Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
April 9, 2023

The Book of Revelation:
A Book of Contrasts
by Bryan Gibson
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it…” (Revelation 1:3, NRSV). It’s a shame what some have done to the Book of Revelation. They’ve turned what was intended to be a practical book into a playground for all sorts of wild theories and speculation. To help us see some of the practical value, let’s point out some of the contrasts in this book.
Contrasts in People
Those whose “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb” (7:14) vs. those whose robes remained “filthy” (22:11).
Those who belong to God (3:12; 7:3; 14:1, 4-5) vs. those who belong to Satan (9:4; 13:14-18; 14:9).
Those who “dwell in heaven” (12:12; 13:6) vs. those who “dwell on the earth” (3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 12:12; 13:8, 12, 14; 14:6; 17:8).
Those whose names are written in the “Book of Life” (3:5; 21:27) vs. those whose names have never been written there, or have had their names blotted out (13:8; 17:8; 20:15; 22:18-19).
Those who give “glory” to God (4:9-11; 5:11-13; 7:11-12; 11:13; 15:3-4; 19:1) vs. those who “blaspheme” God (13:5-6; 16:9, 11, 21), including those who refuse to repent (9:20-21; 16:9, 11).
Those who worship and obey God and the Lamb (14:4, 6-7, 12; 15:4; 19:10; 22:14), who live forever and ever (4:8; 5:12-13) vs. those who worship and obey the beast, who will be destroyed (13:4; 19:19-21).
Those who keep themselves pure from the world (“not defiled with women”—14:4) vs. those who become corrupted by the world (join themselves to the “great harlot”—17:1-2, 5; 19:2).
Those who are brave in the midst of persecution (2:12-13; 6:9; 12:11; 20:4) vs. those who are cowards (13:11-18; 21:8).
Those who hate false teaching (2:2, 6; 14:5) vs. those who either love it (22:15) or tolerate it (2:14-15, 20).
Contrasts in Rewards
Those who drink from “living fountains of waters” (7:17; 21:6; 22:1, 17) vs. those who “drink the wine of the wrath of God” (14:8-10).
Those who dine with the Lord (3:20; 19:9) vs. those devoured by the Lord (19:17-21).
Those who “rest from their labors” (14:12-13) vs. those “who have no rest day or night” (14:11).
Those who stand victoriously on the “sea of glass” (15:2) vs. those cast into the “lake of fire and brimstone” (19:20; 20:10, 15; 21:8).
Those who never experience pain and anguish again (21:4) vs. those who suffer forever and ever (14:10-11; 20:10).
Those who “enter through the gates” into the heavenly city (21:24-27; 22:14) vs. those who are left “outside” (22:15).
CONCLUSION:
It’s not real hard to see WHO receives WHAT, is it?

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.