Imprint Community Church

James ends his letter with some encouragement for Christians enduring seasons of suffering. He exhorts us to wait with patient hope, trusting in Jesus to bring about the relief, the vindication, and the blessing he has promised in due time.

Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonian church with a litany of ethical instructions, mostly concerning how to pursue sanctification in the context of a local church. But his final words, after this long list of commands, is an assurance: God himself will accomplish this work in you by his grace. May this exhortation and encouragement spur on God's people to invest deeply in their local church, and to trust fully in God's redeeming grace in the gospel.

Zechariah's final prophetic oracle is a richly symbolic vision of the blessed future of God's people. The prophet pronounces coming judgment on God's enemies, and promises final salvation for his chosen ones. Relying on the familiar prophetic language of "the Day of the Lord," Zechariah comforts Israel with assurance that God will defend them, cleanse them, and dwell with them in safety.

In Zechariah 9-11, the prophet preaches a divine message of indictment on Israel's "worthless shepherds" - those leaders who had failed to properly care for Yahweh's flock - and promises the coming of a Shepherd-King who will faithfully tend to the needs of his people. This prophetic message contains strong implications for those in positions of authority - especially spiritual authority - and rich encouragement concerning the Shepherd-King he has sent to us in Jesus Christ.

After Zechariah's series of night visions, he delivers two sermons in chapters 7 and 8 that offer the people of God a somber warning concerning the danger of empty religion, and a glorious promise concerning the blessing of covenant obedience. With God's heart for his people shining clear as day, he then clarifies his calling on them to live as a just and righteous people.

The first half of Zechariah's book ends with a poignant "sign act" - a public, visible action that depicts an important spiritual truth for God's people. As Zechariah performs this public act - fashioning a crown from gold and silver brought back from Babylon, and placing it on the head of Joshua the high priest - God's people receive a message of glorious grace. God will unite his people under the faithful leadership of his anointed King and Priest. This is good news not only for the Jews living in Zechariah's day, but for all people throughout the ages who will put their trust in God's Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The final three visions of Zechariah reveal three things God does for his people: he judges his people's sin, he removes his people's guilt, and he gives his people rest. The Jews would no doubt have taken both comfort and challenge from these visions, and their truths are no less relevant and powerful for Christians today.

The most familiar words from the book of Zechariah come in his fifth vision, in Chapter 4. Zechariah sees a menorah flanked by two olive trees, and receives three promises from God to deliver to the people. These promises, depicted poignantly through prophetic imagery, should fill God's people with comfort and hope to carry on the work of his Kingdom, knowing that his Spirit will empower us for the task, and that he will faithfully bring his purposes to fruition.

In Zechariah's fourth vision, he sees Joshua, the High Priest, standing before God in filthy robes. The problem: God's people are sinful and unclean. How will the Holy God of Israel dwell with a sinful people? This chief predicament of all human beings is answered in the poignant image of God himself providing pure robes for Joshua, and cleansing the sins of his people "in a single day." In this beautiful passage, we learn about the power of God's grace to transform sinners into saints, and we see the seeds of his ultimate provision for our redemption in Jesus Christ.

The first half of Zechariah is comprised of eight "night visions" that the Lord gives the prophet. This message examines the first three of those visions, drawing out important and timeless truths concerning God's heart for his people, his purpose to fight their enemies, and his unswerving inclination to dwell with his people in love and blessing.

The first six verses of Zechariah set the stage for the vivid prophetic images and exhortations to follow, displaying Yahweh as a faithful, covenant-keeping God. He urges his people to renew their covenant commitment to him, and promises that he will draw near to them in grace and kindness. In this message to ancient Israel, Christians today receive a poignant word of warning and welcome from the Lord, and are encouraged to turn their distracted and wandering hearts back toward him in faith and repentance.

Guest preacher Orlando Cordero walks us through a passage in Romans 12 displaying the kind of community God calls his church to be. As the new year begins, Christians would do well to consider these exhortations to love, honor, care, and grace that God's people are called to show one another.

Guest preacher Anthony Wright reminds Christians of the gentle, compassionate care of their good shepherd, Jesus Christ. The scene in Mark 6 where Jesus feeds a multitude of people with just a few loaves of bread provides a rich portrait of Christ in his bountiful care and provision.

The book of Ruth ends with a beautiful display of God's abundant grace to widowed Naomi. And in a way much bigger than this one Hebrew family, God's redeeming grace toward his people as a whole, and his purpose to send another Redeemer many generations later, is evident in the genealogy that concludes the book. Christians can take heart at God's lovingkindness evident in this story, and given to us freely in the Savior to whom the story points.

The third scene in the book shows Ruth making a bold request of her kinsman-redeemer, Boaz, and displays Boaz' generous heart toward her and her mother-in-law. At the center of the drama is a promise made by Boaz, and the rest of the story will center on whether and how Boaz will keep his word to Ruth. Christians reading this chapter today learn important lessons about the providence of God, the courage of Christian decision-making, and the grace of resting in God's promises.

The second chapter of Ruth finds the vulnerable widows at the center of the story finding refuge under the wings of God, as his kind providence and abundant provision reveal his gracious pursuit of them from the start. In God's provision for the vulnerable in Israel, we see a foreshadowing of his provision for vulnerable sinners in Christ, and a call to extend his gracious care to the vulnerable among us.

Chapter 1 introduces us to the woman at the center of Ruth's narrative, a bereaved Hebrew widow named Naomi. Her life is marked by a string of tragedy that leaves her embittered and despairing. But even in the sad beginnings of Naomi's story, there are glimpses of hope as God sets the stage for a display of covenant kindness to Naomi personally, and to his people as a whole.

The final verses of Revelation are an epilogue that borrows heavily from images and themes we've seen throughout the book. Despite the fact that there's nothing fundamentally new introduced in these verses, nevertheless they provide strong exhortation and rich encouragement for Christians, concerning our expectation and our preparation for Christ's return.

Rev. 21 (and the first part of 22) provide one of the most beautiful passages in all the Bible, depicting in vivid, symbolic imagery the glory and joy of the new creation that God has in store for his people. Reflecting on this passage calls to our imaginations to wonder at the beauty of the world to come, and calls our hearts to wait in anticipation for the day Jesus returns and makes all things new.

At the close of human history, every human being will be raised to stand before the great white judgment throne of God. The courtroom scene in this passage depicts that final judgment, and urges all people to live in light of that coming day.

"The Millennium" in Revelation 20 is perhaps the most hotly contested passage in the book. But if we can look past the bluster of theological debate, we find that the image of the 1,000-year reign of Christ with his saints fits nicely within the book of Revelation, and is totally consistent with the book's messages and exhortations. Is the Millennium a future golden age where Jesus rules on the earth? Is it a picture of the current age before Jesus returns? Listen to Pastor Kyle expound on the themes and encouragements in this important chapter.

Following the beautiful image of the marriage supper of the Lamb, John's vision zips back in time to show us another depiction of Christ's return in judgment. The "battle scene" at the end of history reveals Jesus Christ in undeniable power, zealous for the honor of his name, and swift to claim full victory. This vision of the Lord should fill Christians with reverence and worship.

The judgment of Babylon is followed by a glorious portrayal of exuberant worship in heaven, as the Church of Jesus gathers at a banqueting table for the "marriage supper of the Lamb." This scene provides powerful encouragement to weary Christians, and a poignant picture of God's abundant grace in the gospel.

Guest preacher Mike Christ unpacks Paul's teaching in Romans 7 about our new identity in Jesus Christ, and how having "died to the law" frees us into a whole new kind of being and living in union with Christ.

Revelation 18 portrays the destruction of Babylon, the great kingdom of man that opposes God and persecutes his people. In Babylon's depravity, Babylon's destruction, and Babylon's danger, Christians receive powerful encouragement - and pointed warnings - to remain faithful to Jesus Christ in this godless age.

In a new vision, John is introduced to a beautiful woman sitting on a scarlet beast - Babylon the Prostitute. The sharp imagery of this vision portrays the real, ever-present temptations of idolatry, greed, and immorality in "the city of man." God's people are called to discernment and endurance in the face of these Satanic seductions.

Revelation 15-16 provide a sobering picture of God's final wrathful judgment upon a rebellious world. Borrowing heavily from the Exodus story and the plagues God sent upon Egypt, John conveys two undeniable realities: God delivers his people, and God destroys his enemies.

Chapter 14 concludes the cycle begun in Chapter 12, as the Lamb gathers his saints to himself and executes inescapable justice upon the wicked. This vivid chapter, juxtaposing full salvation against final judgment, is a sobering call to Christians to persevere in their faith.

John' vision introduces the Dragon's two primary agents in his war against the Church, in the form of two fearsome beasts who arise from the sea and the earth. These beasts represent Satan's primary tools in his effort to destroy, disrupt, and divide the people of God. Awareness of these dangers calls for endurance, faith, and wisdom on the part of God's people in this treacherous age.

Chapter 12 of Revelation begins the second major division of the book, in which Christ's battle with the Dragon is depicted. The cosmic drama of redemption is portrayed in the style of mythology, with vivid characters and an epic drama unfolding in the stars. Yet these grand images reveal tangible and true realities concerning the life of the Church in this broken world, awaiting the return of Christ.

Pastor Kyle concludes the summer series "Words of Life" by looking at some exhortations from Paul in 2 Corinthians, about the ministry of gospel proclamation God has entrusted to us. These principles will help equip Christians with the confidence and faith it will take to steward the gospel of the kingdom, and to point others faithfully toward the Savior of the world.

Guest speaker Mike Roach explores the famous story of Zacchaeus, a hated tax collector who was transformed by an encounter with Jesus. The grace of God in his life, and Jesus' declaration that he has come "seek and to save the lost," can arm us with compassion toward sinners around us, and challenge us to reach out in love with gospel hope.

In Acts 17, Paul delivers a shrewd and bold gospel message to the philosophers and thought leaders in Athens. In his message, we can see strategies and principles that can help us approach evangelistic conversations with unbelievers in our lives, and that remind us of the powerful grace of God in the gospel.

When a rich man asks Jesus how he can enter the Kingdom, he is disappointed by Jesus' message concerning the cost of following him. This conversation reveals the pitfalls of self-righteousness, idolatry, and the accumulation of wealth as barriers to receiving the Kingdom. Christians today need to be aware of these dangers for our own hearts, and seek to bring the gospel to bear on these idolatries in those we hope to reach for Christ.

When the disciples try to keep children from getting in the way of Jesus' ministry, the Lord has a word of rebuke for his disciples, and a warm welcome for youngsters to draw near to him. In our efforts to proclaim the gospel of grace, we must not forget the children in our churches and neighborhoods as those who need to receive Jesus in faith, and who are invited to come to him.

In Acts 8, God sends an evangelist named Philip to the chariot of a government official from Ethiopia, a man who had been made a eunuch. In this gospel conversation, we see powerful and practicable insights that Christians can employ in approaching unbelievers with the good news about Jesus.

This conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman highlights the profound grace of God in the gospel, and provides us with insights that will help us engage compassionately and courageously with unbelievers around us.

Dr. Smith considers the long patience of God with his people, and the powerlessness that comes from their lack of repentance.

Through the prophet Hosea, God gives his people a vivid portrayal of his covenant faithfulness, even in light of their rebellion and idolatry. In this message Dr. Kevin Smith reflects on the love of God and calls the church to sincere worship and faithfulness to him.

Revelation 11 introduces us to two witnesses, who have a powerful ministry of the word, but are strongly opposed by the world and the devil. A symbolic picture of the church on earth, these witnesses provide us with powerful descriptions of our calling in the world and God's unswerving commitment to save his people.

John's vision gives us a long interlude between Trumpets 6 and 7, which basically answer the question: What is the Church on earth doing during this period of history, while God pours out his partial judgments upon the unbelieving world? Chapter 10's answer to that question is that the Church of Jesus Christ is to be God's prophet to the nations. The strange imagery of John eating a scroll has very practical implications for our lives as followers of Jesus.

Chapter 8 introduces us to a new "series of seven" in Revelation: seven trumpets sounded by angels in heaven, representing terrible (but limited!) judgments of God upon sinners in the world during the present age. An escalation in the judgments' intensity indicates a drawing nearer of the return of Jesus, and the final judgment that will come upon the unbelieving world at that time. But for now, as God sends these partial judgments into the lives of unbelievers, he intends to turn the hearts of proud sinners toward himself in repentance and faith.

When the Lamb opens the 6th seal, John's vision depicts the end of human history. In Christ's return to earth, two vivid and starkly contrasting realities are portrayed: the judgment of the wicked, and the salvation of the Church. These verses - alternately terrifying and hopeful - put in clear terms what is at stake in our response to Jesus Christ and his gospel.

The Lamb begins to open the sealed scroll, and we see plagues and hardships befall the earth. These are not merely depictions of future disasters, but snapshots of the woes and troubles of life in a fallen world in the age between Christ's first and second comings. This message considers the first five seals, which highlight the triumph of Christ's gospel and the suffering of Christ's people on earth.

John's vision of the throne room in heaven continues, revealing three all-important realities: Christ's coronation as King, Christ's conquering by the cross, and Christ's acclaim throughout creation. This powerful scene shows us a heaven that is saturated with adoration to Jesus Christ as the redeemer of God's people. Listen to this description of heaven's worship, and consider how our own lives and worship should be shaped by it.

As the body of John's vision begins, the first image he sees is of utmost importance: the throne of God. The throne is the orientation for the rest of the vision, and perhaps the primary point the Revelation intends to drive home to its readers: The sovereign God is reigning from his throne, and no earthly or spiritual powers can overcome it. Listen as Pastor Kyle describes the striking scene of God's throne room.

The final of the seven letters from Jesus is a church that is proud and self-reliant, who trust themselves so fully that they have grown complacent ("lukewarm") in their relationship to the Lord himself. Jesus has strong words of rebuke for this kind of church, yet still holds out incredible mercy and and hope to those who will repent and trust in him yet again.

In Jesus' 6th letter, he addresses a church that's been excluded by the religious community and the social systems of the day, but who have remained steadfast in their devotion to Christ. The Lord offers no corrections, but four powerful encouragements for this faithful congregation. In these encouragements, Christians today can find comfort and courage for steadfastness in the face of trouble.

An atheist commenter asks, "How do atheists find good feelings about life?" A simple, emphatic answer: The best way to find meaning in this life, and hope for eternity, is to believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead!" Examining 1 Corinthians 15:12-28, Pastor Kyle considers a world where Christ was not raised, and then demonstrates how the resurrection of Jesus answers all the hopelessness of a fallen world.

The church in Sardis has been lulled to sleep by complacency and compromise. Their reputation for being a lively, vibrant church is out-of-sync with Jesus' diagnosis: They are dead. (Or, at least dying.). This passage issues a powerful warning for Christians who are spiritually slumbering, in danger of missing out on life in the Spirit entirely. But for the faithful, Jesus assures them of the coming rewards of friendship, purity, and security.

Jesus has strong words of correction for a church that has grown in love and virtue, but has been tolerant of evil and false teaching. How does a modern virtue like tolerance become grounds of discipline for a church? What sorts of boundaries should a church have around its life and doctrine, to remain faithful to Christ?