WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.000 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:15.000 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I seek to balance the love of Jesus Christ with the truth of His Word. 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:26.000 Today, we are in Revelation 1, verses 9-20, where John is on the island of Patmos, and he meets the risen Christ, the Son of Man. 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:35.000 He has eyes like fire, the voice like many waters, and he is holding the seven stars while walking among the seven golden lampstands. 00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:53.179 This vision talks about patient endurance and calls for us to worship in the Spirit on the Lord's day and reminds us that Jesus, He is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega, the Living One who holds His church in His hand. 00:00:53.179 --> 00:01:02.179 As you listen to this sermon, ask yourself, what is Jesus showing me about Himself, the church, and my witness? 00:01:02.179 --> 00:01:08.879 Let us read, hear, and keep His Word, and fix our eyes on Jesus Christ. 00:01:11.180 --> 00:01:20.879 What a wonderful time for us to gather together as we have just taken part in communion. 00:01:20.879 --> 00:01:26.640 A time for us to reflect on Christ's life. 00:01:27.420 --> 00:01:30.019 Christ being the way, the truth, and the life. 00:01:30.599 --> 00:01:39.079 It's important for us to remember what He has done for us and what He continues to do for us. 00:01:40.319 --> 00:01:45.659 We have been going through, we started our sermon series through the book of Revelation. 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:59.459 Revelation, a book that for many of us can certainly seem confusing, divisive, and let's face it, outright scary at times. 00:02:00.060 --> 00:02:04.259 I know that for many of us, we may have had a certain experience. 00:02:04.260 --> 00:02:16.900 There's many people that you may know or you yourself may have experienced this book in Scripture, this book in the Bible as one of great mystery, 00:02:18.280 --> 00:02:24.140 but one that, well, we should not be afraid of revelation. 00:02:24.139 --> 00:02:34.339 Much like we should not be afraid of the gospel, we should not be afraid of the Word of God, for it is living and active. 00:02:35.079 --> 00:02:43.459 It is good for us to read, for us to hear, for us to understand, and to keep the Word in our hearts. 00:02:46.819 --> 00:02:50.000 Let us open to Revelation. 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:58.699 Revelation 1, verses 9-20. 00:02:59.860 --> 00:03:06.740 It's on page 1,218 in your ESVP Bible or your Bible of choice, Revelation. 00:03:09.539 --> 00:03:11.199 And as you're turning there, 00:03:11.920 --> 00:03:14.539 we began going through the first eight verses, 00:03:14.539 --> 00:03:18.299 talking about how there is a blessing 00:03:18.299 --> 00:03:22.899 for us to read these words aloud. 00:03:24.120 --> 00:03:25.780 Just as it says in verse 3, 00:03:25.899 --> 00:03:26.699 as you're turning there, 00:03:26.819 --> 00:03:29.919 blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, 00:03:30.359 --> 00:03:33.579 and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it, 00:03:33.759 --> 00:03:34.939 for the time is near. 00:03:34.939 --> 00:03:37.599 Very important for us, 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:40.979 just like any part of Scripture, 00:03:41.180 --> 00:03:42.099 for us to read it, 00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:44.800 to see what the Word of God has to say, 00:03:45.659 --> 00:03:46.699 for us to be, 00:03:47.400 --> 00:03:48.579 to approach humbly 00:03:48.579 --> 00:03:50.240 God and His Word, 00:03:51.139 --> 00:03:52.780 and for God to work in us. 00:03:54.060 --> 00:03:55.560 Are we all there then, church? 00:03:55.560 --> 00:04:00.140 So, chapter 1, verse 9, 00:04:00.259 --> 00:04:01.659 all the way through 20. 00:04:03.039 --> 00:04:03.819 I, John, 00:04:04.039 --> 00:04:04.819 let's read together, 00:04:04.939 --> 00:04:07.539 your brother and partner in the tribulation 00:04:07.539 --> 00:04:08.939 and the kingdom 00:04:08.939 --> 00:04:12.800 and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, 00:04:13.520 --> 00:04:15.699 was on the island called Patmos 00:04:15.699 --> 00:04:18.079 on account of the Word of God 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:20.360 and the testimony of Jesus. 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:24.060 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, 00:04:24.360 --> 00:04:26.160 and I heard behind me 00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:28.340 a loud voice like a trumpet 00:04:28.340 --> 00:04:29.379 saying, 00:04:30.160 --> 00:04:31.900 write what you see in a book 00:04:31.900 --> 00:04:34.500 and send it to the seven churches, 00:04:35.060 --> 00:04:35.740 to Ephesus, 00:04:36.400 --> 00:04:37.139 to Smyrna, 00:04:37.639 --> 00:04:38.699 and to Pergamum, 00:04:39.139 --> 00:04:40.120 and to Thyatira, 00:04:40.699 --> 00:04:41.680 and to Sardis, 00:04:42.139 --> 00:04:43.080 and to Philadelphia, 00:04:43.699 --> 00:04:44.840 and to Laodicea. 00:04:45.199 --> 00:04:46.980 I'm going to quiz you on how to pronounce this 00:04:46.980 --> 00:04:47.980 after the fact, right? 00:04:48.540 --> 00:04:49.800 No, I'm just kidding here. 00:04:50.360 --> 00:04:51.420 Verse 12, 00:04:51.540 --> 00:04:53.580 Then I turned to see the voice 00:04:53.580 --> 00:04:55.060 that was speaking to me, 00:04:55.540 --> 00:04:56.460 and on turning, 00:04:56.699 --> 00:05:00.199 I saw seven golden lampstands, 00:05:00.560 --> 00:05:02.360 and in the midst of the lampstands, 00:05:03.060 --> 00:05:05.480 one like a son of man, 00:05:06.040 --> 00:05:07.920 clothed with a long robe, 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:11.040 with a golden sash around his chest. 00:05:11.600 --> 00:05:13.819 The hairs of his head were what color? 00:05:14.500 --> 00:05:17.420 White, like white wool, like snow. 00:05:18.220 --> 00:05:19.040 Now, this is interesting. 00:05:19.040 --> 00:05:21.220 His eyes were like, what? 00:05:21.960 --> 00:05:23.800 A flame of fire, right? 00:05:24.140 --> 00:05:26.620 And his feet were like burnished bronze, 00:05:26.760 --> 00:05:28.240 refined in a furnace. 00:05:28.900 --> 00:05:33.379 And his voice was like the roar of many waters. 00:05:34.100 --> 00:05:35.400 In his right hand, 00:05:35.480 --> 00:05:37.520 he held seven stars, 00:05:37.939 --> 00:05:42.240 and from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. 00:05:42.240 --> 00:05:44.680 And his face was like the sun, 00:05:44.980 --> 00:05:46.420 shining in full strength. 00:05:46.460 --> 00:05:49.139 What incredible imagery we're seeing here. 00:05:49.400 --> 00:05:50.740 What in the world's going on? 00:05:50.800 --> 00:05:53.060 I mean, if I see someone with flames in their eyes, 00:05:53.139 --> 00:05:55.860 that's, I mean, that's pretty intense for there, right? 00:05:56.500 --> 00:05:57.960 When I saw him, 00:05:58.540 --> 00:05:59.720 I fell at his feet. 00:05:59.860 --> 00:06:01.759 Well, I think I'd fall at my feet, too, 00:06:01.800 --> 00:06:03.519 if I see the Lord in that. 00:06:03.519 --> 00:06:05.519 As though dead. 00:06:06.039 --> 00:06:08.479 But he laid his right hand on me, 00:06:08.579 --> 00:06:09.680 saying, what, church? 00:06:10.199 --> 00:06:11.219 Fear not. 00:06:11.699 --> 00:06:14.000 I am the first and the last, 00:06:14.240 --> 00:06:15.620 and the living one. 00:06:16.039 --> 00:06:16.899 I died, 00:06:17.180 --> 00:06:17.899 and behold, 00:06:18.039 --> 00:06:19.719 I am alive forevermore, 00:06:19.959 --> 00:06:21.639 and I have the keys 00:06:21.639 --> 00:06:23.419 of death and Hades. 00:06:24.120 --> 00:06:24.859 Write, therefore, 00:06:25.099 --> 00:06:26.740 the things that you have seen, 00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:28.680 those that are, 00:06:29.019 --> 00:06:30.579 and those that are to 00:06:30.579 --> 00:06:32.240 take place after this. 00:06:32.719 --> 00:06:33.879 As for the mystery, 00:06:34.039 --> 00:06:34.219 oh, 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:35.919 the Lord's going to break it down, right? 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:37.839 As for the mystery of the seven stars 00:06:37.839 --> 00:06:40.180 that you saw in my right hand, 00:06:40.439 --> 00:06:42.620 and the seven golden lampstands, 00:06:42.899 --> 00:06:44.560 the seven stars are what? 00:06:45.399 --> 00:06:46.959 Angels of the seven churches. 00:06:47.659 --> 00:06:49.579 And the seven lampstands are 00:06:49.579 --> 00:06:51.240 the seven churches. 00:06:51.539 --> 00:06:54.120 I love when Christ breaks it down like that, 00:06:54.120 --> 00:06:56.339 so we can have some clarity going on. 00:06:56.759 --> 00:06:57.759 It's much like how, 00:06:57.939 --> 00:07:00.000 when we were going through our series 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:00.740 through the parables, 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:02.639 there are some explicit times 00:07:02.639 --> 00:07:03.879 where Christ breaks it down. 00:07:03.959 --> 00:07:04.779 When we talked about, 00:07:05.120 --> 00:07:05.639 for example, 00:07:05.779 --> 00:07:07.160 the seed and the soil, 00:07:07.839 --> 00:07:08.759 that Christ is saying, 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:10.240 the seed represents the word, 00:07:10.339 --> 00:07:12.199 and the soil represents our hearts. 00:07:12.680 --> 00:07:13.360 So it's very, 00:07:13.480 --> 00:07:15.439 a lot more clear and clarifying 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:17.699 when we have a breakdown like that. 00:07:18.420 --> 00:07:20.079 And so we begin in here 00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:22.100 where it's saying here 00:07:22.100 --> 00:07:22.920 that I, John, 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:24.360 your brother and partner 00:07:24.360 --> 00:07:25.740 in the tribulation. 00:07:26.540 --> 00:07:27.579 Well, that's interesting. 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:30.219 He's a partner in the tribulation 00:07:30.219 --> 00:07:31.539 and in the kingdom 00:07:31.539 --> 00:07:33.639 and patient endurance. 00:07:34.279 --> 00:07:36.259 Now, when we talk about this idea 00:07:36.259 --> 00:07:37.219 of tribulation, 00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:39.819 the Greek is talking about 00:07:39.819 --> 00:07:41.659 the opposition, 00:07:42.419 --> 00:07:43.079 the oppression, 00:07:43.860 --> 00:07:45.259 or the pressure. 00:07:45.939 --> 00:07:48.219 Talking about himself 00:07:48.219 --> 00:07:49.819 and other Christians 00:07:49.819 --> 00:07:52.819 that are receiving some sort of pressure. 00:07:52.819 --> 00:07:55.099 and the kingdom, 00:07:55.740 --> 00:07:57.159 when we talk about this, 00:07:57.240 --> 00:08:00.279 that he is part of the kingdom of God. 00:08:00.360 --> 00:08:02.000 When we have talked about earlier 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:03.300 in verse, 00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:05.180 let's see here, 00:08:05.639 --> 00:08:06.600 in verse six, 00:08:07.540 --> 00:08:08.180 when it says, 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:09.579 he made us a kingdom, 00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:11.279 priest to his God and father, 00:08:11.420 --> 00:08:13.100 to him be glory and dominion 00:08:13.100 --> 00:08:13.899 forever and ever, 00:08:14.420 --> 00:08:14.600 right, 00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:16.480 that we are a part of that kingdom. 00:08:17.219 --> 00:08:18.259 So John is saying, 00:08:18.339 --> 00:08:19.659 I too am a part of that. 00:08:19.660 --> 00:08:21.140 And patience, 00:08:21.320 --> 00:08:22.420 and patient endurance 00:08:22.420 --> 00:08:23.260 that are in Jesus, 00:08:23.420 --> 00:08:23.580 right? 00:08:23.640 --> 00:08:24.620 So he's saying that 00:08:24.620 --> 00:08:25.660 when he's writing 00:08:25.660 --> 00:08:26.980 on the island of Patmos, 00:08:27.439 --> 00:08:28.140 essentially, 00:08:28.400 --> 00:08:29.560 he is exiled, 00:08:29.760 --> 00:08:31.160 but yet he is still witnessing. 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:33.420 How powerful is that 00:08:33.420 --> 00:08:34.920 to not even be 00:08:34.920 --> 00:08:35.980 in the same location, 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:37.860 but to still be able 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:38.480 to write 00:08:38.480 --> 00:08:40.259 and to have a sense 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:41.300 of influence 00:08:42.040 --> 00:08:42.960 on others? 00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:45.200 It's interesting 00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:46.280 when you go on 00:08:46.280 --> 00:08:47.500 in verse 10, 00:08:48.340 --> 00:08:49.600 you see the language here. 00:08:49.680 --> 00:08:49.960 It says, 00:08:50.360 --> 00:08:51.879 I was in the spirit. 00:08:52.680 --> 00:08:53.940 That's an interesting one, 00:08:53.980 --> 00:08:54.340 isn't it? 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:56.400 I was in the spirit 00:08:56.400 --> 00:08:57.340 when? 00:08:58.139 --> 00:08:59.320 On the Lord's day, 00:08:59.400 --> 00:08:59.600 right? 00:08:59.700 --> 00:09:01.320 So during worship then, 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:03.139 it's this idea of, 00:09:03.519 --> 00:09:04.680 and for some of you 00:09:04.680 --> 00:09:05.740 who may remember 00:09:05.740 --> 00:09:07.139 when I taught about 00:09:07.139 --> 00:09:07.620 the nature, 00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:08.100 purpose, 00:09:08.200 --> 00:09:09.200 and power of scripture, 00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:11.620 it's this overwhelming, 00:09:12.540 --> 00:09:14.920 this sense of overwhelm 00:09:14.920 --> 00:09:15.740 from the spirit 00:09:15.740 --> 00:09:17.660 to write down 00:09:17.660 --> 00:09:19.720 what needs to be written down. 00:09:20.259 --> 00:09:21.200 In other words, 00:09:21.440 --> 00:09:22.220 it's found in 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:24.740 1st or 2nd Peter 00:09:24.740 --> 00:09:25.400 where it says 00:09:25.400 --> 00:09:27.340 that the apostles 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:29.080 and the prophets 00:09:29.080 --> 00:09:30.500 were carried along 00:09:30.500 --> 00:09:32.240 by the Holy Spirit, 00:09:32.340 --> 00:09:33.660 meaning it was such 00:09:33.660 --> 00:09:35.360 a overwhelm. 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:37.540 Think of a ship at sea 00:09:37.539 --> 00:09:38.939 when the water 00:09:38.939 --> 00:09:40.240 is gently moving 00:09:40.240 --> 00:09:41.099 a boat 00:09:41.099 --> 00:09:42.439 across the water. 00:09:43.059 --> 00:09:43.740 Well, the water 00:09:43.740 --> 00:09:44.879 is so powerful 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:45.819 that it's carrying 00:09:45.819 --> 00:09:46.839 along the boat. 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:49.019 And this is similar language 00:09:49.019 --> 00:09:50.419 in speaking of how 00:09:50.419 --> 00:09:51.360 John 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:53.139 is in the spirit. 00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:54.480 He's being moved, 00:09:54.599 --> 00:09:55.079 as it were, 00:09:55.159 --> 00:09:56.259 with this overwhelming 00:09:56.259 --> 00:09:56.939 force 00:09:56.939 --> 00:09:58.839 from the Holy Spirit 00:09:58.839 --> 00:10:00.439 to write down 00:10:00.439 --> 00:10:01.039 the word, right? 00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:02.480 And in that moment, 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:04.319 that sense of overwhelm, 00:10:04.439 --> 00:10:06.159 he hears the loud trumpets. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:08.100 This voice tells him 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:09.519 to write to the seven churches 00:10:09.519 --> 00:10:10.179 and we see that 00:10:10.179 --> 00:10:10.819 that's listed. 00:10:11.219 --> 00:10:11.740 And in fact, 00:10:11.799 --> 00:10:12.759 as we go along 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:13.419 in Revelation, 00:10:13.459 --> 00:10:14.639 we're going to break down 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:17.759 all of those seven churches. 00:10:18.839 --> 00:10:19.639 And so, 00:10:19.799 --> 00:10:20.659 we see in here, 00:10:20.740 --> 00:10:20.959 then, 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:23.639 the seven golden lampstands. 00:10:23.839 --> 00:10:24.939 It talks about, 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:25.839 in verse 13, 00:10:25.959 --> 00:10:26.620 in the midst 00:10:26.620 --> 00:10:27.799 of the lampstands, 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:29.620 one like a son of God, 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:30.240 right? 00:10:30.279 --> 00:10:30.679 And it gives 00:10:30.679 --> 00:10:31.819 this description here. 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:33.279 And it's interesting 00:10:33.279 --> 00:10:33.839 when you have 00:10:33.839 --> 00:10:34.579 this description, 00:10:34.580 --> 00:10:36.860 especially when you search 00:10:36.860 --> 00:10:38.240 in the depths of Scripture, 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:40.080 has this language 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:41.300 shown up before? 00:10:41.800 --> 00:10:43.700 Because it's very unusual, 00:10:44.160 --> 00:10:44.400 right? 00:10:44.440 --> 00:10:45.360 We're reading this 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:45.700 and we're like, 00:10:45.780 --> 00:10:48.600 that's powerful 00:10:48.600 --> 00:10:51.379 and kind of mysterious 00:10:51.379 --> 00:10:52.759 type of description. 00:10:53.460 --> 00:10:53.700 So, 00:10:53.820 --> 00:10:54.940 I want us to turn, 00:10:55.040 --> 00:10:55.420 actually, 00:10:56.360 --> 00:10:57.879 I want to show you 00:10:57.879 --> 00:10:58.740 that this is actually 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:00.620 shown in Scripture before. 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:02.440 Will you turn with me 00:11:02.440 --> 00:11:04.460 to Zechariah? 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:06.700 In your ESVP Bible, 00:11:06.820 --> 00:11:07.640 it's going to be found 00:11:07.640 --> 00:11:09.600 on page 944. 00:11:10.300 --> 00:11:11.200 And you'll see 00:11:11.200 --> 00:11:12.160 that the vision 00:11:12.160 --> 00:11:14.460 for the prophet 00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:17.100 is very similar 00:11:17.100 --> 00:11:18.620 in the description 00:11:18.620 --> 00:11:20.520 for what we find 00:11:20.520 --> 00:11:21.240 in Revelation. 00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:24.340 And this type of language, 00:11:24.660 --> 00:11:26.560 this isn't the first time. 00:11:27.560 --> 00:11:27.860 Now, 00:11:27.920 --> 00:11:28.640 for those of you 00:11:28.640 --> 00:11:29.340 who were there 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:30.620 during our series 00:11:30.620 --> 00:11:31.279 in Ezra, 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:33.659 we went over Zechariah 00:11:33.659 --> 00:11:34.980 where we went over 00:11:34.980 --> 00:11:37.840 that verse 6 00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:39.000 where the prophet 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:39.860 is going to say 00:11:39.860 --> 00:11:40.179 that, 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:41.639 many of you may know 00:11:41.639 --> 00:11:42.220 this verse, 00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:43.600 not by might 00:11:43.600 --> 00:11:44.940 nor by power, 00:11:45.360 --> 00:11:46.460 but by my spirit, 00:11:46.580 --> 00:11:47.600 says the Lord of hosts, 00:11:47.679 --> 00:11:47.899 right? 00:11:48.060 --> 00:11:49.259 And it's this moment 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:50.919 where Zerubbabel 00:11:50.919 --> 00:11:51.940 is going to receive 00:11:51.940 --> 00:11:52.720 this message 00:11:52.720 --> 00:11:54.000 to build 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:55.320 the second temple. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:57.019 But we're actually 00:11:57.019 --> 00:11:58.139 looking before that 00:11:58.139 --> 00:11:58.879 and we'll see 00:11:58.879 --> 00:11:59.840 how it's connected 00:11:59.840 --> 00:12:00.600 with Revelation. 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:01.639 It's always amazing 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:03.100 when we see connections 00:12:03.100 --> 00:12:05.159 within not only Ezra, 00:12:05.559 --> 00:12:06.899 but also within Revelation. 00:12:07.819 --> 00:12:07.960 So, 00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:09.720 Zechariah chapter 4, 00:12:10.679 --> 00:12:11.439 we're going to go through 00:12:11.439 --> 00:12:12.819 verses 1 through 6, 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:13.919 and notice 00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:15.539 how the language 00:12:15.539 --> 00:12:17.199 is very similar, 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:18.679 almost identical, 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:20.439 but similar nonetheless. 00:12:20.819 --> 00:12:20.980 So, 00:12:21.080 --> 00:12:21.960 page 944, 00:12:22.179 --> 00:12:23.480 Zechariah chapter 4, 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:25.000 verses 1 through 6. 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:25.439 Are we there, 00:12:25.539 --> 00:12:25.779 church? 00:12:25.779 --> 00:12:27.079 All right. 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:27.620 So, 00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:28.879 check this out. 00:12:29.079 --> 00:12:30.199 This is amazing, right? 00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:31.480 And the angel 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:32.939 who talked with me 00:12:32.939 --> 00:12:33.799 came again 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:34.500 and he woke me 00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:35.419 like a man 00:12:35.419 --> 00:12:36.039 who was awakened 00:12:36.039 --> 00:12:36.740 out of his sleep. 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:36.980 00:12:37.139 --> 00:12:39.120 being awakened, right? 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:40.319 He said to me, 00:12:40.459 --> 00:12:41.879 what do you see? 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:43.339 And I said, 00:12:43.439 --> 00:12:44.000 I see, 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:44.980 and behold, 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:45.559 a what? 00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:47.240 A lampstand, 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:48.100 all of gold, 00:12:48.179 --> 00:12:48.799 with a bowl 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:49.659 on top of it, 00:12:50.079 --> 00:12:52.220 and how many lamps? 00:12:52.779 --> 00:12:54.240 Seven lamps on it, 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:55.940 with seven lips 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:57.360 on each of the lamps 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:58.620 that are on top of it. 00:12:59.180 --> 00:12:59.460 Now, 00:12:59.500 --> 00:12:59.980 in here, 00:13:00.200 --> 00:13:01.639 Zechariah is talking about 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:02.700 that there's two 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:03.820 olive trees by it, 00:13:04.379 --> 00:13:05.639 one on the right 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.139 of the bowl 00:13:06.139 --> 00:13:06.539 and the other 00:13:06.539 --> 00:13:07.120 on the left. 00:13:07.659 --> 00:13:08.360 Verse 4, 00:13:08.740 --> 00:13:09.879 and I said to the angel 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:10.879 who talked with me, 00:13:11.299 --> 00:13:12.379 what are these, 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:12.940 my Lord? 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.659 And if you're having a vision 00:13:14.659 --> 00:13:15.519 or you're having a dream, 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:16.399 you may want to understand 00:13:16.399 --> 00:13:17.460 what's going on. 00:13:17.799 --> 00:13:18.159 Saying, 00:13:18.259 --> 00:13:18.399 well, 00:13:18.500 --> 00:13:19.220 what are these, 00:13:19.299 --> 00:13:19.639 my Lord? 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:20.460 And then the angel 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:23.279 who talked with me, 00:13:23.460 --> 00:13:25.419 and I think the angel 00:13:25.419 --> 00:13:26.279 is being sarcastic, 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:27.080 but that's just my opinion 00:13:27.080 --> 00:13:27.399 on here, 00:13:27.460 --> 00:13:27.580 right? 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:28.120 He said to me, 00:13:28.199 --> 00:13:28.779 do you not know 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:29.279 what these are? 00:13:30.080 --> 00:13:30.980 You not understand? 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:31.639 What do you mean 00:13:31.639 --> 00:13:32.179 you don't get 00:13:32.179 --> 00:13:32.799 what's going on, 00:13:32.819 --> 00:13:33.019 right? 00:13:33.740 --> 00:13:34.139 And he said, 00:13:34.199 --> 00:13:34.500 no. 00:13:34.620 --> 00:13:35.039 I said, 00:13:35.100 --> 00:13:35.279 no, 00:13:35.340 --> 00:13:35.799 my Lord. 00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:36.939 And he said to me, 00:13:37.019 --> 00:13:38.159 this is the word 00:13:38.159 --> 00:13:38.779 of the Lord 00:13:38.779 --> 00:13:39.879 to Zerubbabel, 00:13:40.419 --> 00:13:41.360 not by might, 00:13:41.720 --> 00:13:42.699 nor by power, 00:13:42.699 --> 00:13:44.000 but by my spirit, 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:45.299 says the Lord of hosts. 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:46.659 Very interesting 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:47.360 that that's going 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:47.759 to happen 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:49.399 where this message 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:50.100 is going to go 00:13:50.100 --> 00:13:50.720 to Zerubbabel 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:51.740 to build the temple, 00:13:52.340 --> 00:13:53.519 but also that same 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:54.240 kind of language 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:55.120 is what we find 00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:55.779 in Revelation. 00:13:56.679 --> 00:13:57.139 Very, 00:13:57.279 --> 00:13:57.939 very similar 00:13:57.939 --> 00:13:59.419 and very powerful 00:13:59.419 --> 00:13:59.840 nonetheless. 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:01.100 So that kind of imagery 00:14:01.100 --> 00:14:02.240 has been shown before 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:03.620 within the Old Testament, 00:14:03.779 --> 00:14:04.000 right? 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:06.379 And how we praise God 00:14:06.379 --> 00:14:07.679 for that kind of consistency 00:14:07.679 --> 00:14:08.700 that we see within it. 00:14:08.740 --> 00:14:08.879 Amen? 00:14:09.799 --> 00:14:10.279 So, 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:11.480 in going in here, 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:13.779 we see the long robe, 00:14:13.939 --> 00:14:15.679 the hair white as wool, 00:14:15.779 --> 00:14:17.100 the eyes are like fire, 00:14:17.100 --> 00:14:18.320 the feet are like 00:14:18.320 --> 00:14:19.159 burnished bras, 00:14:19.540 --> 00:14:21.100 the voice is like 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:21.940 many waters. 00:14:22.300 --> 00:14:23.279 And what's interesting 00:14:23.279 --> 00:14:24.220 in this is when it's 00:14:24.220 --> 00:14:25.000 talking about 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:27.100 the two-edged sword, 00:14:27.680 --> 00:14:28.800 doesn't that remind you 00:14:28.800 --> 00:14:29.759 about the word? 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:31.440 Right? 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:32.500 How it's sharp 00:14:32.500 --> 00:14:34.540 and how it's penetrating 00:14:34.540 --> 00:14:36.040 and how powerful it is. 00:14:36.560 --> 00:14:37.659 So this is actually 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:39.139 speaking of the Lord 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.779 speaking, 00:14:41.080 --> 00:14:43.300 that it's penetrating. 00:14:43.920 --> 00:14:45.540 How powerful is that? 00:14:45.539 --> 00:14:46.679 Very, 00:14:46.899 --> 00:14:47.620 very interesting. 00:14:47.939 --> 00:14:49.000 And for sure, 00:14:49.079 --> 00:14:49.939 even as we're going over, 00:14:50.019 --> 00:14:50.240 it's like, 00:14:50.819 --> 00:14:52.199 I feel like 00:14:52.199 --> 00:14:54.659 in Zechariah here, 00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:57.699 I'm not fully understanding 00:14:57.699 --> 00:14:58.459 and that's okay. 00:14:59.099 --> 00:15:00.740 We don't have to understand 00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:02.579 everything within Scripture, 00:15:02.919 --> 00:15:04.539 but certainly by the grace of God, 00:15:04.599 --> 00:15:05.519 we're going to learn something. 00:15:05.659 --> 00:15:05.779 Amen? 00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:07.779 And so, 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:09.399 because of this, 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:10.679 John falls as though 00:15:10.679 --> 00:15:11.919 as though he's dead 00:15:11.919 --> 00:15:13.659 and Jesus touches him 00:15:13.659 --> 00:15:15.039 and says, 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:16.399 fear not. 00:15:16.539 --> 00:15:17.779 How many times 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:18.979 within Scripture 00:15:18.979 --> 00:15:20.239 do we find 00:15:20.239 --> 00:15:21.279 we are told 00:15:21.279 --> 00:15:22.879 to not be afraid 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:24.779 or to have no fear 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:25.879 or to not be anxious? 00:15:26.279 --> 00:15:28.679 We still see that happening. 00:15:29.079 --> 00:15:30.439 I don't know about you, 00:15:30.539 --> 00:15:31.819 but to fall completely 00:15:31.819 --> 00:15:33.099 on the ground 00:15:33.099 --> 00:15:34.399 as though I'm dead 00:15:34.399 --> 00:15:35.939 is talk about overwhelm. 00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:37.740 Talk about the power 00:15:37.740 --> 00:15:39.319 and the presence of our Lord. 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:39.980 And I mean, 00:15:40.060 --> 00:15:40.700 what an image. 00:15:41.780 --> 00:15:42.500 What an image. 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:44.040 And I was going to 00:15:44.040 --> 00:15:46.379 use some software 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.640 to make such an image. 00:15:47.700 --> 00:15:48.720 It was the scariest thing 00:15:48.720 --> 00:15:49.320 I've ever made 00:15:49.320 --> 00:15:50.180 and I did not put it 00:15:50.180 --> 00:15:51.040 on this slideshow, 00:15:51.160 --> 00:15:51.520 mind you. 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:53.300 But if you look online, 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:54.980 you go on Google 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:56.120 or use AI 00:15:56.120 --> 00:15:56.840 to make something, 00:15:56.940 --> 00:15:57.260 whatever, 00:15:57.780 --> 00:15:58.740 try it sometime. 00:15:58.920 --> 00:15:59.920 It's actually quite 00:15:59.920 --> 00:16:00.960 a scary image 00:16:00.960 --> 00:16:02.400 and I don't know about you, 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.020 I'm going to go 00:16:03.020 --> 00:16:03.480 on the ground 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:04.220 for a second here 00:16:04.220 --> 00:16:05.280 just like John is, 00:16:05.420 --> 00:16:06.020 you know. 00:16:07.540 --> 00:16:08.920 But Christ is saying, 00:16:08.919 --> 00:16:09.860 I am the first 00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:10.539 and the last, 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:11.299 the living one. 00:16:11.639 --> 00:16:12.919 I have the keys 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:14.659 of death and Hades, 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:15.039 right? 00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:16.199 Because when we think 00:16:16.199 --> 00:16:17.379 of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:18.120 we think of the fact 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:19.159 that he conquered death, 00:16:19.719 --> 00:16:19.919 right? 00:16:19.939 --> 00:16:20.860 That when he speaks 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:21.399 the word, 00:16:22.199 --> 00:16:23.819 what is said 00:16:23.819 --> 00:16:25.159 will happen. 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:26.599 It will come to pass. 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:27.259 I think of how 00:16:27.259 --> 00:16:28.099 in scripture 00:16:28.099 --> 00:16:29.879 when Christ is out 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:30.819 in the boat 00:16:30.819 --> 00:16:32.579 and there's that stormy sea 00:16:32.579 --> 00:16:33.439 that's going on 00:16:33.439 --> 00:16:34.379 and he goes out 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:34.860 and he says, 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:35.500 peace, 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:36.980 be still, 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:38.580 right? 00:16:38.680 --> 00:16:40.080 Those kind of commands 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:40.600 that happen. 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:41.700 It's done. 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:43.879 And so he goes on 00:16:43.879 --> 00:16:45.039 explaining the symbols, 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:45.759 the stars 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:47.100 representing the angels 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:47.879 or the messengers 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:49.139 and the lampstands 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:50.639 equaling the churches. 00:16:51.560 --> 00:16:52.519 Let us remember 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:53.840 these three things then, 00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:54.659 kingdom, 00:16:56.259 --> 00:16:57.300 tribulation 00:16:57.300 --> 00:16:58.639 and then endurance. 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:01.039 We talk about tribulation, 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:01.779 let us remember 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:02.800 it is pressure, 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.000 it is affliction. 00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:05.880 Not only do we think 00:17:05.880 --> 00:17:07.119 about the tribulation, 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:08.160 but we can also think 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:08.779 about times 00:17:08.779 --> 00:17:09.680 where we have had 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:10.880 or experienced 00:17:10.880 --> 00:17:11.819 a tribulation. 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:12.619 Don't raise your hand. 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:13.099 How many of you 00:17:13.099 --> 00:17:14.019 have experienced 00:17:14.019 --> 00:17:15.259 pressure 00:17:15.259 --> 00:17:16.759 or a tribulation 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:18.440 or a trial before? 00:17:19.279 --> 00:17:20.480 Just know that 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:22.460 whether you're experiencing 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:23.099 the tribulation 00:17:23.660 --> 00:17:25.039 or a tribulation, 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:27.299 God's going to be there 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:27.720 with you. 00:17:28.900 --> 00:17:29.880 And when we think 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:30.680 of this language 00:17:30.680 --> 00:17:32.279 of not being afraid, 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:34.160 well, it's easier said 00:17:34.160 --> 00:17:34.660 than done. 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:35.759 However, 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:37.700 isn't it good to know 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.460 that God is there 00:17:38.460 --> 00:17:39.200 by our side 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:40.059 in every season 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:40.660 of our life 00:17:40.660 --> 00:17:41.639 no matter what it is 00:17:41.639 --> 00:17:42.379 we're going through? 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:44.079 No matter what it is 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:45.319 we are about to go through? 00:17:46.399 --> 00:17:47.299 Think of these things 00:17:47.299 --> 00:17:48.299 and think of the comfort 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:48.960 and peace 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:49.779 and the security 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:51.139 that Jesus Christ 00:17:51.139 --> 00:17:51.740 gives for us. 00:17:51.799 --> 00:17:53.740 That's one of the many reasons 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.940 for us to believe in Him. 00:17:55.779 --> 00:17:56.779 I don't know about you, 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:57.720 but with the way 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:59.119 culture is changing 00:17:59.119 --> 00:18:00.160 and with the constant, 00:18:00.160 --> 00:18:01.360 you know, 00:18:01.400 --> 00:18:02.900 there's a lot of good things 00:18:02.900 --> 00:18:03.400 that are happening 00:18:03.400 --> 00:18:03.920 in culture, 00:18:04.040 --> 00:18:04.820 but I also look 00:18:04.820 --> 00:18:06.040 and there's a lot of crazy things 00:18:06.040 --> 00:18:06.759 that are going on. 00:18:07.080 --> 00:18:08.100 We need a constant 00:18:08.100 --> 00:18:09.140 in our own life. 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:11.259 We need that sure foundation 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:12.100 and I can't help 00:18:12.100 --> 00:18:12.880 but think of 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:14.460 how the world is today 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.540 with the craziness, 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:18.380 the political unrest, 00:18:18.560 --> 00:18:19.279 the shootings 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:20.080 that are happening. 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:21.779 People need Christ 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:23.300 more than ever before 00:18:23.300 --> 00:18:24.860 and it's important 00:18:24.860 --> 00:18:25.540 for us to, 00:18:25.860 --> 00:18:26.259 number one, 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:28.180 lean into Christ 00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:29.460 as our firm foundation, 00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:30.960 but also to share 00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:31.819 in the gospel 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.720 of Jesus Christ 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:34.180 letting people know 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:35.559 that there is hope in Him 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:37.480 and that there is something 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:38.620 more to this life 00:18:38.620 --> 00:18:39.579 than the craziness 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:40.440 or the ever, 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:42.779 never-ending scrolling 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:43.620 on TikTok 00:18:43.620 --> 00:18:44.660 or Instagram 00:18:44.660 --> 00:18:45.539 or Facebook 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:47.660 or this constant noise 00:18:47.660 --> 00:18:48.500 of the media. 00:18:49.819 --> 00:18:51.079 God provides something 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:52.180 a much better way. 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:55.100 He provides true peace. 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:57.519 He is the truth. 00:18:57.640 --> 00:18:58.600 He is the way 00:18:58.599 --> 00:18:59.399 and He provides 00:18:59.399 --> 00:19:01.279 eternal life for us. 00:19:02.939 --> 00:19:03.699 And so, 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:05.379 that should be a call 00:19:05.379 --> 00:19:06.319 for you to be a part 00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:07.039 of the kingdom, 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:09.000 to believe in the Lord 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:09.939 and to be saved 00:19:09.939 --> 00:19:11.099 and just know 00:19:11.099 --> 00:19:12.879 that in knowing Christ, 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:14.879 it's not going to be 00:19:14.879 --> 00:19:16.299 an easy journey. 00:19:16.419 --> 00:19:17.339 There's going to be times 00:19:17.339 --> 00:19:18.240 where we have trials. 00:19:18.879 --> 00:19:19.359 How many of us 00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:20.119 have never had a trial? 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:20.759 Don't raise your hand 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:21.799 for the love of God. 00:19:22.139 --> 00:19:23.000 If you haven't, 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:23.919 then praise God. 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.360 Right? 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:27.000 We've all had trials. 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:29.100 We've all had tribulations. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.600 We've had people 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:31.320 who have gone up 00:19:31.320 --> 00:19:31.860 against us. 00:19:31.940 --> 00:19:33.060 Look at Psalms 00:19:33.060 --> 00:19:33.779 sometime. 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:35.100 Look at all the times 00:19:35.100 --> 00:19:36.060 that David was just 00:19:36.060 --> 00:19:36.940 all over the place 00:19:36.940 --> 00:19:37.460 emotionally. 00:19:37.600 --> 00:19:37.940 I'm thinking, 00:19:38.120 --> 00:19:39.220 well, David, 00:19:39.400 --> 00:19:41.279 what's going on here? 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.680 But we can relate 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:43.180 to that. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:43.880 Humanity. 00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:45.300 We can relate 00:19:45.300 --> 00:19:46.000 to the Lord 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:46.779 and come to Him 00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:48.060 no matter what it is 00:19:48.060 --> 00:19:49.700 that is going on 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:50.539 in our own life 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:51.299 because we are 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:52.539 imperfect people 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:53.940 in an imperfect world 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:54.700 but we rely 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:55.599 on the perfect God. 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:55.799 Amen? 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:58.420 That's where it's at. 00:19:58.619 --> 00:19:59.379 Let's go to 00:19:59.379 --> 00:20:00.799 the interpretation then. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:01.019 Right? 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:02.740 Here at Ontario Community Church 00:20:02.740 --> 00:20:03.659 we use what's known 00:20:03.659 --> 00:20:04.680 as the OIA method, 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:05.339 observation, 00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:06.000 interpretation, 00:20:06.319 --> 00:20:06.899 and application. 00:20:07.379 --> 00:20:08.259 The O representing 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:09.099 what can we see. 00:20:09.579 --> 00:20:09.659 Right? 00:20:09.940 --> 00:20:11.359 Scripture is our source. 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:12.799 Nothing should surpass 00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:13.559 the Word of God. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.579 That is our book 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:16.399 and we should read it. 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:17.180 We should use it 00:20:17.180 --> 00:20:17.720 by golly. 00:20:18.200 --> 00:20:18.399 Right? 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.480 And then the I is 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.319 what are the lessons 00:20:20.319 --> 00:20:21.240 that we can learn. 00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:23.200 A, the application 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:25.079 is what can we do about it. 00:20:25.159 --> 00:20:26.119 So the I then, 00:20:26.179 --> 00:20:27.139 the first one is 00:20:27.139 --> 00:20:27.939 tribulation. 00:20:28.379 --> 00:20:29.359 So the first lesson 00:20:29.359 --> 00:20:29.859 essentially, 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:30.720 the first interpretation 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:32.019 is tribulation, 00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:32.980 kingdom, and endurance. 00:20:33.119 --> 00:20:33.679 I was kind of 00:20:33.679 --> 00:20:34.579 mentioning it already. 00:20:35.179 --> 00:20:35.439 Right? 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.240 We should be part 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:36.799 of the kingdom. 00:20:37.359 --> 00:20:37.619 Right? 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.980 And in being in the kingdom 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:40.139 there will be times 00:20:40.139 --> 00:20:41.359 where people go against us. 00:20:41.439 --> 00:20:42.279 There will be times 00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:42.839 where we are, 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:43.879 I think of that song 00:20:43.879 --> 00:20:44.839 under pressure. 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:45.240 Right? 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.399 There's times 00:20:46.399 --> 00:20:47.059 where we are going 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:47.839 to face adversity 00:20:48.399 --> 00:20:49.740 but we still trust 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:50.539 in the living God 00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:52.099 as our foundation. 00:20:52.099 --> 00:20:52.720 We're not going 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:53.339 to be shaken. 00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:54.920 We're going to endure 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:55.880 to the end. 00:20:56.220 --> 00:20:57.359 And that is the beautiful 00:20:57.359 --> 00:20:58.359 thing about knowing 00:20:58.359 --> 00:20:59.559 Jesus Christ. 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.519 And we think about this 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:02.059 for a second 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:04.240 is that being a part 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:04.740 of the kingdom 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.460 means we're going 00:21:05.460 --> 00:21:06.700 to endure with Christ. 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:08.279 We're going to endure 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:08.880 with our brothers 00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:09.839 and sisters together. 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:11.240 Because sometimes, 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:12.200 and very often, 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:13.160 when we go through 00:21:13.160 --> 00:21:13.799 a tribulation, 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:15.079 it's not just us. 00:21:15.380 --> 00:21:16.099 It's other people. 00:21:16.919 --> 00:21:17.879 What a call for us 00:21:17.879 --> 00:21:19.219 to pray for one another, 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:20.919 to bear each other up, 00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:22.419 to be present 00:21:22.419 --> 00:21:23.379 for each other. 00:21:24.419 --> 00:21:25.039 And so we, 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:27.199 I put we may face 00:21:27.199 --> 00:21:27.699 tribulation 00:21:27.699 --> 00:21:28.339 but I want to say 00:21:28.339 --> 00:21:29.459 we will face tribulation 00:21:29.459 --> 00:21:31.019 at times. 00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:32.199 But we're a part 00:21:32.199 --> 00:21:32.959 of Christ's kingdom 00:21:32.959 --> 00:21:33.619 and we endure 00:21:33.619 --> 00:21:34.240 to the end. 00:21:35.199 --> 00:21:36.159 The second thing then 00:21:36.159 --> 00:21:37.319 is the Son of Man 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:38.899 walks with His churches 00:21:38.899 --> 00:21:39.959 and His people. 00:21:40.099 --> 00:21:41.159 We've had this imagery 00:21:41.159 --> 00:21:42.399 before throughout Scripture 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:44.480 where Christ is leading 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.920 His sheep to green pastures. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.440 Christ as the great shepherd 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:48.360 and He is, 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:50.180 in other parables, 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:52.900 it talks about other pens 00:21:52.900 --> 00:21:54.220 where other sheep will be 00:21:54.220 --> 00:21:55.839 representing other churches, 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:57.980 other things that are going on 00:21:57.980 --> 00:21:58.420 in here. 00:21:59.299 --> 00:22:00.720 And so Jesus is standing 00:22:00.720 --> 00:22:03.099 among the seven lampstands. 00:22:03.400 --> 00:22:04.579 Now, when we look 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:05.460 at the number seven, 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:07.120 we think of completedness, 00:22:07.200 --> 00:22:08.039 we think of perfection. 00:22:08.860 --> 00:22:10.480 And many, many scholars 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:13.299 and even I am of the belief 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:15.079 that this is a representation 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:17.039 not just of the seven churches 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:18.279 that we find in Revelation 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:21.599 but also for all of the church, 00:22:21.859 --> 00:22:23.059 the universal church, 00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:24.159 if we, as it were. 00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:26.180 And how important it is 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:28.500 that Christ is present 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:30.159 or at least should be present 00:22:30.159 --> 00:22:31.940 in every single congregation. 00:22:32.500 --> 00:22:33.879 That He's there with us, right? 00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:35.799 We think of the presence of God 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:37.700 and the working of the Holy Spirit, 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:39.240 the transforming power 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.960 that comes from Him, 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:41.480 the healing that comes from Him. 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:43.980 And so Christ is the good shepherd 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:46.900 and the lampstand is paralleled 00:22:46.900 --> 00:22:47.940 with what we found 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:49.740 in Zechariah chapter 4. 00:22:50.120 --> 00:22:51.519 Wasn't that interesting to see 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:53.599 that there's this vision 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:54.279 that's happening 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:55.940 and not only is it applying 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:57.500 to the temple that needs to be built 00:22:57.500 --> 00:22:59.000 that we find connected with Ezra, 00:22:59.120 --> 00:23:01.099 but it's going way all the way over 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:01.940 into Revelation. 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:04.200 That's amazing. 00:23:05.599 --> 00:23:06.620 That's incredible. 00:23:06.619 --> 00:23:07.179 And I mean, 00:23:08.639 --> 00:23:10.459 it just goes to show you 00:23:10.459 --> 00:23:11.579 the power of our Lord, right? 00:23:11.919 --> 00:23:13.019 And just as the temple 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:14.799 would be led by the Spirit, 00:23:15.439 --> 00:23:17.119 so too would the Spirit 00:23:17.119 --> 00:23:19.339 lead John to write down the vision. 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:21.879 How wonderful is that connected? 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:24.099 And we think of how, 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:27.059 well, Christ is the sure foundation. 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:28.939 He is the Son of Man. 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.819 The third thing then, 00:23:31.659 --> 00:23:32.579 two words, church, 00:23:32.659 --> 00:23:33.299 what does it say? 00:23:33.299 --> 00:23:35.180 Fear not. 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:37.200 Fear not. 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:39.799 The living one who rules over death. 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:42.099 Piggybacking off of the fact 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:44.559 that Jesus is the first and the last. 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:46.299 Some translations will go on 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:47.980 saying that he is the Alpha and the Omega 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:49.200 as a repeating theme. 00:23:49.659 --> 00:23:50.079 Absolutely. 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:52.200 The living one who died, 00:23:53.099 --> 00:23:53.759 rose again, 00:23:53.919 --> 00:23:55.539 and now lives victorious. 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:57.139 He lives forever, 00:23:57.579 --> 00:23:59.799 holding the keys of death and Hades. 00:24:00.419 --> 00:24:02.599 That Christ rules and reigns. 00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:04.679 And when I talked about this idea, 00:24:04.799 --> 00:24:06.240 the sword that is from his mouth, 00:24:06.319 --> 00:24:09.599 it's a representation of the spoken word 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:10.559 that it's penetrating, 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:11.699 and that is voice, 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:13.259 the power of many waters. 00:24:14.219 --> 00:24:15.439 What interesting language. 00:24:15.799 --> 00:24:19.079 If you've ever been to the coast 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:21.339 and you hear the sound of the waves 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:23.899 that are just smashing up upon the rocks 00:24:23.899 --> 00:24:26.859 and how loud and how penetrating that is. 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:29.279 Or when we use the language of a loud trumpet, 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:30.779 there's all these different words 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:32.720 to describe how loud 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:36.119 and how powerful the voice is. 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:39.099 And so when we look at Jesus Christ, 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:40.619 let us be encouraged then 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:44.539 that Christ reigns supreme 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:47.019 and victorious in our lives. 00:24:48.619 --> 00:24:50.359 That Jesus Christ saves, 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:52.420 ruling over death. 00:24:52.420 --> 00:24:55.420 I want to be a part of his kingdom. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:57.980 I want to be a part of 00:24:57.980 --> 00:25:00.980 that which is going to stand forever, 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:03.640 not something that will fade away. 00:25:04.120 --> 00:25:05.640 Let's go to that next slide then, 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:07.560 which is now the application here. 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:10.740 It's important for us 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:12.000 to read the word of God 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:12.680 and to learn it, 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:14.240 but it's also important for us, 00:25:14.820 --> 00:25:16.100 how do we apply this 00:25:16.100 --> 00:25:17.340 to our own very lives? 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:20.060 So the first one then is to live, 00:25:20.580 --> 00:25:21.200 what does that say? 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:22.059 What's that second word? 00:25:23.100 --> 00:25:25.600 So don't live alone, right? 00:25:26.100 --> 00:25:27.680 Live together in Christ 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:30.299 with the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:33.039 It is not good for us 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:35.120 to live life alone. 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:38.840 We are better when we are together, 00:25:38.980 --> 00:25:40.600 united as the body of Christ. 00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:42.580 And unfortunately, 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:44.019 when we think of the world 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:45.640 and the culture in which we live in, 00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:50.880 how do you hear very often 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:53.340 any good news on the news? 00:25:55.560 --> 00:25:56.980 I'm starting to think, 00:25:57.140 --> 00:25:57.980 I don't think I've heard 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:59.940 any good news recently, 00:25:59.940 --> 00:26:03.440 but we have the greatest news, 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:05.259 and that is the good news 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.640 of the gospel, right? 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:09.620 And we think for a moment, 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:13.540 how easy is it for us 00:26:13.540 --> 00:26:15.220 to be separated 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:17.280 from the body of Christ? 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:20.240 And how the world 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:21.400 and our culture 00:26:21.400 --> 00:26:24.380 and people with evil in their heart 00:26:24.380 --> 00:26:26.160 want to separate the body, 00:26:28.060 --> 00:26:30.080 separate us from one another. 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:33.279 But when we think of Christ, 00:26:33.379 --> 00:26:34.399 we think of the hope 00:26:34.399 --> 00:26:35.379 that is found in Him, 00:26:35.879 --> 00:26:38.059 the joy that comes from Him, 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:39.359 the unity, 00:26:39.500 --> 00:26:40.720 the life that comes from Him, 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:41.559 not the division, 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.359 not the hatred. 00:26:45.699 --> 00:26:48.539 Let us think of the life-giving power 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:49.679 that comes from Him, right? 00:26:49.720 --> 00:26:51.220 And even through trials 00:26:51.220 --> 00:26:52.039 and tribulations, 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:53.399 when you are going through 00:26:53.399 --> 00:26:55.699 a bad situation, 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:57.159 whether you're going through 00:26:57.159 --> 00:26:58.599 a trial or a tribulation, 00:26:58.599 --> 00:27:00.179 whether you're about to 00:27:00.179 --> 00:27:01.339 or you just got out of it 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:02.299 or maybe you're going 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.199 through that storm, 00:27:03.899 --> 00:27:05.679 knowing that Christ is with you 00:27:05.679 --> 00:27:08.259 and knowing that us 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:10.019 as brothers and sisters in Christ, 00:27:10.059 --> 00:27:10.740 we've got to be there 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:11.319 for each other. 00:27:12.219 --> 00:27:13.899 We've got to pray for one another 00:27:13.899 --> 00:27:15.299 and check in with each other. 00:27:16.079 --> 00:27:17.259 A simple how are you doing? 00:27:18.419 --> 00:27:19.219 A letter. 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.480 A text message. 00:27:22.299 --> 00:27:23.179 If you don't like talking 00:27:23.179 --> 00:27:23.679 on the phone, 00:27:23.779 --> 00:27:24.740 I get for some of us 00:27:24.740 --> 00:27:26.079 we might not like that. 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:26.439 Whatever. 00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:28.220 Think of ways 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:29.039 that you can connect 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:30.120 with your brothers and sisters 00:27:30.120 --> 00:27:30.559 in Christ 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:31.559 and think of how 00:27:31.559 --> 00:27:32.400 you can exhibit 00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:33.920 the love of Christ for others. 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:37.240 So we live together in Christ. 00:27:37.820 --> 00:27:38.860 Not to be alone. 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:40.580 I'm always convicted 00:27:40.580 --> 00:27:41.840 when I meet a Christian 00:27:41.840 --> 00:27:45.019 who wants nothing to... 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:46.039 They believe in Christ 00:27:46.039 --> 00:27:46.779 but they want nothing 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.580 to do with the body. 00:27:48.320 --> 00:27:48.940 Or they want nothing 00:27:48.940 --> 00:27:49.700 to do with the church. 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.820 And more often than not, 00:27:50.860 --> 00:27:51.880 it's because they've been hurt. 00:27:52.680 --> 00:27:53.620 More often than not, 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.940 it's they were taught, 00:27:54.940 --> 00:27:57.600 well, hatred or division 00:27:57.600 --> 00:27:59.200 rather than hope 00:27:59.200 --> 00:28:00.759 and love and peace 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:02.340 and the building up. 00:28:03.640 --> 00:28:04.120 And granted, 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:06.360 we have to think of 00:28:06.360 --> 00:28:07.500 how we can exhibit 00:28:07.500 --> 00:28:08.539 that love to others. 00:28:09.600 --> 00:28:10.980 I have a special place 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.460 in my heart 00:28:11.460 --> 00:28:12.519 for people who just 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:14.880 are not a part of the body. 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:17.059 Pray for them. 00:28:18.080 --> 00:28:18.940 Think of how you can 00:28:18.940 --> 00:28:20.080 be present with them. 00:28:21.120 --> 00:28:21.900 For some of you, 00:28:21.960 --> 00:28:22.480 you may know 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:23.519 of this notion 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:25.259 of people who have 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:26.860 deconstructed their faith. 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:28.460 And I, 00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:31.240 as a millennial, 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:33.720 I know a lot of people 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:34.579 who are my age 00:28:34.579 --> 00:28:35.779 who have left Christianity 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:37.259 because of one reason 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:37.740 or another. 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.440 More often than not, 00:28:39.920 --> 00:28:41.660 it's because they felt isolated. 00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.940 Because they weren't able 00:28:44.940 --> 00:28:46.180 to connect with the body. 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:48.200 Right? 00:28:48.599 --> 00:28:49.519 Now, I'm not going 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:51.259 to justify every person 00:28:51.259 --> 00:28:52.299 that has left the church. 00:28:53.759 --> 00:28:55.579 But how important it is, 00:28:55.660 --> 00:28:56.720 is it for us 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:58.220 to be able 00:28:58.220 --> 00:29:00.140 to speak truth 00:29:00.140 --> 00:29:01.900 but also to deal 00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:03.160 in love. 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:04.400 Meeting people 00:29:04.400 --> 00:29:05.359 where they are at 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:06.799 in their spiritual walk. 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:09.059 I always tell people, 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:09.759 whether you're on 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.779 a spiritual journey 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:13.059 and you're seeking truth, 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:14.660 may you find 00:29:14.660 --> 00:29:15.700 the truth. 00:29:16.700 --> 00:29:16.879 Right? 00:29:16.880 --> 00:29:19.120 May you begin 00:29:19.120 --> 00:29:19.820 your life 00:29:19.820 --> 00:29:21.440 in Jesus Christ. 00:29:22.400 --> 00:29:24.040 That is not the end. 00:29:24.180 --> 00:29:25.000 That is the beginning 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:26.040 of your new life 00:29:26.040 --> 00:29:26.640 in Christ. 00:29:27.580 --> 00:29:28.720 And we've got to think 00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:30.080 of how we can 00:29:30.080 --> 00:29:31.680 minister to those 00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:32.360 who have 00:29:32.360 --> 00:29:34.340 deconstructed, 00:29:34.900 --> 00:29:36.020 have that open door. 00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:38.480 be available 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:39.019 for those. 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:39.740 Much like we're 00:29:39.740 --> 00:29:40.299 to be there 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:40.779 for those 00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:41.700 that don't even believe 00:29:41.700 --> 00:29:42.519 or have never 00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:43.420 heard of the gospel. 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:46.299 May we be ambassadors 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:47.119 for Christ 00:29:47.119 --> 00:29:48.160 and may we be able 00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:49.079 to share 00:29:49.079 --> 00:29:51.299 in our faith, 00:29:51.359 --> 00:29:52.079 in our testimony 00:29:52.079 --> 00:29:53.200 with other people. 00:29:54.359 --> 00:29:54.740 And so, 00:29:55.059 --> 00:29:56.319 let us stand firm 00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:57.740 on the solid rock. 00:29:58.460 --> 00:29:59.200 Let us live 00:29:59.200 --> 00:29:59.839 like Christ 00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:00.599 and as I mentioned 00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:01.039 before, 00:30:01.920 --> 00:30:03.059 this world needs Christ 00:30:03.059 --> 00:30:03.700 more than ever. 00:30:03.700 --> 00:30:05.960 let's not be divided. 00:30:06.600 --> 00:30:07.559 Let us be united 00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:08.200 in Christ. 00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:09.380 Let us focus 00:30:09.380 --> 00:30:10.319 on the hope 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:11.140 in Him. 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.700 The newness of life, 00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:13.600 the transformation, 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:14.580 the healing 00:30:14.580 --> 00:30:15.779 that comes from Him. 00:30:18.200 --> 00:30:19.400 That's just the first point. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.680 The second thing 00:30:20.680 --> 00:30:21.819 is to worship 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:23.160 on the Lord's day 00:30:23.160 --> 00:30:23.940 in the Spirit. 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.640 Let the Holy Spirit 00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:26.600 work in and through you. 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:28.180 Worship the Lord. 00:30:28.319 --> 00:30:29.440 Be in His presence. 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:31.000 Don't let there be 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:31.880 any distractions 00:30:31.880 --> 00:30:33.140 or any sort of things 00:30:33.140 --> 00:30:34.960 that derail you 00:30:34.960 --> 00:30:36.200 or deter you. 00:30:37.520 --> 00:30:39.640 Focus on worship 00:30:39.640 --> 00:30:42.500 and coming to the Lord 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:44.040 no matter what it is 00:30:44.040 --> 00:30:44.820 you're going through. 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:47.100 I can tell you 00:30:47.100 --> 00:30:48.060 there's a lot of times 00:30:48.060 --> 00:30:49.560 where I'm coming 00:30:49.560 --> 00:30:50.200 before the Lord 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.400 and I'm not in a good state 00:30:51.400 --> 00:30:52.120 and that's okay. 00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:54.220 We come as we are 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:55.340 to the Lord 00:30:55.340 --> 00:30:57.140 who gives us comfort, 00:30:57.640 --> 00:30:59.440 who will guide us, 00:31:00.020 --> 00:31:01.020 who will lead us. 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:04.400 He is the Good Shepherd. 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:07.420 So let the Spirit lead 00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:08.139 and guide you 00:31:08.139 --> 00:31:10.019 not only personally, 00:31:10.379 --> 00:31:11.740 but to lead us 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:12.900 as a church body. 00:31:13.639 --> 00:31:14.759 Let your mind, 00:31:14.900 --> 00:31:15.319 your heart, 00:31:15.379 --> 00:31:15.900 and your spirit 00:31:15.900 --> 00:31:17.379 be transformed by Him. 00:31:18.279 --> 00:31:19.940 And just know that 00:31:19.940 --> 00:31:21.900 we're all a work in progress. 00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:24.299 God's not done with us. 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:26.159 God's going to continue 00:31:26.159 --> 00:31:26.919 to mold 00:31:26.919 --> 00:31:28.159 and to transform us 00:31:28.159 --> 00:31:29.079 and to work in 00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:29.759 and through us 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:31.579 all the days of our life. 00:31:33.419 --> 00:31:34.980 What an amazing journey 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:35.720 to be on though, 00:31:36.240 --> 00:31:37.639 to be molded by Him. 00:31:38.200 --> 00:31:40.119 I'm sure you may identify 00:31:40.119 --> 00:31:41.379 or you may know someone 00:31:41.379 --> 00:31:43.019 who you have seen 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:44.259 God work in their life. 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:45.839 How powerful 00:31:45.839 --> 00:31:47.019 is that? 00:31:47.659 --> 00:31:49.159 We are a work in progress. 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:50.839 We are to be changed 00:31:50.839 --> 00:31:51.519 and transformed 00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:52.879 to become more like Him. 00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:56.220 If you don't know the Lord, 00:31:56.959 --> 00:31:58.000 may you respond 00:31:58.000 --> 00:31:59.639 by believing the death, 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:00.059 burial, 00:32:00.059 --> 00:32:01.240 and resurrection of Him. 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:02.980 And in knowing Him, 00:32:03.539 --> 00:32:05.099 may we continue to respond 00:32:05.099 --> 00:32:07.099 by following 00:32:07.099 --> 00:32:08.779 where the Lord leads us. 00:32:09.619 --> 00:32:10.339 And then finally, 00:32:10.679 --> 00:32:11.539 the third one is 00:32:11.539 --> 00:32:13.919 shine as Christ's lampstand. 00:32:14.279 --> 00:32:15.279 I've put personal 00:32:15.279 --> 00:32:15.779 and corporate 00:32:15.779 --> 00:32:16.899 because there's a connection 00:32:16.899 --> 00:32:17.679 that we find 00:32:17.679 --> 00:32:19.059 with Revelation 00:32:19.059 --> 00:32:20.319 as well as the parables. 00:32:20.379 --> 00:32:21.059 If you remember 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:22.919 the parable of the lamp, 00:32:23.019 --> 00:32:23.139 right, 00:32:23.200 --> 00:32:24.339 letting your light shine, 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:26.179 don't hide it under a bushel. 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.839 But also the parable 00:32:27.839 --> 00:32:28.960 of the ten virgins. 00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:30.799 We find that at times, 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:33.919 lampstands typically means churches, 00:32:34.139 --> 00:32:35.419 but it can also mean 00:32:35.419 --> 00:32:36.899 us personally. 00:32:37.419 --> 00:32:39.119 So it's equally as important 00:32:39.119 --> 00:32:40.059 for us to let 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:41.700 our own light shine, 00:32:42.119 --> 00:32:43.579 but for us as a church 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:45.960 to have our light shine. 00:32:46.579 --> 00:32:48.039 Being a beacon of hope. 00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:49.940 I always think of that imagery 00:32:49.940 --> 00:32:51.440 of a lighthouse, right? 00:32:51.839 --> 00:32:52.759 And you think of the, 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:53.220 you know, 00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:54.299 the classic image 00:32:54.299 --> 00:32:55.299 of there's a storm 00:32:55.299 --> 00:32:56.099 that's going on 00:32:56.099 --> 00:32:57.379 and the waves are crashing 00:32:57.379 --> 00:32:58.460 and there's thunder 00:32:58.460 --> 00:32:59.079 and lightning 00:32:59.079 --> 00:33:00.019 and there's a guy 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:00.920 on a boat 00:33:00.920 --> 00:33:02.319 and he has no idea 00:33:02.319 --> 00:33:03.119 where's the lighthouse 00:33:03.119 --> 00:33:05.159 and finally he sees that light 00:33:05.159 --> 00:33:07.319 and he wants to go towards it. 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:09.619 What a powerful representation 00:33:09.619 --> 00:33:10.700 we can think of 00:33:10.700 --> 00:33:11.759 when it comes to the church. 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:13.119 How many of us 00:33:13.119 --> 00:33:13.779 are seeking 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:15.019 for that safety, 00:33:15.019 --> 00:33:17.200 that security, 00:33:17.559 --> 00:33:19.440 let us come to the light. 00:33:20.599 --> 00:33:21.019 And so, 00:33:21.700 --> 00:33:22.619 guard your witness 00:33:22.619 --> 00:33:23.960 with integrity and love. 00:33:24.700 --> 00:33:25.859 Let your good works 00:33:25.859 --> 00:33:27.099 point people to Christ 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:28.200 as I always mention. 00:33:28.639 --> 00:33:29.539 We are not saved 00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:30.879 by what we do. 00:33:31.559 --> 00:33:32.279 We are saved 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:33.519 by what has been done 00:33:33.519 --> 00:33:34.839 for us 00:33:34.839 --> 00:33:36.279 in Jesus Christ. 00:33:36.879 --> 00:33:38.180 Because of this, 00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:39.779 we are saved 00:33:39.779 --> 00:33:40.680 so that 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:42.059 we can do good 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:43.319 in the name of Christ. 00:33:43.319 --> 00:33:46.019 let your own lamp shine 00:33:46.019 --> 00:33:47.639 and let the lampstand 00:33:47.639 --> 00:33:48.500 of the church 00:33:48.500 --> 00:33:50.099 shine brightly. 00:33:50.639 --> 00:33:52.079 And I encourage for you 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:54.119 to pray, 00:33:54.579 --> 00:33:56.659 to pray to the Lord, 00:33:56.759 --> 00:33:58.079 to pray for your brothers 00:33:58.079 --> 00:33:59.339 and sisters in Christ, 00:33:59.720 --> 00:34:01.379 but also for this church, 00:34:01.659 --> 00:34:02.879 much like how we pray 00:34:02.879 --> 00:34:03.740 for other churches 00:34:03.740 --> 00:34:05.579 that they will shine brightly. 00:34:06.759 --> 00:34:08.239 We think about all the churches 00:34:08.239 --> 00:34:09.500 that are around the area, 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:10.840 we better be shining bright 00:34:10.840 --> 00:34:12.119 because there's a lot of people 00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:13.259 that need to come to the Lord. 00:34:13.800 --> 00:34:15.539 It's very important for us. 00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:18.740 So let your own lamp shine 00:34:18.740 --> 00:34:19.780 and let the lampstand 00:34:19.780 --> 00:34:20.380 of the church 00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:21.680 shine brightly. 00:34:22.720 --> 00:34:23.480 Pray for your brothers 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:24.120 and sisters, 00:34:24.340 --> 00:34:25.539 pray for shepherds, 00:34:25.920 --> 00:34:27.400 and let us think of how 00:34:27.400 --> 00:34:28.260 we can encourage 00:34:28.260 --> 00:34:30.000 one another this week. 00:34:30.740 --> 00:34:31.820 And in closing, 00:34:32.820 --> 00:34:34.620 let us take away 00:34:34.620 --> 00:34:35.640 these two words, 00:34:36.559 --> 00:34:37.680 fear not. 00:34:38.760 --> 00:34:39.960 When we think of the power, 00:34:40.559 --> 00:34:41.080 the awe, 00:34:41.220 --> 00:34:41.740 and the wonder 00:34:41.739 --> 00:34:42.819 of Jesus Christ, 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:44.419 it's overwhelming 00:34:44.419 --> 00:34:45.500 for sure. 00:34:46.379 --> 00:34:46.839 However, 00:34:47.839 --> 00:34:48.819 know that 00:34:48.819 --> 00:34:50.619 Christ is with you 00:34:50.619 --> 00:34:51.819 every step of the way. 00:34:52.199 --> 00:34:53.000 The living one 00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:53.959 who died 00:34:53.959 --> 00:34:55.279 and now lives 00:34:55.279 --> 00:34:56.000 forevermore, 00:34:56.339 --> 00:34:57.319 and that he 00:34:57.319 --> 00:34:58.699 holds the keys. 00:34:59.079 --> 00:35:00.000 Let us 00:35:00.000 --> 00:35:01.519 listen to his voice. 00:35:01.779 --> 00:35:02.899 Let us hear 00:35:02.899 --> 00:35:03.779 and understand. 00:35:04.819 --> 00:35:05.419 May we receive 00:35:05.419 --> 00:35:06.139 his guidance 00:35:06.139 --> 00:35:07.399 and keep his word 00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:08.960 as we endure 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:10.079 trials, 00:35:10.680 --> 00:35:11.260 tribulation, 00:35:11.260 --> 00:35:12.079 and journey 00:35:12.079 --> 00:35:14.039 on our spiritual walk 00:35:14.039 --> 00:35:15.019 in Christ. 00:35:15.420 --> 00:35:16.720 Let us pray together. 00:35:18.720 --> 00:35:19.579 Father God, 00:35:19.639 --> 00:35:20.300 we thank you 00:35:20.300 --> 00:35:20.920 for this time 00:35:20.920 --> 00:35:21.660 and this opportunity 00:35:21.660 --> 00:35:22.440 for us to gather 00:35:22.440 --> 00:35:23.420 today. 00:35:24.420 --> 00:35:25.480 What rich 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:27.320 and heavy 00:35:27.320 --> 00:35:28.180 teaching we have 00:35:28.180 --> 00:35:28.480 today. 00:35:28.480 --> 00:35:29.579 I pray, 00:35:29.760 --> 00:35:29.920 Father, 00:35:30.039 --> 00:35:32.260 that we may 00:35:32.260 --> 00:35:33.500 hear 00:35:33.500 --> 00:35:34.740 your word 00:35:34.740 --> 00:35:36.519 and hear 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:37.559 so that we 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:38.320 understand. 00:35:40.460 --> 00:35:41.860 You call for us 00:35:41.860 --> 00:35:43.260 not to be afraid. 00:35:44.559 --> 00:35:46.019 May we not be afraid 00:35:46.019 --> 00:35:47.139 on this journey 00:35:47.139 --> 00:35:47.699 in life. 00:35:48.699 --> 00:35:49.579 May we come 00:35:49.579 --> 00:35:50.240 to know you. 00:35:51.079 --> 00:35:52.159 May we receive 00:35:52.159 --> 00:35:52.880 that free gift 00:35:52.880 --> 00:35:53.539 of salvation 00:35:53.539 --> 00:35:54.699 by believing in you. 00:35:55.960 --> 00:35:57.019 May we grow. 00:35:57.019 --> 00:35:58.820 may we not 00:35:58.820 --> 00:35:59.500 hide away 00:35:59.500 --> 00:36:00.199 our lamp 00:36:00.199 --> 00:36:01.360 and may we 00:36:01.360 --> 00:36:02.139 as the church 00:36:02.139 --> 00:36:03.619 may we shine 00:36:03.619 --> 00:36:04.059 brightly. 00:36:05.039 --> 00:36:05.619 In other words, 00:36:05.719 --> 00:36:05.900 Father, 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:06.719 I pray that we 00:36:06.719 --> 00:36:07.340 may shine 00:36:07.340 --> 00:36:08.280 brightly 00:36:08.280 --> 00:36:09.400 in our own lives 00:36:09.400 --> 00:36:10.239 but also 00:36:10.239 --> 00:36:10.679 brightly 00:36:10.679 --> 00:36:12.360 as the church. 00:36:13.420 --> 00:36:14.219 And I pray 00:36:14.219 --> 00:36:14.719 that we are 00:36:14.719 --> 00:36:15.179 moved 00:36:15.179 --> 00:36:16.699 from this 00:36:16.699 --> 00:36:17.460 message today 00:36:17.460 --> 00:36:18.800 to live 00:36:18.800 --> 00:36:20.019 and to love 00:36:20.019 --> 00:36:20.579 like you. 00:36:21.659 --> 00:36:22.340 May you 00:36:22.340 --> 00:36:22.880 move us 00:36:22.880 --> 00:36:23.460 to act 00:36:23.460 --> 00:36:24.320 and to respond 00:36:24.320 --> 00:36:24.679 to you 00:36:24.679 --> 00:36:25.460 whether that's 00:36:25.460 --> 00:36:26.259 believing in you 00:36:26.260 --> 00:36:27.120 the first time 00:36:27.120 --> 00:36:28.780 returning to you 00:36:28.780 --> 00:36:30.060 continuing on 00:36:30.060 --> 00:36:31.200 the growth trajectory 00:36:31.200 --> 00:36:32.560 or just being 00:36:32.560 --> 00:36:33.020 moved 00:36:33.020 --> 00:36:34.320 to act. 00:36:35.940 --> 00:36:37.140 We love you 00:36:37.140 --> 00:36:38.100 so much. 00:36:38.860 --> 00:36:39.520 We praise you 00:36:39.520 --> 00:36:40.400 and we glorify 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:41.460 your holy name. 00:36:42.140 --> 00:36:43.400 It is in the name 00:36:43.400 --> 00:36:44.400 of Jesus Christ 00:36:44.400 --> 00:36:45.280 that we pray 00:36:45.280 --> 00:36:46.840 the living one 00:36:46.840 --> 00:36:48.360 the alpha 00:36:48.360 --> 00:36:49.260 and the omega 00:36:49.260 --> 00:36:50.140 that we pray 00:36:50.140 --> 00:36:51.200 and we all say 00:36:51.200 --> 00:36:51.800 together amen 00:36:51.800 --> 00:36:52.320 church. 00:36:52.760 --> 00:36:53.240 Amen. 00:36:53.239 --> 00:36:54.639 Thank you for 00:36:54.639 --> 00:36:55.219 listening to 00:36:55.219 --> 00:36:56.139 Ontario Community 00:36:56.139 --> 00:36:56.559 Church. 00:36:56.819 --> 00:36:57.879 If this blessed 00:36:57.879 --> 00:36:58.159 you, 00:36:58.659 --> 00:36:59.219 share it with 00:36:59.219 --> 00:36:59.759 someone who 00:36:59.759 --> 00:37:00.719 needs encouragement. 00:37:01.399 --> 00:37:02.279 Remember the 00:37:02.279 --> 00:37:02.799 promise. 00:37:03.339 --> 00:37:04.199 Blessed are those 00:37:04.199 --> 00:37:04.799 who read, 00:37:05.199 --> 00:37:05.479 hear, 00:37:05.739 --> 00:37:06.519 and keep the 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:07.339 words of this 00:37:07.339 --> 00:37:07.819 prophecy. 00:37:08.359 --> 00:37:09.319 So let us 00:37:09.319 --> 00:37:10.179 live it this week 00:37:10.179 --> 00:37:11.679 with steadfast faith 00:37:11.679 --> 00:37:12.579 and a loving 00:37:12.579 --> 00:37:13.079 witness. 00:37:13.679 --> 00:37:14.519 This next Sunday 00:37:14.519 --> 00:37:15.259 we will begin 00:37:15.259 --> 00:37:16.019 week four 00:37:16.019 --> 00:37:16.719 in our 00:37:16.719 --> 00:37:17.199 Revelation 00:37:17.199 --> 00:37:18.199 sermon series 00:37:18.199 --> 00:37:19.259 with Revelation 00:37:19.259 --> 00:37:20.259 chapter two 00:37:20.259 --> 00:37:21.359 verses one 00:37:21.360 --> 00:37:21.980 to seven 00:37:21.980 --> 00:37:23.420 where Jesus's 00:37:23.420 --> 00:37:24.519 letter is to 00:37:24.519 --> 00:37:24.940 Ephesus. 00:37:25.460 --> 00:37:26.480 We will explore 00:37:26.480 --> 00:37:27.160 what it means 00:37:27.160 --> 00:37:28.000 to keep our 00:37:28.000 --> 00:37:28.960 first love 00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:29.960 and to do 00:37:29.960 --> 00:37:31.059 the first works 00:37:31.059 --> 00:37:32.059 while shining 00:37:32.059 --> 00:37:33.500 as his lampstand. 00:37:34.320 --> 00:37:35.160 Grace and peace 00:37:35.160 --> 00:37:35.579 to you 00:37:35.579 --> 00:37:36.280 in the name 00:37:36.280 --> 00:37:37.200 of Jesus Christ 00:37:37.200 --> 00:37:38.160 the first 00:37:38.160 --> 00:37:39.000 and the last 00:37:39.000 --> 00:37:39.940 the alpha 00:37:39.940 --> 00:37:40.840 and the omega 00:37:40.840 --> 00:37:41.980 God bless. 00:37:51.360 --> 00:37:53.019 God bless you 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.019 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:55.360 through 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:55.360 00:37:55.360 --> 00:38:25.340 Thank you. 00:38:25.360 --> 00:38:55.340 Thank you.