Recognize that throughout history God has been punishing EVIL all around us. These punishments (known as “God’s wrath” or “judgment”) are to be understood as bold, intense, and alarming warnings to motivate all of us to repent from our wickedness or else we will perish.

We respond to God’s presence in one of two ways: we recoil from it or we rejoice in it. Unless something changes, the way we respond now is the way we will respond then.

The Lamb of God is the only one worthy to open the scroll and deliver God’s ultimate judgment. However, in a stunning plot twist, our judge is also our advocate and the atonement for our injustice.

“For Christians, persecution is common. Responding blessably to persecution is uncommon.””

“For Christians, persecution is common. Responding blessably to persecution is uncommon.””

Jesus is intimately familiar with the victories and struggles of his church. Those who hear his voice ought to listen and obey - even through persecution and trial - knowing that there is a reward for those who perservere.

We overcome insecurities by consciously shifting attention away from our fears and deficiencies onto Christ’s confidence and completeness.

We can be joyful when we give to the Lord!

God always calls us in the best possible direction.