“The Lamb Is Worthy” (Revelation 5:1-7)
The Lamb Is Worthy (Rev. 5:1-7) John’s vision in chapters one through three begins with the son of man in the midst of the lampstands. He shepherds his flock by sending letters to the seven churches, which includes both promised blessings as well as warnings to repent of a growing indifference and wickedness that threatens to destroy the church from within. If their rebellion persists, Christ will remove the lampstand of their church. In chapter four, John is brought up…
“The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37)
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) In 1973 two professors from Princeton published the results of an experiment they titled “From Jerusalem to Jericho” based upon the parable of the Good Samaritan. They assigned seminary students to prepare to teach for 3-5 minutes about being a minister. Some were also asked to incorporate the parable of the Good Samaritan into their talk. In addition to the assignment, they were also informed whether they had some time before the talk (no hurry),…
“The Joy of Salvation” (Luke 10:21-24)
The Joy of Salvation (Luke 10:21-24) It is an unfortunate reality that the doctrine of God’s Unconditional Election often results in pride rather than joy. The Caged Stage is real. However, Jesus had every intention of this doctrine filling us with joy, as we will see from this passage. The past three sermons have considered how Jesus appointed seventy-two “other” disciples to bring a message of peace into the surrounding cities. The disciples were rebuked for rejoicing in the subjection…
“Holy, Holy, Holy” (Revelation 4:6b-11)
Holy, Holy, Holy (Rev. 4:6b-11) We have transitioned from the first section which included letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor (1:1-3:22), to the second section which includes the opening of seven seals (4:1-8:1). Upon ascending into heaven in his vision, John sees the throne of God—a throne of glory, grace, and judgment. The principle is that our worship must be God-centered. In the rest of chapter four John continues his description of what he sees, including the worship…
“Misplaced Joy” (Luke 10:17-20)
Misplaced Joy (Luke 10:17-20) Luke has been providing an orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus to provide assurance to believers that what they had heard about Jesus was indeed true. Jesus had wrapped up an extended season of ministry in Galilee. Now he is beginning his journey toward Jerusalem knowing that his own death is fast approaching. This chapter began with Jesus appointing seventy-two disciples to go out into the cities in the surrounding region and deliver…
“Behold Our God” (Revelation 4:1-6a)
Behold Our God (Rev. 4:1-6a) Apocalyptic literature is oftentimes used like a kind of treasure map. If we can unlock the mysterious riddles we will discover when and how the world will end. That approach can certainly make for an exciting reading of the text, but it rarely finds the author’s central meaning. Revelation was not written to satisfy our curiosity about the future. Revelation is about God! It describes the glory of God, the power of God, and the…
“Woe to the Unrepentant” (Luke 10:13-16)
Woe to the Unrepentant (Luke 10:13-16) Jesus has transitioned from his Galilean ministry to begin his journey toward Jerusalem (9:51). He has sent out seventy-two “others” to enter into the surrounding towns before he gets there and offer them a message of peace (10:5). However, he warned them that some will reject their offer (10:10-12). Our text this afternoon could have easily been added on to the end of last week’s sermon. Its primary purpose is to illustrate the warning…
“Dear Lukewarm Church” (Revelation 3:14-22)
Dear Lukewarm Church (Rev. 3:14-22) Introduction We have arrived at the final letter to the seven first-century churches located in Asia Minor. Although the situations in each of these churches was in many ways unique to their time and location, the contents of each letter have proved to be relevant to every church in every age. Last week we considered a church that received no condemnation from Christ. This week we consider a church that received no commendation from him.…
“Evangelism Explosion” (Luke 10:1-12)
Evangelism Explosion (Luke 10:1-12) Introduction We have just finished the story of three individuals who were reluctant to follow Jesus. Each of them offered their best excuse for not being available at that time. Here, we see a group of 72 disciples who immediately respond in obedience. Luke is the only gospel witness to record this episode. It seems perfectly suited to balance the previous section. Evangelism exists because worship does not. Evangelism is needed because unbelief is rampant. Jesus…