As we looked at Rev 16 this past Sunday I keyed in on a couple of verses: Rev 16:9, 11, 21 & then 15
I started out by asking: What are the key elements of the gospel? If someone asks you "How do I become a Christ follower?" what do you say? Typically we talk about 1) It's a free gift or you cannot earn salvation, 2) Need to understand your need (e.g. You have sinned, are separated from God) and repent (stop running from God and turn back to him), 3) confess your need and 4) receive Jesus. Typically I use Romans 6:23 (For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord). What we earn (wages) from what we do (sin, typically we talk about breaking the 10 commandments) is death (more than physical it is spiritual and ultimate separation from God). If we try to get to God in our own strength we will crash and burn. When you have the word "but" in a sentence that means that whatever comes after it can negate what comes before, so there is hope. A gift is not something you earn, but rather receive. The gift of God is eternal life (living with God in a restored relationship forever) through Christ Jesus. The question and challenge I ask people is which side of the canyon ("but") are they on? Have they placed there trust in Jesus or are they still earning the wages of sin? You cannot be in the middle you are on one side or the other. Pretty standard gospel presentation...I then asked the congregation if when they are sharing the gospel if someone where to say "Yes, I want to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior" if they would say "Now hold on...are you sure? Have you counted the cost?" It is a free gift that costs you everything...you have to die to be reborn...you have to die to self and live to Christ. See Luke 14:25-33, Matthew 8:18-22. You can't go around saying: "I have Jesus in my back pocket" and keep doing whatever you want.
I asked this because as I looked at Rev 16 I wrestled with verses 9, 11 & 21 and wondered why aren't they repenting? God is pouring out his judgment on them and giving them one last chance to turn back to him. He has tried everything else now he is trying to wake them up one last time. I think part of the answer is that God isn't acting the way they think he should...they want to put him in a box, so they can control him and make him serve them...this was the mistake that was made at the Tower of Babel but that is another message down the road...as I wrestled with that I wondered "How many Christians get angry/upset with God for the same reason?" How often do we loose sight of the big picture and start to think God isn't faithful? Back in Rev 6 the saints cry out "How long O'Lord?" and they are told to wait...and now in Rev 16 we see that God is faithful/true and just. In his timing, not ours he moves. Verses 5 & 6 talk about God's covenantal faithfulness and the absolute reliability of his deeds/judgment. Is God faithful? Yes, even when it seems like he isn't! If you have counted the cost you know and understand that he is worth everything (see Matthew 13:44-46, Mark 10:17-31).
Verse 15 comes in as a warning to believers to persevere. Nakedness = judgment (OT ref: Isaiah 20:1-4, Ezek. 16:36ff, 23:10, 29, so press on to the finish...waiting upon the Lord. Go back and read the messages/warnings to the 7 churches in chapters 2-3.
In the midst of this scene what are believers supposed to be doing? Persevering, continuing to be witnesses...the bowls poured out will turn the world upside down ( the earthquake doesn't affect one city/country, but rather the entire world is shaken). In the midst of this believers are to live knowing that this world is a close to hell as they will ever get. That means living grace filled lives totally dependent upon God continuing to be his witnesses no matter the cost.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sermon Notes Revelation 15
These were listed on the sermon note taking sheet but I didn't hit them.
OT Connection: Exodus 15, Jeremiah 10:7, Psalm 86:8-10, Leviticus 26:21
NT Connection: Romans 3, Hebrews 10:19ff
We started with an interactive discussion around the following questions:
- What is the purpose of life?
(Ultimate answer: To glorify God...we were created as God's image bearers and mandated to fill all of creation with his image (Genesis) or reflect His glory back to him)
- When you are angry why are you?
(some of the answers: "You see injustice, for instance you as a child of God do not understand why the wicked prosper and you don't", "Not in control")
This passage give a glimpse of God responding to the prayers of Rev 6:10. God is now responding to injustice.
- Top 5 things you appreciate?
(most answered: family, health, job or some variation)
Based on those answers I challenged them by asking "Who is at the center?" Should Jesus be at the center? Top of the list?
Next we watched the lyric video from Plumb's Need You Now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ylnx0NA9X4
In reference to the video I asked "Have you ever been there?"
Where are the saints? By the glassy sea...where is the glassy sea? around the throne of God Rev 4:6...what are they doing? Praising God for His great and mighty deeds...but they have just come through the tribulation..they have concurred the beast by laying down their lives Rev 12:11....we tend to think that when we get to heaven we will ask "Why?", but I agree with whoever said that the first thing we will say is "Oh, now I understand"...these are standing around the throne praising God for His great and mighty deeds...this is for the cross but I believe also for how he ministered to us through the actions of others...again this is a picture of Christ followers around the throne praising God for what He has done...tying it all together I shared how in the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life I wanted it all to end and that is when the phone rang and it was my friend Brandon calling to check on me...yes it was Brandon talking but I knew it was God calling giving me what I needed to make it through...
Things to remember from this passage:
- God's Sovereign and incontrol (vengence is His not ours...he will set things right in His timing)
- We need to see our actions as God's...do your actions line up with Him?
- God gets the glory in everything...it isn't about us
OT Connection: Exodus 15, Jeremiah 10:7, Psalm 86:8-10, Leviticus 26:21
NT Connection: Romans 3, Hebrews 10:19ff
We started with an interactive discussion around the following questions:
- What is the purpose of life?
(Ultimate answer: To glorify God...we were created as God's image bearers and mandated to fill all of creation with his image (Genesis) or reflect His glory back to him)
- When you are angry why are you?
(some of the answers: "You see injustice, for instance you as a child of God do not understand why the wicked prosper and you don't", "Not in control")
This passage give a glimpse of God responding to the prayers of Rev 6:10. God is now responding to injustice.
- Top 5 things you appreciate?
(most answered: family, health, job or some variation)
Based on those answers I challenged them by asking "Who is at the center?" Should Jesus be at the center? Top of the list?
Next we watched the lyric video from Plumb's Need You Now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ylnx0NA9X4
In reference to the video I asked "Have you ever been there?"
Where are the saints? By the glassy sea...where is the glassy sea? around the throne of God Rev 4:6...what are they doing? Praising God for His great and mighty deeds...but they have just come through the tribulation..they have concurred the beast by laying down their lives Rev 12:11....we tend to think that when we get to heaven we will ask "Why?", but I agree with whoever said that the first thing we will say is "Oh, now I understand"...these are standing around the throne praising God for His great and mighty deeds...this is for the cross but I believe also for how he ministered to us through the actions of others...again this is a picture of Christ followers around the throne praising God for what He has done...tying it all together I shared how in the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life I wanted it all to end and that is when the phone rang and it was my friend Brandon calling to check on me...yes it was Brandon talking but I knew it was God calling giving me what I needed to make it through...
Things to remember from this passage:
- God's Sovereign and incontrol (vengence is His not ours...he will set things right in His timing)
- We need to see our actions as God's...do your actions line up with Him?
- God gets the glory in everything...it isn't about us
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Revelation 13-14
I noted that my last post was Oct 5...what a crazy month and a half with ministry opportunities taking me out of town the last 3/4 of October and family vacation at the beginning of November...needless to say it is good to be home.
With that said let me try to catch up the sermon notes:
Revelation 13 (Covered over 2 Sundays):
Main Point: Die to self, live to Christ
Satan always attempts to mimic God and we see that here in chapter 12-13 as the unholy Trinity is set up. In this unholy Trinity the Dragon/Satan plays the father, the first beast plays Jesus, and the second beast = the ultimate false prophet or plays the Holy Spirit's role.
Rev 13:1-10
The first beast mimics Jesus having a mortal wound but being healed...the first century readers/hearers would have quickly drawn a parallel to Nero as it was believed that he survived his suicide following censure by the Senate. "Many refused to believe that he had died, and by the late 80s a legend became popular that that he was still alive (some forms of the story had him coming back from the dead) and living in Parthia, preparing an army to invade and retake his throne." This means that the Anti-Christ would be a Nero like figure establishing a one world government and persecuting Christians.
In the midst of persecution Christians are not to do the following:
- Remember that God is in control and that this unholy Trinity is only allowed to function with God's permission
- Remember that their eternal life is secure with God
- Play the role of prophet warning those attacking them of their folly
- Remember that as they willing lay down their lives Satan is defeated (Rev. 12:11). This provides a stark contrast to the beast's rage (Rev 13:10b).
- See also Matthew 24, 2 Corinthians 1:3-10
Rev 13:11-18
The Second Beast, who he is and his role:
- The ultimate false prophet/HS counterfit
- "Glorifies" the First Beast
- His miracles mirror Elijah's and Jesus'
- Mark mirrors: the sealing of believers, Deuteronomy 6:8, Ezekiel 9:4
Where does his power come from?
- Satan, but he only operates with the "power" that God allows. Satan's authority is temporary and surpassed by God's
Why is he allowed to do this?
- Earth dwellers refuse to repent and are given over. See Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Romans 1:24-25
The Christian Response:
- Be Wise: recognize the false trinity and worship/fear God not man nor the unholy Trinity
- 888 = Jesus = complete, complete, complete or holy, holy, holy vrs 666 or imperfect, imperfect, imperfect
- Do repay evil for evil...the battle is the Lord's. The way Christians win is by maintaining their witness and laying their lives down (Rev 12:11)
Rev 14:1-13
This sermon was more interactive and discussion driven. I allowed the congregation to break into small groups, discuss for 3 minutes and then brought it back to a interactive discussion.
Questions:
- What does it mean to be a Christian?
The 144,000 represent the church arrayed for war (but not war with guns, but rather as witnesses)
- What do you fear?
Interesting question and discussion
- When you share the gospel do you include fear as part of the discussion?
Note Rev 14:6-7
Christian response found in Rev 14:12-13
A challenging example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQsSIuSBnws
Rev 14:14-20
Title: Are You Ready?
Questions:
- Are you ready for Thanksgiving?
- What are you Thankful for?
- Are you ready to be persecuted?
- Are you ready to die for your beliefs?
- Are you ready to be judged?
This text foreshadows the judgment that is coming.
OT Background: Joel 3, Hosea 6:11, Isaiah 63:2-3
NT Background: Matthew 13:24-30, 25:31-46, Mark 4:26-29
First harvest = harvest of believers (those who receive mercy)
Second Harvest = harvest of unbelievers (those who receive justice)
Are you ready? How are you preparing?
Options:
- Do nothing
- Keep sowing the gospel/warning others
- Ignore
- Live life inline with the gospel (die to self, live to Christ)
Basically you should be preparing by knowing/understanding the worth of what you have in Christ and live sold out for him.
With that said let me try to catch up the sermon notes:
Revelation 13 (Covered over 2 Sundays):
Main Point: Die to self, live to Christ
Satan always attempts to mimic God and we see that here in chapter 12-13 as the unholy Trinity is set up. In this unholy Trinity the Dragon/Satan plays the father, the first beast plays Jesus, and the second beast = the ultimate false prophet or plays the Holy Spirit's role.
Rev 13:1-10
The first beast mimics Jesus having a mortal wound but being healed...the first century readers/hearers would have quickly drawn a parallel to Nero as it was believed that he survived his suicide following censure by the Senate. "Many refused to believe that he had died, and by the late 80s a legend became popular that that he was still alive (some forms of the story had him coming back from the dead) and living in Parthia, preparing an army to invade and retake his throne." This means that the Anti-Christ would be a Nero like figure establishing a one world government and persecuting Christians.
In the midst of persecution Christians are not to do the following:
- Remember that God is in control and that this unholy Trinity is only allowed to function with God's permission
- Remember that their eternal life is secure with God
- Play the role of prophet warning those attacking them of their folly
- Remember that as they willing lay down their lives Satan is defeated (Rev. 12:11). This provides a stark contrast to the beast's rage (Rev 13:10b).
- See also Matthew 24, 2 Corinthians 1:3-10
Rev 13:11-18
The Second Beast, who he is and his role:
- The ultimate false prophet/HS counterfit
- "Glorifies" the First Beast
- His miracles mirror Elijah's and Jesus'
- Mark mirrors: the sealing of believers, Deuteronomy 6:8, Ezekiel 9:4
Where does his power come from?
- Satan, but he only operates with the "power" that God allows. Satan's authority is temporary and surpassed by God's
Why is he allowed to do this?
- Earth dwellers refuse to repent and are given over. See Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Romans 1:24-25
The Christian Response:
- Be Wise: recognize the false trinity and worship/fear God not man nor the unholy Trinity
- 888 = Jesus = complete, complete, complete or holy, holy, holy vrs 666 or imperfect, imperfect, imperfect
- Do repay evil for evil...the battle is the Lord's. The way Christians win is by maintaining their witness and laying their lives down (Rev 12:11)
Rev 14:1-13
This sermon was more interactive and discussion driven. I allowed the congregation to break into small groups, discuss for 3 minutes and then brought it back to a interactive discussion.
Questions:
- What does it mean to be a Christian?
The 144,000 represent the church arrayed for war (but not war with guns, but rather as witnesses)
- What do you fear?
Interesting question and discussion
- When you share the gospel do you include fear as part of the discussion?
Note Rev 14:6-7
Christian response found in Rev 14:12-13
A challenging example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQsSIuSBnws
Rev 14:14-20
Title: Are You Ready?
Questions:
- Are you ready for Thanksgiving?
- What are you Thankful for?
- Are you ready to be persecuted?
- Are you ready to die for your beliefs?
- Are you ready to be judged?
This text foreshadows the judgment that is coming.
OT Background: Joel 3, Hosea 6:11, Isaiah 63:2-3
NT Background: Matthew 13:24-30, 25:31-46, Mark 4:26-29
First harvest = harvest of believers (those who receive mercy)
Second Harvest = harvest of unbelievers (those who receive justice)
Are you ready? How are you preparing?
Options:
- Do nothing
- Keep sowing the gospel/warning others
- Ignore
- Live life inline with the gospel (die to self, live to Christ)
Basically you should be preparing by knowing/understanding the worth of what you have in Christ and live sold out for him.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Sermon Notes Rev 12:7-17
Rev 12:7-17 is the Great War played out. Verses 1-6 is a snapshot, while 7-17 expand and paint the picture.
The defeats of Satan:
- the Initial vrs 7-9 point back to and explain vrs 4. Note who Satan fought with. He fought with the arch-angel Michael not God. Too often we put Satan on an equal playing field with God when in reality he is just another created being...dangerous, but created none the less and if you resist him he will flee from you.
- at the Cross vrs 10. Ultimately Satan was defeated on the cross.
- the On-going vrs 11-17. Vrs 11 is key...just like it can be said that Germany lost WWII on D-day there was still fighting that had to take place before victory was achieved. Satan while he was defeated on the cross wants to destroy as many humans (God's image bearers) as he can before the end. Other verses to note: Matthew 10:35-39, Mark 8:35, Luke 14:26, Hebrews 11:13-16, Exodus 19:1-6, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 18, Psalm 32:1-6, Isaiah 43:1-3
Think through what lies do you believe? Where are you trusting or not trusting God/Jesus?
We watched the Trust Fall video that was purchased from SermonSpice. A pre-view copy can be viewed at: http://www.sermonspice.com/product/35819/trust-fall
Main Point: Knowing the truth, adhering to the truth equals freedom
- Satan only operates with limited power
- Victory for believers is only achieved by the blood of the Jesus and perseverance (1 Peter 1, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5).
So what? What have you learned and how will you apply what you have learned?
The defeats of Satan:
- the Initial vrs 7-9 point back to and explain vrs 4. Note who Satan fought with. He fought with the arch-angel Michael not God. Too often we put Satan on an equal playing field with God when in reality he is just another created being...dangerous, but created none the less and if you resist him he will flee from you.
- at the Cross vrs 10. Ultimately Satan was defeated on the cross.
- the On-going vrs 11-17. Vrs 11 is key...just like it can be said that Germany lost WWII on D-day there was still fighting that had to take place before victory was achieved. Satan while he was defeated on the cross wants to destroy as many humans (God's image bearers) as he can before the end. Other verses to note: Matthew 10:35-39, Mark 8:35, Luke 14:26, Hebrews 11:13-16, Exodus 19:1-6, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 18, Psalm 32:1-6, Isaiah 43:1-3
Think through what lies do you believe? Where are you trusting or not trusting God/Jesus?
We watched the Trust Fall video that was purchased from SermonSpice. A pre-view copy can be viewed at: http://www.sermonspice.com/product/35819/trust-fall
Main Point: Knowing the truth, adhering to the truth equals freedom
- Satan only operates with limited power
- Victory for believers is only achieved by the blood of the Jesus and perseverance (1 Peter 1, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5).
So what? What have you learned and how will you apply what you have learned?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Men's Retreat Message #4
What follows are my notes for the #4 of 4 messages I delivered at Lake Ellen Bible Camp's Men's Fall Retreat.
Disclaimer:
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Intro Questions: Are you a disciple? How would I know?
Growing up I thought "I could never be a disciple." They were holy and I am just an average guy...but as we read the New Testament we know this is not true, in fact everyone is a disciple it is just a question of whose. Going back to first talk: Jesus came to divide the world into 2 camps...
Main Point: Are you useful to the Lord? Everyone is but are you willing?
Text: Revelation 3:14-22
Disciples are faithful and true witnesses
- Who is Jesus vrs the Laodecians?
Jesus is the faithful and true witness who came and revealed the Father to us. The Laodecians are lukewarm. Until I studied this passage I didn't understand why the cold were celebrated. Laodecia did not have its own source of drinking water. There were two towns nearby one that had cool water and one that had hot springs...they piped their water in from the hot springs...by the time it got to them is was lukewarm and full of minerals. Cold water was refreshing, hot water was useful...lukewarm mineral water is spit out...
Challenge are you saying "Here I am send me"
Disciples know their condition and go to the source.
- Who is Jesus vrs the Laodecians?
Jesus is the source (beginning) of everything while the Laodecians were self-made. In 60AD and earthquake destroyed Laodecia. They refused assistance from the empire and rather rebuilt it themselves with their own money. Everything they touched turned to gold...they had the finest black wool around, an eye salve to cure blindness was developed there...money flowed into Laodecia and yet in God's eyes they were blind and poor.
Challenge: Are you building up treasure here or in heaven?
Disciples respond to correction
- Zeal to get right with God must replace lukewarmness
Challenge: Who are you doing life with and are you holding each other accountable?
Disciples desire fellowship with God
- This is a letter to a church...Rev 3:20 is challenging them that they have locked Jesus/Father out.
Challenge: Preach the Gospel to yourself maintain your relationship with God
Disciples live for eternity
- Absence of persecution = no need to conquer = living for here and now
Challenge: Are you living for here and now or in light of eternity?
dot and a line going into eternity
We at FBC talk about the up, in , out triangle.
- How are you doing with the up? Your relationship with God
- How are you doing with the in? Your relationship with other believers
- How are you doing with the out? Your relationship with non-believers
Keep the Gospel/Jesus center
Live in brokenness connected to a Life Transformation Group
Let God shine through your cracks
Men's Retreat Message #3
What follows are my notes for the #3 of 4 messages I delivered at Lake Ellen Bible Camp's Men's Fall Retreat. My goal was to share what Living in Brokenness looks like at FBC.
Disclaimer:
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Intro Questions:
What is the purpose of life? Glorify God
How? By enjoying him forever..."God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." John Piper
Driving Force: God's Grace/Gospel/Jesus
Is Christianity rules or a relationship? It is not a bunch of does and don'ts, but rather a relationship with the living God. You do not obey to earn favor rather you obey to maintain the relationship. John 14:21-24, John 15. The Two Great Commandments and the Great Commission are key.
We are in a battle...there is a great Youtube clip from Deadliest Catch titled "Man Overboard." We are surrounded by individuals who are drowning and crying out get me on board I do not want to die...they need us to live in brokenness so that they can see the glory of God shine through us yet too many times we flee, fight or hide...
"If we expose our sin, God will cover it up, but if we cover our sin, God will expose it." Austin Duncin
Lessons from an OT battle field:
1 Samuel 13:5-7
1 Samuel 14:1-15
Jonathan wasn't a lone ranger
- God was with him (Holy Spirit)
- Army was present (Church although not armed w/ worldly weapons)
- Armor Bearer (LTG)
Challenge: You need an Armor Bearer in your life...who are you doing life with? Or are you doing it alone?
We at FBC challenge/encourage everyone to be in a Life Transformation Group (2-4 individuals who read/discuss large volumes of Scripture, hold one another accountable, pray for those outside of the faith), but they are only effective if we are willing to be broken and vulnerable.
Men's Retreat Message #2 Notes
What follows are my notes for the #2 of 4 messages I delivered at Lake Ellen Bible Camp's Men's Fall Retreat.
Disclaimer:
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Disclaimer:
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Title: Living in Brokenness and Vulnerability
Video Clip: Apollo 13 "Houston we have a problem..."
I wish that we had all kinds of warning lights when we have problems...but we don't and men we have a problem.
Intro Questions:
Does God want us to be weak? Why or why not?
Picture of broken flower pots...Church is one of the few places where we shoot our wounded...picture of a pile of broken pottery
Why does God allow trials in our lives? How are you dealing with them? Dependent or independent? 2 Cor 12:8-10. For the married ones: If your wife said "honey we need to talk" what would you do? Our responses can generally be placed in one of 3 categories: Flee, Fight or Hide.
In the end we need to release control and receive God's fogiveness
"The extent to which I am in touch with my lostness and brokenness is the extent to which I grasp the glory of the Gospel and am able to revel in the Father's love." Peter Scazerro
Picture of Luke 18:9-14 Pharisee and Tax Collector
Picture of Luke 15:11ff The Prodigal Son
Who are you most like?
- The Tax Collector
- The Pharisee
- The Prodigal
- The Older Brother
- The Father
God want to use you and your brokenness to minister to other broken people, but you must understand that God is your strength.
Cracked Pot illustration
God wants us to let his Glory shine through our cracks, but too many of us cover up our cracks and put on a good front never living in brokenness letting God shine though us...
So what?
Release control, Receive God's forgivenes, Live as a cracked pot
When I am weak then I am strong, b/c Jesus is my strength...
Men's Retreat Message #1 Notes
This past weekend I had the honor speaking four times to 60+ men at Lake Ellen Bible Camp in Upper MI. Believing that we should never go alone I took my 9 yr old son and 2 other men from FBC with me.
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Opening Talk: The Centrality of the Gospel (both for the follower of Christ and non-Christ follower)
Stories from my life:
- Grew up spending time in the outdoors (e.g. 6 weeks old in the bottom of a boat while my parents fished...that fall out duck hunting)
- The first bird I shot was an American Coot (can you say ugly?)
- I am at home in a marsh (e.g. I can throw a pair of waders on and most people have a hard time keeping up with me)
- Even though I have a great sense of direction one overcast day while hunting a new area I got lost...after trying to find my way out for a while I finally stopped, prayed asking God for a sign to lead me out...upon turning around about 10 feet behind me I noticed a snowmobile trail marker...once on the trail I quickly found my way home
- One Sunday afternoon I and a friend went out duck hunting. I left him set up on one pond while I went and explored the marsh jump shooting...I soon had my limit and went to check on Mark. I had heard shooting coming from his direction and assumed he was close to a limit...I was surprised to discover that while he was close to the correct spot in reality he was 50 yards off and taking occasional long shots, missing and refusing to move.
So why these stories out of all of the ones I could share? I think they help illustrate a greater story.
- Some of you have life all planned out. you have a good sense of direction, but in the end you are not going to end up where you expect. You are lost and do not know it...you need a sign.
- Some of you are just like me out in the marsh...you grew up in church, you are at home in the church, but you are just going through the motions...something is missing.
- Some of you are like my friend Mark...you are in the game, you are close, but you let something keep you from being in the right place
Jesus came to divide the world into two camps...one that followed him and became children of God and one that rejected him and became the camp of darkness...John 1:9-13.
This led to a gospel presentation based on Romans 6:23...What we earn (wages) from the things (sin) that we do is separation from God (death), but through Jesus Christ we can receive the gift of eternal life.
Next we talked about the fact that "you can never grow beyond the gospel/Jesus.
What is the greatest need for non-Christ followers? The Gospel/Jesus. What is their motivation? Self.
What is the greatest need for Christ followers? The Gospel/Jesus. What should motivate them? The Gospel/Jesus
You can never get to a place in your life where you can say to Jesus "Thanks for getting me this far...I will take it from here."
4 Thieves to that rob the Gospel of Power
1. Legalism: Basing our relationship with God on our own performance.
How to avoid? Preach the gospel to yourself...Romans 3:10ff, Galatians 3, 6:14
2. Condemnation/Guilt: Being more focused on our sin than on God's grace. I call this reverse Pharisee ism. I saw this over and over in jail ministry when people would say "God is zapping me b/c I did..."
How to avoid? Preach the gospel to yourself. Romans 8:1
3. Subjectivism: Basing our view of God on our changing feelings and emotions. From a positive perspective people will say or think "Things are going good, so God must be blessing me." or negatively "I have done xyz why is God not reciprocating?"
How to avoid? Preach the gospel to yourself. John 3:16-17
4. JIMBP (Jesus in My Back Pocket): The misconception that I can do whatever I want b/c I know Jesus...in reality these are Christian Aethiests...
How to avoid? Preach the gospel to yourself..Romans 6:1-4, John 14:21-24, John 15
So what? What is at the center of your life? Who is in the drivers seat? You or Jesus?
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Opening Talk: The Centrality of the Gospel (both for the follower of Christ and non-Christ follower)
Stories from my life:
- Grew up spending time in the outdoors (e.g. 6 weeks old in the bottom of a boat while my parents fished...that fall out duck hunting)
- The first bird I shot was an American Coot (can you say ugly?)
- I am at home in a marsh (e.g. I can throw a pair of waders on and most people have a hard time keeping up with me)
- Even though I have a great sense of direction one overcast day while hunting a new area I got lost...after trying to find my way out for a while I finally stopped, prayed asking God for a sign to lead me out...upon turning around about 10 feet behind me I noticed a snowmobile trail marker...once on the trail I quickly found my way home
- One Sunday afternoon I and a friend went out duck hunting. I left him set up on one pond while I went and explored the marsh jump shooting...I soon had my limit and went to check on Mark. I had heard shooting coming from his direction and assumed he was close to a limit...I was surprised to discover that while he was close to the correct spot in reality he was 50 yards off and taking occasional long shots, missing and refusing to move.
So why these stories out of all of the ones I could share? I think they help illustrate a greater story.
- Some of you have life all planned out. you have a good sense of direction, but in the end you are not going to end up where you expect. You are lost and do not know it...you need a sign.
- Some of you are just like me out in the marsh...you grew up in church, you are at home in the church, but you are just going through the motions...something is missing.
- Some of you are like my friend Mark...you are in the game, you are close, but you let something keep you from being in the right place
Jesus came to divide the world into two camps...one that followed him and became children of God and one that rejected him and became the camp of darkness...John 1:9-13.
This led to a gospel presentation based on Romans 6:23...What we earn (wages) from the things (sin) that we do is separation from God (death), but through Jesus Christ we can receive the gift of eternal life.
Next we talked about the fact that "you can never grow beyond the gospel/Jesus.
What is the greatest need for non-Christ followers? The Gospel/Jesus. What is their motivation? Self.
What is the greatest need for Christ followers? The Gospel/Jesus. What should motivate them? The Gospel/Jesus
You can never get to a place in your life where you can say to Jesus "Thanks for getting me this far...I will take it from here."
4 Thieves to that rob the Gospel of Power
1. Legalism: Basing our relationship with God on our own performance.
How to avoid? Preach the gospel to yourself...Romans 3:10ff, Galatians 3, 6:14
2. Condemnation/Guilt: Being more focused on our sin than on God's grace. I call this reverse Pharisee ism. I saw this over and over in jail ministry when people would say "God is zapping me b/c I did..."
How to avoid? Preach the gospel to yourself. Romans 8:1
3. Subjectivism: Basing our view of God on our changing feelings and emotions. From a positive perspective people will say or think "Things are going good, so God must be blessing me." or negatively "I have done xyz why is God not reciprocating?"
How to avoid? Preach the gospel to yourself. John 3:16-17
4. JIMBP (Jesus in My Back Pocket): The misconception that I can do whatever I want b/c I know Jesus...in reality these are Christian Aethiests...
How to avoid? Preach the gospel to yourself..Romans 6:1-4, John 14:21-24, John 15
So what? What is at the center of your life? Who is in the drivers seat? You or Jesus?
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Sermon Notes Rev 12:1-6
Intro:
Have you ever asked yourself: "Why do you do what you do?" Your world view and how you answer is very important.
If you believe that this world is all there is then it makes sense to live self centered and try to get as much as possible. Basically "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die." But if you see yourself involved in a story greater than yourself you will live your life in line with that story and ultimately in line with the Author of that story.
As we wrestle with Rev 12:1-6 I want us to challenge us with the question: "Does your faith really impact your day to day living?"
Which leads to the Main Point: What (or who) you hope, believe and trust in needs to impact every area of your life.
The Players in the Great War & what they represent:
The Woman
- equals the people of God. Progressively moving from the OT to the NT that is Israel > Church. Jesus declared in John 15 that he was the true vine. In essence he was saying that he was/is the true Israel (contrast with Hosea 10:1-2, Ezek. 15:1-8) and all who abide in him would be the people of God. Here the "Woman" represents the people of God
- What Israel was unable to do (Isa. 26:18), namely provide deliverance/salvation God did through Jesus (Isa. 27:1, 7:14 66:7)
The Great Serpent
- equals the Devil (Gen 3) and all who oppose God (Ezek 29:3, 32:2 Jer. 51:34)
Note: The Serpent is only great b/c of the destructive power given to him and not a great sign. In the end the Serpent only has limited power. He is a dangerous enemy, but not all powerful or great
Myth or Truth?
Ancient Religions had similar stories (Grant Osborne's Revelation Commentary):
- Egypt: the mother goddess Isis is pursued by the red dragon Set or Typhon and flees to an island, where she gives birth to the sun god, Horus
- Ugaritic: the storm god Baal defeats the 7-headed serpent Leviathan and sets up his kingdom
- Mesopotamia: Marduk, the god of light, kills the 7-headed dragon Tiamat, who had thrown down 1/3 of the stars
-Greco-Roman: goddess Leto, pregnant with Apollo, is pursued by the dragon Python. Poseidon rescues her and places her on an island for safety. After Apollo is born he slays Python.
"The question is why John would tell the story in mythical form. Yet this is not unusual in a biblical context. Titles of other gods are applied to Yahweh in the OT...in order to say that God has conquered the other gods and taken their names...The purpose here is evangelistic, to say that what the Greeks have known only as myth has now been actualized in history. One could say that the NT 'demythologizes' Greco-Roman myth by historicizing it. What the pagans longed for in their myths has now become true in Jesus."
How do we live in light of the Truth?
How do we communicate the Truth?
Conclusion:
Why do you do what you do?
What you hope, believe and trust in needs to impact every area of your life.
So what? What will you change or do differently with your life?
Have you ever asked yourself: "Why do you do what you do?" Your world view and how you answer is very important.
If you believe that this world is all there is then it makes sense to live self centered and try to get as much as possible. Basically "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die." But if you see yourself involved in a story greater than yourself you will live your life in line with that story and ultimately in line with the Author of that story.
As we wrestle with Rev 12:1-6 I want us to challenge us with the question: "Does your faith really impact your day to day living?"
Which leads to the Main Point: What (or who) you hope, believe and trust in needs to impact every area of your life.
The Players in the Great War & what they represent:
The Woman
- equals the people of God. Progressively moving from the OT to the NT that is Israel > Church. Jesus declared in John 15 that he was the true vine. In essence he was saying that he was/is the true Israel (contrast with Hosea 10:1-2, Ezek. 15:1-8) and all who abide in him would be the people of God. Here the "Woman" represents the people of God
- What Israel was unable to do (Isa. 26:18), namely provide deliverance/salvation God did through Jesus (Isa. 27:1, 7:14 66:7)
The Great Serpent
- equals the Devil (Gen 3) and all who oppose God (Ezek 29:3, 32:2 Jer. 51:34)
Note: The Serpent is only great b/c of the destructive power given to him and not a great sign. In the end the Serpent only has limited power. He is a dangerous enemy, but not all powerful or great
Myth or Truth?
Ancient Religions had similar stories (Grant Osborne's Revelation Commentary):
- Egypt: the mother goddess Isis is pursued by the red dragon Set or Typhon and flees to an island, where she gives birth to the sun god, Horus
- Ugaritic: the storm god Baal defeats the 7-headed serpent Leviathan and sets up his kingdom
- Mesopotamia: Marduk, the god of light, kills the 7-headed dragon Tiamat, who had thrown down 1/3 of the stars
-Greco-Roman: goddess Leto, pregnant with Apollo, is pursued by the dragon Python. Poseidon rescues her and places her on an island for safety. After Apollo is born he slays Python.
"The question is why John would tell the story in mythical form. Yet this is not unusual in a biblical context. Titles of other gods are applied to Yahweh in the OT...in order to say that God has conquered the other gods and taken their names...The purpose here is evangelistic, to say that what the Greeks have known only as myth has now been actualized in history. One could say that the NT 'demythologizes' Greco-Roman myth by historicizing it. What the pagans longed for in their myths has now become true in Jesus."
How do we live in light of the Truth?
How do we communicate the Truth?
Conclusion:
Why do you do what you do?
What you hope, believe and trust in needs to impact every area of your life.
So what? What will you change or do differently with your life?
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Sermon notes: Rev 11:14-19
Intro:
I stood before a group of 9-10 grade boys and asked: "Can you imagine a world without sin?" One of them without even thinking blurted out: "It wouldn't be any fun." I wonder how many of us believe that...I also wonder how many of us have the view that heaven is like a retirement community where we float around on clouds strumming harps or playing shuffle board. Can you say boring? Is that something that you would radically sell out or spend your life living for?
Rev 11:14-19:
- is a snapshot of chapters 18-22
- the silence of Rev 8:1 is reversed in Rev 11:15
- anything unusual about vrs 17? There is no "who is to come" b/c Christ has come to establish his kingdom
- the separation of John 18:36 is gone
- vrs 18 ties back to Psalm 2
- judging of the earth takes place resulting in reward for believers/those who persevere and punishment for those who reject Jesus. This is also seen in vrs 19 where the Ark represents God's mercy seat and the storms/earthquake representing judgment
Main Point: "You can play now and pay later or you can pay now and play later" John Maxwell. JM was not talking about Revelation, but the thought is very applicable with this text.
Throughout the book of Revelation (esp chapters 2-3) we see the challenge to being a witness and persevere.
Witness
- If you are going to be a witness you need to have a way to clearly present the gospel. My preferred method is to draw out Romans 6:23.
- We need to reverse our thinking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgFU5Ak88-k
Why persevere?
- B/c we will be rewarded (see Gen. 15:1-6, Prov. 11:21, Isa. 40:10 & 62:11, Matt. 5:11-12 & 6:1-18, 1 Cor. 3:5-15)
- B/c God is always with you (Giglio has a powerful message on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg_ZVS6Kecw)
You can live your life playing now and you will pay later (judgment) or you can pay now living sold out for Jesus and play later when he returns. A world without sin and eternity with Jesus will be sooo much better than here and now, so why wouldn't you live like it?
We ended with communion
I stood before a group of 9-10 grade boys and asked: "Can you imagine a world without sin?" One of them without even thinking blurted out: "It wouldn't be any fun." I wonder how many of us believe that...I also wonder how many of us have the view that heaven is like a retirement community where we float around on clouds strumming harps or playing shuffle board. Can you say boring? Is that something that you would radically sell out or spend your life living for?
Rev 11:14-19:
- is a snapshot of chapters 18-22
- the silence of Rev 8:1 is reversed in Rev 11:15
- anything unusual about vrs 17? There is no "who is to come" b/c Christ has come to establish his kingdom
- the separation of John 18:36 is gone
- vrs 18 ties back to Psalm 2
- judging of the earth takes place resulting in reward for believers/those who persevere and punishment for those who reject Jesus. This is also seen in vrs 19 where the Ark represents God's mercy seat and the storms/earthquake representing judgment
Main Point: "You can play now and pay later or you can pay now and play later" John Maxwell. JM was not talking about Revelation, but the thought is very applicable with this text.
Throughout the book of Revelation (esp chapters 2-3) we see the challenge to being a witness and persevere.
Witness
- If you are going to be a witness you need to have a way to clearly present the gospel. My preferred method is to draw out Romans 6:23.
- We need to reverse our thinking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgFU5Ak88-k
Why persevere?
- B/c we will be rewarded (see Gen. 15:1-6, Prov. 11:21, Isa. 40:10 & 62:11, Matt. 5:11-12 & 6:1-18, 1 Cor. 3:5-15)
- B/c God is always with you (Giglio has a powerful message on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg_ZVS6Kecw)
You can live your life playing now and you will pay later (judgment) or you can pay now living sold out for Jesus and play later when he returns. A world without sin and eternity with Jesus will be sooo much better than here and now, so why wouldn't you live like it?
We ended with communion
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Marriage
Love is a choice---unfortunately many individuals choose to love themselves rather than their spouse. This always leads to problems in a marriage. When you say "I do" you are saying that from all of the men/women out there you are choosing your spouse as the only one for you. Fortunately for me in 15+ years of marriage 99% of the time this has been a very easy choice for me, but there have been days where I have to remind myself that I vowed to continually choose Heidi until death do us part. It is at that point that I choose to put her above even myself, but because she does this also both of our needs are met. The only way we can do this, however, is because we strive to keep Jesus at the center of our marriage.
In our marriage seminar, Building a Healthy Marriage (BAHM), we share that if you keep Christ at the center the following will be true of your marriage:
- You will be a student of your spouse seeking to understand how they are wired.
- As you understand them you should do the following:
- Strive to meet their needs before they ask or at a minimum help the with their burdens (e.g. my
wife is a list maker and has a hard time relaxing until her list is checked off. I have a choice I can
watch her run around or I can load the dishwasher, start it and take that off of her list)
- Grant them understanding and acceptance. My wife does a great job of this when she asks me to
do something, but gives me the freedom to figure out when I do it. No nagging she knows that it
will get done even if it is not exactly as fast as she might want. In the end she grants me
understanding that I have reasons for prioritizing things the way I do.
- You strive to understand what they are saying from their perspective not yours. Just because they
say that the sky is blue does not mean that they are talking about the same shade of blue that you
are. Work at figuring out what they are saying rather than assuming you know.
- You will die to self and live to the other. If you do this both of your needs will be met. This takes work and sometimes you have to do this even when the other isn't reciprocating. Christ serves as our example...didn't he love us while we were yet sinners/enemies? Your spouse isn't your enemy. Note: This does not mean let your spouse walk all over you, abuse you or try to force you to do something that would lead you to sin.
- Utilizing my Preventative Enhancement Program (PREP) training you will strive to deal with "issues" rather than "events." Arguments are "events" and typically are a reflection of deeper unresolved issues. Often we have the same arguments over and over. This is because there is something beneath the surface that isn't being dealt with. Dig deeper and ask "what is behind this?" To do this we need to learn to do a better job of communicating.
So love is a choice---are you choosing to love your spouse today?
Blessings,
T
In our marriage seminar, Building a Healthy Marriage (BAHM), we share that if you keep Christ at the center the following will be true of your marriage:
- You will be a student of your spouse seeking to understand how they are wired.
- As you understand them you should do the following:
- Strive to meet their needs before they ask or at a minimum help the with their burdens (e.g. my
wife is a list maker and has a hard time relaxing until her list is checked off. I have a choice I can
watch her run around or I can load the dishwasher, start it and take that off of her list)
- Grant them understanding and acceptance. My wife does a great job of this when she asks me to
do something, but gives me the freedom to figure out when I do it. No nagging she knows that it
will get done even if it is not exactly as fast as she might want. In the end she grants me
understanding that I have reasons for prioritizing things the way I do.
- You strive to understand what they are saying from their perspective not yours. Just because they
say that the sky is blue does not mean that they are talking about the same shade of blue that you
are. Work at figuring out what they are saying rather than assuming you know.
- You will die to self and live to the other. If you do this both of your needs will be met. This takes work and sometimes you have to do this even when the other isn't reciprocating. Christ serves as our example...didn't he love us while we were yet sinners/enemies? Your spouse isn't your enemy. Note: This does not mean let your spouse walk all over you, abuse you or try to force you to do something that would lead you to sin.
- Utilizing my Preventative Enhancement Program (PREP) training you will strive to deal with "issues" rather than "events." Arguments are "events" and typically are a reflection of deeper unresolved issues. Often we have the same arguments over and over. This is because there is something beneath the surface that isn't being dealt with. Dig deeper and ask "what is behind this?" To do this we need to learn to do a better job of communicating.
So love is a choice---are you choosing to love your spouse today?
Blessings,
T
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sermon Notes Rev 11:1-13
Intro discussion questions:
- Are you and earthling or an alien?
- How would someone know by observing you?
So often in looking at Scripture we tend to isolate out verses or chapters without considering the connection to what came before it or the context in which it was first delivered. Again, Rev was a message to a church suffering or about to suffer persecution. Throughout the book one of the key messages is persevere and this passage is another reminder of God's protection even in the midst of suffering, which re-enforces the last several chapters.
Rev. 11:1-2 is a reminder of God's protection (Sweet), but there will be suffering (Bitter) for a time. Here is the break down for that:
Temple = the church/God's people (2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:19-22, Heb 3:6, 1 Peter 2:5)
Measured = Protected (Ez. 40-42, Zech 2:1-5)
Outside court tramples = suffering for a time (Jesus is our example, Mark 9:31)
Rev 11:3-13 is both a literal (in the last days 2 witnesses will show up) and symbolic illustration or acting out of 11:1-2 & previous sweet/bitter message.
Note that the 2 witnesses are:
- not hiding but proclaiming..
- protected w/ fire (e.g. Zech 2:1-5, 2 Kings 1)
- resurrected or vindicated (Ezek 37) just like the saints who ask "How long Lord?" in earlier chapters are promised they will be
- What was the purpose of prophecy (their message)?
- One last chance
- Judgment
- much like John the Baptist call and the OT prophets
- note that here in some do turn to God
Application:
- What is the most valuable thing in your life?
- Challenge from Matt 10: 34-39
- Are you living as an alien in this world?
- Are you and earthling or an alien?
- How would someone know by observing you?
So often in looking at Scripture we tend to isolate out verses or chapters without considering the connection to what came before it or the context in which it was first delivered. Again, Rev was a message to a church suffering or about to suffer persecution. Throughout the book one of the key messages is persevere and this passage is another reminder of God's protection even in the midst of suffering, which re-enforces the last several chapters.
Rev. 11:1-2 is a reminder of God's protection (Sweet), but there will be suffering (Bitter) for a time. Here is the break down for that:
Temple = the church/God's people (2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:19-22, Heb 3:6, 1 Peter 2:5)
Measured = Protected (Ez. 40-42, Zech 2:1-5)
Outside court tramples = suffering for a time (Jesus is our example, Mark 9:31)
Rev 11:3-13 is both a literal (in the last days 2 witnesses will show up) and symbolic illustration or acting out of 11:1-2 & previous sweet/bitter message.
Note that the 2 witnesses are:
- not hiding but proclaiming..
- protected w/ fire (e.g. Zech 2:1-5, 2 Kings 1)
- resurrected or vindicated (Ezek 37) just like the saints who ask "How long Lord?" in earlier chapters are promised they will be
- What was the purpose of prophecy (their message)?
- One last chance
- Judgment
- much like John the Baptist call and the OT prophets
- note that here in some do turn to God
Application:
- What is the most valuable thing in your life?
- Challenge from Matt 10: 34-39
- Are you living as an alien in this world?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
What if?
What if intense persecution broke out in the USA today? How would the church handle it? Would we still meet at the building? Rely on programs? What would change? How would we maintain our vertical relationship w/ God, our relationship with other believers and continue to witness to those outside the faith?
I would argue that Life Transformation Groups (LTGs) or groups of 2-3 individuals meeting for accountability, scripture study and prayer would be the answer. When they hit 4 individuals they are divided into two groups of 2. They are easy to do covertly (if that is what is necessary), but keep an element of witness/outreach at the forefront.
Now lets ask "What if revival broke out and 3,000 people showed up at your church on Sunday? Most churches wouldn't meet in the building or have programs that could sustain that kind of influx, so what would have to happen or change? Here I argue that the natural solution would be a cell church model with LTGs being a key component to disciplining that many individuals.
These two scenarios provide some of the reason why we at Faith Baptist Church have started moving in this direction. LTGs are up and running and this fall Community Groups (CGs) or cell groups will launch. I can also add that if neither of these two scenarios happen I believe that this model is what will eventually produce reproducing disciples. If we continue to rely on programs all we will continue to produce is faithful attenders/consumers and quite honestly I do not have time for that.
Blessings,
PT
I would argue that Life Transformation Groups (LTGs) or groups of 2-3 individuals meeting for accountability, scripture study and prayer would be the answer. When they hit 4 individuals they are divided into two groups of 2. They are easy to do covertly (if that is what is necessary), but keep an element of witness/outreach at the forefront.
Now lets ask "What if revival broke out and 3,000 people showed up at your church on Sunday? Most churches wouldn't meet in the building or have programs that could sustain that kind of influx, so what would have to happen or change? Here I argue that the natural solution would be a cell church model with LTGs being a key component to disciplining that many individuals.
These two scenarios provide some of the reason why we at Faith Baptist Church have started moving in this direction. LTGs are up and running and this fall Community Groups (CGs) or cell groups will launch. I can also add that if neither of these two scenarios happen I believe that this model is what will eventually produce reproducing disciples. If we continue to rely on programs all we will continue to produce is faithful attenders/consumers and quite honestly I do not have time for that.
Blessings,
PT
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Sermon Notes from Aug 19, 2012 on Rev 10:
Intro Questions: Do you enjoy waiting? Are you patient? Content?
If we are honest most of us have to say "no" to those questions. Society/advertising pushes us to not be and yet God's word tells us we can and should be content in him...even in the midst of suffering/persecution.
Symbolism of Rev 10 and the messages behind it:
Angel: Reminds us that God is sovereign and in control
- Feet on land and water = All of creation is under God's control
- Seal up all of the details = The saints do not need to know everything...just that God is in control
Scroll: God's word/a copy of the scroll that is in Jesus hand from chapter 5...similar to God's call to Ezekiel in Ez. 2-3
- Eat God's word = take its message to heart...internalize the prophecy and put it to work in one's life (Psalm 119:103, Jer. 15:16)
- Sweet = God's sovereign will is always beneficial
- The saints will be rewarded & vindicated for the sacrifices/investments they make. Eternal life is a sure
thing in Jesus, so even in the midst of persecution trust in him
- God is in control & nothing happens without his knowledge
- The end is near. The scroll is the prophecy/judgments that will set things right.
- Bitter = the end is near, but it will involve great suffering and martyrdom
So what? Application?
In light of God's sovereignty what do you do with suffering?
- 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Purpose) God allows trials to test/strengthen our faith...Satan tries to use them to get
us to curse/abandon God
- 1 Thes. 5:18 (Response)
What role does God's word play in your life?
- Encouraging?
- Refining?
- Sweet?
- Bitter?
- Who is the person you have the most difficulty with? Have you extended them grace? Give them the
Grace Card (see the movie of the same name)
- FBC is to be a no triangulation zone. Triangulation occurs when you have a problem with person A, but
go to person B and complain hoping that they will side with you and never go to person A. That is not in
line with Matt. 18. Try to work things out with person A and if not take a witness and if not then go to
the elders...
Are you willing to be content in letting God be in control?
Are you willing to be a witness no matter the cost?
- If intense persecution broke out today how would we continue to maintain our "up" (relationship w/
God) and the "in" (relationship w/ other believers) and the "out" (our witness to those outside of a
relationship w/ Jesus)? Life Transformation Groups provide a key to all of this.
Intro Questions: Do you enjoy waiting? Are you patient? Content?
If we are honest most of us have to say "no" to those questions. Society/advertising pushes us to not be and yet God's word tells us we can and should be content in him...even in the midst of suffering/persecution.
Symbolism of Rev 10 and the messages behind it:
Angel: Reminds us that God is sovereign and in control
- Feet on land and water = All of creation is under God's control
- Seal up all of the details = The saints do not need to know everything...just that God is in control
Scroll: God's word/a copy of the scroll that is in Jesus hand from chapter 5...similar to God's call to Ezekiel in Ez. 2-3
- Eat God's word = take its message to heart...internalize the prophecy and put it to work in one's life (Psalm 119:103, Jer. 15:16)
- Sweet = God's sovereign will is always beneficial
- The saints will be rewarded & vindicated for the sacrifices/investments they make. Eternal life is a sure
thing in Jesus, so even in the midst of persecution trust in him
- God is in control & nothing happens without his knowledge
- The end is near. The scroll is the prophecy/judgments that will set things right.
- Bitter = the end is near, but it will involve great suffering and martyrdom
So what? Application?
In light of God's sovereignty what do you do with suffering?
- 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Purpose) God allows trials to test/strengthen our faith...Satan tries to use them to get
us to curse/abandon God
- 1 Thes. 5:18 (Response)
What role does God's word play in your life?
- Encouraging?
- Refining?
- Sweet?
- Bitter?
- Who is the person you have the most difficulty with? Have you extended them grace? Give them the
Grace Card (see the movie of the same name)
- FBC is to be a no triangulation zone. Triangulation occurs when you have a problem with person A, but
go to person B and complain hoping that they will side with you and never go to person A. That is not in
line with Matt. 18. Try to work things out with person A and if not take a witness and if not then go to
the elders...
Are you willing to be content in letting God be in control?
Are you willing to be a witness no matter the cost?
- If intense persecution broke out today how would we continue to maintain our "up" (relationship w/
God) and the "in" (relationship w/ other believers) and the "out" (our witness to those outside of a
relationship w/ Jesus)? Life Transformation Groups provide a key to all of this.
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