Exegetical Studies in Revelation

This sermon was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on March 12, 2023. The focus of this message is the LAST AMEN found in the Holy Scriptures, the very last word of the BIBLE. God told Israel to take every one of His WORDS seriously (Deuteronomy 32:46). The LORD keeps and preserves His WORDS (Psalm 12:6-7). We are to remember the WORDS of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 17). And there are dire consequences from adding to or subtracting from God's WORDS (Revelation 22:18-19). If it's the WORDS that are to be taken seriously, not just "the Word," then the Bible's very last word is certainly very important. AMEN. The first use of the word “Amen” in the Scriptures (Numbers 5:22) sets its tone, even unto its last use in the very last verse of the Bible. Amen is a very serious word and a dangerous word if spoken flippantly and lightly esteemed. However, when affirmed in truth and sincerity, it is a verbal declaration of the believer's blessed hope, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Old Testament ends with a curse, but the New Testament ends with an Amen, “for all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (II Corinthians 1:20). Thus ends this long and detailed exegetical study of the Book of Revelation. To God be the glory!

This sermon was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on March 5, 2023. The focus of this message is the LAST BLESSING found in the Holy Scriptures and its relationship to the Bible's FIRST BLESSING (Genesis 14:18-20). This relationship behooves us to consider types of blessings found in the Scriptures and some powerful examples thereof. A BLESSING is a wish or prayer imploring good fruit or benefit upon another. A blessing can be pronounced by God upon men, men upon God, and men upon men. Genesis 14:19 is an example of a BENEDICTION, a type of blessing rendered in response to something, an act of blessing or praise for favor. A benediction in Scripture can be pronounced upon men by God for their acts of faith (e.g. Solomon, Jehu, Josiah, Ebed-melech, etc.), or it can be pronounced upon the LORD by men for the great things He hath done. Genesis 14:20 is an example of another type of blessing, the DOXOLOGY. A doxology is a particular form of blessing or benediction ascribed to God alone. There are many great doxologies in the Bible, from the Song of Moses (Exodus 15) to the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-49) to the most important verse in the Bible (Revelation 4:11), doxologies that give glory to God for such things as only God can do. There is one last type of blessing that is unique to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Sermon on the Mount, a BEATITUDE. Beatitudes are declarations of blessedness made by Jesus the Saviour upon men of particular virtues. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the Bible's first blessing (Genesis 14:18-20) is what immediately follows Abram's encounter with Melchizedek, God's exhortation to him in Genesis 15:1: FEAR NOT. Let us so do with the Bible's last blessing, reflect back upon its first blessing and FEAR NOT. When God's Word says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,” we can rest in this and “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

This sermon was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on February 26, 2023. The focus of this message is the LAST BLESSING found in the Holy Scriptures: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” The last verse of the Bible contains a last blessing, the standard closing for all of Paul's Epistles that John and his audiences in the seven churches of Asia Minor would have known well. The words grace, Lord, Jesus, and Christ are such pregnant and powerful words that all appear in this final blessing, and each of these is worthy of our careful attention. This concluding blessing of Revelation and, consequently, of the New Testament and the entire Bible, transcends space and time. The “you all” is as much to us in 2023 living in days of apostasy as it was to the churches of Asia Minor vexed by rising apostasy in their day at the close of the first century.

This sermon was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on February 19, 2023. The focus of this message is the LAST PRAYER found in the Holy Scriptures: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” This last prayer begins with an AMEN, an affirmation to Christ's final words in the first half of the verse (the last promise found in the Bible) and an affirmation that opens John's petition for Christ to simply do as He hath said. The first prayer of the Bible can be found in Genesis 4:25-26 when men began to CALL upon the Lord. Such is the essence of the Bible's last prayer, John calling upon the Lord to do what He said He is going to do. Let us not pray as the heathen, using mantras and vain repetitions (see Matthew 6:7). Let us call upon God; let us call upon the Lord Jesus; let us call upon the Name of Messiah. We don't need another election here in America, another President, another political solution. We need the Messiah to come and rescue His Church from this madness. Interestingly, John's prayer in Revelation 22:20b can be summed up in one single word found in I Corinthians 16:22—MARANATHA. We should make this cry a regular part of our discourse, a regular part of our prayers. “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

This sermon was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on February 5, 2023. The focus of this message is the LAST PROMISE found in the Holy Scriptures, the very last of more than 3,500 Bible promises. These last words of promise are also the last red letter words of the New Testament, and they hearken to the substance of the Bible's very first promise found in Genesis 3:15. The Bible's first promise affirms the seed of the woman is coming. in the Bible's last promise, the seed of the women affirms, “Surely, I come quickly.” The last promise of the Bible shouts loudly that God hasn't forgotten the very first promise of the Bible. How then should we respond in these dark days when it seems the Lord bears long with us? Cry out to Him (Luke 18:7-8). Watch (Mark 13:31-37). Occupy (Luke 19:11-13). Stand in the gap for the land (Ezekiel 22:30-31). Be willing to stand alone (2 Samuel 23:8-12). Anchor yourself (Hebrews 6:13-20). God's promises, first and last and everything in between, are truly an anchor for the soul.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on January 29, 2023. The focus of this message is the second half of the LAST WARNING found in the Bible, a dire warning: DO NOT SUBTRACT FROM GOD'S WORD. This grave warning appears at the beginning (Deuteronomy 4:2), the middle (Proverbs 30:5), and the end of the Bible. Those who are adopted into the Body of Christ and are guilty of subtracting from God's Word will lose of their allotment, their authority, their share and inheritance in Christ's Kingdom. Moreover, such will lose out “of the things written in this book,” of its promises and blessings realized in this present pilgrimage. Subtracting from God's Word has consequences for the believer in this life, and in the life to come. Beware! Beware also the modern English Versions of the Bible! These have foolishly subtracted from God's Word in many places. In most editions, fourteen complete verses are missing from the New Testament. Doctrinal teachings are removed, weakened, and changed by such omissions. Foolishly claiming that these omissions are “minor” and don't affect any fundamental doctrine because all the “essential” biblical truths can be found in other places in the Bible … such logic is tantamount to claiming it's no big deal to remove a stop sign or a traffic signal from a busy intersection in a town simply because there are other stop signs and traffic signals at other intersections in that same town. The Bible's last warning cautions us against adding to or taking away from God's Word. What then should be do with it? Tremble before it (Isaiah 66:2). Study it (II Timothy 2:15). Get off the tit and the bottle, and start chewing on the meat of the Word (Hebrews 5:11-14). Therein lies the honed ability to discern good from evil in dark days of deception.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on January 15, 2023, the 10-year anniversary of the beginning of this exegetical study in the Book of Revelation (see Introduction to Revelation, Part 1 preached on January 13, 2013). The focus of this message is the first half of the LAST WARNING found in the Bible, a dire warning: DO NOT ADD TO GOD'S WORD. This grave warning appears at the beginning (Deuteronomy 4:2), the middle (Proverbs 30:5-6), and the end of the Bible. Modern English Bible versions have foolishly added to God's Word. Those who elevate anything else to the table of authority upon which rests the Word of God are guilty of the same. Assigning religious tradition, church programs, superstition, papal decrees, the American flag, even the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the same level of authority as the Holy Scriptures is dangerous. It's adding to God's Special Revelation, the Written Word of God, and it invites very serious consequence.

This message was preached by Jesse M. Boyd on January 8, 2023 at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC. Its focus is the very last warning found in the Book of Revelation and, consequently, the Holy Scriptures. The God of the Bible is a merciful God, for He never dispenses judgment WITHOUT warning; and it is this element of His character that sets Him apart from all the false gods of men and mythologies. To warn is to love, and the act of warning, in fact, is a great act of mercy. The Bible is full of warning, and Jesus Himself, the Living Word, utters the very last of those in Revelation 22:18-19, concerning the Written Word. DO NOT MESS WITH GOD'S WORD! Don't mess with the prophecies, the Book of Revelation, any other Book of the Bible, or the very words themselves. To do so invites very serious consequences. This warning is two-fold, and its simple: Don't add to God's Word, and don't subtract from God's Word.

This message was preached by Jesse M. Boyd at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on New Year's Day, January 1, 2023. Its focus is the 3-fold invitation of Revelation 22:17, the very last invitation found in the Holy Bible. The Spirit, the Bride, and those that hear the words of God BID CHRIST COME. Those that are thirsty and “whosoever will" are then invited to COME TO THE ONE BIDDEN TO COME by those who know Him. Come on! Come while there is yet time! Come to Him before He comes to you! Fall on Him and be broken, or He will fall upon you and grind you to powder (Luke 20:18). The very first word of God ever revised by man (Genesis 3:2) is found in the Bible's very first invitation (Genesis 2:16). Interestingly, it also appears in the Bible's very last invitation, and it's a great stumblingblock to both Jew and Gentile. Notwithstanding, eternal life and reconciliation with God by Jesus the Messiah is and remains a FREE GIFT. Drink before it is too late. The water of life is free, but it isn't cheap. It's available, but it's certainly not automatic.

This message was preached by Jesse M. Boyd at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022. Its focus is the INVITADOR (Spanish for one who invites) of the very last INVITATION found in the Bible. It is “I, Jesus” who testifies these things “to the churches” and offers one last invitation. Who is this Jesus? He is the Messiah. He is both the ROOT and OFFSPRING of David. He is both David's LORD and His DESCENDANT (Psalm 110). He is 100% GOD; He is 100% MAN. This Invitador's identity as “the root and offspring of David” relates to His First Advent. He is also “the bright and morning star,” as relates to His certain Second Advent. Joy to the World, Our Lord is Come. Let Earth Receive Her King.

This message was preached by Jesse M. Boyd at New Testament Christian Fellowship on December 18, 2022. Because the Jewish Feast of Hanukkah began at sundown this particular Sunday, Mr. Boyd begins by sharing something he wrote back in 2020 concerning Hanukkah and how it IS in the Bible. Jesus used the observance of that feast an an opportunity to preach bold truth in the temple on Solomon's porch (John 10). The events of the first Hanukkah were prophesied in great detail more than 360 years before they took place, history written in advance (Daniel 11). And, the courage of the faithful who took a stand at the time of the first Hanukkah are referenced in the Great Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11). These allusions ought to provoke us to courage and an unflinching resolve in these days of darkness and tyranny. Moreover, they ought to compel us to heed the very last exhortation found in the Bible (Revelation 12:7-15). The last exhortation of the Book of Revelation and the Holy Scriptures contains two blessings (22:7, 22:14), two simple commands (22:9, 22:10), and one very important truth repeated word-for-word twice: “Behold, I come quickly” (22:7, 22:12).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on December 11, 2022. It's been almost ten years since this exegetical study saw John on the Isle of Patmos in Chapter 1. Now begins the Epilogue of the Book and the Epilogue of the entire Bible in the last chapter of Revelation, the very last chapter of the Bible. Back on the Isle of Patmos, John is given a last exhortation (22:6-15), the final exhortation of the Holy Scriptures. To best contemplate the “lasts” of the Bible, one should consider the “firsts” of the Bible. The particular focus of this message is Revelation 22:6, where the angel exhorts John by hearkening back, not only to the very first verse of the Book (Revelation 1:1), but also to the entire Old Testament. The same God who gave the Revelation of Jesus Christ to John via His angelic messenger “to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass” (1:1) is “the Lord God of the holy prophets” (22:6), the God of the Old Testament. It's all one: ONE GOD, ONE BOOK, ONE BIBLE, ONE INCREDIBLE REVELATION. Therefore, it's last exhortation demands a look at its first exhortation. There is a basic hermeneutic principle for the study of the Scriptures called The Law of the First Mention: The first time something (be it a word, a principle, a concept, or a syntax) appears in the Holy Scriptures, how it appears or is used sets the tone, association, connotation, and/or basic meaning throughout the rest of Scripture. In other words, subsequent appearances are always connected back to the first appearance and should not be divorced from the original connotation. In this message, Jesse Boyd highlights the first mentions of the words love (Genesis 22:2), believe (Genesis 15:6), sin (Genesis 4:7), wicked (Genesis 13:3), and sinner (Genesis 13:13) in the Bible. He then addresses the Bible's VERY LAST EXHORTATION (Revelation 22:6-15) by considering its VERY FIRST EXHORTATION (Genesis 1:27-30).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on August 7, 2022. Its focus is the detailed blueprint of the New Jerusalem, the Lamb's wife, as unveiled in Revelation 21:10-22:5, particularly the city's CIVIC AFFAIRS (22:1-5). In verses 3-5 of this final chapter of Revelation, we look at the INTERNAL affairs of the New Jerusalem, its municipal administrations that direct inward: IDYLLIC SOCIETY (22:3a); DIRECT ACCESS (22:3b); and GUARANTEED LIVELIHOOD (22:3c-5). In the New Jerusalem, a great big giant international park of sorts, the Church will have a guaranteed livelihood, permanent employment as servants of the Living God WHO SHALL SEE HIS FACE: what Moses (Exodus 33:23) and the elders of Israel (Exodus 24:10-11) were not able to do, what only Gideon (Jehovah 6:22-24) and Manoah (Judges 13:15-25) were able to taste. Such is the reward for the pure in heart, those washed in the blood of the Lamb (Matthew 5:8). May these patterns and visions of future blessings make us ashamed of our lukewarmness and thereby strengthen our hands in these dark times. May we with PATIENT CONTINUANCE endure in well-doing, not succumbing to our weariness (Romans 2:7; Galatians 6:9).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on July 31, 2022. Its focus is the detailed blueprint of the New Jerusalem, the Lamb's wife, as unveiled in Revelation 21:10-22:5, particularly the city's CIVIC AFFAIRS (22:1-5). In verses 3-5 of this final chapter of Revelation, we look at the INTERNAL affairs of the New Jerusalem, its municipal administrations that direct inward: IDYLLIC SOCIETY (22:3a); DIRECT ACCESS (22:3b); and GUARANTEED LIVELIHOOD (22:3c-5). Inside the city limits of the New Jerusalem during the Millennial Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be none of what befell the earth following man's Fall in the Garden of Eden—a foretaste within the city walls of what will extend to all of creation in the new heavens and the new earth. There will be neither hurt nor destruction in God's holy mountain (e.g. the New Jerusalem suspended above the earth), and the lion will lie down with the lamb—idyllic society inside a great big international park administered by the Bride of Christ (Isaiah 11; Micah 4). And, there will be direct face-to-face PHYSICAL ACCESS to God's Throne, what born-again believers only enjoy now in the spiritual through prayer. May these patterns and visions of future blessings make us ashamed of our lukewarmness and thereby strengthen our hands in these dark times. Let us live as if to be a doorkeeper in the mountain of the Lord's House, where there will be no more curse, is far better than to dwell in the great big circus tent of wickedness that is the United States of America (Psalm 84:10).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on July 24, 2022. Its focus is the detailed blueprint of the New Jerusalem, the Lamb's wife, as unveiled in Revelation 21:10-22:5, particularly the city's CIVIC AFFAIRS (22:1-5). In the first two verses of this final chapter of Revelation, we look at the EXTERNAL affairs of the New Jerusalem, its municipal administrations that direct outward: a RIVER OF LIFE (22:1), and the TREE OF LIFE (22:2), once a single tree in the the Garden of Eden and now a whole species of tree in abundance in the midst of the Paradise of God. In these verses are found more clues that the New Jerusalem, the Church's future home, comes down to this present creation in the Millennial Reign of Christ and then transcends into the new heavens and the new earth. May these patterns and visions of future blessings make us ashamed of our lukewarmness and thereby strengthen our hands in these dark times. For this same scene, a tree planted by a river of water, is used to describe the way of the righteous in Psalm 1. Moreover, the Book of Proverbs likens the tree of life to at least four things that are sorely lacking in Americas churches: wisdom from above, soul-winning, hope fulfilled, and a wholesome tongue.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on July 17, 2022. Its focus is the detailed blueprint of the New Jerusalem, the Lamb's wife, as unveiled in Revelation 21:10-22:5, particularly the city's NITELIFE (21:22-27). In the previous message, this nitelife was revealed, quite literally, to be a NIGHTLIGHT (vs. 22-23). Here, we see that it's not a party. It's PRAISE & WORSHIP (21:24). It's actually DAYLIFE, not under cover of darkness (21:25). It's a SANCTIFIED STREAM, not a sewer pipe of iniquity (21:26). And, it's definitely not when all the riffraff come out. It's V.I.P. only (21:27). Only the Church, made up of genuine believers, will be allowed within the city limits, those on the Lamb's V.I.P. list. Yes, the Lord God and the Lamb do segregate, and they do discriminate. Sadly, if the New Jerusalem were accessible today, nearly all government leaders and workers in Washington, DC would be banned from entry. Nearly all of America's state government officials would be banned. A great many American citizens would be banned, as would many folks sitting in America's churches on Sunday mornings, a whole slough of America's pastors too. Oh how desperately America needs revival in her churches and spiritual awakening in her streets!

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on July 10, 2022. Its focus is the detailed blueprint of the New Jerusalem, the Lamb's wife, as unveiled in Revelation 21:10-22:5, particularly the city's NITELIFE (21:22-27). The New Jerusalem, unlike the restored earthly Jerusalem of the Millennium (see Ezekiel 40-46; Isaiah 30:26), has no temple nor any need for the sun and moon. The ever-present shekinah glory of God and of the Lamb are its temple and its light. Her nitelife is indeed a nightlight. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Church's TRUE TEMPLE and the Church's TRUE HEAD. And yet , He is standing outside the church and knocking on the door (see Revelation 3:20). We are Laodicea, and we need to just admit it. Now, what are we going to do about it? Let's start by being ashamed when we see and consider these detailed patterns of the Church's future home, just as the captives of Israel were exhorted to be when shown the patterns of Jerusalem in her future restoration (see Ezekiel 43:10). Then, let us strengthen our hands and put away our fears (Zechariah 8:9,13).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on April 24, 2022. Its focus is the detailed blueprint of the New Jerusalem, the Lamb's wife, as unveiled in Revelation 21:10-22:5, particularly the city's DIMENSIONS (21:15-17), and its CONSTRUCTION (21:18-21). People go to war, fight, connive, betray, deceive, flatter, steal, worry about, lose sleep over, hoard, destroy, and wreck their lives over a cankered version of what will one day be pavement under the feet of the saints. This glimpse of the future inheritance of the Church for us HERE & NOW ought to effect the same response purposed for the detailed blueprint once given to Ezekiel to show unto the people of Israel: “Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern.” Moreover, the trial of our faith and the pursuit of true wisdom in this life is of far more value than than all these riches and valued materials in their earthly forms (I Peter 1:3-7, Job 28). For trials and wisdom now prepare us for eternal treasure later, “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on September 26, 2021. Its focus is the detailed blueprint of the New Jerusalem as unveiled in Revelation 21:10-22:8, particularly the city's descent (21:10), its substance (21:11), and its wall (21:12-14). Paul the Apostle was shown some of these same things (cf. II Corinthians 12:1-4; Acts 22:17), and from that point forward, he never lived his life or conducted his ministry as if he was trying to stay alive. Neither did the Early Church who was the first to have access to these details as recorded by John. By one word of recant, or by the lighting of one incense stick in adoration to the Roman Emperor, many Christians, including young teenage girls, could have escaped pain, torture, the ravage of wild beasts, and death … and yet they refused to comply. May these glorious details of the Lamb's wife, the believer's future home, instill in us the same attitude, this same resolve—to NOT live as if we are clinging to this vain world, to NOT live as if we are trying to stay alive, to NOT live obsessed with our health and safety in a Covid-crazed society. CAUTION: hard and very blunt preaching, definitely some HELLFIRE & BRIMSTONE

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on September 19, 2021. Following last week's contrasting of “come hither” from Revelation 21:9 with the nearly identical construction found in 17:1, this message surveys some important COME HITHERS found elsewhere in Scripture (Joshua 3:9; Ruth 2:14; I Samuel 16:11; II Samuel 20:16; I Chronicles 11:5; Proverbs 25:6-7; John 4:16). These COME HITHERS have some important things to teach us in these last days. This focus upon Revelation 21:9 concludes by asking why a detailed blueprint of a future city FOLLOWS AFTER the final invitation of 21:6-8. Why is the description that follows placed here? Why did God see fit to say more about what had already been said in 21:2? Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that this isn't the only detailed blueprint of a future city found in Holy Scripture. God gave Israel a very intricate vision of the Millennial City of Jerusalem and its Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 40-48), and He tells His prophet exactly why: “that they may be ashamed of their iniquities” (Ezekiel 43:10). Those of us living right—amidst all the fear pornography and foolishness, and wickedness, and blindness—must consider this. Perhaps we, the American Church, should look at the detailed blueprint of Revelation 21 and also “measure the pattern” (Ezekiel 43:10) … that we, too, might be ashamed of our iniquities and Laodicean lukewarmness before the LORD (see Revelation 3:14-22).

After some weeks of hiatus, Jesse Boyd resumes his exegetical study of the Book of Revelation by referencing a statement made by Horace Greeley, a New York newspaper editor, more than 150 years ago: “It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people.” We are enslaved socially and mentally in America today precisely because we are not a Bible-reading people, precisely because we are not Bible-believing people. Now, as much as ever in church history, the Holy Scriptures are relevant, particularly the Book of Revelation with its unique promised blessing to those who read it, understand it, and keep it (1:3). We must study this book of prophecy; we must heed its red letters written directly to us living in these days. We must confess, believe, and hold fast to its promises. Then, we can never be enslaved. Following a lengthy exhortation to this end and some review of 21:1-8, this message highlights 21:9, and the angel's aside to John: “Come here a minute. Let me show you something!” This aside is contrasted with the aside of 17:1 where the grammatical construction is nearly identical. We cannot fully understand and appreciate the true Bride of Jesus Christ and our position therein (21:9) until we first see the WHORE, the fake church, for what she is and her future judgment (17:1).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on July 11, 2021. The focus is the sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars who are in line for the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8). In America today, we are compassed about by these on every side. The word righty translated “sorcery” in this verse is the same Greek word from which we get the English words “pharmacy,” and “pharmacist.” Simply put, most medical treatment in America today, so heavily reliant upon drugs and the hypochondria of a spiritually destitute people, is plain old SORCERY. The health & safety mantra is SORCERY. The Covid hysteria is SORCERY. America is a nation of hypochondriacs who dabble in sorcery for peace of mind. America is also a nation of IDOL WORSHIPPERS who fashion a god or a jesus in their own minds to serve their own lusts and pleasures. And then, there are the LIARS, all the liars. We are surrounded and vexed by them on every side. All these shall have their lot in the Lake of Fire. A Christian who falls into these things can't lose his soul, but he does stand to lose a lot: the joy of his salvation (Psalm 51:12), his testimony (I Corinthians 15:33-34, Revelation 2-5), his health (I Corinthians 11:30), heavenly rewards (I Corinthians 3:13-15), his Millennial inheritance (Luke 19:12-26), and perhaps even his earthly life (I Corinthians 11:30, I John 5:16-17). Who wants to lose these things and be ashamed before the LORD? Yes, the Christian can lose much by falling into these things, but he is still a Christian, a child of God. Thus, He is disciplined by a FATHER so that He will not be condemned with the world (I Corinthians 11:32).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on July 4, 2021. The focus is the abominable, murderous, and whoremongering classes of wicked people who are in line for the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8). In America today, we are compassed about by these on every side. And, the people of God should have no confederacy with them, neither should we fear their fear nor be afraid. Those who let the LORD alone be their fear and their dread will find Him a sanctuary in the midst of a wicked nation, while He is a snare and a stumblingblock to the abominable, murderers, and whoremongers (Isaiah 8:12-17). The only part Christians have with these wicked folks is to warn them, to be like God's servants the prophets and proclaim: “Oh, do not this abominable thing I hate” (Jeremiah 44:4), in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves if, by chance, God will mercifully grant them repentance unto the acknowledging of the truth (II Timothy 2:25-26).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on June 27, 2021. The focus is the second of eight classes of wicked people who are in line for the Lake of Fire—the UNBELIEVING. God classifies the sin of unbelief with whoremongers, sorcerers, and murderers. It is the seed of cowardice and a host of other sins. Unbelief cultivates a defiled mind and conscience. Unbelief provokes the LORD, and it proceeds from a hardened heart. It is the essence of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the unpardonable sin; and its most rancid and rotten fruit is born of those who profess to know God and yet in their works they deny Him, living as if they don't believe what they claim with their mouths (Titus 1:16). But, there is a fix. Cry out to Jesus Christ, as did the father with the demon-possessed son: “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, NC on June 20, 2021. The focus is the terrible disjunctive conjunction (but) that introduces the last hellfire warning in Scripture and the first of eight classes of wicked people who are in line for the Lake of Fire. Cowardice is a little fire that kindles great evil, and the COWARDS are first in line for damnation. There is good news for the American Church, however, despite all the cowardice that manifested itself during the Covid hysteria. It is sometimes possible that repentant cowards who lost Round 1 later prove to be the staunchest defenders of the faith when the bell sounds for Round 2. Consider Peter and the disciples in Mark 14, and then look at them go with boldness in the Book of Acts! Cowards can be forgiven and redeemed unto great boldness for the Gospel. But, unrepentant cowards are first in line for hellfire and brimstone.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on June 13, 2021. Its focus is upon the second thing that John hears in Revelation 21, the voice of GOD ALL IN ALL from the throne, the exhortation of a very personal God who promises to make all things new and commands John to write down His Words, for they are TRUE and FAITHFUL. Some preachers think the Book of Revelation is apocalyptic, symbolic, allegorical, figurative, confusing, hard to understand, unimportant, and irrelevant for today, but God says these words are TRUE and FAITHFUL. If what the Lord says it true, then this Book can be understood and should be preached. This particular message concludes by looking at the personal invitation of God to come and drink from water of life FREELY (21:6b-7). The first word from God ever omitted or misquoted was “freely” (Genesis 2:15), and it has since been a great stumblingblock for many who reject the Word of the Lord and trust in their own righteousness.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on June 6, 2021. In John 21:3-8, the Apostle hears TWO THINGS. The first is a MEGAPHONE (i.e. great voice) from heaven with a declaration of WHAT WILL BE (I.e. what has never been) and WHAT WON'T BE (I.e. what has always been) in the new heaven and the new earth. In other words, the long-standing law of creation, as defined in Ecclesiastes 3:15, finally EXPIRES. God declared such things to the captives of Israel through Ezekiel the Prophet that they might be ashamed of their iniquities (Ezekiel 43:10). Should what we see and hear in Revelation 21 not also make us ashamed of our iniquities before the LORD here in America?

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on May 30, 2021. In the first eight verses of Chapter 21, John sees TWO THINGS and hear TWO THINGS. After some concluding exhortation concerning biblical cosmology, this message moves to focus upon the second of two things John sees: the tabernacle of God coming down out of heaven to dwell with men, Abraham's dream (Hebrews 11:10) and the reason why there is “no more sea” (21:1). The great heroes of the faith looked for this city and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Do we confess the same? Do we live as if we are strangers and pilgrims?

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on May 23, 2021. Following a 7-part introduction to Revelation 21 that coincided with the Advent Season, this message begins a verse-by-verse study of said chapter. In the first eight verses, John sees TWO THINGS and hear TWO THINGS. This message focuses upon the first thing John sees, “a new heaven and a new earth” where there is “no more sea.” This sea is not the Atlantic or the Pacific, it is the sea of glass from Revelation 4:6, the same sea that has begun to melt by 15:6, is opened in 19:1, and is now gone. This great sea is the waters above the firmament that hide God’s throne (Job 26:8-10) and are frozen (Job 38:29-30). The mention of this sea in Revelation 21:1 necessitates a brief survey of BIBLICAL COSMOLOGY as opposed to the evolution-based cosmology of NASA. The heaven is God’s Throne, and the earth is His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). We are not a random accident spinning on a random ball around a random star in a random corner of a random galaxy that randomly flies outward from a random big bang explosion. Rather, the earth is the LORD’s and the fulness thereof (Psalm 24); it is the epicenter of His creation, His plan, and His purpose in this age.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on January 17, 2021. It is the last of a 7-part miniseries delivered during the Advent Season to serve as a fitting introduction to the glorious portrait portrayed in Revelation 21. Accentuating principles from Proverbs 11 , this series highlights unsung heroes and details from the birth narrative of Jesus Christ while also detailing aspects of the believer’s future expectation and hope that ultimately culminates in a new heaven and a new earth. Part 7 concludes deliberation of the “blessing of the upright” described in Proverbs 11:11, a blessing that makes a city to rejoice. Here, Mr. Boyd wraps up his examination of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture of the Church as seeded in the Old Testament (see Parts 5-6 of this long introduction to Revelation 21) by focusing upon Isaiah 18—the great present brought unto the LORD out “of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto.” America, a very influential Gentile nation in world history and key with regard to Israel in these latter days, is referenced in the Holy Scriptures. And, like all Gentile world powers, she will suddenly fall. But, take heart American Christian. Your country won’t fall without an ultimate harvest of American saints presented to the LORD at the Rapture of His Church. Still today, as has been the case for many years, the largest concentration of the Remnant Body of Jesus Christ resides in the United States. When God does act to destroy this wicked nation, it won’t be without a giant gift brought to Mount Zion of her people. Therefore, we can live free and please the Lord regardless of what the demonic rabble in Washington DC says or does. For “we, according to his promise, look for newheavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (II Peter 3:13).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on January 3, 2021. It is the sixth of a 7-part miniseries delivered during the Advent Season to serve as a fitting introduction to the glorious portrait portrayed in Revelation 21. Accentuating principles from Proverbs 11 , this series highlights unsung heroes and details from the birth narrative of Jesus Christ while also detailing aspects of the believer’s future expectation and hope that ultimately culminates in a new heaven and a new earth. Part 6 continues with focus upon the “blessing of the upright” described in Proverbs 11:11, a blessing that makes a city to rejoice. This was demonstrated by the shepherds who lived as if they believed what had been told to them about the Messiah by the angels and what had already been written down in the Old Testament. They “made known abroad” to others; and they went on publicly glorifying and praising God in the midst of political troublesome days. In the same way, we who claim to believe what God has told us in the Scriptures concerning Messiah’s imminent coming for His Church should live in days of tyranny as if we most certainly do believe these promises. For the promise of Christ’s imminent return for His Church before the pouring out of God’s wrath in the Tribulation is not just New Testament doctrine. All prophetic doctrine or New Testament mysteries concerning Jesus Christ have their seed in the Old Testament. What is unfolded in the New is always enfolded in the Old. We should therefore expect this concerning the Pre-tribulational Rapture. This particular messages examines DIRECT PROPHECY of the pre-Trib Rapture, the fetching of Christ’s Bride, as found in the Old Testament: in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on December 27, 2020. It is the fifth of a 7-part miniseries delivered during the Advent Season to serve as a fitting introduction to the glorious portrait portrayed in Revelation 21. Accentuating principles from Proverbs 11 , this series highlights unsung heroes and details from the birth narrative of Jesus Christ while also detailing aspects of the believer’s future expectation and hope that ultimately culminates in a new heaven and a new earth. Part 5 focuses upon the “blessing of the upright” described in Proverbs 11:11, a blessing that makes a city to rejoice. This was demonstrated by the shepherds who lived as if they believed what had been told to them about the Messiah by the angels and what had already been written down in the Old Testament. They “made known abroad” to others; and they went on publicly glorifying and praising God in the midst of political troublesome days. In the same way, we who claim to believe what God has told us in the Scriptures concerning Messiah’s imminent coming for His Church should live in days of tyranny as if we most certainly do believe these promises. For the promise of Christ’s imminent return for His Church before the pouring out of God’s wrath in the Tribulation is not just New Testament doctrine. All prophetic doctrine or New Testament mysteries concerning Jesus Christ have their seed in the Old Testament. What is unfolded in the New is always enfolded in the Old. We should therefore expect this concerning the Pre-tribulational Rapture. This particular messages examines TYPES of the pre-Trib Rapture found in the Old Testament: in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on December 20, 2020. It is the fourth of a 7-part miniseries delivered during the Advent Season to serve as a fitting introduction to the glorious portrait portrayed in Revelation 21. Accentuating principles from Proverbs 11 , this series highlights unsung heroes and details from the birth narrative of Jesus Christ while also detailing aspects of the believer’s future expectation and hope that ultimately culminates in a new heaven and a new earth. Part 4 focuses upon the knowledge, as described in Proverbs 11:9, that delivers the righteous in days of trouble. Such knowledge emboldened Mary to accompany her husband to Bethlehem, even though she was “great with child” and Jesus’ birth was imminent (Luke 2:5). Mary believed God and therefore she didn’t put “health and safety” first. Similarly, the knowledge of Christ’s IMMINENT return for His Church should embolden us to put aside “health and safety first” and be obedient when the whole world and a big part of the American Church is cowering in fear. The Scriptures clearly teach that the return of Jesus Christ for His Bride is IMMINENT. If something is imminent, other things MAY take place first but nothing MUST take place. It is therefore both certain and uncertain and demands an attitude of expectancy. And such expectancy is indeed knowledge that delivers the just in these dark days of American tyranny.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on December 13, 2020. It is the third of a 7-part miniseries delivered during the Advent Season to serve as a fitting introduction to the glorious portrait portrayed in Revelation 21. Accentuating principles from Proverbs 11 , this series highlights unsung heroes and details from the birth narrative of Jesus Christ while also detailing aspects of the believer’s future expectation and hope that ultimately culminates in a new heaven and a new earth. Part 3 focuses upon the eternal truth of Proverbs 11:8 as demonstrated in the part played by Joseph in the birth narrative of the Lord Jesus Christ. What Joseph was used to do for Mary and the baby Jesus is a perfect picture of what our Lord is going to do for us, His Church. Special attention is given to the Greek verb paralambano and how this sheds light on the biblical doctrine of the pre-tribulational Rapture of the Church. The ultimate deliverance of the righteous out of trouble, of course, is in the new heaven and the new earth, what is revealed in Revelation 21.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on December 6, 2020. It is the second of a 7-part miniseries delivered during the Advent Season to serve as a fitting introduction to the glorious portrait portrayed in Revelation 21. Accentuating principles from Proverbs 11 , this series highlights unsung heroes and details from the birth narrative of Jesus Christ while also detailing aspects of the believer’s future expectation and hope that ultimately culminates in a new heaven and a new earth. Part 2 focuses is about what must happen for Proverbs 11:10 to become a reality: The righteous must interpose as did the wise men between the tyrant King Herod and his intended victims, the baby Jesus and his earthly parents. The biblical doctrine of the lesser magistrate is introduced, and examples of important biblical and historical interposers are surveyed. Moreover, attention is drawn to the uniqueness of the American governmental system in which the people themselves are invested with the authority of lesser magistrates. Therefore, American believers duty-bound before God to interpose as did the wise men between tyranny and those suffering under it. The reality and promise of the new heaven and the new earth ought to motivate believers to engage in a ministry of interposing and remonstrating.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on November 29, 2020. It is the first of a 7-part miniseries delivered during the Advent Season to serve as a fitting introduction to the glorious portrait portrayed in Revelation 21. Accentuating principles from Proverbs 11 , this series highlights unsung heroes and details from the birth narrative of Jesus Christ while also detailing aspects of the believer’s future expectation and hope that ultimately culminates in a new heaven and a new earth. Part 1 is about the believer's expectation and hope that does not and cannot die with him, quite unlike the end of the expectation and hope of the wicked (Proverbs 11:6). As Simeon’s expectation in Luke 2 didn’t die with him, neither does the blessed hope of any believer. A shining example of this in recent history is the testimony of the Cambodian Church as it faced the imminent arrival and terror of the Khmer Rouge in 1975.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on August 30, 2020 following nearly a 6-month hiatus during which Covid-19, rioting, upheaval, natural disasters, and political chaos struck this wicked nation. What we need is a fresh dose of hellfire and brimstone preaching and a dire warning of the coming judgment of all the dead, the second death. There is NO ESCAPE from the eternal LAKE OF FIRE for those not found written in the Book of Life, NO ESCAPE from the outer darkness where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. It’s either CHRIST, or FIERY JUDGMENT.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on August 23, 2020 following nearly a 6-month hiatus during which Covid-19, rioting, upheaval, natural disasters, and political chaos struck this wicked nation. What we need is a fresh dose of hellfire and brimstone preaching and a dire warning of the coming judgment of all the dead, the second death. That warning begins with the veil of eternity suddenly rolled back to reveal the Great White Throne of Final Authority and Him who sits upon that throne, from whose face the heaven and the earth flee.

This message was preached on March 1, 2020 at New Testament Christian Fellowship, just a couple of weeks before the Covid-19 lockdowns. After 8 messages camped out between Revelation 20:6-7 concerning the coming Millennial Kingdom, Mr. Boyd discusses a few remaining details about millennial life from Amos 9, Obdaiah 17-21, Zephaniah 2 Haggai 2, and Malachi 3. Then, he strikes the tent, packs up the camp, and moves on to discuss Almighty God’s ultimate object lesson, the one final lesson of human history at the end of Christ’s Earthly Reign, a lesson learned the hard way (Revelation 20:7-10). And once this lesson is learned, God strikes the tent on human history and this present creation.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on February 23, 2020. Having covered Isaiah 11-12 and Micah 4, Mr. Boyd now highlights Zechariah 14, the third of three primary Old Testament passages concerning the literal and coming Millennial Kingdom. It is important to remember that Revelation 20 telescopes from the opening of the millennial kingdom (vs. 6) to the closing of this dispensation (vs. 7). The Old Testament provides all the details of what happens between Revelation 20:6 and 20:7. Zechariah 14 contains many details, and the historical context in which these prophecies were uttered also sheds light, particularly for the American Church so busy screwing around or hiding in a closet during all the Covid-19 foolishness.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on February 16, 2020. Here, Mr. Boyd shifts focus from Old Testament snapshots of the coming Millennium to three primary passages concerning this literal kingdom—Isaiah 11-12, Micah 4, and Zechariah 14. This particularly message covers Isaiah 11-12 and Micah 4. It is important to remember that Revelation 20 telescopes from the opening of the millennial kingdom (vs. 6) to the closing of this dispensation (vs. 7). The Old Testament provides all the details of what happens between Revelation 20:6 and 20:7.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on January 12, 2020. Here, Mr. Boyd continues his presentation of Old Testament snapshots that shed abundant light on life and how things will operate in the coming Millennial Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 20 telescopes from the opening of the millennial kingdom (vs. 6) to the closing of this dispensation (vs. 7). The Old Testament provides all the details of what happen in between Revelation 20:6 and 20:7.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on January 5, 2020. In this message, Mr. Boyd continues his discussion of the amazing chronological prophecy recorded in Ezekiel 4:1-8 followed by introducing a few Old Testament millennial snapshots found in the Prophets and the Psalms. The Bible is accurate and detailed history written beforehand. It can be trusted in all matters of faith and practice! And, what is teaches about a literal future millennial reign of the Messiah Jesus Christ is exactly what it means.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on December 29, 2019. After a brief introduction concerning the Jewish calendar and some commentary on the second half of Revelation 20:7, Mr. Boyd sidesteps to address biblical chronology and its trustworthiness. The integrity of biblical chronology is affirmed by verifiable astral phenomena recorded in ancient history, three main bridges between biblical and secular history, consideration of regal dating methods that differed between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, and an amazing chronological prophecy recorded in Ezekiel 4:1-8. The Bible is accurate and detailed history written beforehand. It can be trusted in all matters of faith and practice!

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on December 15, 2019. The focus is sabbath rest for the earth, the present creation, one of the primary purposes of “the thousand years” following 6,000 years of toil from the Fall of Man. As the writer of Hebrews makes clear to those in Christ already enjoying spiritual rest (cf. 4:3): “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Conover, North Carolina on December 8, 2019. Camped in the first half of Revelation 20:7 and focused upon the connotation of the word “expired” (i.e. which necessitates a literal understanding of “the thousand years”), Mr. Boyd examines some things God takes very seriously, though man thinks them unimportant or lightly esteems. The includes, among others, the sabbath rest that Israel was supposed to give to the land and its foreshadowing of a primary purpose for the coming Millennium. When the LORD says something, He means itI And the folly of rejecting this truth is noteworthy and relevant for America today in the life of Abijah, the grandson of Solomon and King of Judah (II Chronicles 13).

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on December 1, 2019. It’s principal emphasis is the first half of Revelation 20:7 where the word translated “expired” in the original language necessitates a literal understanding of “the thousand years” and clearly indicates that this time period accomplishes or fulfills something specific with regard to the present earth. To be understand this, the commands given to Israel in the Book of Leviticus concerning the land’s sabbath rest are examined, as is the link between the 70 years of Babylonian Captivity and Israel’s failure to keep those commands.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on June 1, 2019. It’s principal focus is the first resurrection declared in verses 5-6, this first resurrection unto life before the Millennium versus the second resurrection unto damnation (John 5:29) after the Millennium. The first and second deaths, the dead in hell, and the 4 un-resurrected groups who will be found during the Millennial reign of Messiah are also examined.

This message was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship on May 25, 2019. It’s focus is the two companies of resurrected and sanctified believers referenced in verse 4, the Church and the Tribulation Saints. These will possess and exercise governing authority with the Messiah here on earth during His Millennial Kingdom. Therefore, we ought to be motivated today in anything we do to “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

This sermon was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Conover, NC on May 19, 2019. It’s focus is the ruling and reigning of The Judge (Heb. Shofet) of Israel with his saints, their judicial and executive authority, and how this is the end of Israel’s disastrous cycle that began in the period of the Judges (Heb. Shoftim). In this message, the exegesis of Revelation 20 is paused in favor of an appropriate survey of the Old Testament Book of Judges.

This sermon was preached at New Testament Christian Fellowship in Conover, NC on May 5, 2019. It’s focus is the incarceration of that old serpent, the devil, during the Millennial Reign of the Messiah. Satan can be bound and confined without the armies of Heaven and by a single angelic arresting officer if God so wills. The Lord will stop the devil’s evil work the moment He is ready. And, it will be a public spectacle. The same can be said for the good ‘ole USA.