The sermon was taken from Revelation Chapter 1. Jesus introduces himself in this chapter. Jesus in the flesh has been crucified. He has paid the price of redemption with his life. And, he has risen from the grave and taken his rightful place with God in heaven. Jesus Christ impresses us that he is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He’s here to give to John this revelation of himself.
Up until now Jesus was the promise that believers had been looking for through the centuries. Now he’s been here and he’s coming back. But he’s coming back with a purpose, his revelation. Jesus states in verse 18 he has the keys of hell and death. He tells John to write about what he has seen, the things that are and the things that shall be. This is a preparation chapter.
Jesus stated while he was still on this earth that he didn’t know exactly when the end times would come, only God knew that (Mark 13:32). Jesus knows it all now, hence, his revelation. That is why it is important to know where you stand in terms of eternity. Where will each of us spend it—heaven or hell?
Who are we apart from Jesus? Jeremiah 17:9-10 say “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” It’s a warning. Eternity is real. Hear and keep the Word of God.
“You can’t hear the voice of God and understand what it is if you don’t know who Jesus is.” said Pastor Josh. “A lot of people say ‘I heard this voice or that voice, I feel this of I feel that, I was led this way of that way.’ Listen, if you’re not a Christian, I can promise you how you’re led. You’re being led of the devil. My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)”
John 18:13, “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” God bless you, today, is my prayer.