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On Friday the 13th I had to get a pacemaker! In this episode I describe what led up to that, what the entire experience was like, how I was treated by the medical community, and share specifics about my spiritual state during the entire event. Because it was a life-threatening incident I also share what things stood out to me during the process. Let me share with you how good King Jesus was to me throughout the ordeal.
The mission of God is unstoppable but the people of God are. We can either cheat ourselves out of blessings by rejecting King Jesus' instructions to make disciples or... we can jump on the moving train, follow King Jesus faithfully and be Unstoppable.Got a question about this teaching or a teaching from this series? Submit it here!About Music Track: Track: Inspirational Flight Artist: AShamaluev
Tom Logue - February 22nd 2026 Chapters (00:00:00) - God Wants to Heal Your Spiritual Eyes(00:02:45) - The King Jesus and His Kingdom(00:06:16) - Jesus' Handing Over to the Jews(00:12:54) - He Was Condemned to Death(00:19:16) - The Vulnerable Time of Love(00:23:17) - Jesus' Personal Experience With Death(00:28:19) - Jesus Suffering Was Comprehensive(00:32:57) - My Daughter's 14th Birthday(00:37:32) - He Signed Up for the Suffering(00:38:24) - Have You Been Born Again?(00:43:35) - Jesus Preaches: Pioneers Pay the Price(00:48:01) - God's Preparations for His People(00:50:23) - God Will Warn You of Lesser Things(00:56:28) - Jesus' Preparation for the Crucified(00:57:29) - What Makes Spiritual Witnessing So Hard?(01:03:59) - The Kindness of Jesus for You(01:07:13) - Why is Jesus Warning His Disciples About What's Coming?(01:12:25) - A message for those who are not born again(01:16:30) - God's Love For Us
Matthew 20:20-28
Pastor Adrin Muñoz preaches from Mark 11-12 at ARPC@Bishan.
This Sunday, we step into one of the most intense chapters in the book of Acts.James is executed.Peter is imprisoned.Herod exalts himself like a god.And yet — Jesus is not threatened. He is reigning.Acts 12 smells like the battlefield. But what we discover is this: when you stand against Jesus, you lose — and when you belong to Jesus, you triumph, even through suffering.This chapter reminds us of two massive truths:• Nothing can stop Jesus' kingdom from advancing.• Gospel advancement doesn't come without significant cost.We will see both warning and hope. Judgment and rescue. Execution and deliverance. And above it all — a triumphant King.If you are exploring Christianity, or know those who are, this text lovingly but clearly presses a question onto your heart: What will you do with King Jesus?And for those who belong to Christ, this passage steadies us in a world that is increasingly uncomfortable with bold faith.⸻
People love rescue stories, we might even say it is built into our DNA. Every culture carries a rescue narrative of some sort. Rescue stories sell millions in movies and books because they tap into our deepest fears and deepest hopes. The tension, the drama, will they make it on time? Is it too late? The greater the danger, the sweeter the deliverance. We fear being abandoned, and we hope to be found. So, for instance, when a story, any story; fairytale or the story of a daring deliverance of someone held in bondage, it speaks to us at a gut level. The Bible, of course, is the ultimate rescue story. The first example is Israel out of slavery, but then ultimately, Jesus who rescues us from sin and death. But all throughout scripture, God's people seem to continually step into it, usually by their own sin, but sometimes, like Jesus, just by being righteous. How do we process that? How do we find hope in it? This week, we see God rescue his people in different ways, once dramatically, and the other time through suffering. Of course, all these stories are telling a better story of how God, at great cost to himself, ultimately rescues us and the whole world. That or something like that is what we will talk about. This Sunday, as rescued people, we come to celebrate King Jesus together. Speaking of celebration, we have several new members joining, and that is always a time of great thanksgiving and joy.
Come to the feastSeries: The Mission of King Jesus Preacher: James RossSunday EveningDate: 22nd February 2026Passage: Matthew 9:9-17
22 February 2026 Contrasting Responses to King Jesus with Steve Rasmussen
In a more theology-heavy discussion, the Libertarian Christian Podcast welcomed guest Rev. Nicholas Quient, pastor and New Testament PhD candidate, for a deep dive into apocalyptic theology in Pauline studies.Quient contrasts the traditional Lutheran/Reformed view of Paul (individual justification and guilt), the New Perspective (covenantal nomism and Jew-Gentile unity), and the apocalyptic Paul—which sees the Christ event as God's invasive victory over enslaving cosmic powers, sin, and death, ushering in new creation amid the overlapping present evil age.This episode explores how this framework emphasizes liberation, principalities and powers, and Christ's sovereignty, as well as its implications for libertarian thought: Paul's sharp distinction between the church (allegiant to King Jesus) and the wicked worldly powers.Nick's book: https://amzn.to/4sySXzLNick's X profile: @nickquient Nick's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nttheologistYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickQuient Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs ★ Support this podcast ★
Worship with us 9 + 11am 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010 https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit As we continue our verse by verse journey through the Gospel of Luke, we arrive at the triumphal entry of Jesus in Luke 19:28 to 44. This passage is often read on Palm Sunday, yet Luke highlights specific details to answer a defining question for every person: what kind of King is Jesus? In a world where leadership shapes families, workplaces, communities, and nations, Luke invites us to consider who is truly in charge and who is shaping our lives. We may assume we are fully in control of our decisions, priorities, and identity, but every day we are influenced by voices, desires, fears, pressures, and countless messages that compete for authority over our hearts. The question is not whether something or someone is ruling us, but what kind of ruler it is and whether it can actually give us life. In this sermon, Pastor Benjer shows how Luke reveals Jesus as a King with real authority. Jesus intentionally fulfills Old Testament prophecy as He enters Jerusalem, including the promise from Zechariah that Israel's King would come humble and riding on a donkey. Jesus directs His disciples to a colt that has never been ridden, and His words, “The Lord has need of it,” point to His rightful claim over all things. The crowds respond with praise, quoting Scripture and celebrating Jesus as King, while the Pharisees recognize the danger of His claim. Jesus is not merely a teacher with good ideas, but the promised Messiah, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Luke makes clear that Jesus has authority not only over a city and a moment in history, but over creation itself. Luke also reveals Jesus as a King who is humble. While earthly rulers enter with power displays and war horses, Jesus comes on a donkey. He does not enter Jerusalem for conquest, but for sacrifice. His path to victory goes through the cross. This confronts our expectations because we often want a Messiah who confirms our strength, protects our preferences, and defeats our enemies on our timeline. Yet Jesus redefines power through surrender, calling His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. True strength in the Kingdom of God is marked by humility, service, obedience, and love. The way of Jesus challenges cultural definitions of greatness and invites us to lay down our rights for the good of others, beginning in our homes, relationships, workplaces, and communities. Finally, Luke shows Jesus as a King who saves. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He does not posture in anger. He weeps. His tears reveal His heart for the people who are about to reject Him. He longs for them to know “the things that make for peace,” not merely the absence of conflict, but reconciliation with God. Jesus warns of the consequences of refusing His visitation, and the passage shows both the seriousness of judgment and the tenderness of His mercy. Jesus came to save, not to condemn. His authority is not cold control, and His humility is not weakness. Together they reveal the heart of a Savior King who willingly lays down His life so that sinners can be forgiven, made new, and brought home to God. If you are exploring faith, this message is an invitation to consider Jesus honestly. Either He is the promised King who came to die and rise again, or He is not. If you are a Christian, this passage calls you to yield every area of life to His authority and to follow His way of humility. Flourishing Grace Church exists to help ordinary people encounter an extraordinary God, and we pray this sermon strengthens your faith, steadies your heart, and leads you to trust King Jesus more deeply.
Jon Ewing brings a message from 2 Samuel 14:25-15:12 as we continue to learn how the life of King David leads us to the life of King Jesus.Thank you for joining us! To learn more, please visit: https://wcchapel.org/fridaymensbreakfast
In this episode of the podcast for cultural reformation, Nate Wright and Dr. Michael Thiessen continue the Think Christianly series by examining the relationship between the Church, the Kingdom of God, and the mission of God’s people. Is the Church’s mission merely personal piety, church growth, political activism, or evangelism alone? Drawing from Dr. Joe Boot’s Think Christianly, they argue that the kingdom of God is the comprehensive rule and reign of Christ over every sphere of life—not something confined to Sunday worship or outsourced to the state. When that vision is reduced, Christians drift into either “churchianity” or a politicized view of the kingdom. The episode unpacks worship beyond Sunday, the distinction between the Church as institute and organism, sphere sovereignty, the central (but not exhaustive) role of evangelism, and the danger of sacred/secular dualism. Ultimately, the gospel calls believers into a world-encompassing mission: all of life lived under the lordship of King Jesus.
In this episode of the podcast for cultural reformation, Nate Wright and Dr. Michael Thiessen continue the Think Christianly series by examining the relationship between the Church, the Kingdom of God, and the mission of God’s people. Is the Church’s mission merely personal piety, church growth, political activism, or evangelism alone? Drawing from Dr. Joe Boot’s Think Christianly, they argue that the kingdom of God is the comprehensive rule and reign of Christ over every sphere of life—not something confined to Sunday worship or outsourced to the state. When that vision is reduced, Christians drift into either “churchianity” or a politicized view of the kingdom. The episode unpacks worship beyond Sunday, the distinction between the Church as institute and organism, sphere sovereignty, the central (but not exhaustive) role of evangelism, and the danger of sacred/secular dualism. Ultimately, the gospel calls believers into a world-encompassing mission: all of life lived under the lordship of King Jesus.
In this episode of the podcast for cultural reformation, Nate Wright and Dr. Michael Thiessen continue the Think Christianly series by examining the relationship between the Church, the Kingdom of God, and the mission of God’s people. Is the Church’s mission merely personal piety, church growth, political activism, or evangelism alone? Drawing from Dr. Joe Boot’s Think Christianly, they argue that the kingdom of God is the comprehensive rule and reign of Christ over every sphere of life—not something confined to Sunday worship or outsourced to the state. When that vision is reduced, Christians drift into either “churchianity” or a politicized view of the kingdom. The episode unpacks worship beyond Sunday, the distinction between the Church as institute and organism, sphere sovereignty, the central (but not exhaustive) role of evangelism, and the danger of sacred/secular dualism. Ultimately, the gospel calls believers into a world-encompassing mission: all of life lived under the lordship of King Jesus.
In this episode, we confront a common—but incomplete—view of Jesus. Many of us have embraced Him as Savior—sin forgiver, debt payer, ticket to heaven—while missing the dominant message of the New Testament: Jesus as King. The word Χριστός (Christos), translated “Christ,” wasn't originally a last name—it was a royal title meaning “Anointed One.” From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus announced the arrival of God's reign and rule. His core message was clear: The time has come. Repent. Seek first the kingdom. We unpack repentance not as guilt-driven shame, but as a thoughtful change of mind—a shift in allegiance. In a world where people were forced to pledge loyalty to Rome, Jesus offered a better King. One who serves instead of being served. One who sacrifices instead of demanding sacrifice. At the root of our resistance to surrender is distrust—the ancient lie that God cannot be trusted with our deepest happiness. That's why Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done.” God's reign advances wherever His will is lived out through us. So the question becomes: Where are you resisting King Jesus? What are you holding onto? Because whatever you refuse to surrender may actually be ruling you. Jesus didn't just come to save you from something—He came to lead you into life under the good and trustworthy rule of a perfect King. Topics Covered: -The royal meaning of “Christ” -Repentance as a shift in allegiance -Jesus' upside-down model of kingship -Why trust is at the center of surrender -What it means to seek first the kingdom Read along with our chosen scripture: Mark 1:15; Matthew 6:9–10, 25, 31–33 The Main Idea: People all over the world claim to be Christian, based on a belief that Jesus is the ultimate king. But at times, we can find ourselves living in defiance of the very king we swear allegiance to. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.
Mike and Ben have a chat about the weekend's bible passage in Matthew's Gospel and the nature of power, evil and God's plan to make all things good! King's Church is here to invite all people into an ever growing relationship with King Jesus. We have worship services at 9am and 11am each Sunday - you should come along...! We'd love to see you. This Sunday - we meet Jesus' cousin! Matthew Chapter 3 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203&version=NIV Enjoy the pod? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment or drop us an email on exploremore@kingschessington.org YouTube - www.youtube.com/@KingsChurchChessington website - www.kingschessington.org email - exploremore@kingschessington.org
After a mountaintop moment of worship and victory, Israel walks straight into deception. In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites trick God's people into making a binding oath—because Israel failed to seek the Lord's direction. The result? A costly reminder that our words matter. This message explores the danger of relying on our own understanding, the seriousness of truth and integrity before God, and why keeping your word reflects the character of the God of truth. From Joshua's mistake to the greater faithfulness of King Jesus, we're reminded: don't speak lightly—do what you say.
By taking a deeper look at the Parable of the Fig Tree in Luke 13, we can see divine truths about being prepared. King Jesus will return, and He has great expectations for His saints while they await Him. Can we help you with your walk with God? We'd love to hear from you! https://www.thebibleway.com/contact.
Welcome to our new sermon series, Jesus is King. In today's message, Pastor Dustin takes us to Matthew 3 and the baptism of Jesus, where we see the foundation of Christ's identity and mission. Before Jesus ever performed a miracle, preached a sermon, or began His public ministry, the Father declared over Him: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus was affirmed before He ever achieved. This passage reminds us that approval comes before performance. We don't strive to earn God's love; we live from it. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God's approval freely, not because we are perfect, but because Christ paid the price to set us free. Pastor Dustin also highlights the humility of Jesus. Though John questioned why Jesus would step into baptism, Jesus chose humility over status. He didn't save us from a distance. He entered fully into our world, stepping into the waters for us. Finally, we see that Jesus expressed His identity through visible obedience. What is settled privately must be lived publicly. The gospel transforms obedience from something we do to be loved into something we do because we are loved. Religion says: Obey and be loved. The gospel says: Be loved and obey. Scripture References: Matthew 3:14–17 Romans 3:22–24
What does it mean to follow Jesus when life feels like a wilderness, temptation is real, community is messy, and the kingdom of God feels distant? In this message, Minister Mark Ashton walks through key moments in the early ministry of Jesus — from the wilderness temptations in Luke 4, to the miracle at Cana, the calling of disciples, and the announcement of the kingdom.As part of the Long Story Short: New Testament journey, this teaching explores how Jesus models Spirit-led living, combats shortcuts and temptation with scripture, transforms shame into celebration, and invites ordinary people into a kingdom mission that changes everything. Whether you're wrestling with faith, seeking purpose, or longing to hear God's voice more clearly, this message offers biblical insight and practical encouragement for everyday life.You'll discover:• how Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness and what that means for spiritual battles today• why the miracle of water into wine points to gospel transformation and freedom from shame• what true discipleship looks like inside imperfect community• how to understand the kingdom of God as the effective rule and reign of King Jesus in your lifeIf you're searching for hope, direction, or deeper understanding of the New Testament, this message will help you see how scripture shapes relationships, leadership, forgiveness, and Spirit-led living.
"The Wise Warnings of the Holy Spirit" | Acts 21:1-16 In our study of the book of Acts this week, the apostle Paul is getting closer and closer to Jerusalem. His days as a free minister of the gospel will soon come to an end. Before long, Paul will be calling himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus. In Acts 21:1-16, we are told repeatedly that the Holy Spirit is warning the people that if Paul goes to Jerusalem, he will be imprisoned for the gospel. Paul's friends plead with him not to go. Yet, Paul is resolved to go to Jerusalem even though he knows that he will be arrested. What is the point of the warnings of the Holy Spirit if they aren't to protect Paul from being arrested? As we study God's Word this week, we will see that warnings are not always meant to keep us from suffering. Rather, warnings prepare to suffer in ways that honor God and advance the gospel. This is helpful to us when we read warning passages in the Bible. What do we do with the warnings of the Holy Spirit? Thank God the Holy Spirit warns us of the dangers of following Jesus faithfully so that we will keep following faithfully. He does so to equip us to follow with hope and encouragement. As we study The Wise Warnings of the Holy Spirit. Let's pray that the end result would be that each of us would have a stronger and clearer resolve to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Looking forward to worshipping King Jesus with you all. Invite your friends.
Matthew 20:17-19
The disciples went boldly to the temple because they loved their people and were compelled to proclaim the reign of King Jesus where the lost were. Though filled with fear, awe, and opposition, they obeyed God's command, showing that obedience, not emotion, drives gospel mission. Their courage flowed from real encounters with the risen Christ. So, because Jesus is exalted as Prince and Savior, we too are called to live as His witnesses and speak of Him no matter the cost.
God confronts evil—He will address whatever stands in opposition to His kingdom. God conquers evil—at the Cross, Jesus opened the way into the kingdom of God. Hell is the tragic end of continually rejecting the invitation to God's kingdom and resisting the reign of King Jesus.
Hunter Ruch brings a message from 2 Samuel 14:1-24 as we continue to learn how the life of King David leads us to the life of King Jesus.Thank you for joining us! To learn more, please visit: https://wcchapel.org/fridaymensbreakfast
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 18-19; Psalm 13; Acts 19 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast for February 12th, 2026! In today's episode, your host Hunter invites us to join him on day 43 of our journey through the Bible. We tackle the challenging passages of Leviticus 18 and 19, exploring God's call to holiness, justice, and care for others—even when the text feels mysterious or difficult to comprehend. The episode moves through Psalm 13's heartfelt cries for God's presence and then dives into Acts 19, where Paul boldly proclaims the arrival of God's kingdom in Ephesus, stirring both transformation and turmoil. Hunter reminds us of the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and faith, calling us to let God's agenda rule our lives. The episode closes with uplifting prayers for peace, unity, and strength, encouraging us to keep pressing on—even through the hard parts of scripture. Join Hunter as we warm our hearts by the fires of God's love, learn together, and remember: you are loved, no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The message hasn't changed. The kingdom of God is here. That's what Paul was persistently preaching in Ephesus, and it's what we need to hear again today. Hunter points us to Acts 19, where Paul boldly argues about the kingdom of God—not just for a moment, but for months, even years, so that all who would listen, Jew and Greek alike, might understand. What is this kingdom that Paul proclaims? It's the reality that the King has come—Jesus. His arrival signals the breaking in of something new, a kingdom not built on the agendas of this world, not subject to its idols, not content to serve anyone's interests but God's own. In Ephesus, Paul's message disrupted more than religious routines; it overturned business interests, social orders, and deeply held allegiances. Like Demetrius the silversmith observed, this news, this gospel, this announcement wasn't just an add-on to the existing way of things. It threatened to derail the very agenda of Artemis—of the competing gods and pursuits of the world. And here's the truth: God has an agenda for your life too, and it isn't always easy or comfortable. It might mean things get turned over, that familiar structures come undone, and that priorities are rearranged. When God invades, things don't stay the same. But He is fully committed: committed to His own purpose, yes, but also to you—rooting you deeply in the circle of His love, bringing you into the Kingdom for which you were made. The invitation, then, is to let His agenda become your own, to step into the joy, freedom, and purpose found only in the reign of King Jesus. This is where barriers come down, lives are changed, and communities are renewed. This is the place of true belonging, adoption, forgiveness, and love. That's my prayer for myself, for my family, for you. May we all see His kingdom come in every part of our lives. May the joy, freedom, and love of Christ rule in us. May we live as citizens of His Kingdom, knowing that in all things—we are loved. No doubt about it. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. 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Big Idea: An unseen hand moves the queen.Esther 1:1-9I. God sets rules of the gameEsther 1:1-3These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus, who ruled 127 provinces from India to Cush. In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa. He held a feast in the third year of his reign for all his officials and staff, the army of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials from the provinces.II. The board is set Esther 1:4-5He displayed the glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness for a total of 180 days. At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquet in the garden courtyard of the royal palace for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were present in the fortress of Susa.III. The King makes the first move Esther 1:6-9White and blue linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble columns. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. Drinks were served in an array of gold goblets, each with a different design. Royal wine flowed freely, according to the king's bounty. The drinking was according to royal decree: “There are no restrictions.” The king had ordered every wine steward in his household to serve whatever each person wanted. Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women of King Ahasuerus's palace.Next Steps: Believe: Today, I surrender my soul to King Jesus.Become: Today, I will stop fighting against the hand of God.Be Sent: This week, I will demonstrate my peace in God's plan.Growth Group Questions: On a scale of 1-10, how well did you trust God's invisible hand last week?How can you recognize God's sovereignty in the small events of your daily life?How often do you turn to Jesus first during times of uncertainty?How can we maintain faith in God's sovereignty during challenging life situationsHow do you see God's hand in unexpected people or situations in your own life?How does your faith cause you to stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you trust that God is at work around you, even when you don't see it.
I believe the book of Revelation is intentionally shaped by the rhythm of the seven Jewish feasts, with deep echoes of the Exodus and Israels wilderness journey woven throughout its visions. We have already seen how this works in chapter 1, where the imagery echoes Passover. Passover marked Israels deliverance from slavery through the blood of a substituteand in Revelation 1:1216, that substitute is revealed in all His risen glory. Jesus stands among His churches as the victorious Lamb who was slain and now lives forever. Because of His sacrifice, the Christian belongs to God. If you have been redeemed by Almighty God through His Son, what is there to fear? Jesus Himself answers that question: Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades (Rev. 1:1718). Our confidence is not rooted in our circumstances, but in the One who has conquered death itself. As we move into Revelation 23 and read the seven letters to the churches, the dominant echo is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed Passover. This feast called Gods redeemed people to live holy lives, set apart for Him (Lev. 11:4445; 1 Pet. 1:1617). Israel removed all leaven from their homes as a visible reminder that they belonged to the Lord and were no longer to live under the old patterns of corruption. That same call still comes to us today: You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Cor. 6:1920). Each of the seven churches faced real and pressing challenges in their own dayand what they struggled with are many of the same things we struggle with today, just dressed differently. While we will look at each church individually, here is a brief snapshot of what we will encounter: The church in Ephesus had lost its first love. The church in Smyrna was about to suffer tribulation for ten days. The church in Pergamum struggled with faithfulness to sound doctrine. The church in Thyatira tolerated a false teacher within the congregation. The church in Sardis was spiritually lethargic and nearly dead. The church in Philadelphia faithfully clung to the word of God. The church in Laodicea was lukewarm and missionally useless. In every one of these churches, there was the danger of leavensin quietly working its way through the house. And the call of Christ was to remove it: through renewed love for Jesus and for one another, faithful endurance in suffering, a commitment to truth, intolerance for evil, vigilance against spiritual apathy, unflinching obedience to Christ, and a wholehearted devotion to the mission of God. About forty years before Revelation was written, Paul wrote about Gods expectation for His church: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:1-2). Revelation 1 is about the One who makes our salvation possible. Revelation 2-3 addresses the kind of people He calls us to be. So, when we come to Revelation 4, we encounter the One on the throne who is holy, holy, holy! The City of Ephesus When the gospel came to Ephesus, it was a wealthy and influential trading city, best known for the Temple of Artemis (also called Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The citys economy, culture, and moral life centered on the worship of this goddess. Artemis worship was deeply sexualized and demonic, marked by ritual immorality and idolatry (1 Cor. 10:20). Ephesus was a place where spiritual darkness was not hiddenit was celebrated, institutionalized, and profitable. Into this city, the gospel came with unmistakable power, as it always does in Gods timing and in His way. What we read in the epistle to the Romans was experienced in Ephesus: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... (Rom. 1:16). When the apostle Paul preached Christ in Ephesus, lives were transformed, and the worship of Artemis was directly challenged. So disruptive was the gospel that those who profited from idolatry feared economic collapse, admitting that Paul had persuaded many that gods made with hands are not gods at all (Acts 19:26). Paul spent over two years there, and in this spiritually hostile environment, God birthed a faithful churchthe same church later addressed by Christ Himself in Revelation 2. What makes Jesus words to Ephesus so sobering is not the citys darkness but the fact that a church born in such devotion, perseverance, and truth would later be warned: You have abandoned the love you had at first (2:4). So what happened? To answer that question, we need to first recognize the many things Jesus praises the church for. What the Ephesian Church Was Doing Right The Ephesian church was commended for many things by Jesus such as their toil, patient endurance, and intolerance for evil. Heraclitus, a native of Ephesus and philosopher, spoke with open contempt of his citys moral corruptionso severe that later writers summarized his viewby saying no one could live in Ephesus without weeping.1 The fact that the church was able to endure for forty years in a city known for its sexual promiscuity and demonized idolatrous worship, while holding on to biblical orthodoxy, is staggering! Because of their orthodoxy and fidelity to the Word of God, the church was intolerant of evil, refused to ignore false teachers, and shared Jesuss hatred of the Nicolaitans. Forty years earlier, Paul warned the elders of the Ephesian church: I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears (Acts. 20:29-31). This is what the church did well, and Jesus praised them for it. Now, notice what Jesus does not say to the church in Ephesus. He does not say they were being too orthodox. He does not say they were too truthful, or that their intolerance of evil, false teachers, and the works of the Nicolaitans was too extreme. Jesus does not tell the church to dial it back but instead celebrates these as examples of what they were doing well. What the church did well was refusing to yield to the pressures from their city to conform. Before we look at what the church got wrong, we need to address who the Nicolaitans were and why Jesus hated their teaching. From what we know, the Nicolaitans were a heretical Christian sect associated with the teaching of Balaam (Rev. 2:14-15). They taught that the grace of God permitted freedom to engage in the kinds of things their pagan neighbors enjoyed, such as sexual immorality and full participation in pagan temple feasts. Why? Because grace covered it all. We will come back to Balaam when we look at the church in Pergamum, but for now what you need to know is that Balaam is known for his false teaching that served to seduce the men of Israel to engage in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab that also resulted in the worship of their gods in place of obedience and worship of Yahweh (see Num. 25). The Nicolaitans did not deny Jesus, they just reinterpreted what obedience to Jesus really meant, in that you could both be loyal to Jesus and actively pursue and participate in the kinds of things the Word of God commands the people of God to flee from. The Ephesian church was rightfully commended for their hatred and intolerance of the works of the Nicolaitans because Jesus shares their hatred for the same reasons. Listen carefully. Jesus does not merely disagree with teachings of the Nicolaitans He hates them. He hates any belief that suggests a person can remain loyal to Him while willfully embracing the very sins He died to free us from. The cross was not a license to make peace with sin; it was Gods declaration of war against it. To claim Christ while pursuing what nailed Him to the tree is not freedomit is self-deception. Christ did not die to make sin safe, but to make His people holy. 1 Richard D. Phillips, Revelation, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing, 2017), 91. What the Ephesian Church Got Wrong So what was it that the church in Ephesus lost? Well, we know it wasnt the churchs orthodoxy. It was the love they had at first. What love did they have at first? I believe the love the church lost was a combination of their love for Jesus and others. I believe this because of what the apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians and what Jesus said the church needed to do to regain the love they had lost. First, lets look at Jesus criticism in verses 4-5, But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. The way back to regain what they had lost was to first remember where they had fallen or had lost sight of their love, then to repent by doing the works they had done at first. What were the works they had done at first? We are given a few clues in Ephesians about the church from what Paul says at the beginning and the end of his epistle to the Ephesians. 1st Clue: For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers... (Eph. 1:15-16) 2nd Clue: Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Eph. 6:24) I believe that the love the Ephesian church lost had to do with the love they had for Jesus and for one another. The New Living Translation captures this in their translation of Revelation 2:4, But I have this complaint against you. You dont love me or each other as you did at first! When a group of religious leaders asked Jesus to identify the most important commandment, His response was clear: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:3739). Genuine love for God leads to love for othersyou cannot claim to love God while refusing to love those who bear His image. As our love for God grows, it overflows into love for those around us, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you find this hard to accept, consider the words of the apostle John: If someone says, I love God, but hates his brother, that person is a liar; for anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20). I believe the Ephesian church, first known for their faith in Jesus and their incorruptible love for Him, became the catalyst that fostered in them a love for one another, which they were known for in the early days of the churchs existence. Their love infused their faith in Jesus, and their love for all the saints was the cocktail God used to push back evil and transform lives! What Revelation 2:1-4 teaches us is that Jesus wants our obedience, but He also wants our hearts! In fact, if Jesus has your heart, He will have your obedience. Conclusion I believe the Ephesian church is listed first among the seven churches because of the danger we face when what we believe and what we do are no longer tethered to a living love for Jesus and His people. Listen carefully. Rather than criticizing the Ephesian church for its zeal for the truth of Gods Word, Jesus praised them for it. Orthodoxy is essential to the spiritual health of both Christians and the church as a whole. When believers abandon orthodoxy, spirituality does not become freer or deeperit becomes hollow and lifeless. So do their churches. But love keeps orthodoxy from hardening into something Jesus also hated. When truth is severed from love, orthodoxy collapses into legalism. And legalism is not holiness; it is a corruption of orthopraxyright living. Christian, we are called to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy. Scripture commands us: As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy (1 Pet. 1:1416). But the way we pursue holiness is not through cold precision or moral superiority. It is through the kind of love the Ephesian church once hadand then lost. This is the first of seven ways Christ calls His people to cleanse His house of leaven. What is that love? Scripture defines it plainly: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth Love never ends (1 Cor. 13:48). This is the love Jesus spoke of that must be true of His followers: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). We live in a nation deeply fracturedso fractured that many believe we are in a cold civil war. Civil conversation between the left and the right is nearly impossible. But it must not be that way in the church Jesus redeemed from the world. Our love for Christ must overflow into genuine love for one anotherstrong enough to allow disagreement without division, conviction without contempt, and truth without hatred. Let me take this one step further. If you love the Jesus who died to ransom people from every tribe, language, people, and nation, then you must be liberated from the partisan blindness that grips both the left and the right. Christian, you belong to another kingdom. Your allegiance is not to a political ideology but to King Jesus. Please hear me: the world will not see, hear, or receive the gospel from the left or the rightbut only from Jesus Christ Himself. By Gods design, His gospel is not entrusted to government but to His church. The mess in the White House, ournation, and the world is evidence that what people need is the One who makes the Gospel the Gospelnamely, Jesus! If you cannot see thatif you cannot believe that while still calling yourself a Christianthen you are in danger of the very thing that threatened the church in Ephesus. You have lost your first love. So I leave you with the same words Jesus spoke to them: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carr-2-8-26.mp3 As Peter begins to draw his covenant lawsuit to a close, he introduces corroborating evidence to solidify his condemnation of Israel. The evidence of Christ's vindication and exaltation not only stood as condemning evidence against Israel, but it also demands that we acknowledge and submit to King Jesus.
In this message from Matthew 5, we examine the Beatitudes and the kingdom ethics laid down by King Jesus. The post The KINGDOM of the King (Matthew 5:1-12) appeared first on Lookout Valley Baptist Church.
Matthew 20:1-16
Fasting is not a formula that moves God. Rather, fasting moves us into a place of surrender under the reign of King Jesus. When Jesus said to hunger and thirst after righteousness, He was giving us a way to live—and fasting helps form in us the same hunger for God that we have for food. Ultimately, fasting is not about getting something from God—but about offering ourselves to God.
Meredith continues our Acts series looking at Pentecost and what happened after
Hunter Ruch brings a message from 2 Samuel 13:23-39 as we continue to learn how the life of King David leads us to the life of King Jesus.Thank you for joining us! To learn more, please visit: https://wcchapel.org/fridaymensbreakfast
We ask for God's kingdom to come among us. Where you find the kingdom, there you find the King (Jesus). Where you find the King (Jesus), there you find the kingdom. We ask that He would give us His Holy Spirit to believe His Word. An earthly kingdom is found by the work of its people and by force. God's kingdom is found by the work of God in Christ and by His grace. His kingdom is seen now by the Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. We anticipate beholding the kingdom that is yet to come, that we may keep our focus on what truly matters in this life! Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot, ND, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 2nd Petition of the Lord's Prayer.
It's Witness Wednesday! Join Todd once again on campus at Oklahoma State University as he makes a powerful presentation about faith, philosophy, worldviews, and apologetics. He wraps up with a question-and-answer session, pointing students towards Christ and His gospel of grace. Segment 1 • Discover how postmodern thought has shaped your worldview—even if you've never read a philosophy book. • Feelings have replaced facts in our culture, and it's wrecking spiritual foundations. • Disney movies and TikTok might be doing more “deconstructing” than your college professor. Segment 2 • Todd dismantles the top 10 reasons students reject Christianity—with humor and logic. • You'll hear the wild syllogisms (like “Trump is bad = Jesus isn't real”) that people believe without realizing it. • Learn how rejecting or deconstructing a false version of Christianity doesn't mean the real one is false. Segment 3 • Jesus isn't a life coach—He's the King who came to serve, save, and reign in love. • You'll finally understand what makes Christianity not just true, but beautiful and soul-satisfying. • Be blown away by the picture of King Jesus—who knows your name, prepares your seat, and serves you at His table. Segment 4 • Hear a student wrestle with: “How can I have a real relationship with God if I can't see or hear Him?” • Todd's answer shows how knowing God isn't distant or vague—it's deep, personal, and more intimate than anything else. • Discover the one thing you might be missing if your faith feels cold or uncertain. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!
John 12:14-15 Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zachariah saw Jesus' entry into Jerusalem approximately 550 years prior to the event. Wow! Isn't that amazing? One of over 300 prophecies verified in the life of Christ. This one alone should be enough for the world to bow the knee, lay down the palm branches, and proclaim Jesus as Lord and King. What does it speak to your heart? As we live to love with Jesus, we can rest assured that we are a living miracle and testimony of the indwelling King of kings. Hallelujah, King Jesus!
Hebrews says Christ offered one sacrifice for sins for ever — and amen to that. But Hebrews never says God will never again use physical ordinances to govern worship among mortal nations. If that were the standard, then even the Lord's Supper would be suspect. Bread and wine do not re-crucify Christ, and Millennial sacrifices do not diminish the cross. They do the same thing in different dispensations — they point backward. The Church Age remembers Calvary with symbols, the Kingdom Age will remember Calvary with substance.“Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” Isaiah 56:6,7 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we take a deep-dive into the Temple that will be built, not for the Tribulation, but for the Millennial Reign of King Jesus when He sits on the throne of David in Jerusalem. We know that the Temple built in the Tribulation is for Antichrist, and that's a Bible Study for another day. When this Temple is built, according to the prophets, it will contain many of the aspects of Temple worship we see in Old Testament, including animal sacrifice. This is the point where the Greek and Hebrews scholars cry “heresy!” and run for the door because they don't rightly divide and they don't understand dispensational attributes and differences. Tonight we will endeavor to show you the Millennial Temple of King Jesus in all its coming glory.
Series: A Healthy Church is an Engaged ChurchSermon Title: Engagement in WorshipMain Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13Synopsis: Engagement and expression in worship all boils down to a response to who Jesus is and what He has done for us. In this message, Spencer walks us through a case study of Mary of Bethany who pours her worship at Jesus' feet, preparing Him for his burial. She didn't care who was watching, she only cared about giving an extravagant offering of worship to King Jesus. February 1, 2026 • Spencer Powell• • • • • • • •.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Join us for service in person and online every Sunday at 10am (MST) at the City Life Community Center in Missoula, MT. We believe that you matter. We would love to connect with you and hear your story! https://www.anchorchurchmissoula.com/contactIf you would like to engage financially with Anchor Church you can give by texting any amount to 84321 or by visiting https://www.anchorchurchmissoula.comNeed prayer or have a praise report? https://www.anchorchurchmissoula.com/prayerpraiseFor more information about Anchor Church or ways to get connected visit us at https://www.www.anchorchurchmissoula.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.Instagram - @anchorchurchmissoula - https://www.instagram.com/anchorchurchmissoulaFacebook - @anchorchurchmissoula - https://www.facebook.com/anchorchurchmissoula
Before Israel ever had a king, they already had one—God Himself. This message explores the backstory to how God's people moved from living under His rule to demanding a king like the nations around them, and why that choice mattered. In their longing for a king, we're ultimately pointed to the true King—Jesus. Speaker: Mike Slayden
We all know what it's like to deal with clutter in our homes, but what about the clutter in our hearts? In Luke 3, John the Baptist interrupts everyday life to prepare people for the arrival of King Jesus. His message reminds us that spiritual drift is real, repentance is necessary, and making room for Jesus requires clearing what blocks our response to Him. This message challenges us to slow down, examine what's cluttering our hearts, and respond to Christ with urgency, humility, and trust.• Spiritual drift is natural, but God lovingly interrupts us to call us back• Repentance is a continual realignment of our lives toward God• Jesus has ultimate authority and unmatched humility, inviting us to make room for HimKey Scriptures:Luke 3:1–38Isaiah 40:3–5Romans 1:18Romans 5:18–19Ask God what clutter may be slowing your response to Him and take one step of obedience this week. Share this message with a friend or family member who needs encouragement to make room for Jesus.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Tom Douthit | February 1, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship
The Seven Attributes of Jesus (Christology 1)Big Idea: Jesus Christ is not just a chapter in the story of God; He is the Author, the Hero, and the Ending. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, every other priority in our lives finds its proper place.Today we begin a nine-week journey through the Book of Hebrews, a letter written to magnify the greatness of Jesus Christ. Hebrews isn't primarily about religious rules, moral improvement, or spiritual techniques. It's about Jesus—who He is and what He has done. Everything else flows from that foundation.The original audience was likely Jewish Christians living under Roman rule, facing intense persecution. As pressure mounted, many were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiarity and safety of traditional Judaism. Hebrews speaks directly into that tension with one clear message: Jesus is greater than anyone or anything that came before Him. To walk away from Him would be to walk away from the fulfillment of all God's promises.The author of Hebrews remains anonymous, one of the great mysteries of the New Testament. While Paul may have influenced it, the writing style is far more polished and rhetorically sophisticated than Paul's letters. Hebrews chapter 1 proves this immediately. Verses 1–4 form a single, majestic sentence in the original Greek—an exordium, designed to grab attention with both beauty and weight.Hebrews 1:1–4 (NLT) sets the stage:“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son…”In the Old Testament, God spoke in fragments—a dream here, a burning bush there, a prophet's warning along the way. But in Jesus, God didn't just send messages; He sent the Message. This is Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ—and Hebrews wastes no time getting to the point.In verses 2–3, the author unleashes a rapid-fire description of Jesus using seven distinct attributes. In Scripture, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Together, these form a full portrait of the Son.Jesus is the Heir—the goal of history. God has promised everything to Him as an inheritance. History is not random; it is moving toward the coronation of King Jesus. He is the “why” behind all creation.Jesus is the Creator—the architect of reality. Through Him, God made the universe. Jesus is not a created being; He is the source of all things. Nothing exists apart from His will.Jesus is the Radiance—the shining glory of God. He doesn't merely reflect God's glory like the moon reflects sunlight; He radiates it. The Son is the visible manifestation of the invisible God—“Light from Light.”Jesus is the Expression—the exact imprint of God's nature. The Greek word charaktēr refers to a stamp or seal. Jesus doesn't resemble God; He perfectly represents Him. To see Jesus is to see God.Jesus is the Sustainer—the glue of the cosmos. He holds everything together by the power of His word. The universe doesn't persist on autopilot; it endures because Jesus commands it to.Jesus is the Savior—the cleanser of sin. When He purified us from our sins, the work was finished. Unlike Old Testament priests who never sat down, Jesus completed the work once for all.Finally, Jesus is the Ruler—the seated King. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, a position of total authority. The victory is won.Hebrews 1:4 reminds us that Jesus is far greater than angels, traditions, or anything else we might be tempted to trust. For believers facing hardship, this truth re-centers everything.The message of Hebrews is clear:...
Before Israel ever had a king, they already had one—God Himself. This message explores the backstory to how God's people moved from living under His rule to demanding a king like the nations around them, and why that choice mattered. In their longing for a king, we're ultimately pointed to the true King—Jesus. Speaker: Mike Slayden
In Acts 17, the Gospel meets culture head-on and calls us turn from idols to the living God. This message explores how Scripture shapes thinking, why what is consumed matters, and what it looks like to respond to the Gospel daily. A challenge to live surrendered to King Jesus and ache for others to know Him.
The Seven Attributes of Jesus (Christology 1)Big Idea: Jesus Christ is not just a chapter in the story of God; He is the Author, the Hero, and the Ending. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, every other priority in our lives finds its proper place.Today we begin a nine-week journey through the Book of Hebrews, a letter written to magnify the greatness of Jesus Christ. Hebrews isn't primarily about religious rules, moral improvement, or spiritual techniques. It's about Jesus—who He is and what He has done. Everything else flows from that foundation.The original audience was likely Jewish Christians living under Roman rule, facing intense persecution. As pressure mounted, many were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiarity and safety of traditional Judaism. Hebrews speaks directly into that tension with one clear message: Jesus is greater than anyone or anything that came before Him. To walk away from Him would be to walk away from the fulfillment of all God's promises.The author of Hebrews remains anonymous, one of the great mysteries of the New Testament. While Paul may have influenced it, the writing style is far more polished and rhetorically sophisticated than Paul's letters. Hebrews chapter 1 proves this immediately. Verses 1–4 form a single, majestic sentence in the original Greek—an exordium, designed to grab attention with both beauty and weight.Hebrews 1:1–4 (NLT) sets the stage:“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son…”In the Old Testament, God spoke in fragments—a dream here, a burning bush there, a prophet's warning along the way. But in Jesus, God didn't just send messages; He sent the Message. This is Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ—and Hebrews wastes no time getting to the point.In verses 2–3, the author unleashes a rapid-fire description of Jesus using seven distinct attributes. In Scripture, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Together, these form a full portrait of the Son.Jesus is the Heir—the goal of history. God has promised everything to Him as an inheritance. History is not random; it is moving toward the coronation of King Jesus. He is the “why” behind all creation.Jesus is the Creator—the architect of reality. Through Him, God made the universe. Jesus is not a created being; He is the source of all things. Nothing exists apart from His will.Jesus is the Radiance—the shining glory of God. He doesn't merely reflect God's glory like the moon reflects sunlight; He radiates it. The Son is the visible manifestation of the invisible God—“Light from Light.”Jesus is the Expression—the exact imprint of God's nature. The Greek word charaktēr refers to a stamp or seal. Jesus doesn't resemble God; He perfectly represents Him. To see Jesus is to see God.Jesus is the Sustainer—the glue of the cosmos. He holds everything together by the power of His word. The universe doesn't persist on autopilot; it endures because Jesus commands it to.Jesus is the Savior—the cleanser of sin. When He purified us from our sins, the work was finished. Unlike Old Testament priests who never sat down, Jesus completed the work once for all.Finally, Jesus is the Ruler—the seated King. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, a position of total authority. The victory is won.Hebrews 1:4 reminds us that Jesus is far greater than angels, traditions, or anything else we might be tempted to trust. For believers facing hardship, this truth re-centers everything.The message of Hebrews is clear:...
The world tells us that we can be king of our own lives doing whatever is right in our own eyes. The Bible makes it clear that this is actually a life serving sin, which leads to death. We need King Jesus. It is in following Him that we find real freedom and life.
One day soon, King Jesus will sit on His glorious throne in Jerusalem — and every person will stand before Him. Some will hear the most beautiful words ever spoken: “Come, you who are blessed of My Father.” Others will hear the most tragic: “Depart from Me.” In this compelling message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover the sobering reality of the judgment of the sheep and the goats, and the incredible mercy still available to all who will repent and believe. The King's word is final — but today, His invitation still stands.