WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.120 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.120 --> 00:00:14.480 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:14.820 --> 00:00:22.679 Today's message is rooted in Him, awaiting Him, from Revelation 1, verses 1-8. 00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:27.280 We saw that Jesus Christ, He reigns from beginning to end. 00:00:27.280 --> 00:00:29.859 He is the Alpha and the Omega. 00:00:30.620 --> 00:00:32.340 Jesus Christ loves us. 00:00:32.760 --> 00:00:37.420 He freed us by His blood, and He made us a kingdom and priests. 00:00:37.820 --> 00:00:44.260 One thing that I really appreciated in doing this sermon is mentioning that Christ was there even at creation. 00:00:44.960 --> 00:00:50.980 A verse that really stands out to me is John 1, verses 1-3, which mention, 00:00:50.980 --> 00:00:55.420 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 00:00:55.420 --> 00:01:02.800 But I also think of Proverbs 8, verses 27-30, and I want to share that with you before we begin. 00:01:03.540 --> 00:01:05.659 It says in the English Standard Version, 00:01:05.659 --> 00:01:26.400 And this is an example of what we find in the connections with the Word of God. 00:01:26.400 --> 00:01:34.020 It was really an honor to be able to preach from Revelation as we are going through our 42-week series through the Book of Revelation. 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:41.160 As we read, hear, and keep the Word, may the Word of God dwell richly within us. 00:01:41.420 --> 00:01:45.860 And may our hope come from Him as we await for His final return. 00:01:45.859 --> 00:01:56.859 It's great to be here as we are now ready to rock and roll, ready to start in our sermon series through the Book of Revelation. 00:01:56.859 --> 00:01:58.239 This has been a long time coming. 00:01:59.060 --> 00:02:07.719 For those of you, you may have seen how we did 38 messages through the parables of Christ. 00:02:07.719 --> 00:02:09.859 That was basically part one. 00:02:10.599 --> 00:02:18.960 We had these simplistic truths that's found in God's Word that taught something that was so deep, sometimes complex, 00:02:19.620 --> 00:02:22.639 but good for all of us to read, to study, to learn. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:29.939 And in going through all of the parables, I kept seeing so many connections within Revelation. 00:02:29.939 --> 00:02:38.500 And finally, the Lord laid it on my heart that, by golly, we're going to go through Revelation and go through this incredible book. 00:02:39.039 --> 00:02:40.340 It's not a scary book. 00:02:41.079 --> 00:02:49.780 I know that there's so, so often we live in this world where we think of Revelation as the book that you don't want to turn to. 00:02:50.419 --> 00:02:53.180 The book that's scary and the book that divides people. 00:02:53.819 --> 00:02:59.099 But the reality is, Revelation, like any other book in the Bible, is important. 00:02:59.939 --> 00:03:05.319 It's important for us to read, for us to study together, for us to grow, and for us to learn from. 00:03:06.039 --> 00:03:11.020 And like anything, it's part of the Word of God. 00:03:12.139 --> 00:03:18.819 What I'd like to invite us to do, let's open in a word of prayer, and we'll turn our Bibles to Revelation chapter 1. 00:03:18.819 --> 00:03:22.939 We're going to go through verses 1 through 8 in Revelation. 00:03:22.939 --> 00:03:30.280 But before we begin, I'd like for us to bow our heads together and let's pray for this time together. 00:03:30.900 --> 00:03:38.180 Father God, we thank you for this time and this opportunity for us to gather together as we are faithfully going through your Word. 00:03:38.900 --> 00:03:47.020 We pray, Father, that truth is spoken here, that we will read, that we will hear, and we will keep your Word. 00:03:47.020 --> 00:03:51.880 Read so that we can experience your Word. 00:03:52.280 --> 00:03:58.800 Hear that we can understand and keep your Word holding on to it. 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:00.680 We pray for transformation. 00:04:01.540 --> 00:04:02.680 We pray for healing. 00:04:03.460 --> 00:04:09.860 We pray for everyone who is here in this room and those who have tuned on online, whether on TikTok, Facebook, or whatever. 00:04:10.960 --> 00:04:15.060 We pray, Father, that you will bless this time. 00:04:15.060 --> 00:04:20.939 We pray that as we go through Revelation, this will not be a book that divides us. 00:04:21.720 --> 00:04:32.819 But rather, this book being a part of your Word brings us not only united together as Christians who believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:40.000 but points to you, that points to your Son, and the hope that exists in Him. 00:04:40.920 --> 00:04:44.759 May we not lose our sight on the main thing. 00:04:45.420 --> 00:04:49.560 That salvation that comes from you, balancing the grace and truth. 00:04:50.160 --> 00:04:53.060 May we grow individually and together. 00:04:54.199 --> 00:04:56.899 Be with us in this time and in this place. 00:04:57.280 --> 00:05:00.379 It is in the name of Jesus that we pray and we all say together, Amen. 00:05:01.040 --> 00:05:03.139 So let's turn our Bibles to the book of Revelation. 00:05:03.300 --> 00:05:05.600 We're going to go to the first eight verses in here. 00:05:05.600 --> 00:05:12.260 You are free to use your ESVP Bible that is on page 1218. 00:05:13.840 --> 00:05:19.660 Or your Bible of choice, King James, New Living Translation, New International, or whatever one you prefer. 00:05:19.660 --> 00:05:26.660 So I'll give you a moment here. 00:05:26.660 --> 00:05:37.980 All right, are we all there? 00:05:38.400 --> 00:05:39.520 Pretty much all there? 00:05:39.760 --> 00:05:40.140 Okay. 00:05:41.080 --> 00:05:42.960 So, Revelation, verse 1. 00:05:43.620 --> 00:05:44.900 Let's read it together, church. 00:05:44.899 --> 00:06:10.639 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy. 00:06:10.639 --> 00:06:21.240 John, to the seven churches that are in Asia. 00:06:21.240 --> 00:06:27.939 Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come. 00:06:28.400 --> 00:06:31.579 And from the seven spirits who are before his throne. 00:06:32.040 --> 00:06:34.759 And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. 00:06:35.319 --> 00:06:39.240 The firstborn of the dead and the ruler of kings on earth. 00:06:39.740 --> 00:06:44.180 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. 00:06:44.180 --> 00:06:48.259 And made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father. 00:06:48.939 --> 00:06:52.699 To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. 00:06:52.980 --> 00:06:53.240 Amen. 00:06:54.019 --> 00:06:58.819 Behold, he is coming with the clouds and every eye will see him. 00:06:59.340 --> 00:07:00.879 Even those who pierced him. 00:07:01.319 --> 00:07:05.199 And all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. 00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:07.220 Even so, amen. 00:07:07.220 --> 00:07:11.320 I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God. 00:07:11.720 --> 00:07:15.120 Who is and who was and who is to come. 00:07:15.480 --> 00:07:16.400 The Almighty. 00:07:17.360 --> 00:07:17.700 Wow. 00:07:18.520 --> 00:07:19.480 That's beautiful. 00:07:20.040 --> 00:07:20.900 That is rich. 00:07:21.080 --> 00:07:21.960 That is deep. 00:07:22.780 --> 00:07:26.020 Just reading that last week, we began with the first three verses. 00:07:26.020 --> 00:07:31.620 Just talking about how important it is for us to read aloud the words of Revelation. 00:07:31.620 --> 00:07:38.800 Just as it is important for us to read the word of God privately or even corporately, right? 00:07:39.259 --> 00:07:44.540 And here at Ontario Community, we do the interactive reading, which has a lot of connecting verses, right? 00:07:44.579 --> 00:07:46.780 We were going over the sower and the seed. 00:07:47.139 --> 00:07:54.459 But also, as we see here in Revelation, the importance of us to read, to hear, and to keep. 00:07:54.459 --> 00:08:06.279 What's so amazing about that is when you first read it, to read and to hear, you're like, well, if it's being read out loud and I'm hearing it, it's to understand it, though. 00:08:06.939 --> 00:08:11.959 It's just like how often in Scripture where we see this verse, we read it, where it says, 00:08:12.359 --> 00:08:15.759 Let those who have ears, let him hear. 00:08:16.240 --> 00:08:18.879 It is hearing so that they can understand. 00:08:19.899 --> 00:08:23.979 The transforming, there's a lot of transformation that comes through the word of God. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:29.660 And just like the song that we sang earlier, speak to me through your word, through your spirit. 00:08:29.860 --> 00:08:31.480 Speak your words of life. 00:08:31.900 --> 00:08:35.539 Just like how Scripture says, your words are spirit and life. 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:38.320 And so Christ is revealed, right? 00:08:38.399 --> 00:08:43.159 He's revealed by God, who sends his angel John for his servants. 00:08:44.019 --> 00:08:45.220 And there's this blessing. 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:46.980 And I think it's fascinating. 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:51.960 When we find verses that say, well, where is the blessing? 00:08:51.960 --> 00:09:00.460 Well, a blessing that comes from God by reading this book together is just, that's very comforting in here, too. 00:09:00.600 --> 00:09:02.639 And it's important for us to read. 00:09:03.240 --> 00:09:07.820 I want you to keep that in mind, to read, to hear, and to keep, right? 00:09:07.820 --> 00:09:12.260 Hold on to the words that you have heard and that you understand. 00:09:12.460 --> 00:09:14.680 Keep it within you, right? 00:09:14.780 --> 00:09:19.520 Just when we're thinking about the changing of our mind, when we think of metanoia, 00:09:19.879 --> 00:09:23.360 our minds are being changed, our hearts are being transformed, 00:09:23.360 --> 00:09:26.440 so that we become more like the Lord. 00:09:26.440 --> 00:09:32.320 And so when we go on then into verses 4 and 5, it's saying, 00:09:32.480 --> 00:09:34.600 John, to the seven churches that are in Asia, 00:09:35.280 --> 00:09:39.760 grace and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come. 00:09:40.280 --> 00:09:45.940 And when we're talking about this, it's very interesting where it's talking about the seven spirits who are before his throne. 00:09:45.940 --> 00:09:50.320 You can find in your notes, we're not going to go there, 00:09:50.420 --> 00:09:55.580 but there's what is known as the sevenfold fullness of the Spirit, 00:09:55.720 --> 00:10:01.120 which is representing completedness in Isaiah chapter 44, verse 6. 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:05.200 So it's talking about the dwelling of the Spirit with these seven churches. 00:10:05.840 --> 00:10:08.560 And that's something that is very important for us. 00:10:08.559 --> 00:10:15.619 And so we also see in verse 5, it mentions about Jesus Christ as what, church? 00:10:17.719 --> 00:10:19.539 The faithful witness, right? 00:10:20.239 --> 00:10:21.799 What's the second one then, church? 00:10:23.019 --> 00:10:27.579 The firstborn of the dead and the ruler of kings on earth. 00:10:27.659 --> 00:10:30.500 So you have three things that are being listed here. 00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:36.139 Now, the faithful witness, right, testifying to God and the power of the Lord, 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:40.019 we have in here what is the firstborn of the dead. 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:43.039 When we read that, you're like, what in the world is that talking about? 00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:47.399 We're talking about the firstborn of the resurrection. 00:10:48.039 --> 00:10:50.460 Now, for some of you, you might say, well, what about Lazarus? 00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:51.980 Wasn't he raised from the dead? 00:10:52.559 --> 00:10:58.399 When we're talking about the resurrection of Christ, it is not having to die again. 00:10:58.919 --> 00:11:02.159 That is what we're talking about, the firstborn of the dead. 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:04.579 Never to die again. 00:11:04.699 --> 00:11:06.439 That is different than Lazarus. 00:11:06.519 --> 00:11:07.980 And the rulers of kings on earth. 00:11:08.079 --> 00:11:09.319 Amen to that one, right? 00:11:09.699 --> 00:11:12.740 We think of all those that are in authority in the past. 00:11:12.860 --> 00:11:15.019 We think of the authorities in the present. 00:11:15.319 --> 00:11:18.679 And we think of how God is the ruler of all authority. 00:11:19.559 --> 00:11:22.360 There is no one that is above our Lord and our God. 00:11:22.439 --> 00:11:23.939 And that should give us great comfort. 00:11:23.940 --> 00:11:30.340 Because quite honestly, when we think of kings, rulers, nations even, those in, 00:11:30.900 --> 00:11:32.940 I don't want to criticize the government too much here, 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:36.940 but relying on God is much better than relying on humans. 00:11:37.660 --> 00:11:37.840 Amen? 00:11:38.160 --> 00:11:39.200 You know what I mean. 00:11:39.280 --> 00:11:40.720 You guys know exactly what I'm talking about. 00:11:41.260 --> 00:11:45.900 And so in this here, we see here, it goes on further then, 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:49.819 to him who loves us, right? 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:55.299 That Jesus Christ loves all of us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. 00:11:55.419 --> 00:11:57.159 The lamb that was slain. 00:11:57.220 --> 00:12:00.299 When we think of that imagery, when we partake of communion, 00:12:00.299 --> 00:12:03.699 we're talking about the bread, the body that was broken, 00:12:03.699 --> 00:12:07.500 and the cup of the new covenant by his blood. 00:12:07.879 --> 00:12:09.519 So it's referencing here, 00:12:09.519 --> 00:12:14.460 the forgiveness of our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:17.720 priests to his God and Father. 00:12:18.379 --> 00:12:22.720 And so we are freed by the sacrifice from Christ. 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:24.139 And it's interesting. 00:12:24.240 --> 00:12:25.579 We talk about so much. 00:12:25.980 --> 00:12:28.819 It's important for us to know when we become a Christian, 00:12:29.120 --> 00:12:30.720 we become a new creation, right? 00:12:31.159 --> 00:12:33.439 That's not the only promise that we have, though. 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:34.980 We have a new identity. 00:12:35.439 --> 00:12:38.639 We have ongoing transformation that comes through him. 00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:42.340 We have to certainly follow in the footsteps of Christ. 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:45.419 But it's talking about being a part of the kingdom. 00:12:46.240 --> 00:12:47.360 That's an interesting one. 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:52.519 To know that we're part of something that's much greater than what the earth has to offer 00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:55.340 should give us a great deal of comfort and security 00:12:55.340 --> 00:12:59.740 to know that when we think of God and the kingdom that he provides, 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:00.580 we're a part of that. 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:02.679 We are a citizen of heaven, as it were. 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:05.000 That's so important for us. 00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:06.080 He made us a kingdom. 00:13:06.080 --> 00:13:11.120 Now, when we think of priests, what in the world is going on here? 00:13:11.660 --> 00:13:16.120 For some of us, we may have that background where we think of priests in a holy order, 00:13:16.300 --> 00:13:19.480 or we may think of the Old Testament where you had the Levitical priests 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:21.780 who had certain duties and responsibilities. 00:13:22.660 --> 00:13:28.320 And then you have later on in the New Testament something that is known as the priesthood of all believers. 00:13:28.320 --> 00:13:34.080 So what's interesting for us to note in here is that existing in this kingdom, 00:13:34.080 --> 00:13:36.800 not only are we saved by grace through faith, 00:13:36.900 --> 00:13:42.760 but we are called to exist as priests who are dedicated to the Lord, 00:13:42.820 --> 00:13:44.340 who are witnessing to God, 00:13:44.780 --> 00:13:47.020 and they are a part of his own. 00:13:47.060 --> 00:13:52.300 In other words, one of the things that you'll find in Revelation is the idea of new clothes. 00:13:52.299 --> 00:13:56.819 We go further about that, and we went over this a little bit last week, 00:13:56.959 --> 00:14:02.019 talking about the white garments or the white robes that we receive. 00:14:02.859 --> 00:14:05.059 And that is part of the new citizenship. 00:14:05.339 --> 00:14:09.759 That is part of being a member of heaven or part of this priesthood. 00:14:10.479 --> 00:14:11.719 So that's something that's interesting. 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:14.299 For some of us, it may be hard for us to wrap our mind around, 00:14:14.719 --> 00:14:18.819 but it is something that's in God's word and something we need to take to heart. 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:22.540 So priest to his God, and it's mentioning to him, 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:23.940 be the glory and dominion forever. 00:14:24.920 --> 00:14:27.280 Now, what's very interesting, we go into verse 7, 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:30.300 Behold, he's coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, 00:14:30.520 --> 00:14:33.080 even those who pierced him, all the tribes of the earth, 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:35.879 who will wail on account of him. 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:41.820 What's interesting about that is it's talking about the final judgment. 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:47.500 When we think of how every tongue will confess that Christ is Lord, 00:14:47.500 --> 00:14:50.879 or when we think about in the future with the final judgment, 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:53.299 everyone will give account to God. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:55.679 That's very important for us to know. 00:14:55.879 --> 00:14:59.559 And so in this, we can see that there is, 00:15:00.019 --> 00:15:05.000 even those who pierced him, all the tribes of the earth will wail on account to him. 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:10.820 So mentioning that at the end, everyone will have to give an account to God. 00:15:10.820 --> 00:15:14.900 And it really matters as we go further into Revelation, 00:15:15.160 --> 00:15:17.220 is your name in the book of life? 00:15:18.080 --> 00:15:18.960 Or is it not? 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:21.520 We'll go further into that as we go along, 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:24.160 but this is another thing that is very well connected. 00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:26.920 And it goes on in verse 8 where it's saying, 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:28.540 I am the Alpha and the Omega, 00:15:28.860 --> 00:15:29.580 says the Lord, 00:15:30.300 --> 00:15:33.300 who is and who was and who is to come. 00:15:34.179 --> 00:15:38.359 There's a lot of connections in your notes that I wish if we had all the time, 00:15:38.439 --> 00:15:39.719 we would be here for many hours. 00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:41.639 But go look at your notes. 00:15:42.419 --> 00:15:43.659 Go look at your Bible study, 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:46.919 and you'll see the connections that is found within here. 00:15:47.439 --> 00:15:49.959 So these are the things that we can observe then, right? 00:15:49.979 --> 00:15:50.639 What is happening? 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:51.759 Christ's future coming. 00:15:51.959 --> 00:15:54.939 And this is the Alpha and the Omega, right? 00:15:55.019 --> 00:15:57.839 Who Christ is and our identity in him. 00:15:58.539 --> 00:16:00.439 And then the revelation and the blessing. 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:03.720 And so as I've mentioned before, I'll mention again, 00:16:03.820 --> 00:16:06.800 it's important for us to go through all of these verses. 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:10.320 And even if we come back with questions and we don't have all the answers, 00:16:10.660 --> 00:16:11.460 that is okay. 00:16:12.160 --> 00:16:15.360 Did you ace every single test that you've ever been in? 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:17.720 If you have, I want to know your secret for sure. 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:22.320 But the reality is that we are a work in progress. 00:16:22.560 --> 00:16:23.540 We come to the Lord. 00:16:23.660 --> 00:16:25.640 We're all on this journey, 00:16:25.920 --> 00:16:28.800 this spiritual journey before we come to know Christ. 00:16:28.799 --> 00:16:32.759 Then we come to know the Lord and we begin a journey in Christ 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:35.559 where we are continuing to learn and to grow. 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:37.659 Just as I mentioned earlier, 00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:41.059 the seed being planted into the soil and taking root. 00:16:41.199 --> 00:16:42.620 That's the parabolic language. 00:16:43.000 --> 00:16:44.699 But in the revelation language then, 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:47.279 it is reading and hearing, 00:16:47.620 --> 00:16:50.019 coming to understand and keeping it, 00:16:50.179 --> 00:16:51.819 implementing it into your life, 00:16:51.959 --> 00:16:53.799 living it out what you have learned. 00:16:54.359 --> 00:16:55.699 How many of you know somebody? 00:16:55.700 --> 00:16:59.700 They continue to learn and learn and they never act upon what they've learned. 00:17:00.200 --> 00:17:01.980 I hope it's not you when you're raising your hand. 00:17:02.040 --> 00:17:03.840 I'm saying if you know somebody, right? 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:05.819 I know a few people who are like that. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:08.460 They continually learn and they're always growing. 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:11.140 They're never doing anything with it and it makes you wonder. 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:12.960 And I'm not saying it's bad to learn. 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:15.460 It's certainly good to learn. 00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:16.900 But through learning, 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:21.080 there should be a call for you to live and act upon what you've learned. 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:24.500 We can think about that not only in the everyday world that we live in, 00:17:24.579 --> 00:17:26.819 but especially when it comes to the Word of God. 00:17:27.139 --> 00:17:29.179 When you're learning God and His Word 00:17:29.179 --> 00:17:31.179 and the deeper things that come from Him, 00:17:31.740 --> 00:17:33.679 we are to be molded. 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:36.980 We are to act upon our faith and to live it out every single day. 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:40.179 That's with those that we interact with, right? 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:41.539 Our friends and our family. 00:17:41.699 --> 00:17:43.720 How are you living and loving like Christ? 00:17:43.939 --> 00:17:45.220 The words that you speak, 00:17:45.299 --> 00:17:46.579 the actions that you have, 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:50.099 how is that being manifest from the Word? 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:53.240 So part of keeping the Word is, 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:54.980 yes, never letting it go, 00:17:55.299 --> 00:17:56.859 but it's also living it out. 00:17:57.480 --> 00:18:00.779 It's also being able to share in what you have learned. 00:18:01.379 --> 00:18:04.299 And so when we go then into the interpretation, 00:18:04.619 --> 00:18:08.159 I always mention here that here at Ontario Community, 00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:12.639 observation is the understanding that Scripture is our source. 00:18:12.740 --> 00:18:13.500 This is our book. 00:18:13.859 --> 00:18:15.279 And we are blessed to have this book. 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:17.160 We read what it says. 00:18:17.920 --> 00:18:18.899 Then we have the I, 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:20.639 which is the interpretation. 00:18:20.940 --> 00:18:23.599 What can we learn from this? 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:25.660 And then finally, 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.740 there's that final one, 00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:27.660 which is application. 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:29.059 What can we do about this? 00:18:29.139 --> 00:18:30.899 So here is interpretation. 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:32.000 What can we learn? 00:18:32.660 --> 00:18:34.019 From beginning to end, 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:35.279 Christ reigns. 00:18:36.039 --> 00:18:36.220 Amen? 00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:39.779 That's a heavy one right there. 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:42.019 That's one that we should all know, right? 00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:43.960 When we talk about the Alpha and the Omega, 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:45.279 the coming, 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.279 the clouds, 00:18:46.420 --> 00:18:49.460 the Son of Man appearing with dominion over everything. 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:52.340 It's so much how we found in Scripture, 00:18:52.340 --> 00:18:54.220 when we went over the parables, 00:18:54.340 --> 00:18:56.420 where the Master would go away for a while, 00:18:56.519 --> 00:18:58.720 and then finally return, right? 00:18:58.720 --> 00:19:00.920 When we were talking so much of those patterns. 00:19:01.120 --> 00:19:03.799 This is the return of the King, 00:19:03.900 --> 00:19:04.660 as it were, right? 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:07.160 That the Lord will see to it 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:10.079 that what He has set in motion will come to completion. 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:13.179 And so it is the return of the kings, 00:19:13.399 --> 00:19:14.579 and we as servants, 00:19:14.899 --> 00:19:17.099 as a new creation, 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:18.759 as priests in this kingdom, 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:21.879 are preparing the way for Christ to return. 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:25.439 Now, it's important for me to mention here, 00:19:26.419 --> 00:19:28.299 some of you more tech-savvy people 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.500 might have seen recently 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:32.859 that some people were talking about this week, 00:19:32.919 --> 00:19:35.559 that the end of the world was going to happen this week. 00:19:35.899 --> 00:19:37.839 Some were saying it was going to be the rapture, 00:19:37.839 --> 00:19:39.539 some were saying it was going to be the end of the world, 00:19:39.659 --> 00:19:43.720 and I'm not criticizing the heart of preparation. 00:19:44.399 --> 00:19:45.639 We shouldn't criticize that 00:19:45.639 --> 00:19:47.639 when people are saying Jesus is coming true. 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:48.959 I say amen to that. 00:19:49.059 --> 00:19:51.720 But we don't know the time in which that will happen. 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:54.059 I would certainly hate, as your pastor, 00:19:54.139 --> 00:19:56.279 to say Christ is going to return on Tuesday, 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:57.759 and then it doesn't happen, 00:19:57.939 --> 00:19:58.959 and then I'm going to have to say, 00:19:59.399 --> 00:20:00.220 I'm going to come up here, 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:01.199 and I'll be very embarrassed. 00:20:01.959 --> 00:20:03.519 It's important for us, though, 00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:07.059 the heart of that is to be in anticipation 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:10.000 and in preparation for Christ's return. 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:12.039 That is the heart of the matter. 00:20:12.839 --> 00:20:14.500 And when we see all these timelines, 00:20:14.639 --> 00:20:15.700 just as I mentioned, I'm like, 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:17.059 really, did someone have to predict 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:18.639 the world would end when we just started this? 00:20:18.879 --> 00:20:21.960 We think about it, that we trust in the living God. 00:20:22.119 --> 00:20:23.980 We don't know when Christ will return, 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:25.039 and that's okay. 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:28.099 By us being saved by grace through faith, 00:20:28.180 --> 00:20:30.440 by us growing in the things of God 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:32.240 and living out and sharing in the gospel, 00:20:32.600 --> 00:20:34.759 think of how much time that we have 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:37.740 to share in our testimony with other people. 00:20:38.279 --> 00:20:41.940 Think of how important it is before Christ returns, 00:20:42.580 --> 00:20:45.860 how important it is for us to steward our time wisely. 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:49.220 So that's how things get connected in here. 00:20:49.340 --> 00:20:51.600 And so when we're talking about then again, 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:54.600 the pierced one will be seen by all. 00:20:54.820 --> 00:20:57.680 It's talking about what is to come, the end, 00:20:57.680 --> 00:21:00.360 and the language of the first and the last 00:21:00.360 --> 00:21:02.880 is just talking about our triune God, right? 00:21:02.940 --> 00:21:05.500 The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 00:21:05.640 --> 00:21:07.940 Some denominations will mention it 00:21:07.940 --> 00:21:10.259 as the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:13.440 Well, Father, Son, Spirit, whatever you want to call it, 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:14.900 and hopefully it's biblical, right? 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:18.920 Is that understanding that the triune God 00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:22.920 has been there since the foundation of the earth. 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:26.580 There's a verse, I didn't put it in my notes, 00:21:27.080 --> 00:21:30.560 but there's a verse, I want to say it's in Proverbs, 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:32.820 where it says, 00:21:33.580 --> 00:21:35.940 before the earth was made, I was there. 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:38.080 And you're like, whoa. 00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:41.360 Just like very similar to what you find in Genesis, 00:21:42.200 --> 00:21:44.560 that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:48.800 and the earth was empty and void, right? 00:21:48.799 --> 00:21:52.139 We think about how the Spirit was hovering around the waters. 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:53.460 I need to take a sip real quick. 00:21:56.119 --> 00:21:58.799 And so how important that is. 00:21:59.879 --> 00:22:01.359 Now, the firstborn of the dead, 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:04.539 I want to make this very clear when we're talking about that, 00:22:05.379 --> 00:22:09.159 is that it is known as prototokos, 00:22:09.619 --> 00:22:12.599 which means talking about the supremacy, 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:14.519 the order of things. 00:22:15.099 --> 00:22:16.279 Now, when I mention that, 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.099 some of you may be like, 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:18.679 okay, Christ reigns supreme. 00:22:18.819 --> 00:22:22.359 There are some people who will twist that specific wording in that. 00:22:23.699 --> 00:22:24.859 But in all of this, 00:22:25.399 --> 00:22:27.559 from beginning to end, Christ reigns. 00:22:27.639 --> 00:22:30.219 Christ has been there as part of the Trinity. 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:32.619 And we have to think that, 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:34.279 ask yourself the question, 00:22:34.419 --> 00:22:37.399 do your words and do your actions match who he is? 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:40.439 Are you being transformed by the living God? 00:22:40.919 --> 00:22:42.359 The second thing then is, 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:43.079 in Christ, 00:22:43.419 --> 00:22:45.419 we are a kingdom of priestly people. 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:47.300 What in the world are you saying here, 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:48.000 pastor, right? 00:22:48.360 --> 00:22:50.560 That Christ has made us this kingdom 00:22:50.560 --> 00:22:52.120 and has made us priests. 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:55.720 And the priesthood then is for all believers to worship, 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.440 to live, 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.539 and to love like him, 00:22:57.620 --> 00:23:01.360 and to be in preparation of the return of the king. 00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:07.080 From salvation flows transformation and future promises. 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:08.519 And so, 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.299 let us, 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:11.199 when we think of this thing of priesthood, 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:17.699 let us think of the idea of how important it is for us to grow and to live and to love like Christ. 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:20.539 Let your allegiance be to Christ. 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:23.879 And even through trials and through tribulations, 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:29.639 think of the imagery of how Christ is the solid rock and we build our house upon the rock. 00:23:29.640 --> 00:23:33.520 Who in the world builds their house on a sand unless it's a sand castle, right? 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:35.120 We think about that. 00:23:36.180 --> 00:23:36.580 And so, 00:23:36.759 --> 00:23:39.360 the third one then is to be good soil. 00:23:40.100 --> 00:23:45.340 I put this parabolic language on here because what's very interesting about this is how, 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:47.640 when we went over the seed and the soil, 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:52.320 one of the big important things was the soil representing our hearts. 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:56.179 And kind of seeing how this is connected, 00:23:56.599 --> 00:23:59.939 we have to make sure that our hearts are not hardened, 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:02.259 that our hearts are softened, 00:24:02.359 --> 00:24:04.299 and that they are ready to receive, 00:24:04.419 --> 00:24:06.319 to receive God and his word. 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.220 And so, 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:09.960 when we're thinking in the context of revelation then, 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:12.519 as we read the word of God, 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:14.559 we might not hear it. 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:18.339 And that's kind of a scary thing to think about. 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.740 But we read, 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:20.819 and by golly, 00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:24.079 we've got to pray that we understand what the word says. 00:24:25.859 --> 00:24:28.460 What I've always found very interesting is how 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:35.059 God will protect the hidden things of his word from the outside. 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:39.319 I always thought that was so interesting that scripture would speak about that. 00:24:39.879 --> 00:24:41.819 But what's important for us is that 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:44.639 we should pray for softened hearts, 00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:47.000 for people to open their Bible, 00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:49.220 and for them to understand it. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:50.940 May they be convicted. 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:51.920 May they, 00:24:52.339 --> 00:24:53.500 if they're not a Christian, 00:24:53.620 --> 00:24:55.640 may they come to believe in Jesus Christ. 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:58.420 May their hearts be receptive, 00:24:58.740 --> 00:25:01.640 and that imagery of the seed going into the soil, 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:02.539 may it take root. 00:25:02.620 --> 00:25:05.460 That's why we talk so much about being rooted in Christ, 00:25:05.539 --> 00:25:07.980 or how important it is for us to bear fruit. 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:11.220 That we are the continuation of that work in progress. 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:12.720 So when we're reading and we're hearing, 00:25:12.819 --> 00:25:13.640 we're understanding, 00:25:13.640 --> 00:25:16.640 and let's keep the word with us. 00:25:17.340 --> 00:25:19.080 Let us keep it in our hearts. 00:25:19.800 --> 00:25:20.020 Right? 00:25:20.360 --> 00:25:22.720 It's just like how I've mentioned before that 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:23.880 when we think of 00:25:23.880 --> 00:25:25.140 the, 00:25:25.360 --> 00:25:27.360 this little light of mine, 00:25:27.560 --> 00:25:28.580 hide it under a bushel, 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:28.880 no, 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:30.220 I'm going to let it shine. 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:33.759 Let your life radiate the love of Christ. 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:36.600 Let your life radiate the truth of Christ. 00:25:36.599 --> 00:25:38.519 And so that's something, 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:41.980 it's a lot that we have to think about. 00:25:42.119 --> 00:25:42.419 And so, 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:46.219 revelation promises a blessing for those who read, 00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:47.099 hear, 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.679 and keep the word. 00:25:49.399 --> 00:25:50.099 And so let us, 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:52.039 let us think about that. 00:25:52.619 --> 00:25:53.939 Let us be encouraged to, 00:25:54.219 --> 00:25:55.859 not just read revelation, 00:25:56.099 --> 00:25:58.219 even though it specifically talks about revelation, 00:25:58.699 --> 00:26:00.299 but be encouraged to read God's word. 00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:03.279 And be encouraged to be transformed by it. 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:06.639 that's so important for us to pay attention 00:26:06.639 --> 00:26:08.500 and to continue, 00:26:08.639 --> 00:26:09.879 even if you are a Christian, 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:13.240 to ask God to continue to mold you, 00:26:13.859 --> 00:26:15.460 to have continued understanding. 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:18.740 It's just like how many times we may read the word 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:19.019 and you're like, 00:26:19.059 --> 00:26:20.799 I didn't understand this before. 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:22.500 What in the world? 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:25.399 How many times have I read that passage 00:26:25.399 --> 00:26:26.440 and I didn't get it? 00:26:26.460 --> 00:26:27.240 And finally I'm like, 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:27.579 oh, 00:26:28.579 --> 00:26:30.879 it's happened to more often than not. 00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:34.000 So now we go to then the, 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:37.160 the application is how should we respond? 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:39.040 How should we live this out? 00:26:39.880 --> 00:26:41.640 The first thing then is to declare 00:26:41.640 --> 00:26:44.720 and display Christ's grace and truth. 00:26:45.560 --> 00:26:46.820 Let your life, 00:26:47.600 --> 00:26:50.080 may you come to know Christ first and foremost, 00:26:50.340 --> 00:26:50.520 right? 00:26:50.560 --> 00:26:51.660 And as you're growing, 00:26:51.860 --> 00:26:53.620 may you live accordingly, 00:26:53.820 --> 00:26:54.060 right? 00:26:54.760 --> 00:26:56.080 To declare Christ, 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.360 even when culture, 00:26:57.520 --> 00:26:58.640 even when Babylon, 00:26:58.860 --> 00:27:00.360 we're going to go into further into that, 00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:02.820 when Babylon is against you 00:27:02.820 --> 00:27:04.400 or pressures you 00:27:04.400 --> 00:27:06.760 or when people go against you. 00:27:07.560 --> 00:27:08.280 That is also, 00:27:08.380 --> 00:27:08.560 I mean, 00:27:08.900 --> 00:27:10.080 when you go through Psalms, 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:12.120 how many times was David saying 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:13.340 that there's so many enemies 00:27:13.340 --> 00:27:14.980 that are rising up against him? 00:27:16.060 --> 00:27:16.360 It's, 00:27:16.540 --> 00:27:17.560 we have to think 00:27:17.560 --> 00:27:21.160 that we are focusing on Christ 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:21.800 and his word 00:27:21.800 --> 00:27:22.500 and living it out 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.940 and sharing in the gospel, 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:25.720 sharing in our testimony, 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:27.800 exhibiting the love 00:27:27.800 --> 00:27:29.580 and each and every situation 00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:30.359 is going to be different. 00:27:31.139 --> 00:27:32.240 I think of the culture 00:27:32.240 --> 00:27:33.199 that we live in today. 00:27:33.599 --> 00:27:34.839 This world needs Christ 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:35.759 more than ever before. 00:27:36.119 --> 00:27:38.079 This world needs the love of Christ, 00:27:38.199 --> 00:27:38.859 that's for sure. 00:27:39.139 --> 00:27:40.159 But the world also needs 00:27:40.159 --> 00:27:41.519 the truth of Christ as well. 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:43.839 And so when we think about 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:45.519 how we are saved by grace 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:46.019 through faith, 00:27:46.139 --> 00:27:47.759 we've got to live and love. 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:49.699 It's a balance between 00:27:49.699 --> 00:27:50.899 the two of them. 00:27:51.500 --> 00:27:53.099 And so when we think of the words 00:27:53.099 --> 00:27:53.720 that we speak, 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:54.899 how are you 00:27:54.899 --> 00:27:56.819 speaking to people? 00:27:57.599 --> 00:27:59.179 Are you encouraging them? 00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:00.359 Are you motivating them? 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:01.619 Sometimes you do have to 00:28:01.619 --> 00:28:03.659 give a harsh truth for sure, 00:28:04.059 --> 00:28:06.079 but it's not just 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:07.839 always harsh truth 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:09.159 or it's not always 00:28:09.159 --> 00:28:10.399 just encouraging words. 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:12.319 It's being able, 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:13.119 when we're living 00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:14.039 and loving like Christ, 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:15.220 we've got to discern 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:16.299 and we've got to figure out, 00:28:16.359 --> 00:28:16.659 well, which, 00:28:17.399 --> 00:28:18.839 how are we going to respond to, 00:28:19.359 --> 00:28:19.579 you know, 00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.460 how are you going to respond 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:20.980 to your brother 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:21.819 versus your cousin 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:22.759 versus your co-worker 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:23.359 kind of thing? 00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:25.399 that is what we are to do. 00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:27.299 And so be salt and light, 00:28:27.419 --> 00:28:28.439 let your light shine. 00:28:29.479 --> 00:28:31.019 And I can't help but think 00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:31.599 of the imagery 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:33.959 of the idea of Babylon, 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:36.459 the idea of us 00:28:36.459 --> 00:28:37.839 living in a place 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:41.099 that is full of evil, 00:28:41.699 --> 00:28:42.599 full of hatred, 00:28:43.459 --> 00:28:44.419 full of division, 00:28:45.199 --> 00:28:46.359 full of darkness. 00:28:47.659 --> 00:28:48.579 And you think of everything 00:28:48.579 --> 00:28:49.799 that Christ offers, 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:51.939 the light that shines 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:52.600 in the dark, 00:28:53.200 --> 00:28:55.920 the truth that transcends lies, 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:57.880 the freedom in him 00:28:57.880 --> 00:29:00.039 and not the enslavement 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:00.779 of people. 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:02.860 Those are just some 00:29:02.860 --> 00:29:04.180 of the things 00:29:04.180 --> 00:29:05.059 that we can think of 00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:06.080 when we think of Christ. 00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:08.220 And so ask yourself 00:29:08.220 --> 00:29:08.740 the question, 00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:10.500 how can I declare Christ 00:29:10.500 --> 00:29:12.279 and how can I display 00:29:12.279 --> 00:29:15.660 Christ in my everyday life? 00:29:16.340 --> 00:29:17.480 The second thing then 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:18.759 is to await him, 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.900 to stand firm, 00:29:20.900 --> 00:29:22.700 and to persevere, right? 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.920 That's the keeping, right? 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.920 Just how we talked about 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:26.400 reading, 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:27.840 hearing, 00:29:28.019 --> 00:29:29.160 so that you understand, 00:29:29.360 --> 00:29:30.500 and keeping, right? 00:29:31.180 --> 00:29:33.860 We are waiting upon the Lord. 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:36.100 We are standing firm. 00:29:36.960 --> 00:29:39.280 When storms come through our life, 00:29:39.360 --> 00:29:40.400 we think of God 00:29:40.400 --> 00:29:41.640 as our refuge 00:29:41.640 --> 00:29:42.620 and our strength. 00:29:43.600 --> 00:29:44.940 That we can come to God 00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:46.780 no matter whatever happens 00:29:46.780 --> 00:29:47.400 in our life. 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:49.680 As I've said to many people, 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:51.340 and I'll say it here from, 00:29:51.920 --> 00:29:53.440 well, from the pulpit, I guess, 00:29:54.420 --> 00:29:56.600 man will fail you, 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:59.300 but God will never fail you. 00:30:00.120 --> 00:30:01.180 And I can't tell you 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:01.900 how many times 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:03.280 in my own experience, 00:30:03.360 --> 00:30:04.180 and you can think 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:05.240 of your own experiences, 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:07.019 or someone you know 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:09.220 where someone has been 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:10.980 hurt by a friend 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:11.740 or a brother 00:30:11.740 --> 00:30:12.440 or whatever. 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:14.900 But when we think of God, 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:17.200 He loves us, 00:30:17.320 --> 00:30:19.360 and He is there with us 00:30:19.360 --> 00:30:22.100 in every season of life. 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:24.740 We think of the good, 00:30:25.140 --> 00:30:26.019 God is there with us. 00:30:26.100 --> 00:30:26.700 Praise God. 00:30:27.340 --> 00:30:28.420 We think of the bad, 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:30.299 God is there with us. 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:32.100 And we think of the ugly, 00:30:33.100 --> 00:30:34.559 God is also there with us. 00:30:34.559 --> 00:30:36.839 As the strong tower. 00:30:38.179 --> 00:30:39.679 And in knowing this, 00:30:40.139 --> 00:30:41.419 it is comforting to know 00:30:41.419 --> 00:30:43.599 that God is there with us 00:30:43.599 --> 00:30:45.279 in every situation 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:47.220 and in every season. 00:30:48.579 --> 00:30:49.759 We think about this, 00:30:49.859 --> 00:30:51.399 we wait upon Him 00:30:51.399 --> 00:30:52.759 and we wait for His return. 00:30:52.899 --> 00:30:53.960 We rest in Him. 00:30:54.359 --> 00:30:55.440 It's a call for us 00:30:55.440 --> 00:30:57.859 that as we are growing in Christ 00:30:57.859 --> 00:30:58.919 and we trust in Him 00:30:58.919 --> 00:30:59.839 and we know that 00:30:59.839 --> 00:31:02.079 no matter what the world 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:02.759 throws at me, 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:04.359 I'm going to remain rooted in Christ. 00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:05.819 That's an encouragement 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:07.319 for us to come together 00:31:07.319 --> 00:31:08.980 as the body of Christ. 00:31:09.799 --> 00:31:11.059 To pray for one another. 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.779 To encourage one another. 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:15.879 To support each other. 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:16.720 To be in the Word 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:17.440 and to practice 00:31:17.440 --> 00:31:18.839 the grace and truth of Christ. 00:31:19.960 --> 00:31:20.579 So we think of 00:31:20.579 --> 00:31:21.940 how can we hold fast? 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:24.000 How can we keep the Word? 00:31:25.299 --> 00:31:26.079 And then finally, 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:27.259 we have here 00:31:27.259 --> 00:31:28.799 to live in response. 00:31:29.399 --> 00:31:29.899 It's interesting, 00:31:30.599 --> 00:31:32.659 we continue to read. 00:31:32.660 --> 00:31:35.800 We continue to hear 00:31:35.800 --> 00:31:37.800 and we continue to keep 00:31:37.800 --> 00:31:40.620 because God is not finished with us. 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:42.540 God is going to continue 00:31:42.540 --> 00:31:44.660 to work in and through our lives. 00:31:45.540 --> 00:31:46.620 For some of us, 00:31:46.680 --> 00:31:47.500 and I hope none of us 00:31:47.500 --> 00:31:48.140 ever think this, 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:49.220 that when you become a Christian, 00:31:49.340 --> 00:31:49.740 that's it. 00:31:49.900 --> 00:31:50.540 It's a done deal. 00:31:50.860 --> 00:31:51.960 That's the end of your life. 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:52.920 No, no, no. 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:54.460 That is the beginning. 00:31:55.120 --> 00:31:57.220 And what an amazing journey 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:58.799 the Lord will have you on. 00:32:00.319 --> 00:32:02.339 It won't always be 00:32:02.339 --> 00:32:04.200 the smoothest ride, 00:32:04.839 --> 00:32:06.339 but knowing that you've got God 00:32:06.339 --> 00:32:07.539 by your side 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:08.500 every step of the way, 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:10.200 that's the encouraging thing. 00:32:10.860 --> 00:32:13.120 That is the wonderful thing to know. 00:32:13.600 --> 00:32:15.299 We think of the imagery of sheep 00:32:15.299 --> 00:32:17.079 as they travel 00:32:17.079 --> 00:32:18.759 to green pastures. 00:32:20.759 --> 00:32:23.360 How often is the road smooth? 00:32:23.359 --> 00:32:25.639 Not very, right? 00:32:26.199 --> 00:32:27.099 You've got rocks. 00:32:27.919 --> 00:32:29.719 You've got all sorts of predators. 00:32:30.119 --> 00:32:31.019 You've got all sorts of, 00:32:31.299 --> 00:32:32.279 you've got the weather. 00:32:33.079 --> 00:32:34.359 All sorts of things 00:32:34.359 --> 00:32:35.339 on the journey. 00:32:36.119 --> 00:32:36.959 But the encouragement 00:32:36.959 --> 00:32:38.479 is that Christ being 00:32:38.479 --> 00:32:39.179 the great shepherd 00:32:39.179 --> 00:32:40.399 is going to be there with you. 00:32:41.559 --> 00:32:43.039 And how often do we 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:44.199 slip and stumble? 00:32:44.699 --> 00:32:45.659 We fall down. 00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:47.519 Or sometimes we run away. 00:32:48.479 --> 00:32:49.919 But the Lord's going to be there 00:32:49.919 --> 00:32:51.399 with us in that. 00:32:51.400 --> 00:32:53.280 And so when we're living 00:32:53.280 --> 00:32:54.340 in response then, 00:32:54.980 --> 00:32:56.400 may you read the word. 00:32:57.300 --> 00:32:58.759 May you read it privately. 00:32:59.420 --> 00:33:00.840 May you read it publicly. 00:33:02.120 --> 00:33:03.220 May you hear. 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:05.160 If you haven't heard, 00:33:06.040 --> 00:33:08.200 ask God for understanding. 00:33:09.460 --> 00:33:10.660 I found there's times 00:33:10.660 --> 00:33:11.480 I'm reading the word 00:33:11.480 --> 00:33:11.920 and I'm like, 00:33:11.980 --> 00:33:14.420 I do not understand this at all. 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:16.080 I'll be honest. 00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:19.700 Sometimes I've got to pray about it 00:33:19.700 --> 00:33:21.180 and ask God, 00:33:21.600 --> 00:33:23.799 speak to me on this. 00:33:24.360 --> 00:33:25.440 And sometimes I don't get 00:33:25.440 --> 00:33:26.200 an answer right away 00:33:26.200 --> 00:33:26.960 and it's frustrating, 00:33:27.120 --> 00:33:27.480 I admit. 00:33:28.620 --> 00:33:29.980 But God continues 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:31.299 to reveal himself 00:33:31.299 --> 00:33:32.200 through his word 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:33.680 and through his spirit. 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:36.000 So ask God for understanding 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:37.019 and for transformation 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:37.940 that your heart 00:33:37.940 --> 00:33:38.840 will be softened 00:33:38.840 --> 00:33:41.000 and that any sort of, 00:33:41.100 --> 00:33:42.860 as I'm saying, 00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:43.779 any sort of distraction, 00:33:43.940 --> 00:33:45.080 I'm not calling anyone out, 00:33:45.140 --> 00:33:46.039 so I apologize. 00:33:46.039 --> 00:33:46.200 I apologize. 00:33:46.779 --> 00:33:47.680 Right when I was saying, 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:49.039 don't let any distraction come, 00:33:49.099 --> 00:33:50.000 then the phone rings, right? 00:33:50.299 --> 00:33:51.779 So I apologize. 00:33:52.259 --> 00:33:53.220 So we're good, we're good. 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:54.159 I'm not calling you out though. 00:33:54.839 --> 00:33:55.059 Right? 00:33:55.379 --> 00:33:56.659 In other words, right, 00:33:56.680 --> 00:33:57.559 we think for a moment, 00:33:57.779 --> 00:33:59.299 ask God to remove 00:33:59.299 --> 00:34:00.139 any distractions, 00:34:00.819 --> 00:34:02.200 anything that's hindering you 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:03.700 from being close to him. 00:34:05.000 --> 00:34:05.399 Right? 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:06.720 Because we live in a world 00:34:06.720 --> 00:34:07.859 of distractions, amen? 00:34:09.000 --> 00:34:09.980 How many of you have 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:12.159 a notification on your phone? 00:34:12.380 --> 00:34:12.599 Right? 00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:14.599 I get too many of them 00:34:14.599 --> 00:34:15.299 and I don't like them. 00:34:15.519 --> 00:34:16.699 I put it on silent modes 00:34:16.699 --> 00:34:18.019 a lot of times, right? 00:34:18.420 --> 00:34:20.000 We have a lot of distractions. 00:34:20.299 --> 00:34:20.880 We have things 00:34:20.880 --> 00:34:22.900 that can derail us, right? 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:23.940 Things that can just 00:34:23.940 --> 00:34:25.699 completely get us off course. 00:34:25.839 --> 00:34:27.360 We focus on the course 00:34:27.360 --> 00:34:28.219 that is in Christ 00:34:28.219 --> 00:34:29.239 and the transformation 00:34:29.239 --> 00:34:30.239 that comes from him 00:34:30.239 --> 00:34:31.739 that we share in the gospel 00:34:31.739 --> 00:34:34.420 and we change the culture. 00:34:36.000 --> 00:34:36.519 There are more, 00:34:36.779 --> 00:34:38.299 there are a lot more people 00:34:38.299 --> 00:34:39.259 that don't know Christ 00:34:39.259 --> 00:34:40.119 than people that do. 00:34:40.659 --> 00:34:41.659 That's a scary thing, 00:34:41.659 --> 00:34:43.000 but not so scary 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:44.599 because we know the truth 00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:45.679 and we've got to share it 00:34:45.679 --> 00:34:46.339 with other people. 00:34:47.199 --> 00:34:48.759 And so that's important for us. 00:34:48.859 --> 00:34:52.239 And so let us be rooted in Christ. 00:34:53.239 --> 00:34:55.519 May we know that we are loved by Christ. 00:34:56.219 --> 00:34:58.339 May we know that we're freed from sin 00:34:58.339 --> 00:35:02.699 and let us await for the coming 00:35:02.699 --> 00:35:04.000 of the return of the king 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:05.440 as he comes with the clouds. 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:07.379 And let us be a people 00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:09.940 who read, hear, 00:35:10.740 --> 00:35:11.940 and keep God's word 00:35:11.940 --> 00:35:14.260 holding fast with patience 00:35:14.260 --> 00:35:16.340 until he comes again. 00:35:16.539 --> 00:35:17.200 Can I get an amen? 00:35:17.860 --> 00:35:18.760 Let's pray together. 00:35:19.980 --> 00:35:20.820 And Father God, 00:35:20.880 --> 00:35:22.119 we thank you once again 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:22.860 for this time 00:35:22.860 --> 00:35:23.599 and this opportunity 00:35:23.599 --> 00:35:24.720 for us to gather together. 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:26.099 What an incredible 00:35:26.099 --> 00:35:27.960 set of eight verses we have. 00:35:28.900 --> 00:35:29.820 And quite frankly, 00:35:29.880 --> 00:35:31.260 we don't understand all of it, 00:35:31.619 --> 00:35:32.480 but that's okay. 00:35:33.180 --> 00:35:34.599 I pray that everyone has learned 00:35:34.599 --> 00:35:36.199 and grown in their faith. 00:35:36.639 --> 00:35:37.440 I pray for those 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:38.940 that may not know 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:40.500 your son Jesus Christ, 00:35:40.920 --> 00:35:41.960 that they be encouraged 00:35:41.960 --> 00:35:43.119 to believe in the Lord 00:35:43.119 --> 00:35:43.799 and be saved, 00:35:43.940 --> 00:35:44.699 believing in the death, 00:35:44.839 --> 00:35:45.599 burial, and resurrection 00:35:45.599 --> 00:35:46.639 of Jesus Christ. 00:35:46.860 --> 00:35:47.860 I pray for those 00:35:47.860 --> 00:35:49.139 who may have been hurt 00:35:49.139 --> 00:35:49.779 or distant, 00:35:50.420 --> 00:35:51.819 that there will be 00:35:51.819 --> 00:35:52.799 a sense of comfort, 00:35:53.079 --> 00:35:54.799 peace, and security, 00:35:55.019 --> 00:35:55.480 and healing. 00:35:55.819 --> 00:35:56.639 I pray for those 00:35:56.639 --> 00:35:57.819 that are growing in Christ, 00:35:57.960 --> 00:35:59.259 that they continue to grow 00:35:59.259 --> 00:36:00.759 and that they will bear fruit. 00:36:02.039 --> 00:36:03.219 And I pray for all of us 00:36:03.219 --> 00:36:04.079 that we will be moved 00:36:04.079 --> 00:36:04.980 to live and love 00:36:04.980 --> 00:36:06.379 like your son Jesus Christ. 00:36:06.739 --> 00:36:07.879 May we read, 00:36:08.659 --> 00:36:09.359 may we hear 00:36:09.359 --> 00:36:10.480 so that we understand, 00:36:10.599 --> 00:36:11.899 and may we keep your word. 00:36:12.799 --> 00:36:14.459 And may we look towards you 00:36:14.459 --> 00:36:15.879 in every season of life. 00:36:16.480 --> 00:36:17.779 May we focus on you 00:36:17.779 --> 00:36:18.819 and not get distracted, 00:36:19.199 --> 00:36:20.539 not be derailed 00:36:20.539 --> 00:36:21.319 or deterred 00:36:21.319 --> 00:36:21.959 or whatever. 00:36:22.879 --> 00:36:25.039 We pray that we can focus on you 00:36:25.039 --> 00:36:26.899 as the source of life, 00:36:27.619 --> 00:36:29.199 as the way, 00:36:29.559 --> 00:36:30.099 the truth, 00:36:30.439 --> 00:36:31.379 and the life. 00:36:31.380 --> 00:36:33.300 we love you so much 00:36:33.300 --> 00:36:34.420 and we just thank you 00:36:34.420 --> 00:36:34.920 once again 00:36:34.920 --> 00:36:37.099 that we have this opportunity 00:36:37.099 --> 00:36:37.940 to come together, 00:36:38.400 --> 00:36:40.660 that we can sing these songs, 00:36:41.099 --> 00:36:43.300 that we can lift your name on high, 00:36:43.840 --> 00:36:45.519 and that we can open your word. 00:36:47.300 --> 00:36:49.960 How wonderful a God you are, 00:36:50.820 --> 00:36:52.079 the true God, 00:36:52.160 --> 00:36:53.019 the living God, 00:36:53.680 --> 00:36:55.160 who's been there 00:36:55.160 --> 00:36:56.000 from the beginning, 00:36:57.200 --> 00:36:58.920 who's the same yesterday, 00:36:58.920 --> 00:36:59.079 today, 00:36:59.220 --> 00:36:59.579 today, 00:36:59.700 --> 00:37:00.240 and forever. 00:37:01.680 --> 00:37:02.440 We thank you 00:37:02.440 --> 00:37:04.720 for all that you have done 00:37:04.720 --> 00:37:06.200 and all you continue to do. 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:08.780 It is in the name of Jesus Christ 00:37:08.780 --> 00:37:09.500 that we pray 00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:10.440 and we all say together, 00:37:10.519 --> 00:37:11.200 Amen, church. 00:37:11.639 --> 00:37:12.119 Amen. 00:37:12.119 --> 00:37:14.940 Thank you for tuning 00:37:14.940 --> 00:37:16.619 into Ontario Community Church. 00:37:17.079 --> 00:37:19.359 Visit OntarioCommunityChurch.org 00:37:19.359 --> 00:37:20.259 for more information 00:37:20.259 --> 00:37:21.039 about our church, 00:37:21.480 --> 00:37:22.000 to connect, 00:37:22.359 --> 00:37:23.460 how you can get involved, 00:37:23.799 --> 00:37:25.319 or our sermon archive. 00:37:25.920 --> 00:37:27.380 Please share this message 00:37:27.380 --> 00:37:28.480 with friends and families. 00:37:29.039 --> 00:37:29.779 This next week, 00:37:29.839 --> 00:37:30.480 we will continue 00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:31.539 in our sermon series 00:37:31.539 --> 00:37:33.019 through the book of Revelation, 00:37:33.440 --> 00:37:34.239 going over, 00:37:34.699 --> 00:37:36.000 Revelation chapter 1, 00:37:36.380 --> 00:37:37.659 verses 9 to 20. 00:37:38.139 --> 00:37:39.659 Grace and peace to you 00:37:39.659 --> 00:37:41.219 and our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:37:42.119 --> 00:38:12.099 Thank you. 00:38:12.119 --> 00:38:14.119 Amen.