Sunday Sermons

Message from Pastor Chris Amundson on January 1, 2023

Message from Pastor Mike Matheson on December 25, 2022

Message from Pastor Mike Matheson on December 24, 2022

We now move on from chapter 6; which culminates in the Wrath of the Lamb, to a vision that certainly strikes a different tone. In it, we are privy to a wide angle view of the people of God before the throne. It is a passage that serves to remind all believers as to why faithfulness to our blessed Lord in this life is worth it.

In last week’s chapter, John is shown a vision of the Lamb being the only one who is worthy to receive the scroll and to look into it. In Chapter 6, he sees the result of that as Jesus breaks open each of the seals. John (and we also) are privy to what is really going on behind the scenes as the last days unfold. It is not a world in chaos or evil winning the day. It is a righteous king sovereignly orchestrating all things to God’s glory as history comes to a culmination.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant to motivate and equip us to be mature disciples of Jesus. It also gives us a glorious portrait of Jesus that is meant to encourage us. Last week, through John’s vision of the throne in heaven, we learned that God is sovereign over all the cosmos. He is seated on His throne, in control, forever. This week, we find ourselves in the same scene. However, the worship and glory only intensifies as we direct our focus on the One who is worthy to take the scroll. As the four living creatures and the elders and the myriads of angels and every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea and all that is in them raise their voices to declare Him worthy, we cannot help but ask ourselves: What could we lose by following the Lamb? What could we gain by following the Lamb? He who is worthy to take the scroll and to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing is worthy of our allegiance. He is worthy of our worship. He is worthy of our very all.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant to motivate and equip us to be mature disciples of Jesus. It also gives us a glorious portrait of Jesus that is meant to encourage us. Last week, we concluded our study of the proclamations to the seven churches. In the proclamations to Philadelphia and Laodicea, we found imagery about doors. This week, we find a door standing open in heaven! In the proclamation to Laodicea, the risen Jesus promised that those who conquer will sit with Him on His throne, as He conquered and sat down with His Father on His throne. This week, we are given a glorious vision of the throne in heaven! On the throne, we find God seated, in control, forever. He is sovereign, not just over all the churches, but over all the cosmos. As we consider what this glorious vision would have meant for the seven churches, we must consider what it means for us. May we join the heavenly chorus in worshiping the One who is holy and worthy, who was and is and is to come!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant to motivate and equip us to be mature disciples of Jesus. It also gives us a glorious portrait of Jesus that is meant to encourage us. We have learned a lot in the last seven weeks. So this week we conclude our study of the proclamations to the seven churches by narrowing down our focus. In Revelation 2-3, the phrases “He who has an ear” and “The one who conquers” each are repeated seven times. Such repetition demands our attention. Through careful examination, we will find that only those who truly hear truly conquer. The words of the risen Jesus to the seven churches are words to us as well. Today may we turn to ask ourselves: Do I have ears to hear? Will I be counted among the conquerors?

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant to motivate and equip us to be mature disciples of Jesus. It also gives us a glorious portrait of Jesus that is meant to encourage us. Last week, we learned about the church in Philadelphia. This week, we continue our study of the proclamations to the seven churches with Laodicea. Here, we find a shocking contrast between this week’s passage and last week’s passage: The One just described as having the power to open and shut (3:7-8) now stands outside the door of one of His churches, knocking and waiting to be let in. In Laodicea, we find a comfortable church whose complacency has rendered them as useless as lukewarm water. Even so, the risen Jesus reminds them of His love for them and calls them to be zealous, repent, and open the door. Might we find our own reflection in the Laodicean church? He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant to motivate and equip us to be mature disciples of Jesus. It also gives us a glorious portrait of Jesus that is meant to encourage us. Last week, we learned about the church in Sardis. This week, we continue our study of the proclamations to the seven churches with Philadelphia. Similar to the church in Smyrna, the church in Philadelphia receives no rebuke from the risen Jesus. Instead, Jesus promises to preserve and vindicate them because they have persevered. Although they are small in the eyes of the world, they are greatly loved by Jesus. Although they have but little power, they are promised true security and a fixed identity forever if they will hold fast. The One who opens and shuts has the power to give access to the place of permanent stability: The people of God in the presence of God. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.