Anderson Sermons

From the beginning of human history Satan has been building a counterfeit kingdom alongside the Kingdom of God, competing for the allegiance of men and women who are made in the image of God. Satan's plan will reach its most powerful form during the second half of the tribulation, when through the work of the Antichrist (1st
beast) and the false prophet (2nd
beast) he will establish a kingdom which is both political and religious, as well as economic. During these trying times, men and women will face the ultimate choice – Satan or the Son of God?

Satan is the ultimate bully! He is real. He is smart. And he is powerful. But we give him more credit than he deserves. Revelation 12 reminds us that in the cosmic conflict that has been raging throughout all of human history, the devil cannot win. God wins! Our adversary was defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus, and he will be defeated fully and finally when Jesus returns. He can also be defeated today as we, God's people, stay alert, remembering that every day is a spiritual battle and remaining faithful to our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

Nothing can silence the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ! But because His gospel includes both bitter news (our sin must be judged) and sweet news (Jesus died and was raised for our sins), all of God's messengers should expect opposition. Nevertheless, no matter how the world responds, we should proclaim His message with confidence. Jesus and His kingdom will prevail!

God is not impulsive or reactive. All His ways are intentional and consistent with His righteousness. When He brings judgment on the earth it will be measured and purposeful. His judgments will vindicate His people who have suffered injustice; His judgments will display His power; and His judgments will expose the hardness of human hearts. And yet even as His righteous judgments come upon the earth, men and women will have opportunity to repent and be rescued by Him.

For millennia God's people have cried out to Him, “How long, O Lord?” How long will you delay bringing justice to this earth? How long will you delay establishing Your righteous reign upon the earth? When the Lamb of God takes the scroll and begins to break its seals, “tribulation” will begin upon the earth. It will be a time of unprecedented distress. God will judge those who oppose Him, vindicate those who trust in Him, and save those who turn to Him. His ways are always right, but even as His justice arrives, His mercy and grace will not depart.

God alone is worthy of worship. And in God's throne room everyone knows what to do – worship. Worship God the Father because He is the Creator and rightful ruler over all that He has made. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that will not fade away. Worship God the Son because He has redeemed men and women from every nation so that we might give God His rightful worship and exercise dominion over His creation. Worship. God has designed us for worship. May we, like the angels now before His throne, give Him the worship He so rightfully deserves.

What would Jesus say to us if He wrote us a letter?! In chapters 2-3 of the book of Revelation, Jesus dictated to John seven personal letters to seven unique local churches, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith, warning them to turn away from sin, and reminding them of their future reward in Him. And His message still applies to us today. In the midst of a culture hostile to us and to our Savior, never compromise or become complacent, but stand firm until Jesus returns!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is one of God's treasured gifts to the Church. The Revelation shows us the future Kingdom that God will bring to earth, and more importantly, the One who will accomplish God's perfect will for all of His creation. John's vision of the resurrected Son of God in all His glory reminds the Church that Jesus is able to fully accomplish God's plan. Jesus is the One who holds both the present and the future in His all-powerful and loving hands. May we be a people who entrust to Him not only our tomorrow but also our today.