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Philippians 1 : 12 - 26

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Beholding the Lamb of God Rev. Jeff Hardy, John 1:19-34 Click here for bulletin

Audio Recording Behold the Glory of God Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God2 Corinthians 3:4-18 (ESV)4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.Sermon OutlineAs a church, we are beginning a season of seeking God to gain insight on how lives are transformed by beholding God's Glory.1. Gloryv18 “beholding the glory of the Lord”2. Veil v18 “with unveiled face”3. Transformed Imagesv18 “are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”v14 “the same veil remains unlifted…through Christ it is taken away”v18 “Beholding”v12 “since we have such a hope, we are very bold”Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious, radiant God: we bow before you, aware that the kingdom, power and glory are yours. We admit our lack of understanding, our unbelief, our disinterest. We admit our sin that prohibits us from seeing, acknowledging and experiencing your glory. We have looked to created thing to satisfy us. We have given our devotion and energies to people, things and ideas that have ensnared us. We have not walked the path of grace and truth that you have set before us. Forgive every sinful thought, word and deed. We thank you for Jesus, who has come near to make you known, has opened the way, and who calls us to follow him in the paths of life. Transform us by the work of your Spirit; show us Jesus so that we may behold your glory. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat does glory mean? What do you think of? How would you describe glory?Do you ever experience glory (or have you ever)? Describe the experience.Why do you think God wants us to behold His glory?What makes beholding God's glory so difficult?How have you tried to behold God's glory? What has worked? What hasn't?What happens to us when we behold something or someone else, in the place of God?What did Jesus do that makes it possible for us to behold God's glory?How is looking to Christ a central part of the Christian method of transformation? How does one “fix their eyes” on Jesus?How are other aspects of the Christian life (ethics/behavior, spiritual disciplines, theology, etc.) integrated with beholding God's glory? What happens if we pursue them apart from looking to Christ? What role does Sunday worship with God's people play in a lifestyle of seeking God and beholding His glory? Why is it important? How can you make the most of each worship service towards this goal?

Audio Recording Behold the Glory of God Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God2 Corinthians 3:4-18 (ESV)4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.Sermon OutlineAs a church, we are beginning a season of seeking God to gain insight on how lives are transformed by beholding God's Glory.1. Gloryv18 “beholding the glory of the Lord”2. Veil v18 “with unveiled face”3. Transformed Imagesv18 “are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”v14 “the same veil remains unlifted…through Christ it is taken away”v18 “Beholding”v12 “since we have such a hope, we are very bold”Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious, radiant God: we bow before you, aware that the kingdom, power and glory are yours. We admit our lack of understanding, our unbelief, our disinterest. We admit our sin that prohibits us from seeing, acknowledging and experiencing your glory. We have looked to created thing to satisfy us. We have given our devotion and energies to people, things and ideas that have ensnared us. We have not walked the path of grace and truth that you have set before us. Forgive every sinful thought, word and deed. We thank you for Jesus, who has come near to make you known, has opened the way, and who calls us to follow him in the paths of life. Transform us by the work of your Spirit; show us Jesus so that we may behold your glory. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat does glory mean? What do you think of? How would you describe glory?Do you ever experience glory (or have you ever)? Describe the experience.Why do you think God wants us to behold His glory?What makes beholding God's glory so difficult?How have you tried to behold God's glory? What has worked? What hasn't?What happens to us when we behold something or someone else, in the place of God?What did Jesus do that makes it possible for us to behold God's glory?How is looking to Christ a central part of the Christian method of transformation? How does one “fix their eyes” on Jesus?How are other aspects of the Christian life (ethics/behavior, spiritual disciplines, theology, etc.) integrated with beholding God's glory? What happens if we pursue them apart from looking to Christ? What role does Sunday worship with God's people play in a lifestyle of seeking God and beholding His glory? Why is it important? How can you make the most of each worship service towards this goal?

Prophetic Destiny Summit (PDS) is an annual flagship conference organised by Prophetic Destiny Heights Incorporated in conjunction with ICGC - Open Heavens Temple. Since its inception 19 years ago, the conference has promised rapid growth in quality, numbers, experience and testimonies backed by enthusiastic support and participation to the glory of God. The annual conference is held in the last week of August, which comes mainly as evening sessions from Sunday to the next Sunday.

Lessons: Psalm 86:1-10, Matthew 18:1-10, CL 444By Rev. Kurt Horigan AsplundhRecorded in the Bryn Athyn Cathedral on October 1, 1995. For more recordings, visit www.newchurchaudio.org

The Gospel is more than a message of salvation—it is the announcement of God's Kingdom and His reign over the lives of those who believe. Explore the nature, message, and demands of the Kingdom of God, and what it means to live as a citizen of that Kingdom.

For the Glory of God Rev. Gray Segars, John 3:22-30 Click here for bulletin

Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church Worship August 30, 2026 Sermon: The Powerful and All Sufficient Word of God Rev. Nate Waddell Luke 16:19-31

Are you ready to unlock the true power of spiritual authority in your ministry and lead with deep, unshakeable confidence?In this transformative expository preaching session, Rev Paul Jeyachandran unpacks Ephesians 1:1-2 to help pastors, church leaders, and believers discover their true identity in Christ and experience the profound fatherhood of God. Perfect for Christian leadership training and pastor mentoring, this Ephesians sermon series explores the transition from a servant's mandate to standing securely under the Father's unmerited favour and perfect shalom. Whether you are seeking church growth strategies or looking to deepen your pastoral ministry resources, this teaching reveals how knowing 'whose' you are changes your entire behaviour, belief, and spiritual walk. Align your life with your divine calling and step into the fullness of His grace today!#EphesiansSermon #ChristianLeadership #FatherhoodOfGod #ChurchGrowth #PastorMentoring #IdentityInChrist #GraceAndPeace #BibleStudy #ExpositoryPreaching #MinistryTraining

Mission Month - All This Is From God - KSBC LIVE - 30th of August 2026 —— To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://www.ksbc.org.au/give/​ SHARE Jesus. CARE for people. ENCOURAGE Christian growth. This is the mission of Kilsyth South Baptist Church, led by Pastor Peter Nielsen based in Kilsyth South, Victoria, Australia. ——

In our lectionary today, we read about two midwives who refused to obey the Pharaoh's death decree. How did they know to fear the living God more than a powerful tyrant who could bring them death? They are role models for us today and can teach us important lessons about being disciples of the Prince of Life in a culture of death.

Back to the Beginning: The Book of Genesis, The Well Service, August 23, 2026 Genesis 11:1-9

Children of God Rev. David Vanderhyde

God's power is beyond human ability and limitation. Discover how His power works through faith, the Holy Spirit, and the life of the believer to accomplish His purpose.

In this week's sermon, Rev'd Doctor Logan Gates reflects on Psalm 73.

Genesis 32:22-31 - Jacob Wrestles With God 22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. 28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” 29 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” 31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

The kingdom of heaven isn't just some future paradise. God already reigns, but there are many who oppose Him. Why doesn't He subjugate everything to His will now? He is patient beyond our own understanding.

Rev. Ivan Corbin will be preaching on Romans 8:12-25.

Back to Beginning: The Book of Genesis Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, 36

We all have different people who have played a part in our development as Christians. And as Christians, we all have different opinions on what to do and how to do it within the church. But, one thing is consistently true: it is Jesus that causes us to grow, and it is Jesus that we strive to serve...Live streams are available each Sunday at 11:00 am on our website, app, and Vimeo at: ⁠https://vimeo.com/chippewaumc⁠⁠ChippewaUMC.org⁠

Dead to Sin, Alive to God - Rev. Alex Banfield Hicks 06.05.26 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

Rev. Robbie Ytterberg preaches his sermon "Son of Man/Son of God" as part of our new sermon series Windows to Jesus. June 27 & 28.

Open Heavens Temple which started on the 30th of January 2011, has become one of the fastest growing satellite branches of the International Central Gospel Church, with the mission of Raising Leaders, Shaping Visions and Influencing our Society through Christ.We are a diverse and vibrant multi – ethnic and multi–cultural congregation of young Professionals, Technocrats, Entrepreneurs, Business Executives, Public Servants and vibrant youth. It is led by our Senior Pastor, Rev. Eric Xexemeku, a seasoned minister of the gospel with a heartbeat for God's people and a passion for excellence.

06-14-26 Sanctuary Service, All Things with God - Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson

Ordinary Church 2026

We now come to the passage in the Bible that some of you have heard so much about. For some of you, you are already familiar with the story of how God miraculously healed me, so I will not spend much time retelling it. However, there is something I have not talked much about, and it has to do with my response to this passage in Revelation 7:9-17. When I was serving as the senior pastor at Northwest Baptist Church, the pressure of ministry began to affect me in ways I did not expect. The church was in a difficult season, and I was carrying a lot. Anxiety began to take a toll on my health. Because of my family history, my doctor sent me to a cardiologist, who ordered a CT scan in 2007. The results were sobering. The scan showed seven areas of calcified plaque in my left coronary artery, and my calcium score was higher than ninety percent of men my age. I was only thirty-two years old, and because my dad died when he was forty-seven, you can imagine where my mind went. Suddenly, I was scheduled for a cardiac catheterization, wondering whether I was going to die young like my father. That Friday morning, before a Converge Rocky Mountain regional gathering, I prayed a simple prayer: Lord, would You encourage me from Your Word? Then I opened my Bible, and it opened to Revelation 7:912. I read about the great multitude no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb, crying out, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! Honestly, nothing happened. I read it, closed my Bible, and went on with my day. I believed Revelation was the Word of God, but I had mostly learned to read it as a book about future events, so I did not yet grasp the pastoral comfort God had placed in this vision. The next morning, as we sang How Great Is Our God, the imagery of Revelation 7 rushed back to me. It was as though the Lord gently pressed a question into my heart: Keith, do you understand what awaits you if you die? That was the question I had missed. I had read Revelation 7 as a future scene, but I had not yet learned to receive it as comfort for the present. In that moment, the fear began to liftnot because I knew what would happen during the catheterization, but because the Lord reminded me of where I was going if I belonged to the Lamb. If I lived, I belonged to Christ. If I died, I would be with Christ. Either way, my future was secure. The following week, during the cardiac catheterization, the cardiologist paused and said, Keith, theres nothing there. The plaque that had appeared on the CT scan was gone. I cannot explain it medically, but I believe God, in His mercy, protected me. Yet the gift God gave me in that season was not only more years. He also began to open my eyes to this books purpose. Revelation is not merely a book for charting future events. It is given to strengthen the church by showing us Jesus Christ. It is for suffering, anxious, grieving, persecuted, and weary saints who need to be reminded that the Lamb is on the throne. Revelation 7:917 shows us where every person who belongs to the Lamb is headed. The people of the Lamb will stand before the throne. They will be clothed in white. They will worship. They will be sheltered by God. They will hunger no more. They will thirst no more. The Lamb will be their Shepherd. God Himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes. What I did not understand then is that this passage not only gives us a glimpse of heaven; it also comforts every Christian from every generation. This passage is for me, and it is for you. God is the Keeper of Salvation (vv. 9-12) As we saw last week, John hears the number of Gods sealed people described as 144,000 from the tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:48), but when he looks, he sees a great multitude no one can number from every nation, tribe, people, and language (v. 9). These are not two separate peoples of God; they are Jews and Gentiles gathered into one redeemed people through Israels Messiah. The promise God gave to Abrahamthat all the families of the earth would be blessed through him (Gen. 12:3)has come to full bloom through Christ, the Lamb who purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev. 5:910). Now, in Revelation 7, that redeemed people stands before the throne and the Lamb, where no one in Revelation 6 could stand (Rev. 6:17; 7:9). After God mercifully spared me and the doctors found my left coronary artery clear, one of the first people I told was Ed Hardesty. He said, Remember, son, just as quickly as God removed that plaque from your arteries, He can put it right back again. That was a word I needed to hear. God had not healed me so that I could go on living as though my life belonged to me. He had healed me for a purpose, and that purpose is centered around His mission. But there was another lesson for me right there in Revelation 7. Why does John first hear the people of God described as 144,000 sons of Israel before he sees them as a multitude from the nations? The list has the feel of a census, and more specifically, a military census. In Numbers 1, Israel was counted by tribe according to the number of men able to go to war (Num. 1:23), and that census begins with Reuben, Jacobs firstborn. But Revelation 7 begins with Judah, because from Judah came the Lion who is also the Lamb (Rev. 5:5). In other words, Revelation is not merely giving us a headcount of redeemed Jewish men; it is giving us a Christ-centered picture of the people of God gathered and ordered around the conquering Lamb. Scripture also connects wartime readiness with consecration. When David and his men needed bread, Ahimelech asked whether the young men had kept themselves from women, and David answered that they had, because they were on a holy mission (1 Sam. 21:45). Later, when David tried to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, Uriah refused to go home to his wife while Israels army was in the field. He said, The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? (2 Sam. 11:11). Uriah understood something David had forgotten: a soldier at war does not live as though the war does not exist. That background also helps us when we come to Revelation 14, where the 144,000 are described in the ESV and NIV as those who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins (Rev. 14:4). That wording can be misleading if we assume John is referring only to literal unmarried men. The Greek word translated virgins isparthenoi, fromparthenos, which can refer to virginity but can also carry the idea of chastity or purity. This is why the NASB2020 translates Revelation 14:4, These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are celibate. The point is not that only unmarried men belong to the Lamb, or that these men are a specific group of virgin men who will be saved in the future. The point is symbolic. Revelation portrays the 144,000 as a consecrated people whose allegiance to the Lamb is marked by purity, devotion, and wartime faithfulness. They have not given themselves over to spiritual adultery with Babylon; they belong wholly to the Lamb. This is what I missed for so many years. The census of the 144,000 sons of Israel represents the great multitude redeemed from the nations, and their devotion to the Lamb includes a wartime ethic. Paul says, Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:1112). This ethic runs throughout Revelation. Jesus told the church in Smyrna, Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (2:10). The martyrs under the altar had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne (6:9). Revelation 12 says the people of God conquered the dragon by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, because they loved not their lives even unto death (12:11). Revelation 14 describes the 144,000 as those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes (14:4). Revelation 18 calls Gods people to come out of her... lest you take part in her sins (18:4). How is the Christian able to remain faithful with a wartime ethic? They are able to resist because they have the seal of God upon them. It is the One on the throne who is keeping those who belong to Him (John 10:27-30), and it is He who promises to complete the work He is doing in and through them, for Paul wrote of this very thing: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). Listen, salvation in the Bible is not only the forgiveness of sins and pardon from the wrath of God; it also includes the promise that those sealed by the Spirit belong to God and will be kept until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Pet. 1:5). This is why the redeemed multitude of both Jews and Gentiles from the nations cry out with a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! (Rev. 7:10). And this is why all the angels around the throne and the four living creatures fall on their faces in worship of God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen (v. 12). Salvation is for the Christian to Experience (vv. 13-17) Now, the other thing I did not recognize in 2007 but discovered while tracing the parallels in Revelation has been right in front of me all these yearsand I missed it. For years, I assumed the great multitude in Revelation 7 described only the martyred saints from the fifth seal, those who were slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne (Rev. 6:9). But one of the elders asked John, Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come? (v. 13). That question is our first clue to the identity of this great multitude. When was the last time in Revelation that one of the elders spoke directly to John? It was two chapters earlier, when John wept because no one was found worthy to open the scroll. Then one of the elders said to him, Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered (5:5). But when John looked, he did not see a conquering lion in the way we might expect; he saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. Then the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders sang a new song explaining how the Lamb conquered: Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth (5:910). That matters because the elder in Revelation 7 is helping John see the result of the Lambs victory. The great multitude standing before the throne is not limited to the martyrs from the fifth seal, though they are certainly included. This multitude is the people Jesus ransomed by His bloodthe redeemed from every tribe, language, people, and nation across every generation, kept by God until the Day of the Lord. John knows that the elder already knows the answer, so he says, Sir, you know. Then the elder answers his own question: These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). The second clue to the identity of this multitude is what made their robes white: the blood of the Lamb. Blood does not normally make things clean; it stains. But Revelation shows us what the blood of Jesus does for sinners. Isaiah said, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isa. 1:18). John writes, the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Revelation has already told us that Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (1:5). So when Revelation 7 says their robes have been made white in the blood of the Lamb, it speaks of salvation. They are clean before God because the Lamb was slain for them, and that salvation is received by faith in Him. There is a third clue about who these redeemed people are, found in verse 15: they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple. This is priestly language. In the Old Testament, Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex. 19:6). Now, through the blood of the Lamb, that calling is fulfilled in the redeemed people of Jesus Christ. Revelation 5 has already told us that the Lamb ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made them a kingdom and priests to our God (Rev. 5:910). So the multitude in Revelation 7 is not a separate group from those introduced in Revelation 5. They are the priestly people of God, standing before His throne, serving Him in His temple, and wholly belonging to the Lamb. One other thing needs to be pointed out here. Revelation 7 does not say these Christians are only those who were slain for their faith, as we saw in the fifth seal (Rev. 6:9), nor does it identify them specifically as those who were beheaded, as we will see later in Revelation 20:4. Instead, they are identified as those coming out of the great tribulation (v. 14). We will have more time later in Revelation to unpack the repeated time markers John usesthree and a half years, 1,260 days, and forty-two monthsbut for now, it is enough to say that Revelation presents the church as living in tribulation now, while also pointing to an intensified expression of that tribulation before the return of Christ. So when the elder speaks of the great tribulation, I understand him to be describing the full reality of the churchs suffering in this age, including its intensified expression before Jesus comes again. The encouragement of Revelation 7 is not that the people of the Lamb avoid tribulation, but that they come out of it. They are brought safely through it, washed by the blood of the Lamb, and gathered before the throne of God. Notice how the elder describes those who are brought safely through the tribulation: They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). He portrays their cleansing as a completed action. In other words, nothing you can ever do can add to or take away from the salvation Jesus purchased for you through the shedding of His blood. Jesus could not have been clearer: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:36). You are saved by the blood of Christ and by Him alone. Belief results in salvation, but do not misunderstand: true belief in the Son also leads to obedience. While it is true that we will still sin, the evidence that you believe and have been saved by the blood of the Lamb is that you run to Him out of hatred for your sin and love for the One who saved your soul. This is the point John makes in his epistle: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:79). This is why the multitude cries out with a loud voice, and why one day we will join them: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! (Rev. 7:10). And what is this salvation that awaits all the redeemed of the Lord? It is salvation, full and completewhen sin and death are no more, when sighing and sorrow flee away, when what is mortal is swallowed up by life, and when God wipes away every tear from the eyes of those covered by the blood of the Lamb. On that day, we will experience the promise of Revelation 7:1617: They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. What guarantee do you have that you will come out of the tribulation? What assurance do you have that when you stand before Jesus, you will not hear those terrible words, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness (Matt. 7:23)? Revelation gives us the answer at the very center of the book: And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death (12:11). The assurance of the Christian is not that we were strong enough to hold on to Jesus, but that the blood of the Lamb was strong enough to cleanse us, the testimony of Jesus was strong enough to keep us, and the grace of God was strong enough to make us faithful even unto death.

In the 1870s, Charles Taze Russell began leading Bible classes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a small group that came to be known as Bible Students. In 1879, he began publishing a Bible journal later known asThe Watch Tower.Then, in 1884, he incorporated what became the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Through Russells publishing work, the movement spread beyond Pennsylvania and eventually laid the foundation for what later became Jehovahs Witnesses under Joseph Rutherford. Russell rejected several historic Christian doctrines, including eternal conscious punishment in hell and, most seriously, the doctrine of the Trinity. After Russell died in 1916, Rutherford became president of the Watch Tower Society in 1917. Under his leadership, the movement became more centralized and aggressive in its evangelism, and in 1931 the name Jehovahs Witnesses was adopted. The Watch Tower Society is not merely another Christian denomination. It is a cult that rejects essential doctrines of the Christian faith, including the Trinity and the full deity of Jesus Christ. To be clear, misunderstanding Revelation 7 or using poor hermeneutical principles does not automatically mean someone will develop a cult or reject the core tenets of the Christian faith as Russell, Rutherford, and the Jehovahs Witnesses have done. Many faithful Christians have differed over the meaning of the 144,000. But the Watch Tower Society shows us why careful interpretation matters. When Scripture is mishandled repeatedly and forced into a system, the results can be spiritually dangerous. Revelation 7 is one of the passages central to their teaching. Jehovahs Witnesses teach that the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14 are a literal number of anointed Christians who will be resurrected to heavenly life to reign with Christ as kings and priests. They also teach that the great multitude in Revelation 7:912 is a separate group with an earthly hopethose who survive Armageddon and live on a restored earth. I mention this because Revelation 7 shows us why context matters. When this chapter is separated from the question at the end of Revelation 6, it can be made to say things John is not saying. John is not trying to create two separate classes of Gods people. He is answering the question,Who can stand?So as we come to this passage, we need to pay careful attention to what John hears and sees, allowing Scripture itself to serve as our primary commentary before we look to any system to determine the meaning of the text. The People of the Lamb are Sealed by God (vv. 1-8) At the end of Revelation 6, with the opening of the sixth seal and the first description of the Day of the Lord, we are left with one of the books most haunting questions:for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?(Rev. 6:17). The kings of the earth cannot stand. The powerful cannot stand. The wealthy cannot stand. The strong cannot stand. Neither slave nor free can stand, as all hide among the rocks and mountains, begging creation to conceal them from the face of Him who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. So who can stand? Revelation 7 gives the answer. Before the seventh seal is opened, John is shown another vision, but do not think of this vision as occurring strictly after the sixth seal and before the opening of the seventh. Instead, if the seals were acts in a theatrical production, what happens in Revelation 7 shows us what is happening behind the curtain sometime during the sixth seal and before the seventh. Throughout Revelation, the visions often pause, circle back, or open a new window to help us understand more clearly what God is doing. In this case, Revelation 7 functions as an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals, answering the question raised at the end of chapter 6. John then sees four angels who arestanding at the four corners of the earth,each holdingback the four winds of the earth(v. 1). We are told they do this so that no wind blows on the earth, sea, or any tree. What John sees is not four angels manipulating the weather. Likewise, the four corners of the earth is not a description of the earths shape or design. As you are aware, the number four often points to the created order in Scripture. What you may not be aware of is that the four winds frequently symbolize judgment. Because Revelation is a picture book rather than a puzzle book, the image John sees is one of restraint. The message conveyed is that judgment is being held back. Listen, every day before the final Day is a day of mercy, a day of restraint, and a day for the Lamb to gather His people. What is being shown and communicated to us in these verses is that we are living in a time of divine restraint as we move closer to the Day of the Lord. The world is not free from judgment, but the final winds of judgment have not yet been unleashed. What judgment is being held back? The judgment described in the sixth seal. As to why it is being held back, we do not have to wait long for an answer, because in the very next verse we are told that a fifth angel, ascending from the rising of the sun, declares with a loud voice:Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads(v. 3). Do you now see why context is so important? The angels declaration answers the question,Who can stand?Those who can stand are those who belong to God. Before judgment is unleashed, God marks His people as His own. The earth, sea, and trees are not harmed until the servants of God are sealed. This does not mean Gods people will avoid all suffering, for we have already seen in the fifth seal the souls under the altar crying out in a loud voice,O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long...(Rev. 6:10). What it does mean is that the coming judgment will not sweep Gods people away under His wrath, for He knows who belongs to Him. The four winds of Gods judgment do not descend upon the earth in blind rage. When God executes justice, His wrath is holy, measured, and righteous. He does not fly off the handle. Before the wrath of the Lamb is poured out, the people of the Lamb are sealed by the God who embraces them as His children. This distinction is not new in Scripture. In Exodus 12, God distinguished His people from Egypt by the blood of the lamb. A stronger parallel appears in Ezekiel 9, where God marked those who grieved over Jerusalems sin before judgment fell on the nation. In both cases, God identified those who belonged to Him before judgment fell on the wicked. This is what is happening in Revelation 7. The seal on the foreheads of Gods servants is not a literal, physical mark. It signifies that they belong to the living God. This language appears throughout the New Testament. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1 that those who believe in Christ aresealed with the promised Holy Spirit(Eph. 1:13). This sealing is possible because of the blood Jesus shed on the cross as the Lamb of God, and it is received by faith (Eph. 2:19). The seal is Gods mark of ownership, assurance, and future inheritance. It is not first a statement about the strength of our faith in Him, but about the certainty of Gods possession. He promises never to let His redeemed go (John 10:2730). Those who belong to the Lamb are not hidden from God, forgotten by God, or abandoned in the day of trouble. They belong to God. This all seems clear enough, but the passage can become confusing when it says that those who are sealed are also numbered. Verse 4 says,And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel(v. 4). Here, we must not only pay careful attention to the context of Revelation 7 but also do what Revelation has already taught us to do: pay attention to what John hears and what John sees. What John hears isthe number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel(v. 4). Many have understood this as a literal number of ethnic Israelites, primarily because John goes on to name the tribes in a specific order. Some believe the 144,000 are a specific group of ethnic Jewish Christians who come to faith in Jesus during a future seven-year tribulation and serve as evangelists after the rapture. I understand why many read it that way, but there are some problems with that interpretation. First, Revelation 7 functions as an interludea symbolic pause within the visionrather than a chronological sequence following the great Day of the Lord described in 6:1217. Second, Revelation often follows a pattern in which what John sees clarifies what he first hears. So before we assume the 144,000 is a literal headcount, we need to pay attention to how numbers and images function in this book. Listen, the number twelve is associated with the people of Godthe twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The number one thousand signifies immensity, fullness, and completeness. This is why the psalmist describes Gods ownership by saying,For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills(Ps. 50:10). It is not that God only owns the cattle on one thousand hills and not hill number one thousand and one. The point is fullness. Everything belongs to Him. Likewise, when Moses speaks of Gods covenant faithfulness, he says,Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations... (Deut. 7:9). So, what do you get when you take the twelve tribes of Israel, multiply them by the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and then multiply that by the fullness of the covenant-keeping faithfulness of God (12x12x1000)? You get144,000. In other words, this is not about limiting the people of God. It is about showing us that every one of Gods people is known by God, sealed by God, and secure in God through the blood of the Lamb. This is also why the tribes John lists begin with Judah. Reuben was the firstborn, but Judah is listed first because the Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered. The people of God are numbered, sealed, and secure because they belong to the Lamb who came from Judah. Even the list itself urges us to read carefully. John is not simply giving us a standard tribal roll call; he is showing us the complete people of God through the imagery of Israels tribes. The People of the Lamb are Gathered by God (vv. 9-12) Now, if you miss what I am about to say next, you will miss the point of Revelation. John hears the number of the sealed people of God described as 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, but when he looks, he seesa great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages(v. 9). John hears of 144,000 sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel, but when he looks, he sees a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language. What John sees is not a different people from the 144,000; it is the reality of Gods promise to Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to David, and to Mary. What John sees is the promise of God to every generation of His people coming into full bloom. The Lamb who was slain has purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, just as Revelation 5 declared. This should not surprise us, because the salvation of the nations was never Gods contingency plan. It was His purpose from the beginning. When God called Abraham, He promised thatall the families of the earthwould be blessed through him (Gen. 12:13). That blessing comes through Abrahams Seed, who is Christ (Gal. 3:2629). So Revelation 7 does not show us Israels replacement but the fulfillment of Gods promise through Israels Messiah, gathering Jews and Gentiles into one redeemed people before the throne. This is also where Revelation 5 helps us understand Revelation 7. In Revelation 5, the elders sing that the Lamb purchased people for God by His bloodfrom every tribe and language and people and nationand made thema kingdom and priests to our God(Rev. 5:910). In Revelation 7, John sees that kingdom of priests standingbefore the throne and the Lamb. What was promised in Genesis is now seen in glory:a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages(Rev. 7:9). So when John sees the nations gathered before the Lamb, he sees Israels hope fulfilled and expanded through Israels Messiah. The Lamb has gathered a people from the nations, and now they stand where no one in Revelation 6 could: before the throne and before the Lamb. Conclusion I want to leave you with the three As of Revelation 7, and here is why: eschatology does little good in the Christian life unless it affects your ethics. We are called to live each day in light of the Day that is coming. So, here are the three As: Assurance If you believe in Jesus Christ, confess Him as Lord, and desire to follow and obey Him, then you are sealed by God. Here is what the Bible says:if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved(Rom. 10:910). If this is true of you, then you are sealed by God, and if you are sealed by God, then 1 John 3:1 is for you:Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!(1 John 3:1, BSB). If you belong to the Lamb, then you are known by God, sealed by God, and secure in God. Allegiance If you call yourself a Christian, does your life show that you belong to the Lamb? If you are a Christian, your identity is now in and with the Lamb of God. To belong to Jesus means that you are not an acquaintance of Jesus, but an apprentice of Jesus. Jesus said to all who would seek to follow Him:If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple(Luke 14:2627). The seal is not merely about future security; it is about present identity. If you belong to the Lamb, your loyalty cannot ultimately belong to Babylon, comfort, approval, politics, money, or self-preservation. Action We have been saved and sealed, and now we are sent to join the mission of the Lamb as He gathers peoplefrom every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages(Rev. 7:9). The question is: Are we living on mission with the Lamb? We were purchased by the blood of the Lamb not to be passive about the nations, our neighbors, or the lost. Jesus did not suggest that we engage His mission; He commanded us to do so:Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age(Matt. 28:1920). Today is a day of mercy. Today is a day of restraint. Today is a day for the Lamb to gather His people. Today is the day of salvation! We are living in a time of divine restraint as we move closer to the Day of the Lord. So live in the confidence of your salvation, make sure your allegiance to the Lamb is clear, and commit your heart to action by dedicating your life to His mission.

Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church Sermon: The Family of God Rev. Nate Waddell Exodus 12:14-17, 24-27; 13:8-15 June 7, 2026  

Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church Sermon: The Grace of God Rev. Nate Waddell Exodus 12 May 31, 2026

Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:1-15 John ends his glorious book by describing heaven to his readers.  Here we have a final description of the population of heaven ... and the pleasure of heaven. The people who will enjoy the presence of God will be His servants who will reign with Him (Rev 22:3,5).  They are the righteous and holy, who have washed their robes (Rev 22:11,14).  The people who will not be in heaven are also mentioned in this final passage, one last time.  They are the unrighteous and the filthy ... immoral, murderers, idolaters, liars (Rev 22:11,15).  The ultimate pleasure of heaven will be seeing God (Rev 22:4).  This will not simply be an experience of sight, but of communion with God (Rev 21:3).  To be in God's presence, beholding His face ... will be to encounter omnipotent power, unadulterated goodness, infinite love, staggering uniqueness.  And this ultimate pleasure will not be static and unchanging, but ever-increasing and ever-progressing.  Early American pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards, said, "After [saints] have had the pleasure of beholding the face of God millions of ages, it will not grow a dull story; the relish of this delight will be as exquisite as ever."  How we ought to long, like Moses, to see the glory of God!

Contemporary Worship

Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-8 In this glorious section of Revelation, God draws back the curtain of heaven and bids us to behold the wonders and pleasures that await those who belong to Him.  He says, "Behold, I am making all things new" (Rev 21:5).  There are several ways in which God will make things new. First, He will make a new universe.  "I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth has passed away (Rev 21:1).  If this earth is stunningly beautiful, how breathtaking will the new earth be?!  Second, He will give to His people a new body.  "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" (Rev 21:4). We will be like our Lord, never to die again. Third, God will give us a sinless heart.  Having purified us completely, there will be no sinful people in heaven ... the cowardly, the faithless, the immoral, the murderers, the deceitful (Rev 21:8). Fourth, God will establish a new relationship between Himself and His people.  "He will dwell with them, and they will be His people and God Himself will be with them as their God" (Rev 21:3).  "... take your heart to task, chide it for its willful strangeness to God, turn your thoughts from the pursuit of vanity, bend your soul to study eternity, and busy it about the life to come. . . . you will find yourself in the suburbs of heaven, and that there is, indeed, a sweetness in the work and way of God, and that the life of Christianity is a life of joy" (Richard Baxter, The Saints Everlasting Rest ).

Praise to Our God! Rev. Dr. Colleen Hurley-Bates (5.10.26) by Sermons

Send us Fan MailCan you slowly drift from God without realizing it? In this sermon from 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1, Pastor Paul Lawler explores spiritual compromise, intentional holiness, and what it means to live as the temple of the living God. HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church Sermon: The Hard Hearts of Men and The Grace of God Rev. Nate Waddell Exodus 7 May 10, 2026

In this powerful episode of Kingdom Crossroads, TS Wright welcomes back Rev. Stu Woods from Australia for a direct and challenging message about masculinity, truth, responsibility, and following Jesus in a culture drifting further from biblical foundations.Rev. Woods speaks candidly about the “hard truths” many avoid discussing today — including personal responsibility, spiritual maturity, self-control, death, eternity, and the need for men to live in service to others rather than selfish ambition. Drawing from Scripture and practical life experience, he challenges listeners to ask:Are you living as a man or remaining a boy spiritually?Are you aligned with reality and God's truth?What changes can present you make that future you will thank you for?The conversation explores:Biblical masculinity and servant leadershipWhy truth spoken in love mattersThe spiritual battle between flesh and SpiritOvercoming distractions, pornography, addiction, and selfish livingTrusting God through suffering and hardshipThe eternal hope found in Jesus ChristRev. Woods also shares insights from Getting Masculinity Right by Al Stewart and closes with a heartfelt prayer for men, families, and those seeking God's direction for their lives.This episode is a bold call for men to grow spiritually, embrace responsibility, and follow Christ with conviction in a confused world.Key Scriptures MentionedJohn 8:32John 3:16-18John 11:25-26Hebrews 9:27Matthew 6:25-27Mark 10:43-45Galatians 5:16-23Ephesians 5:3Ephesians 5:18Romans 5:81 Corinthians 13:11James 4:13-14Key TopicsChristian masculinityBiblical manhoodSpiritual maturityChristian discipleshipTruth and cultureFaith and responsibilitySelf-control and holinessMen's ministryFollowing JesusKingdom livingCall to ActionIf this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow, subscribe, and share Kingdom Crossroads with others seeking truth, purpose, and deeper faith in Jesus Christ.Check out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.

May 3, 2026 | The Word of God for the People of God | Rev. Jenny McDevitt by Shandon Presbyterian Church

I want to read you some quotes from some theologians and authors that you could have found or may even still be able to find in your local Christian books store: Bob Wilkin: One can be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and yet not be a disciple. Jesus: You have abandoned the love you had at first. (Rev. 2:4) Joel Osteen: God wants to increase you financially, by giving you promotions, fresh ideas, and creativity. Jesus: Be faithful onto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (2:10) Robert Schuller: Sin is any act or thought that robs myself or another human being of his or her self-esteem. Jesus: You have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam... (2:14) Joseph Dillow: A Christian can be carnal, even persistently so, and still be saved. Jesus: You tolerate that woman Jezebel... (2:20) Joseph Prince: The bottom line is that the Holy Spirit never convicts you of your sins. He NEVER comes to point out your faults. Jesus: You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. (3:1) Kenneth Copeland: Gods will is for you to prosper in every wayspiritually, physically, and financially. Jesus: You have but little power, and yet you have kept my word. (3:8) Norman Vincent Peale: Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. Jesus: You say, I am rich... I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. With each of the seven letters, Jesus repeats the same four words: The one who conquers... And then he follows up those words with some promises: The one who conquersI will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Rev. 2:7). The one who conquersI will give you the crown of life, and you will not be hurt by the second death (Rev. 2:1011). The one who conquersI will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone (Rev. 2:17). The one who conquersI will give authority over the nations, and I will give him the morning star (Rev. 2:2628). The one who conquerswill be clothed in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels (Rev. 3:5). The one who conquersI will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and I will write on him the name of my God and my own new name (Rev. 3:12). The one who conquersI will grant him to sit with me on my throne (Rev. 3:21). As you may know, the title of this sermon series captures the central theme of the book of Revelationa theme that can be summarized in a single word:Triumphant. But what does it mean to be triumphant? Jesus answers that question with four simple words:the one who conquers. So, the two questions before us this morning are: 1) What does it mean to conquer? and 2) What is promised to those who conquer? What does it Mean to Conquer? Let me begin by explaining what our Lord doesnotmean by these four words. Conquering does not mean that saying a prayer or repeating what is often called the sinners prayer guarantees salvation. It does not mean that God will prosper you financially or physically. It does not mean that your self-esteem will remain untouched. It does not mean that becoming a Christian allows you to live with unrepentant sin without fear. It does not mean that you can be wrong about Jesus without consequence. It does not mean that you will be free from suffering in this life. And it certainly does not mean that you can rely on your own strength. So, what then does it mean to conquer? If our time in Revelation has not made this clear enough, let me point you to a verse that stands at the very center of Johns apocalyptic masterpiecea verse that captures the theme of the entire book:And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death(Rev. 12:11, ESV). The Berean Standard Bible puts it this way:They have conquered by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death. Who did they conquer? They conquered the great dragonSatan himselfwho is called the deceiver and the father of lies. The apostle Paul speaks of this same reality inRomans 16:20:The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. But how is this possible? It is possible, first and foremost, because of what Jesus accomplished through the incarnation. The eternal Son of Godfully God from all eternitybecame fully man, being born of a virgin. He entered our world for this purpose: to accomplish redemption, to secure the forgiveness of sins, and to bring about the final defeat of sin, Satan, and death. However, the way Jesus secured the victory was not the way His disciplesor anyone elseenvisioned it. When Jesus entered Jerusalem for the final week before His crucifixion, He did so riding on a colt while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road ahead of Him. They shouted: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest! (see Mark 11:1-10). The crowds rightly believed they were welcoming the promised King, but by the end of the week, some of their voices would fall silent while others would cry out, Crucify Him! (Mark 15:12-13). Why? Because they misunderstood why Jesus came. They misunderstood what it meant for Him to conquer. The crowds believed their greatest need was for the promised King to overthrow Rome. In their minds, there was no greater tyrant than the Roman Empire. But what they failed to see was that a far greater tyrant ruled over themtheir own sin. Their greatest need was not political deliverance, but reconciliation to a holy God, because their sin demanded His righteous wrath. They had celebrated the Passover year after year, but they missed what it pointed to. That feast was never an end in itselfit was a signpost. It pointed beyond itself to a true and better Lambthe Lamb of Godwho would take away the sin of the world. Jesus was clear about how He would conquer, but because the crowds could not see past Rome, a suffering Messiah was not on their radar. Even His disciples struggled to understand that the Lamb of God had to suffer and die by way of the cross before there would ever be the Crown. Isaiah 53 prophesied long ago: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.... Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Jesus spoke plainly that this is what He came to do. On the way to Jerusalem shortly before Palm Sunday, He could not have been clearer: See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise (Mark 10:33-34). Jesus conquered by living the sinless life we could never live and by dying the death under the wrath of God that we all deserved. He did not conquer by taking the lives of His enemies, but by giving His life to reconcile sinners to God. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conqueredbut He conquered as the Lamb who was slain (see Rev. 5:56). This is why all of heaven rejoices:Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!(Rev. 5:12). So how do we conquer? The answer is found in the very verse we just read: And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death (Rev. 12:11). Do not miss what this verse is saying! It does not describe a different kind of victory than the one Jesus secured, but shows that we conquer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. First, we conquer by the blood of the Lamb. Our victory is not based on our strength or effort, but entirely on what Jesus has already accomplished. The victory was won at the crossnot by us, but for us. Just as we are saved by Christ alone, we conquer by trusting that what He did was enough and that His righteousness is all we need. Second, we conquer by the word of our testimony. In the book of Revelation, our testimony includes not only what we say but also the way we live in light of what we believe about Jesus. To confess Jesus as both Lord and Savior means living our lives based on that conviction, regardless of the cost. The word of our testimony is standing firmrefusing to compromise, refusing to bow before idols, and refusing to remain silent when the world demands our allegiance over Jesus. Third, we conquer by not loving our lives so as to shy away from death (BSB). To conquer is not to avoid suffering, but to remain faithful through it. To conquer is to value Christ above comfort, above safety, and even above life itself. The world says, Preserve your life at all costs. But Jesus says, Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matt. 16:25). I believe that when we consider these three things and apply them to our lives, we will regain the love we have abandoned, face suffering while holding onto hope, strengthen our resistance to compromise, see the emptiness of sexual sin, and care less about what others think of us. We will be less impressed by the powers of this world, and we will find ourselves more drawn to abide in Jesus as the source of our satisfaction and joy. And this is where everything begins to come into focus.Because if this is what it means to conquerif conquering means trusting in the blood of the Lamb, holding fast to our testimony, and remaining faithful even unto deaththen we must ask:what is promised to those who conquer? What is Promised to Those Who Conquer? Before we examine what is promised to those who conquer, let me show you something you might not have noticed before. Often, Revelation 23 is treated separately from the rest of the book, but remember what I shared with you at the start of this series about how I believe Revelation is structured. Do you remember the chart I showed you in my first sermon? If youve forgotten, let me show it to you again. There are seven vantage points through which Johns apocalypse is structured, each looking forward to the promise of a resurrected and renewed heaven and earth. Each of these vantage pointswhether it is the churches, the seals, the trumpets, or the bowlsis not telling a different story, but the same story from different angles. They all move toward the same goal:Revelation 21 and 22the new heaven and the new earth. Every cycle in Revelation is pulling us toward the same promise: that God will bring His people all the way home. This is where it all comes together, because the promises Jesus gives to those who conquer in Revelation 2 and 3 are the very realities we see fulfilled at the end of the book. In closing, let me show you what it is that we are promised and how Revelation 23 points us to the inheritance that is ours in Jesus. To the one who conquers, He promises access to thetree of life(Rev. 2:7)a promise fulfilled when we see that tree again in the new creation (Rev. 22:2). To the one who conquers, He promises that they will not be hurt by thesecond death(Rev. 2:11)a reality confirmed when death itself is finally destroyed (Rev. 20:14; 21:8). He also promiseshidden manna(Rev. 2:17)true and lasting satisfaction in God's presence; authority to reign with Him(Rev. 2:2628)a promise fulfilled when the saints reign forever and ever (Rev. 22:5); andwhite garments (Rev. 3:5)symbolizing purity, victory, and belonging, again seen in the glory of the redeemed (Rev. 22:14). And more still: to the one who conquers, He promises that they will be apillar in the temple of God(Rev. 3:12)a permanent place in His presence, where they will never go out again; and that they willsit with Him on His throne(Rev. 3:21)sharing in His rule, in His kingdom, forever. Do you see how every promise made to those who conquer is fully fulfilled at the end of Revelation? This fulfillment is not due to our strength, but because the Lamb has conquered on our behalf. Those who follow the Lamb may be stripped of everything this world offersstatus, possessions, even life itselfbut in Christ, they gain everything. Their inheritance is nothing less than the fullness of Gods kingdom, eternal life, and everlasting joy. What is lost here pales in comparison to the glory that awaits; in Christ, they become heirs of all things.

A beautiful insightful understanding of Palm Sunday and the Gift of the Christ. Rev Patrick Abent, Inner Quest Church, Alpharetta, Ga www.innerquestchurch.org

Behold, the Lamb of God! Rev. Dr. Colleen Hurley-Bates (3.29.26) by Sermons

God expresses through your Joy! Rev Cindy Fuller, Inner Quest Church, Alpharetta, Ga www.innerquestchurch.org

Rev. Kim DuBreuil will be preaching to continue the Lenten series, 'Why Did Jesus Have To Die?'

Rev. Charley Reeb will be preaching on Acts 17:22-31.

by Elder Buddy Abernathy (preached on January 18, 2026) Here at the end of the Book of Revelation, we find a dire warning to anyone who reads this book: do not add to or take away from the words of this prophecy! As Elder Buddy Abernathy teaches us, this warning is found throughout the word...