2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The Lamb Wins!!

TITLE: Feast Your Eyes on Him!

Scripture:  Rev. 1: 9-20

I.    JOHN’S PREDICAMENT BECAUSE OF JESUS

How does John describe his situation?

1. A (brother and partner) in the tribulation.
2. An exile on the (Isle of Patmos).
3. He must exhibit (patient endurance).
4. He was (in the Spirit) on the Lord’s Day.

II.   JOHN’S PICTURE OF JESUS

Let’s take it piece by piece:

1) Clothed with a (long robe) and a (golden sash) around his chest.
2) The hairs of His head were (white), like white wool, like (snow).
3) His eyes were like (flames of fire).
4) His feet were like (burnished bronze), refined in a furnace.
5) His voice was like the roar of (many waters).
6) Verse 16 gives a further description of Him.

What does it mean to “hold the keys?” (Controlling access)

Next Week: Theme: Victory! Series: The Lamb Wins!!
Sermon Title: He Knows- Revelation 2

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The Lamb Wins!!

TITLE: Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Scripture:  Rev. 1: 1-8

A quote from last week: “Revelation is a famous book in which St. John the Divine concealed all that he knew. The revealing is done by commentators, who know nothing.”

I.    HE WANTS US TO HEAR THE PROPHECY                                                    

God (has been) and (is now) and (will be) at work in our world as He prepares us for a new world.

The word revelation is the Greek word apokalypsis which means “to unveil or uncover something previously hidden.”

“Don’t try to interpret John’s vision unless John himself tells us what he means.”  Nash

II.   HE WANTS US TO HEAR THE PROMISE                                   

Take note of how John describes Jesus in verses 4-5

1. 1. 1. 1. Jesus is the (faithful witness)
         2. Jesus is the (firstborn of the dead).
         3. Jesus is the (ruler of the kings of the earth).

Next Week: Theme: Victory! Series: The Lamb Wins!!

Sermon Title: Feast Your Eyes on Him- Revelation 1: 9-20

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The Lamb Wins!!

TITLE: Just So You Know

Scripture:  Rev. 1: 1-3

I.    PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS                                                    

Why do we avoid Revelation (Rev)?

1. 1. 1. 1. We are afraid we (won’t understand it).
         2. We know there is a lot of (disagreement) about Rev
         3. We think Rev is mostly or completely (about the future).

Why should we study Revelation?

1. 1. 1. 1. We can understand its (central message).
         2. We need to see life through the (perspective of heaven).
         3. We want the blessing promised to those who (hear and keep) this book.
         4. We need to (live out) the story Rev tells.

II.  PRIMARY VIEWS                                  

“Revelation wasn’t written to entertain, or to set out a timeline for the future, or to satisfy our curiosity about when Christ will return. Revelation was written to fortify Christians to live in the world, enduring the harsh treatment and alienation, with a firm confidence that this world is not all there is. In fact, what may seem like defeat is going to give way to victory.” Guthrie- p.23

“Apocalyptic” literature- The word means (unveiling) or (a revelation).

4 views:

1. 1. 1. 1. The Preterist Approach
         2. The Futurist Approach
         3. The Postmillennial Approach
         4. The Amillennial Approach

If this makes your head swim, try the Panmillennial Approach.  It will (all pan out in the end).

Next Week: Theme: Victory! Series: The Lamb Wins!!

Sermon Title: Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Revelation 1: 1-8

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Expect the Unexpected

TITLE: The Unexpected Dawn

Scripture:  Matthew 2: 1-12; Isaiah 9: 2-7

I.    THE DARKNESS OF THE WORLD                                                   

The distinction between Ahaz and his successor (Jesus):

1. 1. 1. 1. Darkness vs Light
         2. Distress and unhappiness vs Joy
         3. Defeat vs Victory
         4. Failure vs Success

“Expressive individualism”- “Authenticity to inner feelings, rather than adherence to transcendent truths, becomes the norm.” Trueman

(Truth) no longer matters; only what I (feel).

II.   THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD       

Mt. 2:3- “he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.”  What does that mean?

The wise men brought three gifts:

1. 1. 1. 1. Gold- a gift fit for a (king).
         2. Frankincense- a gift used for (special occasions).
         3. Myrrh- a gift for a (burial).

Next Week: Theme: Victory! Series: The Lamb Wins!

Sermon Title: Just So You Know- Revelation 1: 1-3

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Expect the Unexpected

TITLE: The Unexpected News

Scripture:  Luke 2: 1-7

I. REACHING THE LITTLE PEOPLE

God turned things upside down when He made David, a shepherd, into a (king); and in Jesus, He
made a king into a (sacrificial lamb). He chose (Bethlehem) not Rome or even Jerusalem. He
chose (Israel) not Greece. He chose (Mary and Joseph), peasants, not a ruler and his wife.

God uses (humble) people.

II. REACHING THE LITTLE PEOPLE WITH GOOD NEWS

Luke includes the shepherds in the Jesus story for a stunning reason. He is reminding us that the
kingdom of God isn’t just for (insiders), but for (outsiders).

When we say “Immanuel, God with us” we are saying God is truly among (all classes of people),
not just the well-connected or well-resourced.

Next Week: Series: Expect the Unexpected
Sermon Title: The Unexpected Dawn- Mt. 2:1-12; Is. 9:2-7

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Expect the Unexpected

TITLE: The Unexpected Child

Scripture:  Isaiah 7:6; John 1:14; Phil.2:8; Col.2:9

    I.        WHAT CHILD IS THIS?                  

What child is this?

1.       John 1:14

2.       Phil.2:6-8- His coming to earth involved three truths:

·         His (Deity)- v.6

·         His (Incarnation)- v.7

·         His (Death)- v. 8

“The light and joy of Christmas are hollow if we sever the link between Bethlehem and Golgotha.” Mathis

3.       Isaiah 7:14

   II.        WHAT TRUTH IS CONVEYED?  

Simply put: (Jesus was born of a virgin).  It wasn’t a (myth). It wasn’t some (pick-me-up) from the Gospels. It wasn’t a (side note) nor was it an (end note).

To question the Virgin Birth forces us to:

1.       Question (biblical authority).

2.       Question (who is Jesus?)

3.       Decide: (what will we do about Jesus?)

Next Week: Series: Expect the Unexpected

Sermon Title: The Unexpected News- Luke 2:1-17

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Expect the Unexpected

TITLE: The Unexpected Birth

Scripture:  Luke 1:26-38, 46-55

I.    AN UNEXPECTED ANNOUNCEMENT                

“Bethlehem was remarkably unremarkable.”

Two important items to bring up:

1. This story tells us something about (Mary).
2. This story tells us something about Mary’s (God).

True statement: “God is not much interested in your ability, but your availability.”

II.   AN UNEXPECTED SONG          

Mary’s song is called the (Magnificat) and divides into 4 sections:

1. Focus: Mary’s (names) (verses 46b-48)
2. Focus: God’s (attributes) (verses 49-50)
3. Focus: God’s view of (us) (verses 51-53)
4. Focus: God’s (promises) (verses 54-55)

Next Week: Series: Expect the Unexpected

Sermon Title: The Unexpected Child- Is.7:6; John 1:14; Phil.2:8; Col.2:9

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Feasts with a Purpose

TITLE: God Delivers His People

Scripture:  Lev.23: 26-44

Christmas is a time of (celebration).

I.   A FEAST OF DEDICATION

Hanukkah was established as a feast of (celebration) to celebrate the liberation from Syria by
the Maccabean revolt. They were to light the (menorah), which was to burn continually,
representing the (eternal light of God). But the Talmud says there was only enough oil to burn
for one day. Tradition says it lasted for 8 days, when the temple was (rededicated). The 8 days
were historically tied to (Sukkot).

What does this have to do with Jesus?

1. It is mentioned in one place- John 10: 22-23.
2. Jesus is (the light of the world).

II. A FEAST OF PRESERVATION

Least known of the feasts- (Purim)

Esther’s position as queen was not her (security), but the opportunity providentially given by
God. God shook her and she (changed history).

Esther’s boldness saved the nation of Israel. Satan’s strategy:

1) Stop Jews from living: (Annihilation)
2) Stop Jews from living as Jews: (Assimilation)

Purim is a celebration of God’s (faithfulness) and (protection) of His people.

Next Week: Series: Expect the Unexpected
Sermon Title: The Unexpected Birth- Luke 1:26-38, 46-55

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Feasts with a Purpose

TITLE: God Reminds His People

Scripture:  Lev.23: 26-44

God has placed in the heart of each of us the (need for others).

 I.    REMINDING US ABOUT FORGIVENESS                                               

Yom Kippur is also the (Day of Atonement), the holiest day of the year.

The desire of every Jew is to be made (right with God) on YK. It is believed that repentance with (fasting, charity, and good works) produce faithfulness.

5 essentials for reconciliation:

1. 1. 1. 1. (Confession): Recognition of our sins.
         2. (Contrition): Remorse over our sins.
         3. (Conversion): Repentance from our sins.
         4. (Compensation): Repayment for our sins.
         5. (Consecration): Dedication beyond our sins.

II.   REMINDING US ABOUT CELEBRATING        

This feast is called (Sukkot), or the Feast of Booths/Tabernacles.

It is a harvest festival, the culmination of all the feasts.  It was a reminder of (God’s faithfulness and protection).

Two ceremonies were part of Sukkot:

1. 1. 1. 1. One was a (water-pouring) ceremony.
         2. The other was a (candlestick) ceremony.

Next Week: Series: Feasts with a Purpose

Sermon Title: God Delivers His People- John 10: 22-30; Esther (selected Scripture)

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Feasts with a Purpose

TITLE: God Separates His People

Scripture:  Lev.23: 9-14, 15-22

A Greek word: hagiadzo means (to separate). It came to mean (to be holy).

I.  A SEPARATION BASED ON FAITH                                              

I Cor. 15: 20-23

Firstfruits could not be celebrated apart from the (Passover); and Jesus’ Resurrection could never be celebrated apart from His Passover (sacrifice) for us.

Biblical faith is based on the (truth), the facts about God: spiritual experience is to be the (result) of that faith not the cause of it.

In the Hebrew the word accepted means (pleased or delighted).

II.   A SEPARATION BASED ON PROMISE                              

Important to remember: while Pentecost is the “birthday celebration” of the church when the Holy Spirit came, we are never to look to the Holy Spirit as the foundation of our faith. The church is not and never should be about the Holy Spirit. It has been and always should be about (Jesus). No church should ever worship (the Holy Spirit).

Two promises fulfilled:

1. What happened on Pentecost was a fulfilment of Joel 2.
2. When Peter took the Gospel to the Gentiles it fulfilled the prophecy of the (gospel for all people).

Next Week: Series: Feasts with a Purpose

Sermon Title: God Reminds His People- Lev. 23: 26-44