Sermon Snippets with Max Taylor

Revelation 4:4-7   As we continue to read about this imagery of God’s throne room, we also start to see who else is there and what they are saying and doing. It is important for us to realize we will see this scene someday. That realization should shape and influence the decisions we make throughout our lives, even on a daily basis. We should live like this is our future, because it is.

Revelation 4:1   After the letters to the churches, John was called up to the throne of God where he got to see a preview of the glory and presence of the Lord. This transition makes us think about the limited opportunity to serve God we have right now in this life. Our daily decisions have eternal implications. We need to know that (1) we should be motivated to live for the Lord now, and (2) when we do see Jesus one day, that’s what it is all about. In that moment, life will make sense, and no matter how difficult it was, the decision to live for God will be worth it.

Revelation 3:7-13   This is the loyal church, and how we should wish to be characterized this way. This church was not impressive—they had little strength, were little in number, relatively out on their own, and misunderstood by those around them—but they are directed by God, reliant upon His strength, and assured of the destruction of the wicked. Some of the encouragements we can glean from this section are (1) God opens and closes doors in our lives, (2) we are to be an outpost for the gospel in the world, (3) God will keep us from the tribulation, and (4) we must focus on being faithful.   Philadelphia: the Loyal church   I. The Location (literal local church) “Brotherly love” is something Sardis lacked The city was a gateway to the east from the west, an outpost of Hellenization, small but had a big impact on spreading Greek culture It was a loyal frontier city with an over-sized reputation, it became known for surviving through resilience, going on for centuries even being built on a fault line that brought earthquakes and volcanos  II. The Likeness of Christ He that is holy, true, and has the keys of David He openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings) God opens and closes doors Ecclesiastes 7:13 They had little strength, but God supplied the rest We must withstand being misunderstood (by the early Jews and later by the Catholics) We will be kept from the hour of temptation 1 Thessalonians 5:9 God’s judgment of the wicked is an act of mercy to us, making our suffering not for nothing IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) Represents the missionary age from the 19th century until now  V. The Lesson for us (type of church) Our job is to hold fast to what we have been given We will stand and give account for what we did with the glorious gospel

Revelation 3:1-6   The church at Sardis teaches us lessons about formalism or dead ritualism. Perhaps this comes out most frequently in some interpretations of end times. Christ tells us to watch for His appearing and not defile our garments, and to those who do this, he promises white raiment when we are with Him in heaven. That is to be our hope in this life!   Sardis: the Lifeless church   I. The Location (literal local church) They were prosperous and full of immorality Located on cliffs, it was thought to be secure, but the city failed to be watchful and Cyrus king of Persia took over the city About 300 years later, the Greeks overtook the city the same way  II. The Likeness of Christ Christ that has the seven Spirits of God—making alive III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings) This church had grown cold and ritualistic, they were wrapped up in formalism, but they were devoid of God’s power in their lives IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) Historically, this perfectly marks the reformation era in church history The Catholic Church had become so secular and politically mainstream that people began to yearn for a return to Scripture The reformation accomplished some good things, they “made a name for themselves” in areas such as justification by faith, study of the Word of God, and a focus on the glory of God But the reformed denominations were just as ritualistic and formal as the Catholic Church, just in their own way (exercising hierarchy, persecuting dissenters, emphasizing rigid externals) They made a name for themselves but were ritualistic and dead  V. The Lesson for us (type of church) A steadfast belief in the second coming of Christ is necessary for a Christian to be alive and filled with the power of God Right eschatology is necessary for living hope Many churches today teach post-millennial eschatology and interpret prophecy through a partial-preterist lens (the belief that many of the judgments prophesied in the New Testament and Daniel were fulfilled in the first century rather than in the distant future). This is the puritan or historical reformed eschatology, it looks good, but it’s dead. But watch what Christ says We are told to watch, strengthen the things that remain, remember the word of God, hold fast, and repent He repeats the instruction to watch We are called to live pure and holy lives as we wait for His coming The reward for waiting is that He will come!

Revelation 2:18-29   The church at Thyatira represents an age in history when the Christian church became mandatory, and that is not a good thing. In the letter to this church, Christ instructs them that He is the true Son of God, that they should not tolerate false teaching, and that we can look forward to the coming kingdom when the world will be made right. All of these things should encourage us today as we strive to live for the Lord.   Thyatira: the Licentious church   I. The Location (literal local church) This was a smaller city Dominated by trade guilds and commerce Religiously very pluralistic  II. The Likeness of Christ Son of God, establishing deity Eyes of fire, depicting judgment Feet of brass, depicting authority III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings) Commends their works, charity, service, faith, patience, and works Condemns their tolerance of false doctrine, they had an indifference towards truth, immoral mixing with the world, eating things sacrificed to idols We need to be extremely careful with those who claim to be teachers of the Bible It seems the self-proclaimed prophetess ‘Jezebel’ must have encouraged or justified participation in pagan associations and clubs We must reference the Word of God to know how we ought to live - we must study and commit to God’s commands and principles Not everyone had gone along with the undermining of Christian living To these, Jesus offered encouragement to continue holding fast IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) The Roman Catholic Church period was a time of mixing paganism with Christianity Truth became secondary to works, ungodly sacraments, and rituals Some in this time continued to guard and follow the truth   V. The Lesson for us (type of church) Don’t justify or excuse living like the godless world Those who remain committed to the Lord will rule with Him when He sets up His kingdom of righteousness, we will be able to fully embrace the world when the world is made right

Revelation 2:14-17   The goal was to spend one week per church, but we are taking a week to catch up. Pergamos teaches us that we should not grow comfortable in the world or begin to tolerate ungodliness. The world uses harsh persecution, false teaching, subtle enticement, and many other tactics to draw us away from Christ, but we must allow the truth of God’s Word to cut through the lies of society. If we stay faithful to God, we will be filled and we will find our identity in Him.     Pergamos: the Lax church   I. The Location (literal local church) The capital of Asia Minor, seat of authority In the course of the world and of geopolitics The church was prone to be mixed with the world Many compromised to join the culture’s welcome (verse) One of the greatest dangers of the Pergamos mentality is the subtle lie that if you live your life totally devoted to God, it will be a waste In some ways, persecution is easier to bear because it is direct opposition, whereas the tendency to compromise and give into a welcoming environment can be harder in some cases I really think  II. The Likeness of Christ God’s Word discerns our hearts III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings) The good, after Christ and good examples Holding fast the name of Christ Not denying the faith Antipas, the faithful martyr - look at him, he was all-in for the Lord and look where it got him, it cost him his life… what a waste… but God praises him and uses his example as a model and a mentor that we should follow. It is good to have godly role models and be 1 The bad, described in doctrine Doctrine of Balaam - idolatry of the heart Doctrine of the Nicolaitans - clergy rules the laity IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) Following the persecution, the church became accepted in Rome This church mirrors the time period from roughly AD 300-600 The church became accepted and adopted elements of the world  V. The Lesson for us (type of church) Repent of the comfortableness with the world The Word of God cuts through the error of society The saved will be filled and will find a new identity in Christ

Revelation 2:12-17   In some ways, persecution is easier to bear than the invitation to join the world because persecution is direct opposition, whereas compromise can seem inviting. One of the greatest dangers of the Pergamos mentality is the subtle lie that if you live your life totally devoted to God, it will be a waste. But if we follow after Christ, find clarity in His World, and look at the godly role models around us, we can have the right perspective. Don’t believe the lies and propaganda of the idolatrous world, let God’s Word divide out the truth. Pergamos: the Lax church   I. The Location (literal local church) The capital of Asia Minor, seat of authority In the course of the world and of geopolitics The church was prone to be mixed with the world Many compromised to join the culture’s welcome (verse) One of the greatest dangers of the Pergamos mentality is the subtle lie that if you live your life totally devoted to God, it will be a waste In some ways, persecution is easier to bear because it is direct opposition, whereas the tendency to compromise and give into a welcoming environment can be harder in some cases I really think  II. The Likeness of Christ God’s Word discerns our hearts III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings) The good, after Christ and good examples Holding fast the name of Christ Not denying the faith Antipas, the faithful martyr - look at him, he was all-in for the Lord and look where it got him, it cost him his life… what a waste… but God praises him and uses his example as a model and a mentor that we should follow. It is good to have godly role models and be 1

Revelation 2:8-11   The church at Smyrna was intensely persecuted because they did not conform to the idolatry that was required of them. And they suffered for it. Some of the main lessons from this church are that we have the strongest fragrance for Christ when we are pressured by persecution, riches are only found in Christ, and we have a different perspective than the world—an eternal perspective—that allows us to be faithful even unto death. May we have courage like the believers of Smyrna did.   Smyrna: the Lacerated church   I. The Location (literal local church) Smyrna was a thriving commercial Roman city, a center of business They had a temple to the emperor, where worship to caesar was required Citizens had to offer a pinch of incense on the altar to the emperor Christians were excluded from the economic successes of Smyrna If you have seen the movie Polycarp, it describes this city There was intense persecution here, and many Christians caved The name means “crushed” signifying the making of Myrrh, an incense When myrrh is crushed, it gives off a sweet-smelling fragrance  II. The Likeness of Christ “The first and the last” - unchanging, constant, outlasting “Which was dead, and is alive” - conquered death The embodiment and provider of eternal life He died, faced the ultimate persecution, to give us life Jesus knows… III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings) Works, tribulation, and poverty for their steadfastness In the world’s estimate they were in poverty, but they were rich in Christ They were courageous in the face of pain and poverty They labeled things the way that God did Nothing negative is said about this church They are told to not fear, though things would not get better physically The reality that things might never get better in this life for us They were to stay faithful and stay focused on the eternal rewards IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) There were ten Roman emperors who intensely persecuted the church This was the period of AD 64-310 (extending beyond these churches) From the apostolic time to Emperor Constantine, ten great periods It would be intense, one right after the other But there was a light at the end of the persecution There was a beginning and an end Compared to eternity, it is brief  V. The Lesson for us (type of church) We serve a Savior Who is alive and the author and finisher of our faith When we face persecution or exclusion, we are an incense to God True wealth and riches are found in Christ Live for the eternal rewards, not the circumstantial

Revelation 2:1-7   We left off discussing the various views of these churches, and today we jump into the letter to the first of these churches. Christ presents Himself to the church at Ephesus—who had been given premier teaching on the church from Paul and the qualifications for church leaders through Paul’s letter to Timothy—as the One who cares for the messengers of the church and walks in the midst of His body. Most of the contents of this letter to Ephesus is praiseworthy, but there is a warning issued them to return to their first love. There is much for us to learn from the letter to this church.   Ephesus: the Loveless church   I. The Location (literal local church) #1  Very important Roman city in the province of Asia City of Diana the pagan Greek goddess Church Paul spent the most time at Timothy ministered there, as did John, possibly as elders Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians is the masterpiece treatise on the church, there were no problems addressed in this epistle, contains spiritual depth, it is in the letter to Timothy we have the qualifications for pastor and deacon Gave his parting sermon in Acts 20  II. The Likeness of Christ Christ’s relationship with His church Caring for the elders and walking in the midst of the members III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings) ✅Intolerance towards evil & error ✅Hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans (domineering over the people) ✅Had remained faithful and patient in their works and labor ❎Left their first love Their fervor and affection was abated over time Probably due to trials due to their location IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) #3  Represents the Apostolic Age AD 70-170 This is a call to patience, to bear under great trials, to continue long in obedience  V. The Lesson for us (type of church) #2  Wilmington’s helpful outline: Remember the faith they had loved (give their heads to Christ) Repent (give their hearts to Christ) Repeat their first works (give their hands to Christ)

Revelation 2-3   This is a really important part of Revelation because this is where we are living right now. This is the things which “are” so we should take note because it is written to our current time frame. In this first episode on these two chapters, we are introducing the seven churches and the three aspects of these churches as (1) literal local churches, (2) symbolic or types of churches, and (3) historic representative churches throughout the church age. Looking forward to jumping into the church of Ephesus next week!

Revelation 1:17-20   John is here given the outline for the revelation he would record (1) the things which he had seen, (2) the things which were, and (3) the things which would be hereafter. When these last remaining things begin to happen, they will take place suddenly and in rapid succession (1:1). May we meditate on these things of eternal value and long to see the Lord face to face.

Revelation 1:11-16   At the beginning of John’s vision, he hears the voice of God telling him to record the things he would see (beginning with a vision of Jesus Himself) to spread to the churches in the region. We then get a window into the voice and description of Jesus here. These verses remind us of how we have come to possess the Word of God and the privilege of being the church of God. Next week, we will pick up with this seven-fold vision of Jesus.

Revelation 1:9-10   In these two verses, we get a window into the life of John and what he was experiencing after his imprisonment and exile to the Isle of Patmos. But even there, his mind was on the Lord’s Day. They can imprison our bodies, but they cannot capture our hearts and minds. The important truth for us is that even when we feel exiled in this world and on an island spiritually, we can meditate on the culmination of God’s plan in our spirit.

Revelation 1:7-8   We will all see Christ return to earth, the question is how will we respond. Some will mourn over not believing Christ sooner, others will be angry that God is coming to crush wickedness, and those of us who are saved right now will actually return with Him and watch Him set up His kingdom. So how should we live right now? We should live with trust in God, believing that His way is best and that He will keep His promises. He is eternal and almighty, and nothing can interfere with His designs for human history. Ours is only to trust Him and live for Him.

Revelation 1:4-7   This closing book of prophecy was written in response to the question the disciples repeatedly asked Jesus while He was here. What mercy from God! And yet, how much time do we spend reading and analyzing our Lord’s long-awaited response? We pick up with some information on the Author, the audience, and the announcement in the next few verses. I'm really looking forward to getting deeper into this study!

Revelation 1:1-3   I am excited to go through the book of Revelation relying on my education at Christian college and great commentaries such as the one by Clarance Larkin. The purpose of this book is to reveal to us Jesus through His letters to the churches and His revelation to John. There is an unequivocal blessing to those who read, hear and keep these things… if you want it.

Revelation 4:1-5   Today we step back into the scene of the throne room of God with all of its magnificence, trying to imagine what it will be like to experience this and be in God’s presence one day. It is important for us to think about eternity and strive to live each day as if it were our last. We see the sights and sounds around the throne of God, with the people and the overall atmosphere. This should inspire us to live for Christ with everything we have and endure anything He calls us to, for it will surely be worth every last effort!

Revelation 3:20-22   Today we get a glimpse of all seven churches with their locations and the problems Jesus points out. One of the most comforting aspects of these churches is that Jesus knows our conditions and can use them to teach us what we need to hear as long as we are listening. May we have soft hearts to hear His rebukes to us and to repent.

Revelation 3:18-22   This church, in its pride and self-sufficiency, was blind to their own condition. Because of their apathy towards God and love of money, they didn’t even realize the dire straits they were in. Jesus counsels us to come and find our fulfillment in Him rather than in the society around us. And the call is individual, which is an incredible privilege.   Laodicea: the Lukewarm church   I. The Location (literal local church) Their water came from aqueducts and was lukewarm by the time it reached the city in contrast to Hierapolis had hot springs and Colossae had fresh cold water from the mountains Also known for their wealth due to its location on major trade routes (capable of rebuilding itself after an earthquake in AD 60 without Roman aid) They produced rich black wool from their sheep and also had some significant medical advancements such as their eye salve  II. The Likeness of Christ Christ addresses the individual people He calls himself the (1) Amen - the final commendation of God’s will, (2) faithful and true witness - the representation of God to man, and (3) beginning of creation - the beginning that started all things. III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings) Christ knows these people and their works They are lukewarm, they make Jesus sick (hot is cleansing and cold is refreshing, but they were neither) They were deluded about their own condition They were marked by self-sufficiency and pride, when what they really needed was only to be found in Christ (3:18) Love of money was a real problem Jesus calls them to personal renewal of their zeal for Him IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) The parallel is with the modern church age in our time  V. The Lesson for us (type of church) Across church history, we see a trend of churches moving away from God, but we as individuals do not have to. The church was instituted to be a beautiful and good thing in its inauguration, but as Jesus foretold would happen in the kingdom parables, it has largely become something distorted, corrupt, and hideous as we will also see in the progression of these seven. While the majority of churches have moved towards the world, there is a remnant of people who have not, and the call goes out to believers to be zealous and repent. It falls to us tot let Christ into our lives and to fellowship with us and us with Him. That is the invitation of these letters.

Revelation 1:13-16   These verses give us a glimpse of Jesus, as He will be in the day of the Lord. For now, we can see Jesus as we study the truth of His Word, watch prophecy line up for His return, interact with other believers who are part of His Bride, and meditate upon Him personally. We need but to listen and turn and look as John did. And one day we will see—not just a glimpse of Jesus—but we will see Him as He is. That is what motivates us to purity and hope (1 John 3:2-3).