Developing a Grateful Heart

John is saying here in chapter 14 that for every human being that walks the face of this planet those five minutes are coming, and they will experience an eternal destiny either of indescribable joy or unspeakable loss. John talks about the coming of the hour of judgment, the judgment of God, when God’s verdict will be pronounced with utter finality.

There’s a battle going on, and we are safe in God’s hand. But we’re to join with him in the battle against evil. This is the purpose of John’s writing.

There is a battle. Christ has won so resist the evil one. Be faithful to God.

Eric Douglas, member of Restoration Church Mukilteo, speaks on his testimony and answering God's call when he asks his people to step forward in faith.

Justine Locke, member of Restoration Church Mukilteo, speaks on her testimony and shares her prayerful sermon on running toward the fire of God.

There are prayers to be uttered, there are injustices to be put to rights, there is the Word that needs to be absorbed and assimilated, there are people who need to hear that God is not mad at them.

In this world, you will have tribulation. Some in the church get defeated by this. They think that life in this world is no different for believers than for unbelievers. There is no relief on this earth. And they give into despair.

He is worthy of every prayer. He is worthy of every act of obedience. He is worthy of every temptation ever resisted. He is worthy of every song of worship ever sung. He is worthy of every tear of repentance ever shed. He is worthy of every ounce of labor ever expended. He is worthy! He is worthy of my life. He is worthy of this church’s life.

John’s purpose is to give us something of a sense of the majesty and wonder and splendor and awe of the God we serve. And the primary characteristic of the throne room is worship -- this unending response of every creature to the beauty and goodness and glory of the one who occupies the throne.

Jesus comes to two different churches and invites one to walk through an open door of opportunity with authority and he goes to another church and finds the door locked from the inside. So, he knocks and invites them to intimacy. Wonder what they did.