joyful worship and praise from His people!
 

But words without lifestyle are meaningless.  In fact, it is hypocrisy!  It is one thing to try to walk with God and fail at times – we all do that.  But it is entirely a different thing when we pretend to be something we are not!

If a man talks about how much he loves his wife but cheats on her, the practice is an abomination to God and man.  The same principle applies to serving God.

"Worship helps us find who we are and why God has placed us here on the earth.  When we bow in God's presence with worship, only then are we made complete.  --Judson Cornwall
 
 

Have you started to choose happiness?  If not, begin right now, by praising God for the love He has for you ... love you did not and cannot earn, but which He offers you by His grace.  Grace?  Someone has said that "grace is getting what you do not deserve and not getting what you do deserve."