In Hebrews 1:1-14 the author compares the greatness of Christ to the angels. He proclaims that Christ is far greater than the angels because he is the Son of God. As the Son of God, Christ is fully equal to the Father. He is of the same substance, the same essence, being eternal, self-sufficient, immutable, immense, and incomprehensible in his greatness. This is the God we serve. This is our Savior: Christ, both fully God and fully man.

In Revelation 11:3-6 the ministry of the church is described under the figure of two witnesses. These witnesses are described like Joshua and Zerubbabel from Zechariah 4. They are the two lampstands who stand before the Lord of all the earth, anointed for a kingly and priestly function as they make known the wonders of the gospel. They are also described like Moses and Elijah, given power as God's prophets, to overcome all opposition. Such is the nature of the church in this world as she bears witness to her Lord.

In Genesis 18:16-19, God asks whether or not he should hide from Abraham what he is about to do in light of the promises he has received. In 18:19 we are told that Abraham has been chosen that he might instruct his children so that the promises might come to pass. Genesis 18:19 highlights the necessity we have of teaching our children the Word of God. It is the normal means God uses to bring our children to faith.

In Revelation 11:1-2 Ezekiel is told to measure the temple. The inner parts of the temple represent where God has communion with his people. This represents the blessings of the people of God in the presence of God during the time between the first and second coming of Christ. During this same time, however, the outer courts are given over to the Gentiles to be trampled. We are told, therefore, that the church is both blessed in the presence of God, but that there will always be suffering and persecution in this life.

In Genesis 18:9-15 God tells Abraham that Sarah will have a son in a year. Sarah falters in unbelief given her circumstances, and yet God affirms again that it will surely happen. We are reminded that nothing is impossible with God and that he will surely bring to pass all of his promises.

In Revelation 10:1-11 Christ, in the appearance of an angel, claims sovereignty over the entire cosmos. He then gives a little scroll to John, who, like Ezekiel, is instructed to eat it, showing that he is to embody this message of Christ's sovereignty, that it is to be proclaimed throughout the world. The message is sweet in his mouth and yet bitter in his stomach because this message is also associated with judgment and will not be received by the world, causing great suffering for the church.

In Genesis 18:1-8 Abraham entertains three guests, not knowing who they are. We are told, however, that God himself, along with two angels, had come to Abraham. We are reminded of the need to be hospitable at all times, following the example of Abraham.

In Revelation 9:13-21 the sixth trumpet blasts. Once again there is escalation in the judgments of God. All of these trumpets are warnings before the second coming for the unbeliever to repent. Astonishingly, the heart of man is so hard that he will not repent even though all of these things come upon him. If today you hear his voice, do not harden your heart as in the rebellion.

In the letter written to the church in Ephesus, Christ has much to commend this seemingly faithful church for. There is one problem however: they have forgotten their first love. We are reminded that without love for Christ, there is nothing that we can do as Christians that is acceptable to God.

Pastor Grasso takes questions on the conference.