Reaping the Earth’s Harvest

June 16, 2024

Revelation 14:14-20 — The reaping of the earth’s harvest will happen when our Lord returns. There will be two harvests. The Son of Man, the Risen Christ, will reap the harvest of salvation and gather in all God’s holy people, the believers. The second, the harvest of judgment, will gather all the unbelievers who will experience God’s wrath. Will we be wheat that is reaped and stored in the barns of God’s kingdom? Or will we be grapes that are gathered and crushed in the winepress of God’s wrath? Until that day, Jesus sent us into his harvest field to bring people into the 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, RevelationPieter TheronTag 01, Tag 02
Blessed Are the Dead!?

June 9, 2024

Revelation 14:6-13 — God will judge the world systems and nations who give allegiance to the dragon and his beasts, to all who oppose God and his kingdom rule. But He will give an eternal reward to the faithful who persevere through oppression and persecution. The eternal gospel is proclaimed to all people everywhere. It calls people to fear, worship, and glorify the one true God. It warns of the coming judgment. It calls and encourages God’s holy people to endurance, faith, and obedience. Remaining faithful, they will receive their eternal reward.

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, RevelationPieter TheronTag 01, Tag 02
Follow the Lamb to Stand with the Lamb

June 2, 2024

Revelation 14:1-5 — Is it worthwhile to follow the Lamb and endure persecution, suffering, and possible death in this world? Yes, it is. This vision shows us the end where all God’s holy people will stand with the Lamb, the risen and exalted Jesus, in the new creation. There we will worship God in awesome glory and splendor. We will experience inexpressible and incomparable joy. We will have eternal rest from our labor. Evil will not triumph, and God will not abandon or forget his people. The Lamb purchased, redeemed, and sealed us with His Name. We belong to Him. This vision encourages and motivates us to endure faithfully by following Jesus in this life and this world.

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, RevelationPieter TheronTag 01, Tag 02
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, RevelationPieter TheronTag 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, RevelationPieter TheronTag 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, RevelationPieter TheronTag 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, RevelationPieter TheronTag 01, Tag 02