Providence Church

As the book of Revelation reaches its dramatic crescendo, storylines are tied together from the whole of scripture. Even as we finish the epic story of Revelation, John ends with a final exhortation- that we too would be a part of the story. As we cry out with desperation, "Come, Lord Jesus!" and Jesus echoes, "Behold, I am coming soon," the question looms- are we ready for that day? Do we long for it or run from it? Does your heart rise with anticipation or sink back in fear? The answer to those questions will expose your heart and let you see just how much of your life has bought into the lies and lifestyle that Babylon offers.

We're not just living day-to-day - we're in a spiritual war. Satan's tactics of persecution, deception, and seduction are at work all around us. But here's the good news: The ultimate victory has already been won through Christ! We're not fighting for victory, we're fighting from victory. Our call is to endure, remain faithful, and resist compromise in a world constantly pressuring us to give in. Where are you in this battle? Are your eyes open to the war around you? You are in a battle, but the war is already won.

God doesn't just give us a list - He tells us a story. The Bible isn't merely a collection of facts, but a grand narrative that invites us to find our place within it. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a God who chooses to reveal Himself through the power of story. Where does your story fit in God's grand narrative? Are you allowing His story to shape yours?

Far from being a cryptic prophecy about the future, Revelation emerges as a manual for following Christ in our daily lives. The central message revolves around the imagery of being 'marked' - either by the world (symbolized by Babylon) or by God. This marking isn't just a symbol; it's a reflection of our values, choices, and ultimate allegiance. As we delve into Revelation 14, we're reminded that true discipleship means 'following the Lamb wherever He goes.'

Easter isn't just about a man rising from the dead - it's about hope rising from the ashes of our broken world. We see how the book of Revelation paints Jesus as both the conquering Lion and the sacrificial Lamb. His death and resurrection don't just save us - they make all things new. Our pain, our guilt, our shame - none of these define us. Instead, we are defined by the resurrection of a slain Lamb who has overcome death itself. This Easter, remember: Satan's greatest tools have been rendered powerless. Though we may die, yet shall we live. Our story doesn't end in brokenness, but in restoration.Where do you place your hope? In the temporary things of this world, or in the eternal promise of resurrection?

Everyone worships something - the question is who or what? When we see Jesus for who He truly is, worship is the only natural response The cosmic battle of Revelation and all of history isn't between Jesus and Satan, but it is a battle for our worship and devotion. As John labors to show us the beauty and truth of Jesus, he tells us that Jesus's call to us is clear: Come and drink and never thirst again.

In the book of Revelation, we're presented with two paths: • The glorious New Jerusalem or the ruins of Babylon • Our name in the Book of Life or judged by our deeds • Following Christ or following the world There is no middle ground. No sitting on the fence. Which city will you choose for eternity?

Babylon isn't just about big cities or obvious vices. It's about the subtle ways we're all tempted to find security, hope, and fulfillment apart from God. What looks enticing today may lead to destruction tomorrow. But there's hope! God's call to 'come out' isn't punishment - it's grace. It's not restriction, but salvation.

"It is finished" or "It is done" - which will you stand under? In one of the most intense passages in Revelation, the message is clear and urgent: God's wrath is coming, but there's still time to choose hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.

There's a cosmic battle raging for your soul (yes, yours), and you're not a neutral bystander. In this message on Revelation 13-14, we explore the deceptive tactics of the 'beasts' - poor imitations of Christ that seek to seduce or force us into worshiping the kingdoms of man. But take heart! The true Lamb stands victorious on Mount Zion. Our call? Endure persecution. Be wise to worldly temptations. And above all, follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Don't settle for cheap substitutes. Only Jesus is worthy of our ultimate allegiance.

The battle is real, but it's not a fair fight. In Revelation, we see a cosmic showdown between good and evil. But here's the twist - our victory is already secured through Christ. Sometimes God's path to victory runs through apparent defeat. The two witnesses seemed conquered, only to rise again. Christ Himself went through death to resurrection. Remember: You have an adversary, but you're not alone in this fight. You have the risen Son and all of heaven's armies on your side. 'They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.' - Revelation 12:11

"How long, O Lord?" This ancient cry echoes through Scripture and our own hearts. In Revelation 8-10, we see God's response: Now is the time. The book of Revelation isn't just wild imagery - it's the culmination of God's story, playing familiar notes with increasing intensity. Like a symphony building to its climax, it reveals Jesus as the dividing line of history and our lives. Will you build your life on Christ, the Cornerstone? Or will you be crushed by rejecting Him?

The Four Horsemen aren't just ancient symbols - they're a reality we face daily: conquest, war, famine, and death. But there's hope beyond the chaos.In Revelation, we see God marking His people as His own. Even in suffering, we're not forgotten. Our tears will be wiped away. The question isn't IF trouble will come, but WHO will you trust when it does?

All of history is marching toward the throne room of God. All creation in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and in the sea will bow before him on his throne. Yet for most of us, our lives are consumed by the here and now- the day-to-day tasks that make up our lives. We spend our lives mired in these moments and suffer from a lack of vision of the ultimate reality that awaits us and is taking place now. Correcting that vision and adjusting our view to see the great and glorious God will change everything about us and the lives we live here on Earth.

In this exploration of Revelation chapters 1-3, we're invited to examine the letters to the seven churches and their profound relevance to our lives today. The central message revolves around Jesus' intimate knowledge of each church's strengths and weaknesses, offering both commendation and correction. We're challenged to consider how we might be falling into the same traps of losing our first love, compromising with worldly values, or becoming lukewarm in our faith. The imagery of Jesus walking among the lampstands reminds us that He is present in our midst, both comforting and convicting. As we reflect on these letters, we're called to guard our hearts against the three primary attacks of Satan: persecution, deception, and seduction.

The Book of Revelation isn't about timelines or dragons. It's about glimpses of hope in the darkness. Like driving through a long, dark tunnel and suddenly catching breathtaking views through small windows - Revelation gives us awe-inspiring glimpses of Jesus and the glory that awaits. In a world full of suffering, we need these reminders that God reigns. Revelation isn't meant to confuse us, but to bless us with renewed hope and a longing to see Christ face-to-face. 'Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it.' - Revelation 1:3

As the new year begins, we reflect on the last year and consider our spiritual growth. Do you look more like Jesus now than this time last year? The challenge before us in the new year is that we would make the vision for our lives- the obsession of our lives- to see Christ formed in us. If that is to happen, it will take nothing less than our relentless pursuit of that task. Consistency will be the mark of our lives.

There's something about Christmas lights that brings almost everyone a little bit of joy. Why is it that something so simple- twinkling lights on a roof line- makes so many people smile? That little light set against the backdrop of the darkest and longest nights of the year reminds us that the darkness may last for a long time and it may feel overwhelming, but when the light shines- the darkness cannot overcome it.

Emmanuel- God with us. That simple truth is the essence of the Christmas story- but not just the Christmas story. Truly it is the message of the Bible- from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible is a story about God in relationship to his people. A relationship that was present in the Garden and restored in the New Jerusalem- and Christmas is at the center of that story.

What if you could have everything you want, everything you need, but God walks away from you in the process? Would you take it? Would it be enough to sustain you? That's the choice that Moses was faced with. While the people of Israel may have been okay with that trade-off, Moses pleaded with God to come with them, to be with them. Without Him, Moses knew there was no point, no purpose, no hope. When Jesus is resurrected, the promise he gives us is that he will be with us. Why is that truth, that God is WITH us, so important?

There are few things more powerful than the right words at the right time. Sometimes it's THE right word that makes all the difference. The bible is full of moments when things seem dark and hopeless- when all is lost. When those moments come, it's not unusual for a phrase to show up right next to it: "But God." The essence of our Christian faith is bundled in those two words. It represents a God who acts, who remembers, who cares, and who shows up when He is most needed.

Can you explain your Christian faith? If you had an opportunity, what would you say? Where would you start? Would you feel comfortable summarizing the essence of what you believe? In our current series "Four Small Words," we try and summarize the Christian faith in the simplest terms possible- four seemingly insignificant words. This week we explain how the word "through" provides many ways to show us what has gone wrong with this world and the good news of the Gospel that shows us how God provided a solution to all that has gone wrong.

Sometimes the best things come in small packages. Even though they may not demand much attention, small words can have profound meaning and massive impacts on our lives. As we begin our new sermon series, we look at how one word can be at the heart of our faith and how we live out our day-to-day lives.

Every day we see a new set of stories that can make us think that the end of the world is imminent. This world doesn't leave much room for hope and joy when that day comes. Fortunately, the Bible speaks a greater word and while the world may not give us much to look forward to- the Book of Revelation does. In a book often full of confusing imagery, the message of the book is often lost. Fortunately, we know how it ends and that provides us with both encouragement and endurance until the end.

Stories shape us. They mold us. They move us. They guide us. They make us. We have spent nearly two years exploring Luke's story about this man Jesus. That story from beginning to end and everything in between is the most significant story this world has ever known. Every story is somehow connected to that one- even our own. As we try to summarize Luke's account of this man Jesus, we consider what it means for our own lives and for eternity.

Not all classrooms and not all teachers are created equally. In the wake of Jesus's death, his disciples were left trying to figure out what life held for them. They had to come to terms with what they had seen from this man they thought was the Messiah, but now was gone. There were rumors that he had come back from the dead, but that seemed far-fetched- or was it? As they walked back to their lives, two disciples were treated to the greatest lecture the world has ever heard and it changed everything for them- and it should change everything for you too.

Jesus's story is unexpected from the very beginning. His birth, his life, and his death are full of surprising teachings and events that leave the crowds in awe and the religious leaders in anger right up to his final breath. But the heartbeat of our faith is that his story doesn't end there. And because of that everyone, from the Roman Soldier to the terrified disciples to us today, has a hope that is unshakeable and eternal.

As Jesus makes his way to the cross, each step reveals the stark difference between Him and us. After being poured out as a drink offering, betrayed, and then denied- it would be easy, even justified, for Jesus to wonder what all this suffering is for. After all, what does He get out of it? But that question is one that we would ask, not Jesus. His motivation is entirely different than ours and in that motivation we find our only hope.

All things were made by him. He holds all things together. He is the image of the invisible God. He is the firstborn of all creation. Every knee will bow to him. Yet he stands mocked, beaten, handcuffed, and betrayed. How does the Son of God walk among us and this is the story we have to tell about him? It doesn't make any sense... unless that's the story He's been writing since the very beginning.

Sometimes sin is outright rebellion and disobedience. Sometimes it's simply forgetting your place in the story and thinking you're the main character. When everything needs to revolve around you, you make decisions about your glory, comfort, and priorities. We can only worship God rightly when we have him at the center of the story. The disciples got this wrong all the time. Jesus never did.

Why did Judas betray Jesus? We may never know the full answer to that question. "How" could Judas do it? Well, that question is one we don't even need to ask Judas because we know how it can happen all too well. The truth is that betrayal happens when someone's own agenda is more important than the other person. Judas's focus was all about him. In contrast, as Jesus brought his disciples together and told them how his own body and blood would be poured out for them. Jesus's faithfulness to us never waivered and held firm as he loved us to the end.

It's important to remember what is secondary and what is primary. Getting those two reversed can lead to missing the whole point. When Jesus talks about things that will happen "at the end," the temptation is to focus on the details. Unfortunately, that can often make us miss out on the bigger picture. The details are important, the bigger picture is what all those details are designed to do- to make us live our lives differently. When you keep the end in view, it should teach you to live a life that reflects that truth.

Holding the flashlight for your dad can be a dangerous task. You wouldn't think it would cause so many problems, but almost universally it does. Why? Because it would be easier for your dad to do it by himself than involve you. This is true of our Heavenly Father too. Yet he chooses to use us for his work- to our joy. The problem comes when we start to think that because we held the flashlight that we are actually the ones that did the work. When the Pharisees held their heads high as their money dropped into the temple treasury, they had made a critical mistake....they thought God needed them.

Sometimes, we can get so caught up in the things that we want that we completely miss the most important things that we should've seen. After Jesus's opponents set multiple traps for him, he turned the questions back on them. When Jesus does it, he doesn't try to trap his opponents but to teach them. He wants to show them just who this Messiah was supposed to be and why they've missed the obvious truth right in front of them.

You can't just get rid of religion in a country. When you take away Christianity, as American has done at an alarming rate over the last several decades, something has to fill the void. For so many, what has taken the place of church and Jesus is political parties and candidates. When Jesus's opponents tried to set Him up, he was ready to teach them about the nature of our faith, the temporary nature of our world, and the eternal nature of God.

Jesus is for everyone. This is the message that Luke has driven home over and over again throughout his gospel. It can make it easy to think that means we all get our own "version" of Jesus just for us. But when we say that Jesus is for everyone, we mean that ALL of Jesus is for everyone....the one that weeps over Jerusalem and the one that cracks the whip in the temple.

What we want is a God that shows up and gives us everything we ask for, everything we desire, everything we want. What we have is a God that loves us enough to give us what we need most, even if we didn't even know we needed it. As Jesus rode into town on the back of a donkey, he had the expectations of a city that was buzzing with anticipation. Instead of bowing to their desires, he continues to move to the cross in order to give them what they need. Which teaches us the pattern for our lives- he doesn't remove the suffering, he redeems it.

The goal of every investor is to find a way to make money where they don't have to do anything to make it. It's the holy grail of investing- passive income. Everyone wants something for nothing. For most church-goers in America, that's what we want out of Jesus too. Put in a minimum investment and then just sit back and reap the rewards. Jesus makes it clear, though, that discipleship doesn't work like that. He has jobs for us to do, assignments to complete, and investments to make. While the rewards may be significant, they are anything but passive.

When a celebrity rolls into town it can cause a bit of a scene. Everyone wants to be near them, to see them, to see what all the fuss is about. Sometimes they'll go to extreme measures to makes sure they don't miss out on the spectacle. When this happens, most just expect to be passive observers. For Zacchaeus, he thought he was just going to catch a glimpse of the show. What he got was an unexpected dinner guest that changed the rest of his life.

Distracted or Desperate? Sometimes the most obvious things are right in front of us and we can't even see them. And in the case of one man in Jericho, the one that couldn't see was the one that could see better than all the others. Which one are you?

Comparison is the thief of joy...so the saying goes. But I guess that depends on who you're comparing yourself to. This is the problem that Jesus points out when he tells the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The tax collector paid no attention to the pharisee, he just knew that he needed grace... because his comparison was far more appropriate. One man's comparison led him to the feet of God, the other led him to walk away thinking he didn't need God. Jesus makes it clear who had the right perspective.

Don't quit. No matter what the world throws at you. Don't quit. That simple message may be just what you need to hear today.  Jesus tells us a story of someone that had no reason for hope and every reason to quit- but her faith kept her going, and going, and going. Will he find that kind of faith in us when he returns? That's the question that Jesus wonders aloud as he teaches his followers.