John Mulligan wrapped up his five-part “Moving Toward Jesus” series with “Revelation: Jesus Anticipated,” turning to the New Testament’s final book to show how Scripture keeps believers leaning forward. After reviewing the arc of previous lessons—Jesus expected (OT), revealed (Gospels), preached (Acts), and explained (Epistles)—he noted that Revelation speaks to Christians living under intense pressure, yet aching for the promised “great day” when Christ returns in glory.

Revelation unfolds like a survival manual for faith, first grounding readers in Jesus’ triumph and then acknowledging that life may grow darker before it brightens. Written to seven first-century congregations already facing Roman hostility, the visions warn of deeper trials ahead, yet repeatedly emphasize that the Lamb reigns, evil is temporary, and a new heaven and earth await. Vivid scenes of thrones, scrolls, beasts, and multitudes are meant less to satisfy curiosity than to ignite courage: hold fast through the “hour of testing,” remain loyal even “to the point of death,” and God will wipe every tear, crown victors, and banish the second death forever.

Ultimately, Revelation fuels daily endurance by anchoring hope in Christ’s imminent return and final renewal. Its steady drumbeat—“Be faithful… I am coming soon”—urges believers in every era to live alert, reject lukewarm compromise, and treat each hardship as the last sharp turn before dawn. For those who keep their eyes on the clouds and their hearts fully engaged, the message is clear: the darkest night will end in incomparable morning, and faith is the victory that secures a place in the forever kingdom of God.

Michael Rankins’ message, “Many Are Invited…,” revisits Jesus’ wedding-feast parable (Matthew 22:1-14) to remind listeners that God’s kingdom invitation demands more than simply showing up. Rankins first traced Jesus’ story: privileged guests rudely reject the king’s summons; the invitation is extended to “anyone” in the streets; and one man, though present, is cast out for wearing no wedding garment. Jesus’ closing line—“Many are invited, but few are chosen”—sets the sober tone.

This parable exposes two dangers we often overlook: careless refusal and careless preparation. The first group symbolizes Israel’s covenant people who spurned the prophets and finally the Son; the second group represents the wider world that eagerly enters but must still arrive properly clothed. Those garments, Scripture clarifies, are “putting on Christ” (Gal 3:27) and daily renewing the mind (Eph 4:22-24). Faith without the ongoing action of clothing oneself in righteousness is, like James warns, a dead faith—no better than coming to the feast in street clothes.

The takeaway for believers is clear: accepting the king’s invitation is a lifelong, daily choice to dress in Christlike words, deeds, and attitudes. Baptism may mark the moment we first donned the wedding attire, yet each sunrise calls for another conscious decision—will we clothe ourselves with the Lord or with the flesh (Rom 13:14)? Our behavior on highways, at work, and with neighbors reveals which outfit we’ve chosen. Rankins urged worshipers to begin every morning by “getting dressed for the wedding,” confident that those who persist in wearing Christ now will already be properly attired when the final banquet doors close.

John Mulligan’s fourth message in the “Moving Toward Jesus” series was “The Epistles: Jesus Explained,” surveying Romans through Jude to show how these inspired letters guide believers between the resurrection and Christ’s return. After noting that the Old Testament expected Jesus, the Gospels revealed Him, and Acts recorded Him preached, Mulligan emphasized that the epistles function like a spiritual GPS: they keep Christians on course, correcting, rerouting, and equipping us for life in a world where Jesus has ascended yet is always imminent.

These inspired letters serve two main purposes: shaping congregational life and shaping individual conduct. Written by apostles and prophets under the Spirit’s guidance, they combine Jesus’ own teaching with the “all truth” He promised to disclose after His ascension (John 14–16). Whether Paul addresses church order in Corinth, Peter calls scattered believers to holiness, or John warns against false teachers, the consistent goal is to form mature disciples who hold to the once-for-all gospel, reject counterfeit ideas, and display faith through repentance, baptism, love, and perseverance.

Ultimately, the epistles challenge modern readers to submit every priority, habit, and church practice to their authoritative instruction until Christ returns. Scripture still supplies “everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3); churches still exist; and the Lord’s second coming remains certain. When we drift, the letters call for a U-turn—back to the simple, demanding, transforming path they lay out—so we can arrive safely “in the arms of Jesus,” fully equipped for every good work.

John Mulligan’s lesson on Sunday was “ACTS: Jesus Preached,” the third part of a sermon series on moving toward Jesus in Scripture. He underscored that the Book of Acts bridges the gap between the four Gospels (where Jesus is revealed) and the subsequent letters (where Jesus is explained), illustrating how the apostles and early Christians publicly proclaimed Christ’s identity and mission. Acts is presented as a historical record written by Luke, charting roughly three decades of church growth and giving us valuable insight into how the gospel spread.

There are three main themes that clarify how Acts portrays Jesus as central to the believer’s life. First, this is a reliable and factual account—not merely an inspirational collection—detailing sermons, miracles, and persecutions that validated Jesus as both Messiah and Son of God. Second, it reveals that the earliest Christian preaching centered on Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, with apostles like Peter and Paul repeatedly calling listeners to repent, be baptized, and trust in Christ for salvation. Finally, the book describes varying reactions: some sneered at the notion of resurrection, while others earnestly embraced it, highlighting that faith in Jesus demands personal commitment rather than mere curiosity.

Ultimately, Acts demonstrates that preaching Christ was essential for the church’s birth, growth, and resilience in a hostile environment. By examining how the apostles proclaimed Him as the sole solution to humanity’s sin problem, modern believers see the core truths of the gospel and the proper response of repentance and transformation. In a world overflowing with competing messages, Acts stands as a scriptural blueprint, calling followers of Jesus to stay centered on His saving work, remain steadfast under opposition, and carry on the same life-changing message to new generations.

Jay Mijares’ lesson on Sunday was “A Reversal of Fortunes,” focusing on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31. Drawing a striking contrast between earthly success and eternal outcomes, he emphasized how death instantly reverses the two men’s circumstances: Lazarus, once destitute and ignored, finds himself in Abraham’s bosom, while the unnamed rich man—despite his wealth—ends up in torment. Far from teaching that riches automatically condemn, the passage serves as a warning that genuine devotion to God is crucial, regardless of one’s social standing.

There are two central truths here that spotlight the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words. First, God intimately knows those who sincerely trust Him; in the parable, Lazarus is named and carried by angels, but the rich man is never identified or aided, indicating that external status without heartfelt faith holds no sway in eternity. Second, the Scriptures themselves contain all anyone needs for salvation. Abraham’s refusal to send Lazarus back from the dead highlights that no miracle can replace a hardened heart’s need to embrace God’s Word. True transformation flows from receiving biblical truth with humility, not from demanding supernatural signs.

Ultimately, this lesson reveals how external religion or social standing cannot guarantee eternal life. The rich man’s downfall is not simply his wealth but his neglect of God and neighbor—a direct contrast to Lazarus, who persevered in hope despite suffering. By inviting listeners to examine how they steward resources and show compassion, the parable urges a deeper call: real faith issues forth in loving God wholeheartedly and caring for those around us, reflecting the eternal priorities that outlast all momentary fortunes.

John Mulligan’s lesson on Sunday was “Jesus Revealed,” the second part of a five-lesson series on “moving toward Jesus.” He focused on how the four Gospels present Christ from different angles, building on last week’s emphasis that the Old Testament anticipates a coming Messiah. Each Gospel account—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—underscores Jesus’ identity and mission, aiming to confirm His deity, highlight His teachings, and ultimately show why He is the long-awaited answer to humanity’s deepest needs.

There are six key truths underscored in these accounts. First, Jesus appears as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the Old Testament’s promise of a deliverer. Second, He is fully divine, the “Word made flesh,” both God and man. Third, He wields power beyond human limits, working miracles to confirm His identity. Fourth, He also emerges as Lord and teacher, challenging even religious experts to pursue a deeper, more personal relationship with God. Fifth, Christ is the solution to sin, pictured as the Lamb of God who takes away humanity’s guilt once and for all. Lastly, He is the conqueror of death, offering resurrection hope to everyone who believes.

The Gospels also invite each reader to respond—will we treat Jesus as a distant figure, or will we yield our hearts to Him as Savior and King? Rather than obsessing over celebrities, political figures, or fleeting trends, Christians are urged to give their primary devotion and attention to Christ, the one who freely gave His life on the cross. Embracing “Jesus revealed” means constantly recalibrating our focus, trusting in His love, and allowing His grace to re-center our lives as we move toward Him in faith.

John Mulligan’s lesson on Sunday was “The Old Testament: Jesus Expected,” exploring how Scripture’s earliest books pave the way for the Messiah. He noted that God’s plan for salvation began before humanity’s creation—citing passages like Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20 to show how Christ was always central to God’s design. He also traced key moments in Genesis, such as the promise that Eve’s offspring would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15), and emphasized how Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed Jesus’ ultimate, once-for-all atonement.

This grand narrative unfolds in four stages: God’s eternal planning, His preview of redemption in Genesis, His preparatory work through Israel’s law and sacrificial system, and the prophets’ identification of who the Messiah would be. Abraham’s call, the Law of Moses, and the countless animal offerings showed that a greater solution was needed to truly cover sin. Prophetic passages, like those in Isaiah, portrayed a coming Savior who would not only liberate but also address humanity’s deeper need for forgiveness.

The Old Testament offers a vivid expectation of Jesus, inviting believers to appreciate God’s unbreakable commitment to rescue us—even when humanity seems determined to wander. Rather than viewing these ancient books as outdated, we can find renewed purpose by seeing how God invested centuries preparing for Christ’s arrival. That same divine investment is now directed toward us, calling each person to respond with faith, gratitude, and genuine obedience.

John Mulligan’s lesson on Sunday was “The Credibility of Amazing Biblical Events – Part 2,” focusing on the reliability of extraordinary miracles recorded in Scripture. He highlighted well-known accounts—like the Creation, the plagues on Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, Jonah’s survival in a giant fish, and Jesus’s own healings and resurrection—and examined why these are so often challenged by critics. Picking up from part one of this study, John reminded listeners that these miracles appear in historical, not mythological, documents, and that Jesus Himself affirmed the most controversial episodes (such as Jonah’s three days inside the fish) when making crucial points about His own death and resurrection.

There are two additional principles to explain how we can understand miraculous events. First, Scripture sometimes uses figurative language, describing phenomena in ways people see them rather than as strict scientific statements—for instance, referring to the “four corners of the earth” or “sunrise and sunset.” These phrases aren’t meant to mislead; they’re natural expressions of perspective. Second, believers shouldn’t be surprised by the miraculous if they accept an all-powerful God. Bible critics may dismiss such events out of hand, but John argued that God, who created the universe, can certainly work outside our usual “laws of nature.” We may not grasp exactly how He does so, yet these accounts stand firmly rooted in recorded history, not fantasy.

Ultimately, faith in the Bible’s trustworthiness offers practical hope. If God can raise the dead and perform mighty acts throughout Scripture, we can rely on Him in our darkest moments. Rather than trying to “explain away” every wonder, Christians can humbly acknowledge God’s power and sovereignty. This confidence in biblical credibility grounds our future as well, reminding us that the same God who rescued His people in ages past is still able to transform and uphold our lives today.

Jay Mijares’ lesson on Sunday was “On the Road to Bethlehem”, from the Book of Ruth. After Ruth was widowed, she stayed with her mother-in-law, Naomi. However, when Naomi encouraged her to go back to her mother’s country, Ruth refused. It was Ruth’s steadfast determination to stay that Jay focused on.

Some points to ponder about this story:

In the spiritual famine of her life, Naomi had a low expectation of Yahweh God. Feeling like she was being ‘punished’, Naomi felt she could not trust God.

Orpah did what was expected and chose to go back to the familiar. She went back to her comfort zone, the known and predictable, and the Moabite gods. We mustn’t make the mistake of choosing modern society’s false gods.

However, Ruth did the unexpected and chose the unknown. She showed a remarkable level of devotion, telling Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)”... where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.” That devotion proved that Ruth, a foreigner, had more faith in the God of Israel than Naomi.

Jay gave us 3 questions to consider on our own paths:

What are your expectations of Yahweh God?

Are your affections pointed towards Yahweh God and His people?

What is your level of commitment to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit?

Sometimes faith starts as a spark from a borrowed faith that ignites a longing for more. When this strikes, our charge is to be all in. It might feel scary but we don’t need to fear the unknown when we’re following Jesus.

John Mulligan’s lesson on Sunday was “Can I Believe the Bible?”, about the credibility of amazing biblical events. We want a strong faith to have answers for non-believers who struggle to believe amazing events that aren’t seen in modern times. Maybe we, too, struggle at times. John explained three views people have about these extraordinary events:

The Imagined View: People say that the events did happen, but not as described - only as the teller “thinks” it happened.

The Mythical View: Non-believers say it never happened, that the events simply speak to the perceived presence of God. But these events lack the main elements of Myth and Legend. Myths tend to include gross exaggeration, chronological and topographical vagueness, cultural bias (like flawless heroes), or extended development, where events grow bigger over time.

Then there is the Historical View: The events happened exactly as described! Accept the events as recorded: These are events based on historical materials that took place in real locations, with real historical leaders, and consistent with accounts outside of Scripture. Jesus affirmed the most amazing events, such as Creation, Noah, the burning bush, and others.

John left us with some practical thoughts to keep top of mind:

Your Christian faith is rooted in historical events...live like it!

Biblical credibility supports your darkest hours.

Biblical credibility supports your future.

We walk by faith, not by sight.

Our lives would be bleak indeed if we abandoned God’s Word. Let’s remember Simon Peter’s response to Jesus, in John 6:68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” As we study the Bible’s amazing events, we’ll strengthen our minds and our faith.