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Revelation 1: 1-20 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants---things which must shortly take place. And He sent & signified it by His angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, & to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads & those who hear the words of this prophecy, & keep those thing which are written in it; for the time is near. 4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is & who was & who is to come,& from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 & from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, & the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us & washed us from sins in His own blood, 6 & has made us kings & priests to His God & Father, to Him be glory & dominion forever & ever. Amen.
7 Behold, He is coming
with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced
Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to
come, the Almighty.”
9
I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and
patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for
the testimony of Jesus
Christ. 10 I
was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of
a trumpet, 11 saying, “I
am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and “What you see,
write in a book and send it
to the seven churches, which are in Asia; to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to
Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.
1. The One Who is coming will come;
Faithful witness will appear: Jesus the Faithful. By His shed blood, not saved
automatically by Christ’s death on the cross but the repentant heart, the faith-response to the Bible
2. From Verse 5 Jesus Christ: faithful witness,
firstborn from the dead…ruler over the kings of the earth. In this lifetime, the believer is a priest in the kingdom
of God (thankful for everyday, that we are resurrected in the sense of seated
with Him now in heavenly places.
3.
From
verse 7, He is coming with clouds: Matthew 24:30
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all
the tribes of the earth will mourn, & they will see the Son of Man coming
on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Every eye will see Him, including those who
claimed Him was blasphemous toward the Father! But He is God!
From Revelation 1:5 & from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, & the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us & washed us from sins in His own blood, 6 & has made us kings & priests to His God & Father, to Him be glory & dominion forever and ever. Amen. Jesus: Messiah King major theme in Revelation: believers in His kingdom: function in witness & worship: Rev. 5:10 And have made us kings (a kingdom)& priests to our God; & we shall reign on the earth. His own blood the price paid: much too high a price, we did not deserve to be washed at such a great price. But He made us a kingdom!
From Verse 7: Behold, He is coming with clouds, & every eye will see Him, even
they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of
Him. Even so, Amen. All against Him now will be plunged into mourning; He comes to judge His
enemies. He
sets up His kingdom: Rev. 19:11-21
NKJV Now I saw heaven opened, & behold a white
horse. & He who sat on him was called Faithful & True, &
in righteousness He judges & makes war. 12 His eyes
were like a flame of fire & on His head were many crowns. He had a name
written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped
in blood & His name is called the Word of God.14 & the armies in
heaven, clothed in fine linen, white & clean, followed Him on white
horses.15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword that with it he should strike
the nations. & he Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness & wrath
of Almighty God. 16 & He has on His
robe & on His thigh a name written: King of Kings & Lord of Lords.Revelation 19:17 Then I saw an angel standing
in the sun; & he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds
that fly in the midst of heaven,“ Come & gather together for the supper of
the great God,18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men,
the flesh of horses & of those who sit on them, & the flesh of all
people, free & slave, both small & great.”19
& I saw the beast, the kings of the earth & their armies, gathered
together to make war against Him who sat on the horse & against His army.20
Then the beast was captured, & with him the false prophet who worked signs
in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast &
those who worshiped his image. These 2 were cast
alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.21 & the rest
were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the
horse. & all the birds were filled with their flesh. V 19 beast Therion 2342
From
Rev. 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to
come, the Almighty.” Introduced is Alpha & the Omega, the
beginning & the End. He spans time & eternity; He Who is, was & is to come exhausts the vocabulary
of excellence: Being
excellent at what we do will point back to the one who gave us the ability to
do our work. It will bring glory to God, as well as show
those around us the love of Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 But
you are a chosen
race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that
you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into
his marvelous light. Into new kingdom we have been delivered to be a witness to
the goodness of God, for we are heavenly people with a divine parentage in
spiritual resemblances.
About Excellence
: 1 Cor. 9:24-25 Do you not know that those who
run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may
obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now
they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Running a race FOR A CROWN and this crown
will not last. But they train, a strict training, readying their body for a
good race, training diligently in order to win the best prize. The one we train
for will last forever!
1 Cor 10:31 therefore whether
you eat
or drink or whatever you do,
do all to the glory of God. Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. 1 Cor. 10:31 whether you eat or drink or whatever you
do, do it all for the glory of God. 24 hours a day living 7 days in a week, for
the glory of God: regards how we treat others, like people at the grocery
store, how we handle our finances, do our jobs making sure we do
not steal from the company!!
1. In these two references Paul points to running a race that is a training in diligence, that which brings a crown, but that of the Lord, & that we do it in a way that brings glory to the Father.
2. It will show up in us at the
grocery store, waiting in line for gas at the filling station & how we
handle that checking account. In Acts 28:31 Paul was
preaching the kingdom of God & teaching the things which concern the Lord
Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.(Paul was under
house arrest here 2yr)
About Excellence Titus
2:7-8 in all things showing yourself
to be a pattern of good works;
in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that
cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing
evil to say of you. Titus 2:7-8 in everything
set those you serve with an example of good! In teaching others whether in
the work place, home or in ministry, to reveal integrity, have a seriousness
& soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose
you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. In the
book of Titus, he teaches us to be an example to others by doing what is good,
having integrity/taking things seriously even if things in our life which is trying
to oppose us but will not have anything to condemn us with for we reach out to
them daily in our kindness! In
Jesus Christ
1.
We
must be a pattern of good works
2. One is soundness of speech, not cursing
3.
This
includes the doctrine and the speech in it: that which is of reverence,
integrity! Right teaching
brings faith to those who would receive it having the virtue of
incorruptibility!
About Excellence: Titus
3:14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent
needs, that they may not be unfruitful. Titus teaching us that we should devote ourselves to doing what is good in
order to provide for the needs of others. Providing for the needs of others is
a great example of how we can do excellent work. It is the perfect way to show
the love of Christ to those you serve of
selfishness through your business. Be productive, but do not let
productivity get the best of you. In this Titus gives detail of
Christians earning money in order to share with the less privileged ( Ephesians
4:28 b) This would keep those who can and are willing to work to not fall in
the misery
Ever seen people line up for food, they drive that expensive car or SUV. Peopple showing up for handout when what they drive could buy lots of food.
I go back to 2020 and churches were stocking food to hand out to their members. They handed out to vehicles in line up to two miles. ( in Detroit , Michigan)
Matthew 5:14-16 You
are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it
under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew teaches Christians need to be set apart from the
rest of the world. Where the rest of the world
is covered in darkness, we are to be a light. We are to live as a shining
example for those around us.
1. Jesus is always our Source of
light! We are the reflection of His light
2. It is a brightness revealing
traits of Christ exhibited in us!
3.
Jesus light to the 70:
Luke 10:17-20, Jesus light to the 12
Luke 9:1-6, Jesus was light to the
3 on the mount of Transfiguration
see in Matt. 17:1-13, Jesus light to the One….the woman at the well: John 4:1-12
4. In Paul’s life, he ministered alongside Barnabus and trained Timothy
5. You are that light: you hare to feed a one you know about. You trust the Lord as you go through storms of this life!
From Revelation 1:9 NKJV 9 I,
John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and
patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word
of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. John
here links tribulation, perseverance (patience) and the kingdom. Seen in
Acts 14:22 Paul linked them when he was exhorting the saints to “continue in
the faith”…”We must through many
tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
Acts 14:22 strengthening the
souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying,
“we must through many tribulations
enter the kingdom of God.
1.
Persecution
was prevalent, and these new believers were given the gospel and exhorted
to continue in the faith; Holy Spirit empowered authority is given to us, He relays to
all Christ has spoken and then to be applied to realize results. “Dominion” is being recovered through the presence of the
KING within us and is ministered by the Holy Spirit’s power through us!!!!
2.
Victory
comes through battle: it is FAITH standing in the word of truth of God, knowing
we have the breastplate of righteousness. We position ourselves in our new
birth, we oppose evil by claiming the power of the Cross of Christ and His
bloodshed for us.
3. Just ask me about walking through darkness: ask me about walking one day and not walking the next day. Ask me about those dark shadows and those who help and those who refuse. Those who lent a helping hand in thirty minutes or an hour.....they are being blessed by
God today in volumes of many. Today I walk stronger. Today I still see somewhat of that valley of darkness, but I have the light of Him in me to lead me the way for life!
4. I am light to them still in darkness. I was light to those who were treating cancer with infusion treatments on Wednesday of this last week. One was awakened to the thought of last February I had come in a wheelchair and Wednesday I came walking in with a walker. This week I have been able to walk down hallways of this house with no help.
But Jesus was with me in every step I took!
With no faith, people surrender to the circumstance, they give no
voice to God’s word for healing, to the power of His truth to themselves believing for deliverance or
comfort. But in truth, we are
strengthened daily by the Holy Spirit. He helps us to see clearly, to heed
and do for His glory. We are strengthened by that implanted
word to hold firm. We have taken the whole armor of God to stand in Jesus’ name.
A false avenue to avoid is that which a weak
person without faith merely tolerates circumstances. They will tolerate what is
before them. Never mindful that tolerating wrong things can kill. Like wearing
masks all day can kill, bring harmful bacteria to the lungs with no fresh air
to breath in! The Bible reveals
suffering, trials and human difficulty as we see today, but we have
God’s word that has taught us that we are overcomer’s. It is the presence of the King and the power of
His kingdom in our lives that
has given us the promise of victory: provision in need, strength for the day,
healing, comfort and saving help.
John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos. He had a loyalty to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ. In truth his prison became a room of heaven as he received visions of glory and of judgment. For John, his banishment resulted in his faithfulness to God and His truth, His walk with the Lord
John lived by the word of God and lived after being boiled in hot oil! He lived on a treeless island, & worked in the granite quarries of the penal colony. Paul in writing a letter to Timothy wrote in 2 Timothy 2:12-13 : If we endure, We shall also reign with Him, and if we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. True faith always has the quality of permanence. To rule with Christ in His return to earth will be determined by what faithfulness one displayed on the earth during his lifetime here.
Are you faithful to Jesus walking through many storms? Or are you plagued by large grocery prices? I have seen commercials describing Jesus like those who came into this country illegally. Jesus was sent by His Father. Jesus came to present the kingdom of God. Jesus is not the nice but the kind. The kindness of the King to give you a kingdom to live out by faith. Niceness only lets you lose to do all those sins. But His kindness gives you the choice for righteous behavior. ( One of staff people called us those ( nice people who are always pleasant when we arrive)
From 2 Timothy 2: 12-13 the service of the Lord remains. Faithful is receiving the promises of Him who sent them. Also true is that in any trial or tribulation, faithfulness carries that we remain committed to speaking faith & not denying Him, His presence, power & peace as seen in the midst of peril & scorn in Matthew 10:33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Jesus leaves no room for secret discipleship: boldly confess Jesus before others, heavenly blessing is experienced on earth when we have hope in any situation that calls for faith in action.
God’s holiness and righteous behavior will judge those who choose another to follow. Unbelief will always separate from God! Unbelief starves the soul; faith finds food in Famine.
Matthew 26:29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom. 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Went to prayer
1.
Participating
in the redemptive death of Jesus, we anticipate His return!
2.
When
Jesus spoke V. 29, He was thinking of His return, to
the supper giving way to festivities of the marriage feast of the
Bridegroom
3.
This
is seen in what was read in Revelation 19:9! “Write:
Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!”
And he said to me, “These are true
sayings of God.”
4. Communion given in the home or church is a preparation of His return. It is reminding our hearts to stay ready and be clean for His arrival!
Jesus: Messiah King is returning. As believers in His kingdom, we are to function in witness and worship: Revelation 5:10 And have made us (them) kings (a kingdom) and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth. That Spiritual sacrifices to Him, to our God: will include bodily, in our possessions, our praise, & our service. Behold, He is coming with clouds, & every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
He comes to judge His enemies and to set up His kingdom! Now is the time of salvation. Now is the time for Holy Spirit empowered authority given us to be applied to realize results in the Lord’s name. That “Dominion” is being recovered through the presence of the KING within us and is ministered by the Holy Spirit’s power through us!!!!
Victory comes through battle: it is FAITH standing in the word of truth of God, knowing we have the breastplate of righteousness. We position ourselves in our new birth, oppose evil by claiming the power of the Cross of Christ & His bloodshed for us!
We approach His return by carrying through in
the warfare, continuing in well doing, & enduring to the end, because Satan
is bringing about every pressure to make us surrender. But
greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world. We stand firm
to the end shoulder
to shoulder, the church fortified in
the word of truth that prevails.
We are the body of Christ invigorated & strengthened with all power,
according to the might of His glory to exercise every
kind of endurance & patience with
joy, giving thanks to You, Father. We have power to endure whatever comes with good temper. We
are His people who have put on love & the bond of perfectness which binds
everything together in ideal harmony. The peace of Jesus acts as our umpire
continually in our hearts. And
whatever we do in word or deed, we do
everything in the name of the Lord Jesus in dependence upon His person, giving praise to our Father through Him
in Jesus name. Amen and Amen.
Hey overcomer, lets walk this day out!
Teaching at: Voice of Prayer
Uphill with Jesus Christ: The Witness that Glorifies God
Deceit and Deception
