Finding Faith Lesson #2 - The Why and the When
Digest
This class delves into the Book of Revelation, interpreting the seven seals as distinct thousand-year periods of Earth's history, each marked by specific divine work and human events. The first four seals are represented by the Four Horsemen—conquest, violence, famine, and death—symbolizing the initial 4,000 years and ongoing global turmoil. The fifth seal signifies the persecution of early Christians, while the sixth seal represents the tumultuous period from 1000 to 2000 AD, characterized by significant global upheaval. The discussion then shifts to the "signs of the times," emphasizing deception as a critical indicator of the last days and the importance of prophecy in preparing believers for challenges. Demographic shifts, including the rise of the religiously unaffiliated ("nones"), are examined alongside historical cycles of religious revival in America, known as "Great Awakenings." The class concludes by highlighting the purpose of spiritual "shaking" as a means to discern and rebuild faith on the foundation of Christ, even amidst periods of doubt and darkness.
Outlines
Introduction and Course Overview
The class begins by discussing the relevance of learning, especially during times of faith crisis, and introduces the Book of Revelation.
The Seven Seals and Historical Periods
The seven seals of Revelation are explained as representing thousand-year periods of Earth's existence, each signifying a phase of God's work, with the seventh leading to the millennium. The first four seals are interpreted as the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (conquest, violence, famine, death), symbolizing the first 4,000 years of history and their continued impact.
Persecution and Global Upheaval
The fifth seal represents the first thousand years after Christ, marked by the persecution and martyrdom of early Christians. The sixth seal, covering 1000-2000 AD, signifies immense change, revolution, and upheaval, including major wars.
Signs of the Times: Shaking Faith and Deception
The "signs of the times" are discussed, including earthquakes and the shaking of faith, which involves doubt and questioning. Deception is highlighted as a pivotal sign of the last days, emphasizing the need to discern truth from falsehood. Jesus' foretelling of events is presented as a means to strengthen faith.
Demographic Shifts and Religious Cycles
The decline in religious affiliation, particularly among younger generations, is presented through data on the rise of the "nones." The historical pattern of religious decline and revival in America, known as "Great Awakenings," is explored, offering context for current trends.
Lament and Hope for Spiritual Revival
Poets' laments on the decline of faith are cited, expressing a longing for spiritual revival. This mirrors prophetic insights and the potential for a future resurgence of faith.
The Purpose of Shaking and Rebuilding Faith
The purpose of spiritual "shaking" is to distinguish what is stable from what needs rebuilding. Listeners are encouraged to rebuild their faith on the foundation of Christ, recognizing God's presence even in difficult times.
Keywords
Faith Crisis
A period of intense doubt and questioning regarding one's religious beliefs, often leading to re-evaluation and potential shifts in spiritual conviction.
Book of Revelation
The final book of the New Testament, containing apocalyptic prophecies about the end times, divine judgment, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Symbolic figures from Revelation representing conquest, violence, famine, and death, signifying periods of destruction, suffering, and turmoil throughout history.
Sixth Seal
A prophetic period in Revelation often interpreted as representing the last days or a significant era of global upheaval, characterized by cosmic disturbances and societal unrest.
Signs of the Times
Events and phenomena believed to indicate the proximity of the end times or Christ's second coming, including natural disasters, societal changes, and shifts in religious belief.
Deception
The act of misleading or causing someone to believe something untrue, particularly relevant in the context of false teachings and spiritual manipulation during the end times.
Nones (Religious Affiliation)
Individuals who identify as having no religious affiliation, a demographic that has grown significantly, especially among younger generations, reflecting broader secularization trends.
Great Awakenings
Periods of intense religious revivalism in American history, characterized by widespread spiritual fervor and conversion, significantly shaping the nation's religious and cultural landscape.
Spiritual Slumber
A state of spiritual apathy or inactivity, implying a lack of spiritual vitality and a need for awakening or re-engagement with spiritual principles.
Rebuilding Faith
The process of strengthening and reconstructing one's spiritual beliefs on a solid foundation, particularly after periods of doubt or trial.
Q&A
What is the significance of the seven seals in the Book of Revelation?
The seven seals in the Book of Revelation are interpreted as representing thousand-year periods of Earth's temporal existence. Each seal signifies a distinct phase of God's work and the unfolding of His plan throughout history, culminating in the millennium.
How are the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" interpreted in the context of history?
The Four Horsemen—conquest, violence, famine, and death—symbolize the first 4,000 years of Earth's history. They represent periods of significant conflict, suffering, and destruction, and are seen as forces that continue to impact the world.
What does the "shaking of faith" refer to in the context of the "signs of the times"?
The "shaking of faith" refers to periods of doubt, questioning, and spiritual uncertainty experienced by individuals, even among those who are religious. It signifies a destabilization of deeply held beliefs, often triggered by societal changes or personal challenges.
Why is deception highlighted as a particularly important sign of the last days?
Deception is considered a pivotal sign because it can subtly lead individuals astray, even those who are considered elect or faithful. Recognizing and discerning truth from falsehood is crucial in navigating the complexities of the end times.
What are the demographic trends regarding religious affiliation in recent times?
Recent decades have seen a significant rise in the "nones," individuals with no religious affiliation. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, indicating a broader shift in societal attitudes towards organized religion.
What is the historical pattern of religious revival and decline in America?
American religious history is marked by cycles of decline followed by periods of intense revival, known as "Great Awakenings." These awakenings have significantly shaped the nation's spiritual and cultural identity, with a potential for a fifth and final awakening.
What is the ultimate purpose of spiritual "shaking" or trials?
The purpose of spiritual shaking is to help individuals discern what is truly stable and well-built in their faith, and what needs rebuilding. It's a process that ultimately strengthens faith by allowing individuals to rebuild on a more solid foundation, like Christ.
Show Notes
On March 18, 2020, the ground literally shook in Salt Lake City, causing the trumpet to fall from the hand of the Angel Moroni. It was a physical wake-up call for a spiritual reality: our world—and our faith—will be shaken. The question isn't if the earthquake is coming, but whether your foundation is built on something that cannot be moved.
Summary: In this episode, we answer the "Why" of the "Finding Faith" course, exploring the deep symbolism of earthquakes in scripture to see why this kind of "shaking" is meant to symbolize life in the last days. Drawing from Revelation 6 and the "sixth seal," we analyze the nature of spiritual instability and the divine purpose behind the "shaking."
The Sixth Seal: We dive into the apocalyptic imagery of mountains moving and the heavens departing as a scroll. Who shall be able to stand when everything familiar is displaced?
The Salt Lake Earthquake: We reflect on the 2020 seismic event as a metaphor for the "shaking" of our modern institutions and personal certainties.
The Purpose of Shaking: Using Hebrews 12:27 , we discuss how God allows the shaking to remove things that are temporary so that "those things which cannot be shaken may remain."
Building on Bedrock: We learn the difference between sand and rock, and how to ensure our "spiritual architecture" is built to withstand the "spectres of the mind".
Finding Power in the Night: We conclude with the hope that faith isn't just found in the light, but is forged and strengthened in the darkness of the "shake."
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