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Not a Code, But the Alpha and the Omega
Preached by Pastor Michael Petillo – February 22, 2026 – Springs Church

In this powerful message from Book of Revelation, Pastor Michael Petillo challenges the way many Christians approach the final book of the Bible. Revelation is not a secret code to unlock modern headlines or fuel conspiracy theories—it is a letter. Written to real churches facing brutal persecution under emperors like Nero and Domitian, its purpose was not speculation but strengthening. It gave suffering believers a vision of the exalted, sovereign Christ.

At the center of Revelation 1 is Jesus declaring Himself the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end. Pastor Michael explains that this revelation of Christ gave first-century Christians the courage to face unimaginable suffering. And it is the same revelation we need today.

Jesus Is the Alpha

To say Jesus is the Alpha is to declare that He is God—eternal, uncreated, the First and the Last (echoing Isaiah 44:6). But this truth is not merely theological; it is intensely practical. If Jesus is the beginning, then He must be the starting point of everything: our decisions, relationships, careers, healing, and ambitions.

Many believers try to put church, marriage, parenting, or self-improvement first—hoping those things will produce abundant life. But none of it works unless Christ is first. The place you begin determines the direction you go.

Jesus is not a life coach we consult. He is not an advisor. He is King.

Pastor Michael shares personally about surrendering a relationship in his twenties when he sensed God leading him to let it go. Though it made no sense at the time, choosing obedience—making Jesus the Alpha—positioned him for God’s greater plan. Starting with Christ requires trust, but it always proves worth it.

Jesus Is the Omega

If Jesus is the Alpha, He is also the Omega—the end for which all things exist. The universe was created for Him. Our lives were designed to fit Him. When we attempt to orient our lives around something else—career, relationships, success—we feel the misalignment.

There are two ways to serve God:

1. Making God the means to achieve our real end.

2. Making God the end, and everything else the means.

Pastor Michael reflects on how even sincere believers often begin their faith wanting God to fix their pain, give them success, or fulfill their dreams. God graciously meets us there—but He loves us too much to remain merely a means to our agenda.

Using the example of Moses, who initially made leadership his end and God the means, Pastor Michael shows how true transformation happened only when Moses made God his ultimate prize. When God became Moses’ Omega, everything else fell into its proper place.

Quoting Elizabeth Elliot from her book No Graven Image, Pastor Michael highlights a profound truth: if God is merely our accomplice, disappointment will feel like betrayal. But if He is truly God—our end and our prize—then even loss becomes freedom.

The Big Question

Why are you a Christian?
What is your Omega?

Is Jesus your Alpha—or just your advisor?
Is Jesus your Omega—or just your assistant?

If He is not your beginning and your end, He will never be your peace.

In uncertain times, Revelation does not offer us a code to crack. It offers us Christ—reigning, sovereign, eternal. And seeing Him clearly is what gives believers the courage to endure, obey, and overcome.