Choose the Lamb!

May 26, 2024

Revelation 13:11-18 — The monster from the earth is the false prophet that deceives the earth dwellers and induces false worship by forcing them to worship the first beast from the sea and so to worship the dragon. Every person belongs to someone. The question is whether one bears the name of the true God or the name of a counterfeit. Do we have the mark of the Lamb or the beast? There is no room for neutrality or sitting on the fence. We must decide between following Jesus or the ways of the world. We choose Christ fully aware of the consequences of this decision, but we endure patiently because we know that bearing the mark of the Lamb, we will enter His new creation.

We resume our series on the book of Revelation: Come, Lord Jesus! Too many resources were used in this series to list them all. However, the following source shaped this series and the content of the sermons extensively: Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023). The following key resources were also used — Craig R. Koester, Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, vol. 38A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2014); Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011); Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999); Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002).

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End Times, Eschatology, RevelationSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
Patient Endurance & Faithfulness

May 19, 2024

Revelation 12:18-13:10 — The cosmic battle continues. The dragon summons the monster from the sea and gives his power, throne, and authority to it. The beast represents all the forces, powers, empires, rulers, and antichrists throughout history that do the devil’s work until the end by misleading, oppressing, and killing people. Although Christ's death and resurrection dealt the beast a mortal wound, it deceives the world. It seems incomparable and unconquerable in the eyes of the unbelievers on earth. The monster leads them into blasphemy, false worship, and idolatry. The believers, the holy people of God, are reminded that God is in sovereign control. He is the One who gives the beast authority and allows it to do what it does only for a limited period of time. God’s plan for the Lamb’s victory and the salvation of his people has been in place before the creation of the world. We are exhorted to be discerning about falsehood, not to participate in false worship, and to get rid of our idols. We are given hope and encouraged to endure patiently and remain faithful even when we face persecution, imprisonment, or death.

We resume our series on the book of Revelation: Come, Lord Jesus! Too many resources were used in this series to list them all. However, the following source shaped this series and the content of the sermons extensively: Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023). The following key resources were also used — Craig R. Koester, Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, vol. 38A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2014); Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011); Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999); Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002).

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End Times, Eschatology, RevelationSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
God's Kingdom Inaugurated

May 12, 2024

Revelation 12:1-17 — Like John’s churches, God’s people today face persecution and we are tempted to compromise our faith. John pulls back the curtain to show us that God reigns and that a Child was born. He is the Christ who has come as the Lord and Savior of the world. The dragon, Satan, tried to destroy the Child in order to stop God’s kingdom purposes. However, the Child triumphs and wins the victory at the cross. God’s kingdom is inaugurated. Because of his death and resurrection, the Child is exalted and rules as Lord over the nations. Satan’s time on earth is short, and his doom is sure. He now takes out his anger on God’s people. We are involved in a great cosmic battle between heaven and earth, between good and evil, between love and hate. We must continue to proclaim God’s Word and be his faithful witnesses until the end. We will suffer and be persecuted, but the Lord protects, secures, and nourishes his people.

We resume our series on the book of Revelation: Come, Lord Jesus! Too many resources were used in this series to list them all. However, the following source shaped this series and the content of the sermons extensively: Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023). The following key resources were also used — Craig R. Koester, Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, vol. 38A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2014); Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011); Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999); Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002).

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End Times, Eschatology, RevelationSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
Kingdom Come!

May 5, 2024

Revelation 11:15-19 — Our prayer, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” is here answered finally and completely. God’s kingdom has arrived in its full glory and is now a reality. The Lord God has taken up his rule and will reign forever. This means the end of history and the end of the nations who resisted God’s rule. The arrival of his kingdom brings both devastation and salvation. At that time, on the Lord’s Day, God will judge all. He will pour out his wrath on the wicked and destroy the evil. He will reward the righteous and faithful. Our response to this announcement should be to fall down in worship and give thanks to God like the elders before his throne. Our worship includes living the kingdom life here and now as we bear witness to God’s kingdom.

We resume our series on the book of Revelation, Come, Lord Jesus! Too many resources were used in this series to list them all. However, the following source shaped this series and the content of the sermons extensively: Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023). The following key resources were also used — Craig R. Koester, Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, vol. 38A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2014); Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011); Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999); Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002).

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End Times, Eschatology, RevelationSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
Living in the Tension

April 21, 2024

Revelation 11:1-14 — During the inter-advent period, the time between Christ’s first and second coming, we are called to witness, proclaim, and prophesy God’s judgment and salvation. During this time, the Lord protects his people, but believers are not exempt from persecution. Living in the here and now is complex and complicated. There are both joys and sorrows. We are living in the tension of the end times. We will be criticized, defamed, attacked, and some even killed. However, the Lord protects during the storms of persecution, and ultimately, God's people will be vindicated.

We resume our series on the book of Revelation, Come, Lord Jesus! Too many resources were used in this series to list them all. However, the following source shaped this series and the content of the sermons extensively: Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023). The following key resources were also used — Craig R. Koester, Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, vol. 38A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2014); Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011); Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999); Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002).

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End Times, Eschatology, RevelationSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
A Bitter Sweet Calling

April 14, 2024

Revelation 10:1-11 — After the devastation and horror of the six trumpets, we may wonder, “Is there no hope? How long before the end? What is our calling in this interim time?” The Lord’s angel makes a great announcement to all of creation. There is hope. There will be no more delay. The time is short, soon, but the exact time and nature of the end is hidden. With the seventh trumpet, God’s mystery and plan will be accomplished and his promises fulfilled. During this time, we are to be faithful witnesses to the gospel and continue to proclaim the word of God. This is a bittersweet calling. It’s bitter because it proclaims God’s judgment on the unbelievers and also because the believers will suffer persecution. It’s sweet because it proclaims God’s salvation, the consummation of his kingdom, and the new creation. This bittersweet message gives us hope and encouragement.

We resume our series on the book of Revelation, Come, Lord Jesus! Too many resources were used in this series to list them all. However, the following source shaped this series and the content of the sermons extensively: Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023). The following key resources were also used — Craig R. Koester, Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, vol. 38A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2014); Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011); Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999); Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002).

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End Times, Eschatology, RevelationSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
A Vision of Following Jesus Faithfully

April 7, 2024

Revelation 1:1-8 & 22:6-21 — “I am coming soon.” This is the focus of Revelation. Until our Lord Jesus Christ returns, we are exhorted to worship God alone, persevere in persecution, obey Him by living the kingdom life, and remain faithful witnesses to Christ. Revelation presents us with the vision of how to follow Jesus faithfully today. It’s a book for all times because it is about all time. It may be the most relevant Bible book to us today for our times and challenges. It’s God’s Word. Therefore, we must read Revelation with humility, wonder, and worship, doing due diligence with rigorous interpretation and obedient application in our lives.

We resume our series on the book of Revelation, Come, Lord Jesus! Too many resources were used in this series to list them all. However, the following source shaped this series and the content of the sermons extensively: Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023). The following key resources were also used — Craig R. Koester, Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, vol. 38A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2014); Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011); Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999); Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002).

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End Times, Eschatology, RevelationSUCCTag 01, Tag 02