The War in Heaven and the War on Earth

Dr. Tyson Lambertson, Guest Speaker
July 13, 2025

Have you ever wondered about the significance of Israel in God’s redemptive plan? In a world filled with chaos and confusion, understanding the spiritual battle behind the headlines is crucial. Discover how God’s eternal covenant with Israel impacts our faith and what it means to be part of His divine story.

The War in Heaven and the War on Earth

Dr. Tyson Lambertson Guest Speaker

No Series

Message Summary

Key Scripture

Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth. Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born. She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days.

Revelation 12:1-6 NLT

Additional Scriptures

Day 1

Day 1: The Foundation of God’s Covenant

Scripture
Genesis 15:1-18 NLT
Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.” But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?” The Lord told him, “Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” So Abram presented all these to him and killed them. Then he cut each animal down the middle and laid the halves side by side; he did not, however, cut the birds in half. Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away. As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness came down over him. Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth. (As for you, you will die in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.) After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.” After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River—

Devotional
God’s covenant with Abram is foundational to understanding His redemptive plan for humanity. This covenant was not just a promise of land and descendants but a commitment to bring salvation to the world through Abram’s lineage. The act of God passing between the animal halves signifies His unilateral commitment to fulfill His promises. This covenant is everlasting, underscoring the faithfulness of God to His word. As believers, we are invited to trust in the same God who keeps His promises, knowing that His plans are eternal and unchanging.

Response Questions

How does understanding God’s covenant with Abram impact your view of God’s promises today?
In what ways can you see God’s faithfulness in your own life?
How does this passage challenge you to trust God more deeply?

Prayer Points

Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness and His covenant promises.
Ask God to help you trust Him more fully in areas of your life where you struggle with doubt.

Day 2

Day 2: Israel’s Role in God’s Plan

Scripture
Romans 11:1-12, 25-29 NLT
I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” And do you remember God’s reply? He said, “No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!” It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. As the Scriptures say, “God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear.” Likewise, David said, “Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever.” Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say, “The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem, and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness. And this is my covenant with them, that I will take away their sins.” Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.

Devotional
Paul’s letter to the Romans reveals the mystery of Israel’s role in God’s redemptive plan. Despite their current unbelief, God has not rejected Israel. Instead, their temporary hardening has allowed the Gentiles to receive salvation, which in turn is meant to provoke Israel to jealousy and ultimately lead to their salvation. This passage reminds us of God’s unchanging love and irrevocable gifts and calling. As believers, we are called to understand and appreciate the significance of Israel in God’s plan and to pray for their salvation.

Response Questions

How does this passage change your perspective on the relationship between Israel and the Church?
What does it mean for you that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable?
How can you actively participate in God’s plan for Israel and the nations?

Prayer Points

Pray for the salvation of Israel and for their hearts to be softened towards the Gospel.
Ask God to give you a heart of understanding and love for His chosen people.

Day 3

Day 3: The Spiritual Battle Unveiled

Scripture
Revelation 12:1-17 NLT
Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth. Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born. She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days. Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.” When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time. Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from his mouth. But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that gushed out from the mouth of the dragon. And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.

Devotional
Revelation 12 unveils the spiritual battle that has been raging since the beginning of time. The woman represents Israel, the dragon is Satan, and the male child is Jesus. This cosmic conflict highlights Satan’s relentless pursuit to destroy God’s people and thwart His plans. However, the victory is already secured through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of believers. As part of the offspring, we are called to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our victory is assured in Christ.

Response Questions

How does understanding the spiritual battle change your perspective on current events?
In what ways can you stand firm in your faith amidst spiritual warfare?
How does the victory through the blood of the Lamb and your testimony encourage you today?

Prayer Points

Pray for strength and courage to stand firm in your faith amidst spiritual battles.
Ask God to help you live out your testimony boldly, knowing that victory is already won.

Day 4

Day 4: Grafted into the Promise

Scripture
Romans 11:13-24 NLT
I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too. But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root. “Well,” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong.

Devotional
Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to illustrate the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles. As Gentiles, we have been grafted into the rich heritage and promises given to Israel. This inclusion is not a cause for pride but a call to humility and gratitude. We are reminded that our faith is rooted in the promises made to the patriarchs, and we are to live in a way that honors this heritage. Our lives should provoke others to seek the same relationship with God, highlighting the expansiveness of His grace.

Response Questions

How does being grafted into the promises of Israel affect your identity as a believer?
In what ways can you live out your faith to provoke others to seek God?
How can you cultivate humility and gratitude for being part of God’s redemptive plan?

Prayer Points

Pray for a heart of humility and gratitude for being grafted into God’s promises.
Ask God to use your life as a testimony to draw others to Him.

Day 5

Day 5: Living as the Offspring

Scripture
Galatians 3:26-29 NLT
For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are [also] the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

Devotional
As believers in Christ, we are also the true children of Abraham and heirs to the promises given to him. This identity transcends ethnic, social, and gender distinctions, uniting us as one in Christ. Our role as the offspring is to live out the reality of God’s promises, demonstrating His love and grace to the world. We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, reflecting the unity and diversity of God’s kingdom. Let us embrace our identity and live in a way that honors our heritage and glorifies God.

Response Questions

How does your identity as a child of God influence your daily life and interactions with others?
In what ways can you be an ambassador of reconciliation in your community?
How can you actively demonstrate the unity and diversity of God’s kingdom?

Prayer Points

Pray for a deeper understanding of your identity as a child of God and an heir to His promises.
Ask God to help you live as an ambassador of reconciliation, reflecting His love and grace to those around you.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

Opening Prayer:
Begin with a prayer asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and to guide the discussion.

Discussion Questions:

Understanding God’s Covenant with Israel
- Context: The sermon emphasized that God’s covenant with Israel is foundational to His redemptive plan. This covenant is everlasting and assures us of God’s faithfulness.
- Question: How does understanding God’s covenant with Israel impact your view of His promises today?
- Follow-up: Encourage group members to share personal experiences where they have seen God’s faithfulness in their lives.
The Role of Israel in God’s Plan
- Context: The sermon highlighted that Israel’s temporary hardening allowed Gentiles to receive salvation, which is meant to provoke Israel to jealousy and lead to their salvation.
- Question: How does this understanding change your perspective on the relationship between Israel and the Church?
- Follow-up: Discuss how this perspective can influence our prayers and actions towards Israel.
The Spiritual Battle Unveiled
- Context: Revelation 12 reveals the spiritual battle between Satan and God’s people. The victory is secured through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of believers.
- Question: How does understanding the spiritual battle change your perspective on current events and your personal struggles?
- Follow-up: Invite group members to share how they can stand firm in their faith amidst spiritual warfare.
Being Grafted into the Promise
- Context: As Gentiles, we are grafted into the rich heritage and promises given to Israel. This inclusion calls for humility and gratitude.
- Question: How does being grafted into the promises of Israel affect your identity as a believer?
- Follow-up: Discuss practical ways to live out this identity and provoke others to seek God.
Living as the Offspring
- Context: Believers are the true children of Abraham and heirs to God’s promises. This identity unites us as one in Christ, transcending all distinctions.
- Question: How does your identity as a child of God influence your daily life and interactions with others?
- Follow-up: Explore ways to be ambassadors of reconciliation in your community, reflecting the unity and diversity of God’s kingdom.

Closing Activity:

Prayer Focus: Spend time praying for Israel, for the Church’s role in God’s plan, and for strength to stand firm in the spiritual battle. Encourage group members to pray for specific ways they can be ambassadors of reconciliation.
Action Step: Challenge each group member to learn more about Israel’s role in God’s plan and to find practical ways to support and pray for Israel in the coming week.

Closing Prayer:
Conclude with a prayer asking God to seal the truths discussed in the hearts of the group members and to empower them to live out their identity as His children.

The War in Heaven and the War on Earth

More from this series

The War in Heaven and the War on Earth

Message Summary

Key Scripture

Revelation 12:1-6 NLT

Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Foundation of God’s Covenant

Day 2

Day 2: Israel’s Role in God’s Plan

Day 3

Day 3: The Spiritual Battle Unveiled

Day 4

Day 4: Grafted into the Promise

Day 5

Day 5: Living as the Offspring

GrowGroup Guide

Family Table Talk

📖 Scripture

❓Family Question

💬 Parent Prompt:

Weekly Practice