City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

The Invitation

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Revelation 5:5

 

1. Lamb vs. Lion

a. Lamb of God

i. ‘The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects. ‘ Exodus 12:5

ii. John the Baptist: Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ‘
iii. Isaiah 53:7-9 ‘He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away.

b. Lion

i. Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” ‘ Revelation 5:5

2. King Jesus

a. Revelation 1:12-18

‘When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. ‘

b. Revelation 19:11-16

‘Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. ‘

3. Invitation : interact with Jesus as KING

4. What does this mean?

a. How you view Jesus (lion/lamb/King)

i. They all matter

b. How you view yourself

i. A Christian?

ii. Follower of Christ?
iii. Child of God, Ambassador of the Kingdom of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and the authority and power of King Jesus (the invitation!)

5. Story of Gideon, Judges 6:1-16

 

3 types of soldiers

1. Timid and afraid

2. Drank water directly from the stream

  • They were not keeping an eye out for possible enemies which could potentially harm them or their fellow soldiers.
  • Focused on their own current “pressing” need.

    • 3. The final 300 –

    • Bold, courageous,
    • (still got water)
    • aware of the battle
    • watched out for each other,
    • Trusted God

      • The results? All of Israel received the reward

      • In this instance God did not rebuke or chastise the ones who were afraid,
      • He did not rebuke or chastise the ones who drank,  (they were not afraid, they tried)
      • What about the 300? They alone did not get the rewards of the battle, all of Israel did.

        •  

        What did the first two groups miss? Judges 7:12-22 (Israel wins!)

        They missed being intimately involved in what God was doing and they missed seeing with their own eyes the glory and power of God.

         

        The Invitation: Interact with Jesus as king and to be like the 300

        What do you value most?

        • Comfort, safety, money, things, your time? OR
        • Abiding with Jesus, the Word, worship, Salvation for others, healing for others?

          • So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” ‘ Deuteronomy 31:6

           

          The Invitation: The Holy Spirit is asking you today?

          Will you accept my invitation, even if it means prison? (your perspective/posture)

          Will you pray & read the Word more, interacting with Jesus the King (your time)

          Will you worship Jesus as King? (your body, mind, will, emotions)

           

          What do I do?

          • Decide what type of Christ follower you’d like to be.
          • Be with Jesus
          • Learn about Jesus
          • Obey Jesus
          • Worship Jesus
            • ...more
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            City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MDBy City Harbor Church