Jesus is the answer

Good morning all! Yes, here we are again, looking into God's word. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Remember, now, John heard a voice, not clear as a trumpet, but like the crashing of the surf against the rocks of the island. A voice of authority. John fell to the ground as if dead.

Revelations 1:16-18 "And he had in his right hand seven stqrs: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his coutenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, "Fear not; I am the first and the last; I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.""

seven stars - these are the messengers who represent the seven churches. Christ holds them in His hand, which means that He controls the church and its leaders.

a sharp two-edged sword - the large, two edged broad sword signifies judgment on those who attack His people and destroy His church.

fell at His feet - a common response to seeing the awesome glory of the LORD.

First and the Last - Jesus Christ applies this Old Testament name for Yahweh to Himself, clearly claiming to be God. Idols will come and go. He was before them, and He will remain after them.

keys of Hades and of Death- theses are synonymous terms, but death is the condition and Hades, equivalent to the Old Testament Sheol, the place of the dead. Christ decides who lives, who dies, and when.

Our sins have convicted and sentenced us, but Jesus holds the keys of death and the grave. He alone can free us from eternal bondage to Satan. He alone has the power and authority to set us free from sin's control. Believers don't have to fear death or the grave because Christ holds the keys to both. All we must do is turn from sin and turn to him in faith.
When we attempt to control our lives and disregard God, we set a course that leads directly to hell. But when we place our life in Christ's hands, he restores us now and resurrects us later to an eternal, peaceful relationship with him.

Thank you for reading. We will finish chapter 1 tomorrow, then have some questions, and begin chapter 2 on Monday. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny