Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 50 – Revelation 8-12

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 50 - Revelation 8-12

Week 50: Exploring Revelation 8-12

In week 50 of our 1-year New Testament reading adventure, we will continue through the powerful visions of Revelation, covering chapters 8-12. These chapters reveal the opening of the seventh seal, which leads to seven trumpet judgments impacting the earth, followed by vivid images of spiritual conflict and ultimate hope. In Revelation 8 and 9, we’ll see the effects of the trumpet judgments and the world’s resistance to repentance. Revelation 10 and 11 bring messages of both mystery and hope, with the vision of the mighty angel and two faithful witnesses. Chapter 12 then presents a symbolic portrayal of Satan’s defeat and believers’ triumph through Christ. As we explore these passages, we will witness God’s sovereignty, the consequences of resisting His call, and the promise of ultimate victory for those who remain faithful.

Revelation 8

Revelation 8:3-4 (ESV): And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

In Revelation 8, the seventh seal is opened, resulting in silence in heaven, followed by the sounding of seven trumpets that bring further judgment upon the earth. These trumpet judgments signal more severe calamities, impacting nature and humanity as part of God’s plan.

Revelation 9

Revelation 9:20-21 (ESV): The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Revelation 9 describes the fifth and sixth trumpets, which bring even more severe judgments, including a plague of locusts and a massive army. Despite these calamities, many people still refuse to repent, underscoring human resistance to God’s warnings.

Revelation 10

Revelation 10:10 (ESV): And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter.

In Revelation 10, John witnesses a mighty angel holding a small scroll and hears seven thunders that he is told not to write down. The angel announces that God’s mystery will soon be fulfilled, and John is instructed to eat the scroll, symbolizing the bittersweet nature of God’s prophetic message.

Revelation 11

Revelation 11:15 (ESV): Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”

Revelation 11 describes two witnesses who prophesy for 1,260 days before being killed and resurrected. Following their resurrection, they ascend to heaven, and a great earthquake occurs. The seventh trumpet then sounds, heralding God’s reign, and a declaration of His kingdom’s arrival is made in heaven.

Revelation 12

Revelation 12:11 (ESV): And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

In Revelation 12, John sees a vision of a woman, a child, and a dragon. The dragon, symbolizing Satan, tries to devour the woman’s child (Jesus) but is defeated and cast out of heaven. Despite Satan’s continued attempts to persecute the woman’s offspring (believers), they overcome by the “blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

Week 50: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 50: Reflection Questions for Revelation 8-12

Consider the following reflection questions:

Revelation 8: The Seventh Seal and Trumpet Judgments

  1. How does the silence in heaven signify the gravity of the seventh seal, and how can we approach God with reverence?
  2. What role do the prayers of the saints play in this chapter, and how can we strengthen our prayer lives?
  3. How does the impact of each trumpet reveal God’s control over creation, and how should this shape our view of His power?
  4. What warnings do these judgments offer, and how can we respond with humility and repentance?
  5. How does this vision of judgment reinforce our need for salvation, and how can we share this message with others?

Revelation 9: Warnings and Hardness of Heart

  1. How does the vision of the locust plague illustrate spiritual darkness, and how can we guard ourselves from such influences?
  2. What role does repentance play in responding to God’s judgments, and how can we cultivate a repentant heart?
  3. Why do many people refuse to repent despite the severity of these judgments, and how can we avoid similar hardness of heart?
  4. What do the fifth and sixth trumpets teach about the consequences of sin, and how can we seek God’s mercy?
  5. How can this chapter deepen our urgency to share the gospel, and in what ways can we help others find hope in Christ?

Revelation 10: The Little Scroll and God’s Mystery

  1. What does the angel’s declaration about the end of God’s mystery mean, and how can we prepare for God’s fulfillment?
  2. How does the image of John eating the scroll symbolize both the sweetness and bitterness of prophecy, and how can we embrace both aspects of God’s word?
  3. Why is John told not to write down the words of the seven thunders, and what might this teach about mystery in God’s plan?
  4. How does John’s experience with the scroll reflect our journey in understanding God’s Word, and how can we grow in wisdom?
  5. How can we balance both hope and solemnity as we look forward to God’s plans unfolding?

Revelation 11: The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet

  1. What role do the two witnesses play in God’s plan, and how can we stand firm in sharing God’s message?
  2. How does the resurrection and ascension of the witnesses display God’s power, and how does this encourage us in our faith?
  3. What significance does the seventh trumpet hold, and how can we rejoice in God’s ultimate victory?
  4. How does this chapter emphasize the transition from earthly to divine authority, and how should we respond to God’s sovereignty?
  5. In what ways does this chapter inspire hope in God’s eternal kingdom, and how can we live with this perspective?

Revelation 12: The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

  1. How does the vision of the woman and child represent God’s plan for salvation, and how can we find assurance in God’s protection?
  2. What does the defeat of the dragon signify about Satan’s power, and how can we resist his influence in our lives?
  3. How do believers “conquer” by the blood of the Lamb, and what does this mean for our faith journey?
  4. What encouragement does this chapter offer to those who face persecution, and how can we stand firm in our testimony?
  5. How does the vision of the woman’s protection reveal God’s care for His people, and in what ways can we trust in His protection?
Reflection Questions Revelation 8 How does the silence in heaven signify the gravity of the seventh seal, and how can we approach God with reverence? What role do the prayers of the saints play in this chapter, and how can we strengthen our prayer lives? How does the impact of each trumpet reveal God’s control over creation, and how should this shape our view of His power? What warnings do these judgments offer, and how can we respond with humility and repentance? How does this vision of judgment reinforce our need for salvation, and how can we share this message with others?
Reflection Questions Revelation 9 How does the vision of the locust plague illustrate spiritual darkness, and how can we guard ourselves from such influences? What role does repentance play in responding to God’s judgments, and how can we cultivate a repentant heart? Why do many people refuse to repent despite the severity of these judgments, and how can we avoid similar hardness of heart? What do the fifth and sixth trumpets teach about the consequences of sin, and how can we seek God’s mercy? How can this chapter deepen our urgency to share the gospel, and in what ways can we help others find hope in Christ?
Reflection Questions Revelation 10 What does the angel's declaration about the end of God’s mystery mean, and how can we prepare for God’s fulfillment? How does the image of John eating the scroll symbolize both the sweetness and bitterness of prophecy, and how can we embrace both aspects of God’s word? Why is John told not to write down the words of the seven thunders, and what might this teach about mystery in God’s plan? How does John’s experience with the scroll reflect our journey in understanding God’s Word, and how can we grow in wisdom? How can we balance both hope and solemnity as we look forward to God’s plans unfolding?
Reflection Questions Revelation 11 What role do the two witnesses play in God’s plan, and how can we stand firm in sharing God’s message? How does the resurrection and ascension of the witnesses display God’s power, and how does this encourage us in our faith? What significance does the seventh trumpet hold, and how can we rejoice in God’s ultimate victory? How does this chapter emphasize the transition from earthly to divine authority, and how should we respond to God’s sovereignty? In what ways does this chapter inspire hope in God’s eternal kingdom, and how can we live with this perspective?
Reflection Questions Revelation 12 How does the vision of the woman and child represent God’s plan for salvation, and how can we find assurance in God’s protection? What does the defeat of the dragon signify about Satan’s power, and how can we resist his influence in our lives? How do believers “conquer” by the blood of the Lamb, and what does this mean for our faith journey? What encouragement does this chapter offer to those who face persecution, and how can we stand firm in our testimony? How does the vision of the woman’s protection reveal God’s care for His people, and in what ways can we trust in His protection?

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 50 - Revelation 8-12
Revelation 8:3-4 (ESV): And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.
Revelation 9:20-21 (ESV): The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Revelation 10:10 (ESV): And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter.
Revelation 11:15 (ESV): Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 12:11 (ESV): And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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