2021-12-26
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Today, we finish up our whirlwind run through the Bible. We’ve taught from all 66 books throughout this past year. While we certainly haven’t touched on every aspect of Scripture, as no ever could, we have spent a great deal of time focusing on the broad themes of Scripture. And so, today, we’ll conclude by revealing the theme of the Book. Not just the theme of the book of Revelation, but the theme of the entire Bible.
Revelation 1:1-3 (CSB) The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.
1. Jesus is the Answer
22:16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star,
- Jesus is not only the creator, He is the descendent as well. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1
- The term, “bright morning star,” gives the idea of the soon coming end of night
2. For The World Today
- We have the invitation of Jesus
- 22:17a Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
- The Spirit’s job is to convict a lost world of their sins and point them to the hope of the Gospel
- The bride’s job is to tell the world about the Gospel
- We have a responsibility to Jesus
- 22:17b Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!”
- Our individual mandate is to tell others about Jesus and what He’s done for us
- This opportunity is for everyone
- 22:17c Let the one who is thirsty come
- The message of the Gospel is not exclusive to a lucky few, it is available to all
- 2 Peter 3:9 – “not willing that any should perish”
- Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which is lost”
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…”
- This opportunity is to be enjoyed now
- 22:17d Let the one who desires take the water of life freely
- The hope of Heaven is absolute, but the benefits of believing begin now
3. Above Him there’s no other
22:18-19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. 19 And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, which are written about in this book.
- John gives us a warning that we cannot change the message of Christ to suit our own needs or desires
- This echoes what Deut. 4 and Gal. 1 tell us about changing the message of God
4. Jesus is the Way
22:20-21 He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Amen.
- In times of desperation, we must always remember it is the hope of the Gospel that leads the way
- Time is short and Jesus has always been the Way, He is the Way, and He will forever be the Way