Own Your Faith

The narrative of the end times events can be overwhelming, confusing, and intimidating. In the midst of the all the symbolism, the figures, and the judgment God still has his fingerprint on this world and the outcome. The characters during those end times represent both advocates and adversaries that God provides or allows to fulfill his divine purpose. Revelation chapters 10-11.

In the midst of all the judgment that God unleashes on the creation in chapters 6, 8, and 9 there is still hope in chapter 7 that "in Christ" believers are sealed and protected from eternal destruction. Just like that protection during the end times is true, we can have that same hope today while we are in the presence of darkness, trials, suffering, death, etc. Even in the presence of darkness there can still be the presence of God. Where his presence is there also is his peace (Philippians 4:4-7.)Our hope is not in our situations, but in Jesus, the Lamb of God. Revelation 8-9.

Still in the throne room of heaven, John continues to reveal the vision of God on the throne with a scroll that only one who is worthy can take and open its seals. We get the vision of Jesus, the Lion of Judah, the Root of Jesse, and the Lamb who was slain. In chapter 6 As the seals are opened, judgment is declared as well as what may well symbolize the proclamation of the gospel globally. There is the scene of souls of the martyred asking God when he will avenge their death on earth. Then in chapter 7 we get a glimpse of multiethnic worship in heaven. Revelation 5-7.

In Revelation chapter 4 John describes a vision of the heavenly throne room. He sees an image of God described in majestic and awesome terms. Around the throne are creatures and elders worshiping God without ceasing. It is a picture of the worship we can look forward to in heaven. Pastor Sy teaches us about the song of worship, the words of worship, and the acts of worship from this scene that we should be enacting in our lives today

Revelation chapters 2 & 3 are centered on letters written to the seven churches of Asia Minor during the first century. The question is how relevant are those letters for the church today? There were churches that were outside of God's will and needed to repent. There were churches that did well, but God still had some issues with them and there was a need to repent for those particular issues. There were churches that were doing well and were simply encouraged to "hold fast." Today we know and see churches that fall in all three categories. Until Christ returns we are being fitted for the crown of victory and of righteousness.

We begin the final series of the year with a look at the Book of Revelation. The goal is that we find relevance, hope and fulfillment in the narrative of the end times. Chapter 1 is centered on this grand vision of the Son, Jesus Christ. What did this vision mean for John and the early church? What does it mean for us today? Revelation 1:1-20

What does it mean to live devoted to God. Jesus lived that life; a life of prayer seeking the will of God, a life of obedience doing the will of God and urged a life a worship, which is the will of God for all of us. These traits and habits in our lives reflect a life of devotion. The question is, "Am I wiling to give up all in my life for allegiance to Jesus and the living out God's will?"

To be a leader of leaders as Peter, James, and John were, we must have a desire to be change agents. Change agents, according to these disciples' experience with Jesus, came because of their close proximity to Jesus. They were able to see things that even the other disciples were not privy to. Change agents see what others don't see or can't see.

Jesus doesn't just call us to be leaders who have a generic sense of influence (from the pulpits, blogs, or stages), but to invest in others. He invested in his disciples what the Father had invested in him. The apostles then invested in others what Jesus had invested in him. This is the type of leadership that the Church is called to. Luke 22:31-32.

Greatness, as understood by the world is based on success, accomplishments, achievements, etc. But greatness as it relates to the kingdom (God's) perspective is how much of our lives are devoted to serving others and impacting their lives. Jesus said he did not come to be served, but to serve others and be a ransom for many. To be great is to have the heart and live as one who serves God by serving humanity. Matthew 20:20-28 | John 13 | Philippians 2:3-8