How should we think about suffering?  Suffering both on a global and on a personal scale seems at the outset to be a problem for God.  Yet as we look into God’s word, he gives us not only answers for our suffering but incredible hope through it.  A theology of suffering prepares us for both the questions that can be asked of our faith as well as hope when we face it in our own lives. 

Revelation 20:7-15

Revelation 20:7-15

Revelation 20:7-15 narrates Satan’s final defeat and abandonment to the lake of fire, followed by the great day of judgment. On that day Jesus will judge the living and the dead in truth, righteousness and justice. Those whose names are found in the Lamb’s book of life will join God in glory for eternity.

The idea of a final judgment leading to eternal life in the presence of God or eternal death outside the goodness of God is not only unpopular today but a God who judges good and evil is deemed Himself unjust. Our text has been referred to as the most serious and sobering passage in the entire Bible precisely because it is so clear about our eternal destinies. On the last day the question will be what is written in the books. Will we stand before God’s throne on account of our own record or on account of the record of His Son Jesus?

Revelation 20:1-6

As we begin this Lent season, we do so focusing on the hope we have in Heaven.  Nothing makes the fruit of sin so distasteful as seeing and savoring the rewards that God has placed before us.  As we start this season we do so looking to this strange passage of the reign of Christ on earth.  While many disagree on how to interpret this confusing passage, the hope we have in Jesus is unchanging. 

Revelation 20:1-6

The millennial reign of Christ is one of the most hotly contested passages in Scripture. Despite the questions and debates, what all followers of Christ can agree on from this text is that there is great hope for the follower of Christ because Jesus has decisively won the victory over Satan on the cross.

Revelation 20:1-6 The “Come, Lord Jesus!” refrain at the end of Revelation captures the tension of Lent: Sin has been paid for, death has been defeated, the new heavens and new earth are coming…but not yet. Present difficulties beckon us to pray “Come, Lord Jesus!” because of the bright future that is ours in Christ because of all that He has accomplished for us. While great controversy and disagreement exists between genuine Christians regarding the millennium, we have great reason for unity (and hope!) because what we agree on is far greater.

Acts 28:17-31

The finale of the book of Acts is one that beautifully encompasses the story of the church.  Jesus sends out his disciples to take this good news to the ends of the earth and we close the book we realize there is still so much left to do.  Paul has made it to Rome, yet the call is to pick up the story and carry forward the good news of Jesus Christ to all the nations.   

Acts 28:17-31

The abrupt ending to the book of Acts leaves room for endless, open-ended opportunities to declare the Word of God and His gospel without hindrance. Like Paul, we are invited to waste no time, opportunity, words, or resources in the spread of the gospel from our corner of the world to the end of the earth.

Acts 28:17-31

How often do you share your faith in Christ with others? What are your greatest barriers that hinder you from engaging in evangelism? In this sermon we explore how Paul’s example in Acts 28:17-31 gives us compelling answers for how we might overcome our hurdles and fears, so that we might follow Paul’s example of bold, unhindered Gospel proclamation.