This doctrine calls for…

1. Defining the Trinity

The Trinity Defined…

• There is one God
• The Father is God
• The Son is God
• The Holy Spirit is God

2. Defending the Trinity

• • If Jesus isn’t God, His death did not atone for your sins.
  • If Jesus isn’t God, you cannot be justified by faith in Christ.
  • If Jesus isn’t God, He cannot answer your prayers.
  • If the Holy Spirit isn’t God, you cannot trust His leading.
  • Without the Trinity, there were no personal or intimate relationships before Creation.

3. Delighting in the Trinity

The Trinity displays the root of the reality that “God is love.”

Delight in the ways of a triune God!

We see...

1. The Extent of His Sovereignty v.34

       His Sovereignty is…           1. Everlasting (34a)

          2. Enduring (34b)

2. The Execution of His Sovereignty v.35

       When God executes His plans…

• No one can resist anything He does.
• No one can reverse anything He does.

3.The Encouragement of His Sovereignty

His Sovereignty = Our Strength

“a God-centered attitude that leads to a God centered life, encompassing both inward devotion and outward conduct.”    - Jerry Bridges

Understanding His Attributes...

1. God is Holy
2. God is Good
3. God is Wise
4. God is Just
5. God is Love

Imitating God requires action!

• We love God.
• Belief shapes behavior.
• It informs our worldview.
• We need to be equipped to explain what we believe and why we believe it.

God is...

1. Alone, like no other

   - He is alone like no other in that…

• He does not depend
• He does not change

2. Alive, like no other

       - He is alive like no other in that…

• He did not begin
• He will not end

3. Above, like no other

   - He is above like no other in that…

• He is not limited by size or space
• He is not divided

This attribute is the Unity of God

-To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.   - 1 Timothy 1:17

• We love God.
• Belief shapes behavior.
• It informs our worldview.
• We need to be equipped to explain what we believe and why we believe it.

God has revealed Himself to us…

• Through His Creation
• Through His Son
• Through His Word

God’s word is to your soul what food is to your stomach.  

We consume, trust, and obey God’s Word…

1. Because it is Inspired 

2. Because it is Inerrant 

3. Because it is Instructive 

If God’s Word is inspired, inerrant, and instructive, why wouldn’t we be in it every day?

Because of the Resurrection, Jesus is The Final Answer!

In the Final Answer…

1. We See the Final World v.14-15 

2. We Know the Final Winner v.16 

•  He is The Source “I sent”
• He is The Starter “root”
• He is The Savior “descendent”
• He is The Star

3. Many Offer the Final Welcome v.17 

4. He Gives the Final Warning v.18-19 

5. He Has the Final Word v.20a 

6. We Hear the Final Want v.20b 

Come, Lord Jesus!

1. The Reliability of the Revelation v.6 

- If we believe Revelation is true, we must live our lives accordingly.

2. The Readiness of the Revelation v.7a, 12 

3. The Reward and Repayment of the Revelation v.7b, 11, 12b 

     -Revelation teaches Recompense…

• Reward for the Righteous
• Reckoning for the Rebellious

4. The Restrictions of the Revelation v.8-10

• Do Worship God ONLY
• Do NOT seal up the words of the prophecy of this book

5. The Reason for Revelation v.13

Jesus is the reason! He is The Revelation!

What made those days so special?

Heaven is indescribably better than your very best day…everyday...for eternity.

What is bound from Heaven and what is found in Heaven?

1. Bound From Heaven 21:22-27

        The five “nos” of Heaven…

• No Separate Place for God v.22
• No Solar Light v.23-24
• No Secondary Security v.25a
• No Struggle to See v.25b-26
• No Sin or Sinners v.27

2.  Found In Heaven 22:1-5

         Believers will experience…

• The Water of Life v.1-2a
• The Tree of Life v.2b
• The Source of Life v.3
• The Sight of Life v.4
• The Light of Life v. 5

If you know Christ, the best is yet to come.

1. The Scene of Heaven v.9-11 

2.  The Story of Heaven v.12-14 

3.  The Size of Heaven v.15-17 

           -You measure what matters

4.  The Splendor of Heaven v.18-21

- How often do you dream or think of heaven?

When I learn of a place of great beauty, some questions come to mind…

Where is it? How do I get there? When can I go?Can I take others with me?

1.  A New Totality v.1 
2.  A New Community v.2 
3.  A New Proximity v.3 
4.  A New Reality  v.4-5 
5.  A New Finality v.6-8 

Live a life…

Loving Him

Longing for Holiness

Looking for Heaven

1. The Devil Will Be Discharged v.7-9a 

2.  The Defiers Will Be Decimated v.9b-10 

3.  The Dead Will Be Doomed v.11-13, 15 

4.  Death Will Be Defeated v.14

But because we know the ending…

Satan can be resisted

The lost can be warned

You can face tomorrow

Live today with the end in mind!

1. The Revelation of The Return of Christ 

         - This movement is seen in 5 ways…

• From Waiting to Watching 19:11-16
• From Glory to Gory 19:17-19
• From Lying to Dying 19:20-21
• From Aggressive to Arrested 20:1-3
• From Resting to Reigning 20:4-6

2. The Explanation of The Return of Christ 

3.  The Invitation of The Return of Christ

• Do we desire to be known as a people characterized by the presence of God?

• Are you a person who desires the presence of God above all other things?

In Psalm 84 we see a rhythm of life revolving around God’s corporate intimate presence in four ways.

1. There is Anticipation in seeking the presence of God together v.1-4

2. There is Preparation in seeking the presence of God together v.5-7

     - But not the pilgrim on his way to meet God!  He goes from Full to Full. “Strength to strength”

     - Preparing for the presence of God in corporate worship is more than just “showing up”.

3. There is Participation in seeking the presence of God together v.8-11a

4. There is Continuation in seeking the presence of God together v.11b-12

Take what He has done with you…and walk in it!

       1. Do we desire to be known as a people characterized by the presence of God?

      2. Are you a person who desires the presence of God above all other things?

Are you thirsty for God’s presence?

A deep desire to be With Him causes us to…

1. Remember why He is worth thirsting for v.2-3

2. Drink and be satisfied! v.4-8

3. Be sustained in the battle v.9-11

•  Return – to Him daily

•  Receive – His wisdom through His Word

•  Relate – My heart to His in prayer

•  Repent – Of my sin He reveals

•  Release – My will and yield to His

•  Respond – To His will by obeying

•  Remain – Consciously try to “abide” with Him

A wedding is not a wedding without…

1.  The Excitement v.6-7a  

2. The Date v.7b  

3. The Dress v.7b-8  

4. The Guests v.9a  

5. The Food v.9b  

Have you accepted the invitation? Is the reality of this event on the calendar of your life keeping you encouraged? Have you joined the groom in making the invitation known?

It is a song of...

1.  Exaltation 18:20

2. Vindication     18:21-24

3.  Affirmation 19:1-3

   Hallel (praise) + Yah (Yahweh) = Hallelujah 

Praise Yahweh!

- God's people affirm: 

•  What He Has

•  What He Does

•  What He Did

•  He has judged Babylon

•  He has avenged His servants

•  He has done so permanently and eternally

4. Participation 19:4-5

This soundtrack has three songs…

1. The Declaration of Defeat v.1-3

      -Babylon represents the total culture of the world apart from God.

2. The Weeping of the Wicked v.9-19

     - Kings – Those in power

     - Merchants – Those in business

     -Seafarers – Those in logistics

3. The Call to Come Out! v.4-8

The call to come out of Babylon is a timeless message to the people of God NOT to participate in the worldly behavior of those who embrace wickedness

Association leads to participation

Be IN the world but not OF the world

Why come out of Babylon?

• So you don’t commit her sins
• So you don’t receive her punishment

Come out of Babylon...

• Spiritually – nothing matters more than HIM

• Emotionally – overall attitude and identity

• Physically – taking care of your temple

• Sexually – eyes, body, spouse

• Relationally – do they see HIM in you 

• Socially – personal faith = public difference

• Professionally – your “why” at work is HIM

The Christians life is about two cities. One is our here. One is our hope.

Babylon represents the total culture of the world apart from God. 

We are shown the…

1. The Lust of Wickedness (v.1-5)

2. The Lure of Wickedness (v.6)

       -In 2026 what are you going to say “NO” to?

3. The Leader of Wickedness (v.7-8)

4. The Line of Wickedness (v.9-13)

       -Wickedness may look chaotic but it is most certainly not.  It is organized, structured, planned, and premeditated.

5. The Loss of Wickedness (v.14-18)

 - Wickedness will lose!

• Wickedness will lose to the Lamb of God (v.14)

• Wickedness will lose to the Lordship of God (v.15-18)

See Babylon for what she is.

Run to the Lamb!

• Luke 2:7 "...and she gave birth to her first born son..."

• Luke 2:22 “...they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord…”

• Luke 2:40 “...and the child grew and became strong…”

I. Faithful Followers

II. Frightened Family (John 8:29)

III. Finding Focus (Luke 8:56, Acts 2:7, Acts 8:13)

IV. Father's Forming (Luke 1:80, 2:40, 2:52)

Our Obedience in 2026

• Seek His presence

• Trust His ways

• Follow His will

See the moment...

Hope Came Into the World v.8-13

Because of God’s Hope…

1. The Angels are Rejoicing v.13-14

2. The Shepherds are Responding v.15-20

3. Mary is Reflecting v.19-20

On Christmas, rejoice like the angels, respond like the shepherds, and reflect like Mary!

See the irony in these…

1.Two Decrees v.1-3

2.Two Parents v.4-5

3.Two Moments v.6

1. The first moment is biological
2. The second moment is theological

4.Two Kings

Luke Records...

A Greeting of Affirmation v.39-45

A Song of Celebration v.46-56

Mary celebrated….

1. The Gift of Christmas v.46-47

2. The Grace of Christmas v.48-50

3. The God of Christmas v.51-56

Christmas brings real hope. Real hope is worth celebrating!

This announcement comes with…

1. The Person God Chose v.26-28

      Luke tells us about Mary...

• Her Credentials

• Her Condition

2. The Plan God Used v.29-33

     - God's plan had not changed

3. The Power God Showed v.34-38

   - God showed His power through…

1. An Impossible Conception v.34-35

2. An Improbable Conception v.36-37

3. An Implicit Courage v.38

Look again this Christmas at the people, the plan, and the power God used to redeem us.

5th Bowl: The Bowl of Darkness v.10

6th Bowl: The Bowl of Deception and     Deployment v.12-16

7th Bowl: The Bowl of Destruction v.18-21

We need to understand…

1. The Sad Commentary of the Condemned v.9

2. The Sad Commentary of the Condemned v.9

3. The Second Cry of Completion v.17

God displays His power too!

• Through Creation

• Through Provision

• Through Salvation

When God’s power is poured out…

1. His Presence will be Inaccessible 15:5-8

2. His Wrath will be Unavoidable 16:1-4

3. His Justice will be Indisputable 16:5-7

In the end the enemies of God will get what they deserve. And God will be Right! 

In the end the enemies of God will look at us and wonder why we don’t get what we deserve. 

But God has displayed His power in His blood!  

The power in His blood offers… 

Forgiveness 

Access to Him 

Power to live for Him

Are you washed in the POWER of His blood?  

John Witnessed...

1. The Coming of the Completion v.1

2. The Choir of the Conquerors v.2

3. The Chorus of the King v.3-4

  - God is right in all of His ways

The Saints celebrate...

• The Unrivaled Nature of His Character

• The Universal Nature of His Salvation

• The Unblemished Nature of His Acts

1. The Harvest of the Lord v.14-16

  - The harvest of the Lord is TOTAL and FINAL

2. The Harvest of the Lost v.17-20

3. The Harvest and the Laborers

How to share?

• What was your life like before you accepted Christ as your Savior?

• How did you come to understand the gospel and respond to Christ’s call for salvation?

• What is your life like now that you have a right relationship with God through Christ?

• Why is knowing Christ so life changing that you want others to have a relationship with Him too?

Come to His table

Then go work His fields

But what about judgment, fear, and obedience.

We Ought to Be...

1. Motivated by the Fear of God’s Judgment v.6-7

     -The Gospel is available for all, but it won’t be available forever!

2. Validated by the Fate of God’s Judgment v.8

3. Devastated by the Fullness of God’s Judgment v.9-11

     - Hell will be worse than you can imagine

4. Dedicated to the Faithfulness of God’s Judgment v.12-13

What should we long and pray for?

• The lost without Christ—Repentance

• The dying with Christ—Relief

• The living with Christ (us)—Revival

John’s vision shows the persecuted…

1. The Scene of Victory v.1
2. The Song of Victory v.2-3
3. The Soldiers of Victory v.4-5

How is ...

The Purity of YOUR Faith

The Activity of YOUR Faith

The Security of YOUR Faith

The Honesty of YOUR Faith

John describes...

1. The Counterfeit Ruler of the World v.1-9

       The biography of the Beast…

• His Wonder v.1-3

• His Worship v.4

• His Words v.5-6

• His War v.7-8

2. The Counterfeit Religion of the World v.11-17

     To understand the second beast, notice…

• His Deceptive Appearance v.11

• His Deceptive Performance v.12-14

• His Deceptive Vengeance v.15

• The Call to the Redeemed in the World v.9-10, 18

3. His Deceptive Compliance v.16-17

     There is always a...

• Call to Endure

• Call to Faith 

• Call to Wisdom

“The number of the beast is 666, that is, failure upon failure upon failure!” 

-Simon Kistemaker

1. The Defeat of Our Adversary v.7-9

2. The Declaration of Our Victory v.10-12

     - Notice: 1. The Savior, 2. Satan 3. The Soldiers

3. The Defense of The Godly v.13-16

4. The Difficulty of Our Reality v.17

How do you fight from Victory?

Know your enemy

Know yourself

Know your KING!

1. See the Woman as the People of God who are Faithfully Waiting v.1-2

    - Who is this woman?

     -Through symbolic, apocalyptic language, she is a sign, representing all the people of God

2. See the Dragon as the Enemy of God who is Always Hating v.3-4

     -The dragon is Satan. Satan hates God and anything that brings Him glory. Satan has always been behind the culture of death.

3. See the Boy as the Prince of God who is Now Reigning v.5

     - Even when the enemy thought he won, death gave way to life!

4. See the Wilderness as the Place of God where He is Working v.6

Do you see the signs?

We are in a battle.

We are not home.

Wake up!

More Than Ever our community needs the gospel.

More Than Ever we must do something about it.

4 Words about Biblical Giving:

1. Biblical Giving is Mandated by our Master

- Malachi 3:7–10; Matthew 6:19–21; Matthew 6:24; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2

2. Biblical Giving is Motivated by Mercy

- 2 Corinthians 8:8–9

3. Biblical Giving is Medicine for Materialism

- 1 Timothy 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:17–19

4. Biblical Giving is a Mark of Maturity

- 2 Corinthians 8:7

More love for the Savior, the saints, and salvations are ALWAYS the goals.

More campuses, better spaces, and the right amount of staff help us reach these goals.

1. His Final Reign v.15-17

 - Trumpets also announce the coronation of kings

- The 7th Trumpet announces the reign of God as King 

2. His Final Reckoning v.18

3. His Final Reward v.18

-At least two groups…

a. Special servants – prophets, apostles

b. The saints – those who fear the Lord

4. His Final Revelation v.19

- The heavenly temple and the presence of the ark represent the nearest point to the presence of God

What is the posture of your life?

Three Questions…

1. What is NOW? v.1-6

A.  For God’s People: We are protected to prophesy

- Protection is shown in the measuring of the temple

-The temple often depicts the people of God

- The court outside represents those outside the family of God who oppose God’s people

42 months

1260 days

A time, times, and half a time

Three and a half years

-The two witnesses represent the people of God empowered to share the Gospel and warn of coming judgment

-- Hebrews used “week” to represent “sevens,” not just days

• A week of years = 7 years

• 70 weeks = 490 years

• 490 years divided into three time periods:

• Period One: 7 weeks = 49 years (Temple rebuilt) 

• Period Two:  7 weeks + 62 weeks = 483 years (Christ)

• Period Three: 1 week = 7 years (The Tribulation before His return)

B. For the World: They are permitted to persecute

2. What is NEXT? v.7-10

-For God’s People: We will go from Testifying to Dying

- It will appear that the church has been defeated

3. What is NEAR? v.11-14

- For God’s People: We will go from Temporary Death to Eternal Life

- For the World: They will go from Temporary Life to Eternal Death

Every knee will bow

1. A Unique Messenger v.1-3

He represents the Lord with some powerful parallels:

• Mighty
• Wrapped in a cloud
• Rainbow over his head
• Face like the sun
• Legs like pillars of fire
• Right foot on sea, Left on land
• Voice like a lion
• Seven thunders

2. An Urgent Message v.4-7

3. An Unchanging Mission v.8-11

   -The scroll represents God’s plan to judge the world under the authority of Christ.

John is commanded to…

1. Consume it!

2. Communicate it!

---But I’m not a prophet?  I’m just a regular person.

Love The Lord

Love Your Family

Love God’s People

Love Your Neighbor

Love The Lost

Leverage Your Life for Good

Share the Gospel and ALL of its truth

1. A Release You Cannot Imagine v.12-19

       a. Notice what he heard…

-A voice commanding the release of four angels

-Bound across one river — the Euphrates

-Prepared for one specific time

-To kill ⅓ of humanity

-With a cavalry of 200 million

      b.  Notice what he saw…

-Fire – War

-Smoke – Darkness, confusion, suffocation

-Sulfur – Torment of the wicked

2. A Relationship You Cannot Ignore v.20-21

What is the point?

Your sin is not solo.

Satan loves it. Starve him.

Communion-with The Lord

Conviction-from The Spirit

Confession-to a godly friend

Community-with believers

1. The Divine Permission? v.1-3

-Lesson: In his complete sovereignty, God can and does ordain and control the use of demons and demonic activity to carry out His divine judgment upon the wicked.

2. The Divine Protection? v.4

-Lesson: God protects those He saves from demonic torment in the midst of judgment.

3. The Demonic Commission? v.5-6

- Lesson: Demonic activity never blesses or encourages, rather it torments to the point of hopelessness.

4. The Demonic Description? v.7-11

- Lesson: We need not take demons or demonic activity lightly. With symbolic language, John explains just how serious these enemies are.

Demonic Activity: Do NOT dismiss Do NOT fear Do NOT be unprepared Do NOT forget lost people

3 Questions...

1. When do these Trumpets Sound?

-Answer: These trumpets occur in response to the cry of the saints for the judgment of God on the wicked

2. Why do these Trumpets Sound?

-Answer: These trumpets signal the beginning of the judgment of God on all of creation.

3. What do these Trumpets Send?

- Answer: The first four trumpets send an assault on the very creation that rebellious man often places his confidence in.

What do they send?

–First Trumpet: An assault on the land

–Second Trumpet: An assault on the sea

–Third Trumpet: An assault on rivers

–Fourth Trumpet: An assault on the sky

–Funeral Lament of the Eagle: Woe!

The sights, the sounds, and the smells of the table remind me that I need not fear the sound of judgment!

Fighting Temptation: 

1. Remember Who You Follow
2. Remember Who Follows you
3. Remember The Weapon of Prayer and the Word
4. Remember Christ

The How of Confession...

1. Appeal

2. Admission

3. Alignment

“If we want to be clean, we have to come clean.”

• Be quick to confess sin

• Be specific in confessing sin

• Be sure of God’s forgiveness

9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.[a] 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done,[b]     on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread,[c] 12 and forgive us our debts,     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,     but deliver us from evil.[d]

• We want to be a praying church. Not a church that merely prays.
• We want prayer to permeate everything we do, not simply have a prayer ministry.
• There’s a direct connection between the church’s prayer life and your prayer life. 

I. His Sovereignty

II. My Submission

III. Our Sanctification

Prayer Challenge:

1. Become part of His Kingdom - Salvation & Repentance
2. Seek His Kingdom instead of yours.
3. Pray for His Kingdom to come through you.

When was the last time you cried out to your Heavenly Father?

How is our prayer life…?

The Holy Spirit transforms our prayer life from a ritual that is practiced to a relationship that is prioritized!

The Holy Spirit...

1. Confirms our new Identity (v.14, 16)

        - Attests our Adoption v.14

      “To give evidence of or demonstrate as true”

        - Affirms our Adoption v.16

“To reassure, confirm, or assert strongly that something is true

2. Compels our new Intimacy (v.15)

• • Slavery v.15a
  • Sonship v.15b

                - Freedom and Delight.

Prayer Challenge:

• Correct Your Identity.

• Salvation & Repentance

• Commit To Intimacy.

• Prayer & Praise

God wants His children…

1. Gracious vs. Guarded v.3-4

2. Spiritually Directed vs. Self- Determined v.5-6

3. Faithful to Him vs. Free Thinking v.7-8

4. Worshipful with Finances vs. Financially Wealthy v.9-10

5. Humbly Correctable vs. Highly Confident v.11-12

You cannot lead your child where you are not going, or you have not been.

Which child are you raising? 

Which person are you?

Men Don't...

1. Fall Asleep at the Wheel

      Alertness is commanded throughout Scripture

2. Bring a Knife to a Gun Fight

3. Settle for “Saved”

4. Lose your “Why”

Men, in The Lord… Be Watchful Stand Firm Grow Stronger Love Always

God’s pattern for marriage includes…

#1 - Deliberate differences.

#2 - Departing parents.

#3 - Developing oneness.

1. The Design of God for the Family

     Consider the Family’s… 

       1. Formation

             Creation defines our roles…

                     1. Husband and Wife

                     2. Father and Mother

     2. Fall

Sin has always led to broken families

         When the Gospel is alive in a family, we see… 

               1.Service

               2. Sacrifice

               3. Strength

3. The Display of Grace in God’s Family

Are you serving your family spiritually?

Are you serving your church family faithfully?

The seventh seal shows...

1. The Silence of Anticipation v.1

2. The Signal of Preparation v.2

3. The Smoke of Supplication v.3-4

4. The Sign of Condemnation v.5

Two Responses Remain:

Strengthen Your Faith

Share The Gospel

The seal of God is always visible!

1. Hope Sealed v. 1-8

     The Lord’s seal designates…

• Protection
• Possession
• Promise

2. Hope Revealed v.9-17

• Who is this multitude? Notice…

• • Their Salvation v.13-14
  • Their Service v.15
  • Their Satisfaction v.16
  • Their Savior v.17

In Proverbs 31, We see...

1. Her Value v.10

2. Her Vigor v.13, 15, 17, & 27

3. Her Virtues v.11-12, 14, 16-26

       Enables Confidence v.11-12, 23 

        Embodies Compassion v.19-21

        Exemplifies Commitment     v.14, 16, 18, 21-22, 24

        Edifies Character v.25-26

4. Her Validation v.28-31

The 5th Seal...

1. A Death Filled with Faith v.9-11

        Notice:

        The Where v.9a

         The Why v.9b

         The Want v.10

         The Wait v.11

The 6th Seal

2. A Death Filled with Fear v.12-17

On the Day of the Lord…

• Creation Crumbles

• People Panic

God does not discriminate in two directions: 

• The Gospel is for anyone who believes!

• Judgment is for everyone who does not.

Share the Gospel!

1- Purpose of the Revelation

2- Possible Timelines of the Return

3-Points of Rapture

         - The rapture is defined as the “taking up” or “snatching up” of believers to be with Christ when He returns to the earth.

• PRE-tribulation view

• MID-tribulation view

• POST-tribulation view

4-Punishments before His Return 

Who are the horsemen?

• A White Horse - Rider is either Jesus or the Antichrist
• A Red Horse - war
• A Black Horse - famine
• A Pale Horse - Death

You don't have enough tickets!

But Jesus does!

Understanding this scene fully means seeing...

1. The World's Destiny v1

2. The World's Dilemma v. 2-3

3. The World's Despair v. 4

4. The World's Defender v. 5-10

Our Defender is a Lamb...

1. A Lamb that Died

2. A Lamb that Lives

3. A Lamb that Reigns

4. A Lamb that Saves

Why is the Lamb worthy?

He was put to death

He has purchased a people

He has prepared a kingdom

Imagine the Scenes of Passion Week:

The Savior - bound

The Sights - dark

The Sounds - disturbing

The spirit of Satan - ruling

The "Servants" of God - rejecting

The Song - condemning

1. The Symptoms v.15-16
2. The Sickness v.17
3. The Prescription v.18
4. The Physician v.19-21

Let the Physician in.

Let Him do His work.

The Doctor is at the door.

Jesus said...

1. I am Working for you v.8

2. I will Win for you v.9

3. I will Watch over you v.10

4. I will Welcome you v.12

So, when life is hard...two words.

HOLD ON

Jesus offers...

1. A Wake Up Call We All Need To Hear v.1-2

2. A Way Back We All Need To Remember v.3

        - The way back:   Remember.  Repent.

3. A Walk We All Want To Go On v.4-6

        - A walk with His:

• Clothing

• Confidence
• Confession

Hear the wake up call!

Remember the way back.

Keep your future walk in mind.

The King says...

1. I care about what you ACCOMPLISH with your life! v.19

2. I care about what you ALLOW in your life! v.20-23

       - Their sin was not participation.  It was toleration!

              Wisdom to remember:  Whatever you allow you will eventually accept.  

                                                            Whatever you accept you will eventually affirm.

3. I care about what you AFFIRM in your life! v.24-25

4. I care about what you are AWARDED for in your life! v.26-29

Practicing righteous authority over our lives now prepares us for righteous authority later.

Notice:

1. The Courage v.13

2. The Compromise v.14-15

3. The Consequences v.16-17

         Two opposite consequences…

          Condemnation

                  Continual Compromise leads to Condemnation

          Conquering 

                -Satisfaction

                -Salvation

Two Sweet and Serious Words:

“Therefore Repent”

LOOK TO JESUS!

1. He was Faithful in His Suffering v.8

2. He is Faithful in our Suffering v.9-10

3. He Will be Faithful to End Suffering v.11

There is nothing the enemy can throw at us compared to the reward Christ has for us!

1. Gift

2. Guarantee

To be faithful, Jesus must be bigger than your fear

Ephesus was...

Faithful to Toil v.2a

Faithful to Truth v.2b, 6

Faithful under Trial v.3

Returning to the love you had at first involves…

1. The Discipline to Remember v.5a

2. The Decision to Repent v.5b

3. The Diligence to Return v.5c

4. The Danger of Removal v.5d

Do you love Him?

Do you love others in Him?

Two parts to this moment…

1. John’s Natural Reaction v.17a

2. Jesus’ Supernatural Reassurance v.17b-20

Fear disappears in the presence of…

• His Eternity

• His Divinity

• His Humanity 

• His Victory 

• His Authority

• His Clarity

• His Mystery

In this order we are given…

1. John's Credentials v9

2. John’s Context v.10a

3. John’s Commission v.10b-11

4. John’s Commander v.12-16

Be overwhelmed by…

His swag – Robe, Sash

His shag – White Hair

His stare – Eyes of Fire

His stance – Bronze Feet

His sound – Roar of Water

His stars – 7 Churches

His sword – Sharp Words

His shine – Like the Sun

1. The Greeting of Divine Greatness (vs. 4-5a)
2. The Giving of Deserved Glory (vs. 5b-6)
3. The Gaining of a Detailed Guarantee (vs. 7-8)

1. The Person of The Revelation

2. The Purpose of The Revelation

3. The Process of The Revelation

4. The Promises of The Revelation

We were...

1. Hopelessly Rejected v.10a-b

2. Graciously Received v.10c

3. Beautifully Remade v.9a

4. Intentionally Released v.9b

Spiritual Conversations Matter...

My life before Christ… (Romans 3:23)

I came to Christ when…(Romans 6:23)

My life now with Christ… (Romans 5:1)

How could I not want the same for you? (Romans 10:9-13)

Situational Awareness: 

Be confident in the Lord

Be concerned about the lost

Be consistent in prayer

Your presence matters with us because you are a part of a spiritual plan to form a special people with a sacrificial purpose.

1. A spiritual plan v.4-5a

2. A Special People v.5b

3. A Sacrificial Purpose v.5c

Gather, Grow, Give, Go.

Are you fully present?

What does growth involve?

1. Discard the wicked v.1

2. Desire the Word v.2

3. Delight in the Lord v.33

Growth has to be fueled by the reality that He is better

Discard. Drink. Delight.

A Faithful Witness…

1.  Points Away From Self

2. Prepares the Way for Others to Receive Christ

3. Proclaims the Greatness of the Savior

How Can You Be A Witness In 2025

1. Pray for the lost
2. Put a reminder on your phone
3. Plan for gospel opportunities

From His fullness we receive: 

1. A Saving Grace

2. A Sufficient Grace

3. A Superior Grace

How have you received His grace?

1. He came to be US

His humanity means He is…

• Fallen humanity’s representative
• Fallen humanity’s substitute
• Redeemed humanity’s example

2. He came to be NEAR

3. He came to be SEEN

     - He came to be SEEN

The ABC’s of the Word who became flesh

He came to be seen.  Do you see Him?

Jesus coming to be WITH US is a story of…

1. Forthright Revelation v.6-8

2. Failed Recognition v.9-10

3.  Fatal Rejection v.11

4.  Faithful Reception v.12-13

Many of you say you recognize Him. Almost all of you would never attempt to reject Him. Most of you have claimed to have received Him. But what does the story of your life say?

As John recounts the coming of Christ, He tells of…

1. His Identity v.1-2

               -His Eternity

               -His Unity

               -His Deity

2. His Activity v.3

3. His Reality v.4-5

For the people of God

Christmas is about Christ with us!

Dwell upon and live in

 His Identity… His Activity…

and His Reality.

1. Reminded of God’s Character v.1-9

             Remember… Who He Is (v.6)

                                         What He Does (v.7)

2. Reminded of God’s Covenant v.10-28

3. Reminded of God’s Christ v.29-35

Remember when you leave… -no veil between you and Him. -no veil between His glory in your life and those around you.

We should want to be...

1. Discouraged by His Distance v.1-11

2. Fond of His Favor v.12-17

     Moses says… I need your favor to Go (v.12 & 15)

                                 I need your favor to Know (v.13)

                                I need your favor to Show (v.16)

3. A Glimpse of His Glory v.18-23

Christian Alliance for Orphans

Everyone can do Something

What's my Something?

As the son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” But his young heart was often broken as he watched his African friends die from the cruel ravages of poverty. Wess felt privileged to continue his parents’ commitment to the poor through the ministry of Compassion International.

Wess joined the staff of Compassion International in 1977 and worked with the ministry, both overseas and at headquarters. He served as President for 20 years.

Wess is a veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Army as a linguist in military intelligence.

He is also an avid outdoorsman and committed family man, living on a small ranch near Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his wife Donna who was a Compassion sponsor even before she met Wess. They have two daughters, Jenny and Katie — the two children in the world for whom Wess is the greatest advocate of all.

1. Faith That Produced Obedience

2. Passion That Produced Unity

3. Desperation That Produced Prayer

4. The Spirit That Produced Power

Four responses to sin…

1. The Sovereign Response  v.7-10, 33-35

2. The Savior’s Response  v 11-20, 28-32

3. The Sinful Response  v. 22-24

4. The Saving Response v. 25-27

Common cows worth killing:

• Infatuation with comfort/pleasure/experiences/ entertainment
• Consumed with goals/dreams/success/status
• Unhealthy dependence on human relationships
• Sexual sin (flirting/sexting/porn/fornication)
• Love of money/preoccupied with pursuit of possessions

Kill the cows you…

Love more than Him

Trust more than Him

Serve more than Him

Fear more than Him

What is an idol?

Anything you love more than God

Anything you fear more than God

Anything you trust more than God

Anything you serve more than God

Idolatry is...

1. Distrust of God (v. 1)

2. Disobedience to God (v. 2-4a)

3. Distortion of God (v. 4b-6)

- Do not believe you are immune from idols in your life.

Run to Christ…and Christ alone.

1. The Source of all Storms (v. 19-22)

2. The Source of our Sorrow (v. 23)

3. The Source of our Strength (v. 24-28)

Three Sources of Strength:

• The Promise of God (v. 24)

• The Presence of God (v.25-27)

• The Purposes of God (v. 28)

How does God use storms? 

• To display His great power and might
• To bring judgment
• To bring repentance and grow faith

The world focuses on the size of the storm. We should focus on the size of the Savior.

More Than Ever God has blessed us.

More Than Ever our community needs the gospel.

More Than Ever we must do something about it.

Paul teaches us that…

1. Beginning Requires Conviction (v.10)

2. Finishing Requires Commitment (v.11)

- If you are a part of our church and made a MTE commitment, please finish the task.

- If you are a part of our church and you did not make a commitment to MTE, please prayerfully consider joining us!

2 Final Instructions:

1. Work for His Glory (v.1-11)

2. Rest for His Glory (v.12-18)

When we look at the Sabbath:

• We Look Up

• We Look In

• We Look Back

• We Look Forward

• We Look Out!

Moses is given four finishing touches:

1. The Incense of Intercession          (v.1-10, 34-38)

      - Prayer was the primary purpose of the altar

      - We need a high priest who prays for us

2. The Payment of Provision (v.11-16)

3. The Continuation of Cleansing (v.17-21)

4. The Aroma of Anointing (v. 22-33)

Does your life have the the aroma of Christ?

When God calls someone to Himself...

1. Their Soul must be Cleansed (v.1-4)

2. Their Self must be Clothed (v.5-9)

3. Sin must be Covered (v.10-18)

4. Their Service must be Consecrated (v. 19-34)

Application of an Ordination:

1. Is your soul clean?

2. Is your self clothed?

3. Is your sin covered?

4. Is your service consecrated?

1. Clothed For His Glory

- The office of the High Priest 

- The outfit of the High Priest 

Verses to note:

v.2-3-Requirement of God

v.12-Remembrance before God

v.29-Representation before God

v.30-Request before God

v.38-Redemption before God

v.40-Reverence before God

2. Clothed In His Glory

The outfit of The Great High Priest 

3. Clothed By His Glory

4. Clothed For His Glory

- Spiritual Clothing for Character

- Spiritual Clothing for Conflict

He was clothed in glory to remove your filthy rags.

He died for you naked.

You will not serve him that way. 

Notice...

I. The Lessons from the Altar. v.1-8

The altar is physical reminder of…

• The Fear of God
• The Forgiveness of God

II. The Lessons from the Courtyard.     v.9-19

III. The Lessons from the Lamp and Oil v.20-21

Is there room in the spaces of your life for

…the fear of God?

…the forgiveness of God?

…the favor of God?

…the fellowship of God?

…the faithfulness of God?

…faithfulness to God?

A great question to ask: What does this teach us about God?

We learn:

1. The Demand and Desire for the Tabernacle Display the Faithfulness of God

2. The Design and Detail of the Tabernacle Display the Glory of God

3. The Distance and Division of the Tabernacle Display the Holiness of God

Drawing Near

Holding Tighter

Helping One Another

Do you thirst for the presence of God?

We see...

1. The Focus of Preparing for His Presence (v.8)

2. The Funding of Preparing for His Presence (v.1-9)

3. The Furnishings of Preparing for His Presence (v.10-40)

 -The Ark

-The Table

-The Lampstand

I. Messiah Jesus is our great King.  

 1. He is enthroned by the Lord. 

 2. He is empowered by the Lord.  

II. Messiah Jesus is our great High Priest.   

 1. His priesthood is irrevocable.

 2. His power is invincible.

PSALM 34

When life seemingly fall apart, what do we do?

1. Worship the Lord (1-3)

2. Seek the Lord (4-10)

3. Fear the Lord (9-16)

4. Take Refuge in the Lord (17-22)

The Good Shepherd

1. The Good Shepherd Provides (vss. 1-3)Contentment Test:

1. Am I grateful for what I have?
2. Do I acknowledge the source of what I have?
3. Do I feel the need for others to see what I have?
4. Do I define myself by my material possessions or current circumstances?
5. When I see what others have, how do I respond?
6. Can I serve others without recognition?
7. What am I doing with what I have?

2. The Good Shepherd Protects (vs. 4)

3. The Good Shepherd Prepares (vss. 5-6)

Why is it difficult to live with an eternal perspective?

How can I live with eternal perspective?

1. Appreciate God’s Greatness (v.1-4)

2. Recognize Life’s Brevity (v.5-11)

3. Make Every Day Count (v.12-17)

Every Single Day...

• Is precious - once it’s over, it’s over.

• Seek satisfaction in the Lord.

• Lean on the Lord in your work.

What does an Eternal Perspective Look like?

1. Christ becomes your focus 
2. The Church becomes essential 
3. Your occupation becomes worship 
4. Evangelism becomes routine

What happens when you find yourself in a world where God’s people are suffering and the wicked are thriving? 

Fret Not!

Instead of Fretting...

1. Determine where your confidence lives. (v.3a)

Consider:

            - The Record of His Faithfulness

            - The Future of His Faithfulness

Placing our confidence in the LORD looks like…

• Committing our way to Him (v.5)
• Being Still (v.7)
• Waiting on Him (v.9)

2. Dedicate yourself to doing good. (3b)

3. Delight yourself in all that who God is. (v.4)

Oftentimes, the Lord doesn’t rescue you from evil but instead He sits down beside you.

The Lord’s Supper is comfort food for the anxious and the angry.

Wisdom about your wants

1. The Distinctiveness of Coveting

   Coveting is Covert.

   Coveting is Comprehensive.

2. The Deception of Coveting

     Deception related to your neighbor

     Deception related to your God

     Deception related to yourself

3. The Danger of Coveting

4. The Defeat of Coveting

 Conquering Coveting:

• Call it and confess it
• Count your blessings
• Contemplate the Cross and Communion with Christ
• Celebrate the blessings of others
• Chase people

God wants His people to…

1. Speak the Truth

2. Know the Truth

3. Love the Truth

Everyone is seeking truth…but truth has become very rare.

To Know The Truth...

1. God is Truth

2. Jesus is Truth

3. The Holy Spirit is Truth

4. The Word is Truth

Are you living in truth?