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What happens to God's people during the Great Tribulation? We discover that the Shepherd who began with 144,000 sheep is the Lamb. All 144,000 are with Him—not one is lost. He redeemed them. He sealed them. He kept them. And now He's standing with them as He begins His reign from Jerusalem. And those 144,000? They enter the millennial kingdom on earth singing with the heavenly chorus.

Today, in the world, the Holy Spirit is holding back evil. When He is removed from that office, evil men will be permitted to have their day. Revelation 13 describes that day when the Beast makes war and God tells His saints not to fight back, not to receive his mark, and not to despair. The narrative is building; don't miss the glorious end!

What can or can't Satan do? Only what God allows him to. When it looks as if everything is turned upside down, remember that. As the beasts are at their height of power under Satan's puppet strings, remember that Jesus Christ is in full control for every day of that three and a half years of the Great Tribulation. Satan's time is short.

The 7th trumpet introduces us to seven personalities. Now we'll meet the final two—the beast out of the sea (the Antichrist) and the wild beast out of the earth, a religious leader who leads in the worship of the first beast. These are the final ones who try to make themselves equal with God. The end is near.

For the first time since Jesus Christ's death made it possible for us to be saved, God's power is exerted against evil. This is the scene of the dragon's last stand as he's kicked out of heaven and everyone there rejoices. But everyone on earth weeps. This is the Dragon's last stand, since Satan knows his time is short. Even then, God protects Israel, the object of Satan's final attack. Don't miss this cosmic drama.

A cosmic drama is unfolding in heaven. A full-on war is happening between God and Satan. (You can guess how that will turn out.) That “old serpent” from the Garden of Eden, who is God's adversary and our enemy, will be kicked out of heaven where he has had access to God. Discover more of the fallout from this age-old conflict now decided for eternity.

Revelation 12 introduces the first five of seven personalities who shape the drama between heaven and earth. This first character is “the woman,” describing the symbol that is Israel. Understanding this picture unlocks the book. Another personality is a red dragon, Satan himself in true character; he is our enemy and the most dangerous being in all of God's creation. Learn more from this cast of characters and watch the drama unfold.

The blowing of the 7th trumpet ushers us chronologically right to the entrance of eternity. There's a giant earthquake shaking Jerusalem, and people are furious with God because He is judging sin (they believed the “lie” that God never punishes). Meanwhile, we get a glimpse into the great joy that's happening in heaven. So where would you rather be?

Then into the scene walk two witnesses… Who are they? Elijah? John the Baptist? We don't know. These witnesses are lights before the powers of darkness. They're filled with the Holy Spirit and have power over nature and the ability to strike the earth with plagues as often as they wish, which reveals God's confidence in them. But then why does God allow the Antichrist to kill them? You'll be so amazed at the answer.

Bitter and sweet—that's how the angel describes the little book he tells John to eat. The judgment is bitter, but the future is sweet and full of promise. Breathe a little easier in this interlude between the 6th and 7th trumpets and learn more about the 70th week of Daniel we now are studying.

First, God the Father had this little book. Then He gave it to His Son, Jesus Christ, who alone could open it. And then He gave it to an angel, who gave it to John who was supposed to eat it. Discover what's behind this curious book as we come to the end of the Great Tribulation.

Are you believing a lie? The people who suffer in the Great Tribulation will. They trust the wrong people, get involved in the wrong solutions, look for peace—or just safety—in the wrong places. It's true in any season: The moment you reject the gospel and shut your heart to God, you become easy prey for any false teaching, cult, or error that puts you in their bullseye. Learn how to protect yourself from God's Word.

The area around the Euphrates River holds something unique and special in God's program. This is where the Garden of Eden was located, where the first murder was committed, where the first war was fought, where the Flood began, where the Tower of Babel was built, where Israel went into Babylonian captivity. It's also where Satan will fight his last stand. Come visit the region—but don't plan to stay.

What? God gives Satan the key to open the abyss? Why? In a scene that looks like it's out of an apocalyptic movie, the gate to the abyss opens, a violent smoke fills earth's atmosphere, and an army of locusts that look like horses come marching out. This is all-out demonic war on mankind. And what's next is even worse. This is the Great Tribulation in process.

A tragedy is coming … not for those who know Jesus as Savior, but for a world that rejects Him, as described in the four trumpets of Revelation 8. Listen as Dr. J. Vernon McGee tells us not only should this cause us sorrow, but it should get us moving to get the Word of God out to the world. “That is our solemn responsibility.”

In your imagination, what will the trumpet sound like that signals Jesus calling His children to meet Him in the clouds? What will the signal be that marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation? Will it sound like a bomb exploding or like a war breaking out? Our teacher, Dr. J. Vernon McGee, explains the sound signals of the beginning of the end of earth as we know it. That's what's ahead in this study from Revelation 8.

Hold your breath. In our study of Revelation 8, we learn that in between the sixth and seventh seal, the Lord Jesus Christ causes all of heaven, hell, and earth to stand still. There is silence in heaven for about half an hour. God's patience is not exhausted—He still gives the opportunity for repentance. But then judgment that clearly only God could orchestrate. And it's just the beginning … the worst is yet to come. Dr. J. Vernon McGee, our teacher, walks us right into it.

“God will wipe away all tears from their eyes ….” You know this promise, now discover the scene in heaven when this will happen and who God is comforting. Hint: Most of them laid down their lives for Christ in the Tribulation, but now they stand before God's throne, dressed in white robes because of the blood of the Lamb. Get ready for a beautiful study in Revelation 7.

God never leaves Himself without a witness. Get a peek into how the gospel spreads in the Great Tribulation and people from every tribe of Israel and every Gentile nation respond to God's grace. And you won't want to miss the scene of universal worship of God by His creatures. The church is there, Old Testament saints are there, Tribulation saints are there, and the angels join in. This is an amazing study.

Just when chaos is breaking loose on the earth, the time of judgment is shortened or else no one would survive. In this suspenseful study of the second half of the Tribulation, we'll study things like “the mark of God” (in contrast to the “mark of the beast”), the 144,000 Jews, and the remnant from the nation of Israel. God remembers His people. Things are starting to come together—don't miss one study.

Our study in Revelation 7 follows God's judgment into the Great Tribulation. The Holy Spirit continues His ministry of drawing people to Christ, but the Spirit no longer restrains evil on the earth. Satan has free reign to do as he schemes. God's judgment is held back until His purposes are accomplished. Then as now, tribulation either draws us to God or turns us away from Him. Don't miss this captivating study.

Our study now plunges into the ominous second half of the Tribulation when death becomes unbridled. We'll look at the great day of the Lord, spoken of throughout the Old Testament. But remember, God loves good and hates evil—but His hate is not vindictive like ours, but is righteous and holy. Study Revelation 6, when holiness has its day.

Are the four horsemen of the apocalypse getting ready to ride? Are we getting near the end? Maybe so—but it won't happen until the church is taken out of the world. Learn about the antichrist, his lies about world unity and peace, and about the four horses--white, red, black, and pale horses, each riding in on a storm of judgment, following a pattern Jesus described in Matthew 24. Roll up your sleeves and dig into this awesome study.

Revelation 6 is a dividing line in the book of Revelation. Now we see what's going on back on earth without the Church (now with Jesus in heaven). The drama continues as the Great Tribulation unfolds in orderly progression—seals, trumpets, bowls of wrath, judgment, ending the Tribulation. Then comes Jesus Christ to earth for the second time to execute God's will. You won't want to miss one thing.

If you've ever been a part of a great worship service—where Jesus' name is lifted high by everyone singing with all their hearts—then you've had a glimpse of heaven! That's the scene we'll hear more about in our study of Revelation 5 with Dr. J. Vernon McGee when all creation will worship Jesus Christ as Savior and Sovereign of the universe.

Have you ever thought about just what you'll be doing in heaven? You won't be bored, that's for sure. In this study of Revelation 4 we get a look into the throne room of heaven and catch a glimpse at some of the ways we'll spend our time in God's presence. We'll hear about the first great worship scene in heaven—and about four living creatures, 24 elders, and a book with seven seals.

Now in our continuing study of Revelation, the scene shifts from earth to heaven. Jesus is central, directing all events as the Lamb who died for the sins of the world; He is now the Judge at the throne of God. Only the Holy Spirit could describe what we read about heaven in this passage. Get ready for awesome things.

In this, the final study in the seven churches of Revelation, invite the Holy Spirit to teach you this special message from the Lord Jesus to all the churches. Enjoy the picture of fellowship as the Lord Jesus knocks at the heart's door of the sinner. If you open the door to let Him in, “I will come in and dine with him.” Come feed on the Word of God and get to know Christ better.

The church at Laodicea was rich and in a rich city. Money was important to them. They were self sufficient. Worldly wealth was their measuring rod for success while spiritual values were ignored. Find out how Jesus described them (it's not pretty) and take to heart His charge to turn back to Him and get on fire for God.

An onsite visit to the church in Laodicea explains why Jesus had only condemnation for this church. “Lukewarm” described their water system and their compromised devotion of Him. How could they be so half-hearted towards Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the Faithful Witness, the Amen Himself? Listen with your whole heart to discover how not to lose your fervor for God.

In this study of Revelation 3, Dr. J. Vernon McGee tells us about a church that was true to the Word of God. The church of Philadelphia represents all churches the world over that remain true to preaching and living out God's Word. Dr. McGee loved one verse in this passage so much it became Thru the Bible's theme verse.

If you visited the church of Sardis in the first century, you could only get in the city by one entrance. The city itself was on the top of a mountain, secure unless the guards fell asleep. To this church, the Lord says, “Wake up and watch out! Don't you go to sleep!” If you feel a little drowsy, dive into this study of Revelation 3 with Dr. J. Vernon McGee.

The letter to the church in Thyatira was a warning. Jesus is judging His church. He is pictured with eyes like fire, searching them out. His feet are like burnished brass, representing judgment. But Jesus also commended them for their love for Him and how it prompted works of service, faith, patience, and endurance—all produced by the Holy Spirit. A practical study from Dr. J. Vernon McGee on this fifth church of Revelation.

Did you know Satan has a base of operations on earth? Jesus revealed through the apostle John where Satan's headquarters were in the early days of the church in this study in Revelation 2-3. Dr. J. Vernon McGee reminds us today that even though Satan is loose and ruling like the prince of this world, Jesus promised He was greater than any spiritual enemy. We know who wins.

As the Bible Bus arrives in Revelation 2, we'll hear about the suffering the people in the church in Smyrna experienced. Likely you've seen your share of suffering, too. While we hate pain and try to avoid it, God's Word teaches us God uses it for our good. Our teacher, Dr. J. Vernon McGee, addresses the important question, “Why do God's children suffer?” and one of his answers may surprise you.

Remember when you first came to the Lord? Remember your enthusiasm? Your commitment? Your love for Him? The promise of this first letter to the church of Ephesians is that if we're in right relationship with Jesus Christ, then all other relationships will right themselves, too. The secret is turning—maybe it's turning your back on sin, maybe it's turning back to God, maybe it's turning to Christ for salvation for the first time. Come ready to listen and do what God prompts you to do.

Ever wish you could get a personal letter from Jesus? Well, seven churches in Asia did. They came through the apostle John's pen but were inspired by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Dr. J. Vernon McGee calls these “God's love letters to churches.” They were an encouragement and sometimes a warning to the first recipients of this message, and they do the same for us who listen to them today.

Some think the book of Revelation is filled with mysteries. And perhaps it is. The word mystery in Scripture means “a sacred secret which has not been revealed before.” Discover what God reveals about the things which are (about the church) and the things which will be (the church raptured and what happens on earth after the church leaves). Past. Present. Future. What a great story!

Someday, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the Lord Jesus Himself will descend from heaven and with a voice that sounds like a war trumpet call His church from the earth to be with Him forever. Until that moment, Jesus is before God's throne as our advocate, our Great High Priest. Come learn more from this passage Dr. McGee called “one of the most thrilling sections in the Word of God.”

Who holds all these titles: Faithful witness, Firstborn of the dead, the Prince of the kings of the earth, He who loved us, He who washed us, He who made us kings and priests. Savior, Bridegroom, the Lover of our souls, the great “Amen.” Can you guess? Come learn more about the Lord Jesus Christ in our study of Revelation. To Him be the glory and the authority unto the ages of the ages.

Want to read and understand the book of Revelation? Then you'll be blessed! According to what we'll study in these first verses, “blessed are those who read or teach and those that hear.” A three-fold blessing comes from reading, hearing, and keeping what you learn now from this magnificent book. And to find out what's so special about the number seven—dive in!

The title of the book of “Revelation” (singular) points to a singular event: The uncovering, unveiling, or revelation of Jesus Christ. We met Jesus in the Gospels when He took on skin, but the Gospels only tell half the story. The book of Revelation completes the picture. Right here at the start, ask the Spirit to teach you what only He can explain.

"The book of Revelation is one of the most organized books in the Bible. It divides itself,” says Dr. J. Vernon McGee, our teacher. If you've tried to read Revelation but got confused by all the symbols, then come along for a carefully choreographed dance through the pages that describe how God brings everything to completion.

We live in difficult times that seem to have no solutions. But when it looks like the evil in this world is going to win, we can read this last book of the Bible and know everything is going to work out. But isn't Revelation full of frightening events and pictures? Yes, but we'll learn in this amazing study why we can put our confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hint: He wins.) Stay till the end.

The Sun of Righteousness in the Old Testament is also the Bright and Morning Star of the New Testament. Of course, that Star is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the focus and the “star” of the entire Word of God. This concluding study of Malachi examines God's final words to Israel before a period of silence lasting 400 years.

Do you have a guest book for visitors in your home? Or do you use one for special events like weddings and parties? God also keeps a “book of remembrance,” and we're included. Malachi tells us more about this book as he leads us into his important prophecy regarding the Day of the Lord and the Sun of Righteousness.

Malachi's discussion of tithing continues as we explore the important connection between giving, fellowship, and worship. Will Israel heed these warnings? Will we?

The people are robbing God of tithes and offerings, so God's rebuke of Israel (through the prophet Malachi) continues. Join us as Malachi focuses on the uncomfortable subject of giving, and hear more about tithing under the Mosaic legal system and how it relates to us today. The answers may surprise you.

Malachi has spoken in depth about Israel's social sins; next he addresses their idolatry, fascination with the occult, lying, and idol worship. Dr. McGee calls these “religious sins.” As the story unfolds, God attempts to detour Israel from destruction while the people continue to ask Him sarcastic questions and avoid repentance.

The people of Israel are bored with their ritualistic worship and God is tired of their hypocrisy. As many begin to ask, “Where is the God of justice?” God tells them about two messengers to come. (Hint: Look ahead to 400 years later—the answers are found in all four Gospels.)

In our continuing study of divorce and marriage in Malachi chapter 2, Dr. McGee reminds us that marriage itself is sanctioned by God and is a picture of Christ's love for us and our response to it. We'll also hear more about how Israel's social sins (and that of any nation) are closely linked to their destruction.