The use of a melting glacier as the lead in to this lesson is unfortunate. Continuing references to ecological concerns by the author are outside the scope of the text.

Again, I say "READ CAREFULLY."  Read only the words that are there in chapter six. Put aside outside ideas.  Now compare to Mark 13 or Luke 21:5-36.  These kinds of warnings are not new in this chapter of Revelation. There are numerous similar words in the Old Testament. Jesus spoke of similar things while here on earth.

The Four Horsemen represent a succession of calamities that humankind has brought, and continues to bring, onto the scene. These are military power, war and its devestation, famine, and pestilential death.  These conditions are ever present someplace in the world. When they come to our corner of the world, we have the assurance from chapter 1:18 "Fear not, I am the first and the last and the living one; I died and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." Each of the horsemen are called forth by the four living creatures -- not by God. They have limited power. As you continue to read Revelation, you will see that all the atrocities are limited. The fourth horseman is given one quarter of the earth. Despite appearances, evil is never given free rein. Evil can do no more than God permits it to do. This is still the world that is destined for redemption.

The fifth seal reveals the martyrs who are already in God's presence. The cry, "How Long?" is an old one. This time it is coming from those who are already in the presence of the throne. This cry is not personal for themselves. It is for the ones who are yet in the world. They cry to God, "When are you going to make all things right?" Note the answer they receive immediately.  1) Each receives a white robe, symbolizing their secure place in the presence of God.  2) They are told to rest, they can rest content in the knowledge that God is in control.  3) There will be more martrys. Throughout history, Christianity will always be under attack. There are always places on the earth where Christians are being called on to be faithful, even unto death.

The sixth seal portrays cosmic catastrophe. This too is not a new message, the study points to several old testament references and more can be found. Jesus makes a similar declation on the way to the cross (Luke 23:30). There are seven groups of people mentioned, thus it means everybody. And indeed, whose wrath is this?  Who is afraid? Evil is subject to the wrath of the Lamb.

Question 3, page 34: Be careful of the meaning put to "empire." There are pockets in our culture who are using this word so as to denigrate a cause or establishment with whom they disagree.

Questions 5 and 6, page 35 seem to me to be beyond the scope of the scripture. Your group might want to critique the questions, and see if they see a connection to the scripture. Six assumes that the reader buys the "current ecological crisis and destruction of creation." Since that is opinion, not fact it nullifies the question.