Pulpit Curriculum: Who Can Stand?

March 30^th – April 5^th, 2025

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Sermon Summary

A devastating earthquake causing massive upheaval - the sun turns black as sackcloth, the moon becomes like blood, the stars fall to the earth, the sky vanishes like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island remove from its place. “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of God’s wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Rev 6: 16 – 17). Indeed, who can stand?

As the preacher continues his expositive journey through the Book of Revelation, a book avoided by many perhaps because of its apocalyptic content, he stops over at Chapter 7 to enlighten listeners with the response to the question “Who can stand?” The preacher was explicit in his conclusion “Only those who are sealed, saved,and sustained by God!”. This thrilling sermon should pique the interest of the listener - those already saved and those yet to be saved - to take action now, while the time is ripe to make the decision to stand in God’s Protection, Salvation and Sustaining Power.

Verse of the Week

: Revelation 7:13-14 (ESV)
¹³ Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” ¹⁴ I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Going Deeper

_{This section of the Pulpit Curriculum is meant to support Bible reflection, and encourage readers to come away with a high view of Scripture.}

Review Revelation 7: 1-17

STAND IN GOD’S PROTECTION

1) “Before the full force of God’s judgment is released, God pauses and marks His people for protection.” (Derek A Ward). (verses 1-3). Discuss the character trait(s) of God revealed in this statement. Provide Scripture references to support your findings.

2) Explain the difference between the sealing of the servants of God in Revelation 7:3 and the sealing of the Christian in Ephesians 1:13-14

STAND IN GOD’S SALVATION

3a) Compare and contrast the 144,000 and the great multitude. Citing Scripture references, explain your understanding of the significance of these two groups of persons being separately and distinctly identified.

b) The tribes of Dan and Ephraim are not found among the list outlined in verses 5-8. Research this omission using Genesis 49 and the book of Hosea Hosea as your guide and document your findings.

STAND IN GOD’S SUSTAINING POWER

4) Conduct a study of verses 13-15 and using at least three Scripture references, explain the significance of the multitude around the throne at this stage (vs 1-3) during the tribulation.

Assess Your Life

_{The following questions are meant to encourage personal reflection and identify areas for spiritual growth in your relationship with God. Ask yourself the questions, respond honestly, write down your responses, and then prayerfully seek God’s conviction and guidance to move forward to repentance and restoration. In discussions with your friends and family, or in your Small Group, be open to sharing your responses with others in a spirit of accountability and transparency.}

1. Are you resting in the assurance that you belong to God? What gives you that assurance?

2. Are you walking in obedience to God’s will? What does this look like in practical terms?

3. Do you take refuge in God’s presence during trials? What steps do you take to remain faithful?

4. Are you encouraging others, both saved and unsaved, along your Christian journey? What are some of the methods you use?

Application

_{A key objective of this Pulpit Curriculum is taking God’s truth as exposed in the sermon and helping people apply that truth in practical and intentional ways to plot a course toward obedience and transformation. This section is intended to achieve that objective.}

What can I resolve to do today to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ?
Spend some time committing Colossians 1:1-6 to memory. How might understanding this text enhance my Christian journey?
I will identify one person who I believe needs to hear this series Revealed - God’s Plan for Eternity and share it with them today. https://harvestbarbados.org/media/series/b4vvkr8/revealed
How does recognizing Christ’s sovereignty, His complete control, impact my view of eternal security?

• Who will I ask to hold me accountable to these applications?

Ask a trusted friend to help keep you accountable in these commitments.

Sermon Main Points

When God’s judgment is unleashed and the powers of the earth are shaken, who can stand? Only those who have been rescued by the Lamb, sustained by His grace, and secured by His salvation can confidently stand in:

1) God’s Protection (1-8)
God has marked and sealed His people for eternity and nothing in this world, chaos, storm or judgment, can remove those who belong to Him. His seal is our security and we can rest in the assurance that we belong to Him.

2) God’s Salvation (9-12)
We have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb; not because of our own goodness or efforts, for by grace we have been saved through faith and this is not our own doing; it is the gift of God not a result of works.

3) God’s Sustaining Power (13-17)
God will carry us through every trial and lead us to eternal victory - victory already secured in Christ. The Lamb will be our Shepherd and He will wipe every tear and welcome us into eternal rest.

Quotes

No matter what storms come; God’s protection is real, His promises are sure, and His presence is our refuge.
We do not stand before God by our own goodness or efforts - it is only through the blood of the Lamb.
True salvation leads to a life of holiness, obedience, and love for God and others; it guards against complacency and sin and shapes our daily choices.

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What can I do to remember this?

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps

1. Observe the text.
_{(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)}

2. Interpret the text.
_{(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)}

3. Apply the text.
_{(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)}

Day 1 - Jude 1:24-25

God is able to keep everyone who puts their trust in Him