SERMON 3: "Heaven Holds the Throne While the Earth Shakes!"
PRESENTER: Rev. Dr. JoAnne P. King
DATE: October 18, 2026
Good morning Saints and welcome to Exousia Ministries.
Saints, in Sermons 1 and 2 we looked at the aged Apostle John on the lonely island of Patmos, and we unlocked God’s Master Timetable and Prophetic Clock. But when you turn to Revelation Chapter 4, the scene dramatically shifts! John is no longer looking around at barren rocks or crashing ocean waves. In Revelation 4:1, he shouts:
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven..."
Saints, before God unleashes a single trumpet or pours out a single vial of judgment upon this earth, He invites His servant to look through the open door of heaven! Why? Because you cannot properly understand earthly chaos until you first behold heavenly sovereignty!
When earth is in turmoil, heaven is not in panic! When Washington, Moscow, or the United Nations don't know what to do, Almighty God is not wringing His hands! God wants His Church to view world events not through the lens of modern anxiety, but from the elevated perspective of His eternal throne room!
What is the very first thing John sees through that open door? He does not see an empty chair, nor does he see world leaders debating. He sees A THRONE SET IN HEAVEN, AND ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE!
The One sitting upon the throne is described not in human features, but in radiant, dazzling light—flashing like jasper and sardius stones, brilliant with absolute holiness and majesty!
Look at who and what surrounds that glorious throne: Circling the throne is a magnificent rainbow, glowing like an emerald. In Genesis, the rainbow was a sign that judgment was over and God's covenant remained. Encircling the very throne of judgment is a perpetual green light—a covenant reminder that even when God judges the earth, He remembers His mercy and never breaks His promises!
Surrounding the main throne are twenty-four smaller thrones, and seated upon them are Twenty-Four Elders. They are clothed in white robes of righteousness and wear golden crowns (stephanos) of victory on their heads.
Who are these elders? They represent the whole redeemed family of God—the 12 Patriarchs of the Old Testament combined with the 12 Apostles of the New Testament!
Notice what they do: whenever worship erupts in heaven, they fall down before Him who sits on the throne and cast their golden crowns at His feet, declaring: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things!"
Positioned closest to the throne—in the center and around it—are Four Living Creatures (Zōon), covered with eyes in front and back, seeing all things in divine awareness. Each has six wings and represents a distinct aspect of creation and the character of Christ:
The First like a Lion: Representing courage, majesty, and Christ as the King of kings (Gospel of Matthew).
The Second like a Calf/Ox: Representing strength, sacrifice, and Christ as the Suffering Servant (Gospel of Mark).
The Third with the face of a Man: Representing intelligence, sympathy, and Christ as the Perfect Man (Gospel of Luke).
The Fourth like a Flying Eagle: Representing swiftness, divine majesty, and Christ as the Son of God (Gospel of John). Day and night, without ceasing, these four mighty creatures cry out: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come!"
Burning directly before the throne are Seven Lamps of Fire, which are the Seven Spirits of God (Revelation 4:5; Isaiah 11:2). This is not seven different spirits, but the Holy Spirit in His absolute perfection, divine fullness, and burning holiness, preparing to search the earth and execute divine justice!
Extending out before the throne is an expanse like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. On earth, oceans are turbulent, tossed by winds, and treacherous. But before God's throne, the sea is frozen into solid, unshakeable crystal! It shows that nothing in creation is turbulent to Almighty God. What looks like a storm to us on earth is a solid, smooth mirror under God's feet!
Out from the throne proceed, lightnings, thunders and voices—the holy alarms of God’s impending judgment! It echoes Mount Sinai when God gave the Law, warning a rebellious world that the Creator is about to intervene in human history!
Encircling the throne, the living creatures, and the elders are ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of angels—an uncountable heavenly host singing with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing!"
Saints, earth may be voting, politicians may be posturing, and nations may be raging, but HEAVEN IS STILL WORSHIPING! God has never abdicated His seat, and He hasn't lost control of His universe for a single split second!
The Seven-Sealed Scroll is in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne. A scroll written inside and on the back, sealed tight with seven wax seals. This scroll is the title deed to the earth—the divine document containing God’s Master Blueprint to reclaim creation from sin, death, and Satan.
A mighty angel cries with a loud voice: "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" (Revelation 5:2).
John looks across heaven, earth, and under the earth, and no human being is found worthy. John begins to weep bitterly because if no one can open the scroll, creation remains cursed and Satan's usurped reign goes unchecked!
The Lion Who Is the Lamb! As John weeps, one of the elders taps him on the shoulder and says, "Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book!" (Revelation 5:5).
John turns, expecting to see a roaring Lion with unsheathed claws, but what does he see standing in the midst of the throne? A Lamb as it had been slain!
Glory to God! Jesus prevailed not by earthly swords or human armies, but by His precious, redeeming blood shed on Calvary's cross! He steps forward, takes the scroll directly out of the Father's right hand, and all of heaven explodes in a new song:
"Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood!"
The Seven Seal Judgments: When the Lamb breaks the seals of the scroll, heaven’s silence is broken and God’s prophetic clock strikes the start of the 7-Year Tribulation on earth. As Jesus snaps each wax seal, divine judgment begins to unfold.
The first four seals bring forth the infamous Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—earthly consequences unleashed when God removes His restraining hand from human rebellion:
The 1st Seal: The White Horse — False Peace & Deception (Rev. 6:1–2)
The 1st Seal: The White Horse — False Peace & Deception (Rev. 6:1–2)
"And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."
A rider comes riding on a white horse holding a bow, but notice—he has no arrows! He wears a conqueror's crown (stephanos). This rider is NOT Jesus Christ (who returns on a white horse in Revelation 19 with a sword and many crowns). This is the Antichrist—Satan's counterfeit savior. He steps onto the global stage not with weapons of war, but with political diplomacy, charismatic charm, and promises of economic prosperity and world peace.
The Antichrist conquers through deception, not bullets. In our daily lives, the spirit of antichrist is already at work offering "false peace" through materialism, political candidates, or popular culture.
Do not let worldly promises numb your spiritual discernment. Test every voice, modern philosophy, and headline against the truth of God’s Word (1 John 4:1). Never sacrifice biblical truth for the sake of temporary comfort or cultural approval!
The 2nd Seal: The Red Horse — Global Warfare & Violence (Rev. 6:3–4)
"And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."
As soon as the false peace of the first seal crumbles, a fiery red horse gallops forth. The rider holds a great sword (machaira—a slaughtering knife). He takes peace completely away from the earth, unleashing global warfare, civil strife, ethnic hatred, and rampant bloodshed.
When you see road rage, hatred on social media, division in communities, and international conflict, you are seeing glimpses of what happens when God’s peace is removed.
As believers living in a hostile age, Jesus called us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Guard your heart against bitterness and anger. In your family, workplace, and church, respond to conflict with Christlike grace rather than worldly retaliation (Romans 12:18).
The 3rd Seal: The Black Horse — Economic Collapse & Famine (Rev. 6:5–6) "And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand... A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
A black horse appears whose rider carries scales for weighing food. A voice announces that a "measure of wheat" (one cup—just enough to feed one person for one day) will cost a "penny" (a denarius—a full day’s wage!). Hyperinflation and economic collapse sweep the globe. A working parent works all day just to buy a single loaf of bread, leaving nothing for rent, medicine, or family. Yet the voice says, "Hurt not the oil and the wine"—showing that while the working class starves, the wealthy elite remain untouched, deepening global inequality.
You need to anchor your security in God, not the economy, because stock markets fluctuate, inflation rises, and job markets shift overnight. If your security is built on bank accounts, you will live in daily panic.
Practice biblical stewardship and contentment (1 Timothy 6:6–8). Generously support God’s work, live within your means, and remind yourself daily: "My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Trust the Provider, not the paycheck!
The 4th Seal: The Pale Horse — Pestilence & Widespread Death (Rev. 6:7–8)
"And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth."
A pale, sickly green horse (chloros—the color of a decaying corpse) rides across the earth. Its rider is named Death, and right behind him rides Hades (Hell), gathering up the unsaved souls. Under this seal, one-fourth of the earth's population dies through war, famine, deadly plagues, and wild beasts.
You must live with eternity in mind because the Pale Horse reminds us of the fragility of human life. Death is an absolute reality that no amount of money, health food, or medical science can escape forever.
Don't live like this earthly life is all there is! Live every day with eternity stamped on your eyes. Use your time, energy, and resources for what will last forever—loving God, serving others, and sharing the Gospel with unsaved loved ones while there is still time!
The 5th Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs (Rev. 6:9–11)
"I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?"
John looks under the heavenly altar and sees the souls of believers who were martyred during the Tribulation for standing firm on God’s Word. They cry out for divine justice: "How long, O Lord?" God gives each of them a pure white robe and tells them to rest a little longer until the full number of their fellow servants is completed.
You must stand unashamed for the Gospel like those martyrs who sacrificed their very lives for their testimony. Today, many Christians hesitate to stand for Christ out of fear of social awkwardness, losing friends, or cultural criticism.
Refuse to compromise your faith for popular approval. When faced with pressure to stay silent at work, school, or in social settings, pray for holy boldness (Acts 4:29). Stand firmly, lovingly, and unashamedly for biblical truth!
The 6th Seal: Cosmic Upheaval & The Fear of God (Rev. 6:12–17)
"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood... And the kings of the earth, and the great men... hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb!"
Creation itself convulsively groans! A massive global earth-quake ruptures the earth, the sun turns pitch black, the moon shines red like blood, and meteorites fall like ripe figs from a shaken tree. Everyone—from powerful world leaders and wealthy CEOs to common citizens—panic. They flee into caves, crying out to the rocks: "Fall on us, and hide us from the wrath of the Lamb!"
You must have holy reverence when you think of the tragic irony! Rebellion makes people prefer being crushed under falling mountains than bowing their knees to a loving Savior!
When natural disasters, civil unrest, or frightening news hit today, do not run from God—run to Him! Let cosmic signs remind you that God alone is supreme. Live in holy, reverence toward Him every day so that when judgment falls, you aren't hiding from His presence, but resting in His arms!
The 7th Seal: Silence in Heaven & The Incense of Prayer (Rev. 8:1–5)
"And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour... And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer... and the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God..."
When Jesus breaks the final seal, all the vast, worshiping millions of angels and creatures in heaven suddenly stop singing. Heaven falls dead silent for half an hour! The universe holds its breath in solemn awe before the holy fire of judgment about to be sounded by the Seven Trumpets. During this silence, an angel gathers the prayers of God’s saints, mixes them with divine incense, and pours them out upon the altar before God’s throne!
You must recognize the power of your daily prayers. Never assume your daily prayers fall on deaf ears! Before God releases His final movements on earth, Heaven goes silent to attend to the prayers of the saints!
Make prayer a non-negotiable priority in your daily routine. When you pray for your children, your church, your community, or your nation, your prayers ascend directly to the throne room as sweet incense. Pray continuously, faithfully, and boldly—knowing that God hears and acts upon the prayers of His people!
The Seven Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8–11) Out of the Seventh Seal emerge Seven Angels with Seven Trumpets. Trumpets in Scripture signal warnings, battle alarms, and royal announcements:
1st Trumpet: Hail and fire mixed with blood rain upon the earth; one-third of all trees and green grass burn up.
2nd Trumpet: A fiery mountain falls into the sea; one-third of the oceans turn to blood and one-third of ships are destroyed.
3rd Trumpet: A burning star named Wormwood falls on freshwater sources, turning one-third of rivers bitter.
4th Trumpet: One-third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened, cutting light from day and night.
5th Trumpet (1st Woe): The abyss opens, unleashing demonic locust-like tormentors that sting men for five months.
6th Trumpet (2nd Woe): A massive demonic army of 200 million horsemen is released at the Euphrates River, destroying one-third of remaining humanity.
Today when unexpected disruptions hit your day, such as: When your power goes out, your car won't start, or your air conditioning quits in the heat of summer, don't just react in anger! Let those minor daily disruptions remind you that this temporary world is fragile. Use those moments to thank God for the unshakeable, eternal Kingdom He has prepared for you!
When you watch the news and see natural disasters or global crisis, don't retreat into anxiety or lock your doors in fear. God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. When the world shakes, believers are called to stand steady and offer the hope of Jesus to terrified neighbors.
The Great Mid-Point Transitions
As the 7-Year Tribulation hits its 3½-year midpoint, three monumental shifts take place (Revelation 11–13):
God raises two miraculous prophets in Jerusalem clothed in sackcloth. For 1,260 days (3½ years), they preach truth, strike the earth with plagues, and call down fire from heaven. When their testimony is finished, the Beast slays them, and the world rejoices. But after 3½ days, the breath of life from God enters them, they stand on their feet, and they ascend to heaven in a cloud before their enemies' eyes!
Spiritual warfare reaches a crescendo when there is a War in Heaven and the Dragon is Cast Down. Michael the Archangel and his angels fight against Satan and his demons. Satan is defeated and permanently hurled down to the earth. Knowing his time is short, the Dragon directs his intense fury toward the nation of Israel and those who keep God’s commandments.
Today, when you face daily mental attacks and weariness such as: When you lie awake at 2:00 AM with your mind racing about your family, your health, or your finances—recognize where that torment comes from! Satan wants to wear you down through fatigue. Speak the Word of God out loud over your bedroom, plead the Blood of Jesus, and rest in His promise!
When people around you mock your faith, urge you to compromise your morals, or pressure you to go along with the crowd, remember who you serve! You don't need the world's approval when you already have Heaven's grace.
At the midpoint, there is The Unveiling of the Beast and The Mark. The Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel, enters the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, and sets up the Abomination of Desolation. The False Prophet emerges, forcing everyone—small and great, rich and poor—to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead (666) in order to buy or sell.
Saints, how do we take these deep prophetic truths and apply them to our everyday lives starting Monday morning?
Stop starting your day looking down at the news; start your day looking up at the Throne! When world events panic the culture, remind yourself: The door in heaven is open, my God is on the throne, and He holds the final say over my life!
Are you carrying heavy worries about your health, your children, or your finances? You don't have to carry tomorrow's burdens! Jesus alone holds the scroll of human history and the blueprint of your personal life. Place your family securely into His worthy hands!
The world promises peace through money, politics, and self-reliance, but that is the White Horse of false peace. Anchor your heart in the peace of Jesus (John 14:27), which no economic crash, political shift, or earthly trial can ever take away!
The pressure to take the Mark of the Beast in the future reflects the pressure believers face today to compromise biblical truth for social acceptance. Practice standing unashamedly for Christ in your small, daily choices right now!
God uses trumpet warnings because He desires repentance before judgment. Be a faithful voice in your neighborhood and family—share the Gospel graciously with those around you while the door of grace is still wide open!
Saints, in closing look at the contrast between those who know God and those who do not!
When the 6th seal opened, the powerful men of the earth ran to the caves, crying to the rocks: "Fall on us, and hide us from the wrath of the Lamb!" Think about that heartbreaking tragedy! They preferred to be crushed under falling mountains than to bow their knees to the King of kings!
We have seen dates set by the ancient Mayans, predictions trumpeted by cult leaders, and headlines generated by self-styled prophets—and every single one of them failed to no avail! Why? Because Jesus declared that no man knows the day nor the hour of His return!
Since you are alive at this time, sitting under the preaching of God's Holy Word today, you need to be ready ALL the time!
I am like John the Baptist crying out on Zoom Meeting REPENT [change your inner-self--your old way of thinking and be Godly sorry for how your past and present sins grieved God, and live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God's purpose for your life, for the Rapture and Jesus' Second Coming is at hand!
Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, we behold You sitting upon the throne today! We thank You for the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who washed us from our sins in His own precious blood.
Search our hearts right now, Lord. Cleanse us from all carelessness, worldly compromise, and secret sin. Awaken Exousia Ministries' members to live with holy passion, unshakeable faith, and daily urgency for the lost.
We declare that Jesus is Lord, the Lamb is Worthy, and our hope is anchored in Your eternal victory. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen! Let's give the Lord a praise offering for His teaching today on "Heaven Holds the Throne While the Earth Shakes!" Amen, Amen, and so let it be done!!