Rev 9 explains the results of fifth and sixth angels sounding their trumpets, namely the first and second "woe" referred to at the end of chapter eight. The first involves the opening of the Abyss, from which an intense smoke arose and covered the sky and contained locusts appearing like horses prepared for battle. The locusts will have tails that sting like scorpions and the power to torment and torture people who did not have the seal of God. Then when the sixth angel sounds its trumpet, there will be voice saying "release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates". When they are released, they will kill 1/3 of remaining mankind with plagues from their mouths: fire, smoke, and sulfur. John concludes by explaining that the hearts of the still remaining mankind will continue to be unyielding and will even yet not repent. ( Didn't they read Exodus?)

Rev 8 tells us about the seven angels and their trumpets. After the seventh seal was opened, there was a period of silence and then the four of the seven angels each sounded their trumpets, which caused destruction of 1/3 of the earth, 1/3 of the sea, 1/3 of the fresh water supply, and the sun, moon, and stars. As if this wasn't enough, John hears from "midair call out in a loud voice: Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!".

Rev 7 reminds us that we who are marked with the "seal of God" as His servants "will be fully protected" and preserved. We will be among those in John's vision,"a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language" marked with the seal of God, all shouting that our "salvation comes from our God on the throne and from the Lamb!". John was told in his vision that "they will never again be hungry or thirsty...for the Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be their Shepherd..and lead them to the springs of life-giving water".

Rev 6 is about the opening of the first six seals, which are opened by Christ "the Lamb". By opening the seals, Christ sets in motion events that bring about the end times, the unfolding judgement of God. The different seals are associated with different colored horses, representing different kinds of judgement (famine, warfare, death). God displays both His mercy and justice as history occurs according to the timing of His will.

In Rev 5, a book (scroll) was revealed to John , which was sealed in a special way with seven seals, and nobody was able to open or read it. Then John heard " Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, has conquered. He is worthy to open and break it's seven seals." Next, John heard a song being sung before Christ, "For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation." John heard again a song of worship, " The Lamb is worthy-- the Lamb who was killed. He is worthy ..." and "Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne".
Jesus is on the throne , He is worthy, and He is in control.

In Rev 4, John hears again the "same voice" of Christ who tells him now " I will show you what must happen after these things". John saw a vision of the throne in heaven and "someone sitting on it". He describes the throne as " brilliant" with gemstones and gold and from the throne came "flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder". There also are four living beings around the throne , which appeared to be like a lion, ox, eagle, and human face. It seems that these beings represent attributes of God, such as power, strength, majesty, and intelligence. All of these beings were worshiping God , singing praises of "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty". In verse 11, John concludes with " You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created."

Rev 3 continues the instructions to the other three churches in Asia Minor: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. John follows the same pattern as in chapter 2, with a description of Jesus at the beginning of each section: "him who holds the seven spirits of God and seven stars", "him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David", and "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation". Next, he states what God has "against" each church. To Sardis, "you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead". To Philadelphia, "you have little strength". To Laodicea, "you are neither cold nor hot". Then, the Lord gives direction: Sardis is told "remember what you have received and heard, obey it, and repent", Philadelphia is told "hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown", Laodicea is told "buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Be earnest, and repent". Next, those who overcome are described: to Sardis, " who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life", to Phladelphia, "who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God.. and I will also write on him my new name", to Laodicea, " who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne". Lastly, John concludes the address to each church with " he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches".