Sunday Sermons

Last week, we were introduced to the book of Ecclesiastes. The author began with the statement that ‘all is vanity’, and in the second half of chapter 1 and all of chapter 2, the Preacher goes into a bit more detail of how this is the case. He discusses the pursuit of wisdom, self indulgence, wise living, and all toil done under the sun. He comes to the conclusion that, indeed, it is all vanity. At the very end of chapter 2, we get a glimpse that there is more to what the Preacher is saying than a cynical philosophy of life.

This week we began a new book together as Pastor Mike presented Ecclesiastes 1:1–11 to us. It’s probably safe to say that we couldn’t have picked a more dissimilar book from Revelation than this. If Revelation is a view of what is going on behind the curtain, Ecclesiastes is a study of the curtain itself. What is this world that we dwell in and what do we make of the lives we live in it?

After almost an entire year, we have reached the conclusion to the book of Revelation. The prophecy has been given to John and now we are instructed on how to go forward in light of it. Jesus is coming soon; and the reality of this truth propels his people to live faithfully until that day.

In the wrapping up of Revelation (and history as we know it), we are treated to an abundance of imagery that gives us a glorious peek at our lives to come. We will finally be with our God forever in the place that he has prepared for us. One interesting aspect of this week’s passage is how it shows us that the new heavens and the new earth are not completely different from the world we see today, but it is a renewed and far better version of it.

As of last week, we have entered into the part of Revelation where we get a clear view of the fulfillment of all things. The new heavens and new earth has arrived, and we see that it is gloriously different than the current order of things. In this week’s text, John’s vision of these things is focused in on the bride. Through some very descriptive language, we can get a picture of the final product that God is moving us towards as he works in us.

This week begins a new chapter in Revelation, both literally and figuratively. As we saw the things of old done away with at the end of chapter 20, all of God’s enemies judged and the world that was cursed gone, it is now time for something new. It is now time for God to fulfill and complete the work that he has promised to do since the days of Abraham, to create a permanent dwelling place for himself among man. As you study this passage, consider the hope that this would have given John’s original audience, the seven churches that were facing their myriad of problems and trials. Now consider the hope that this is meant to instill in us today. It’s the same hope, the same eternal destination. Let your heart desire this day more than any other, when God will dwell with us in a new and perfect world.

Last week, we saw Satan defeated and thrown into the Lake of Fire. Now, we come to the last enemy of God and His people: Death. From upon His great white throne judgment is poured out upon “the dead” and ultimately upon Death itself. Though the punishment of an eternity spent in a Lake of Fire is a terrible reality to face, in this latter part of Revelation 20 we see that the One who sits on this throne is indeed holy, just, and true in His judgments.

Last week, we went through one of the most striking images in the entire Bible, Jesus Christ, Lord of Lords and King of Kings rides into battle on His white horse. The battle ends in total victory with the Beast and the False prophet being cast into the lake of fire for eternity. The original readers, reading this letter for the first time, might pause at the end of ch19 and ask what about Satan? What about that great Dragon, the deceiver, the accuser, the father of all lies and murder, the serpent which opened wide the door of temptation and invited Adam and Eve to step into sin. What about Satan? And maybe, just maybe, asking where are the Saints? Revelation 20:1-10 answers those questions, but leaves much to the reader's imagination as well.

We have now arrived at the anticipated moment that all of history has been building up to, the return of Jesus Christ in glory. And this passage describes it in clearer detail than anywhere else in Scripture. We see heaven opened up and the King of Kings return to judge the world in righteousness. Though we may expect an epic struggle with such an event, Revelation 19 tells us of something a little different.

The beginning of 19 presents to us a view from heaven of the celebration over God’s judgment of Babylon. This is followed up with an announcement of a marriage feast to happen soon. This text shows us that a new reality is upon us. The old is passing away and the new is about to come. The goodness of this news is dependent on the object of a person’s worship.