Verse by Verse Bible Study with Dr. Wayne Barber · The John Ankerberg Show

God, Do You Know What You Are Doing? | Part 2

April 10, 2026·19 min·1 clip

John weeps uncontrollably in heaven because no angel, saint, or human is worthy to open the sealed book.

This episode is part two of a Bible study series titled 'God, Do You Know What You Are Doing?' led by the late Dr. Wayne Barber, introduced by host John Ankerberg. The format is a solo teaching sermon analyzing Revelation chapter 5. Dr. Barber begins by describing the scene in heaven where John sees a book with seven seals in God's hand. A search ensues for someone worthy to open it, but no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth is found worthy, causing John to weep greatly. The tension builds as the comprehensiveness and uniqueness of the book are emphasized. An elder then tells John to stop weeping and reveals that the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has overcome and is worthy to open the book. Dr. Barber identifies this figure as Jesus Christ, explaining the Old Testament prophecies that foretold his coming. He references Genesis 49:9-10, where Judah is called a lion's cub and the scepter will not depart from Judah until the rightful ruler comes. He also cites Isaiah 11:1 and 10, which speak of a shoot from the stem of Jesse, and Romans 15:12, where Paul applies this prophecy to Jesus. Dr. Barber further confirms this with Revelation 22:16, where Jesus calls himself the root and offspring of David. The teaching highlights that Jesus achieved victory on the cross, making him alone worthy to open the book, which represents the title deed to all God promised him. Dr. Barber applies the lesson to modern listeners, criticizing reliance on media like CNN over Scripture and sharing an anecdote about Billy Graham rebuking a TV host for trying to create God in his image. He urges believers to align with God's word, especially in tumultuous times like the Persian Gulf War context mentioned. The episode concludes with a prayer for conviction, salvation, and faithful living.

As heard by us

A focused Bible study on the book, Judah's lion, and the humility demanded by Christ's worthiness.

Dr. Wayne Barber's teaching centers on the book that becomes a test of worthiness. He follows the passage as it searches heaven, earth, and below the earth, letting each possible candidate fall away: angels, living beings, elders, and people on earth.

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Why you'd press play

You press play when every possible opener fails: no angel, elder, living person, or anyone under the earth can open the book, until the lion from Judah is named.

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