September 29, 2024

200 Year Anniversary Sunday: The Ongoing Work of God (#1)

Preacher:
Passage: Revelation 1
Service Type:

Introduction

  • It is a blessing to join you in celebrating 200 years of Tabor Baptist Church
    • Introduction
  • The theme of Revelation 1 – the ongoing work of God
    • John was on Patmos for the word of God (v9)
    • He was exiled here
  • The 7 Churches
    • 5 are called to repent / 2 called to continue
    • Fairly challenging things were happening in these churches – examples
    • Not the examples that I would choose
      • But Christ points us to these Churches
    • In them, we see all the errors in the Church today – examples
  • John was writing at a time of great persecution of Christians
    • It is at this time he is given this great revelation/vision of Jesus Christ
      • We all need a great vision of Jesus Christ
      • We must not lose sight of the vision of Jesus conquering death and hell
  • Central to the vision is a view of the heavenly exalted Jesus (v12-17)
    • Difficult perhaps to comprehend
    • Difficult to find words to describe the overwhelming glory of Jesus Christ
      • It is not a small thing
      • Though people may think the voice of the Church is irrelevant
      • We must not be affected by this thinking
    • It is designed to be a comfort to John and us (v5)
    • The effect on John is significant (v17)
      • Jesus exhorts John not to be afraid
    • The words are given to strengthen and reassure John and us
  • We are pointed to where Jesus is standing
    • Not seated on a throne
    • Among the lampstands (v12-13) – that are the churches (v20)
      • Jesus stands among the lampstands/churches
      • Christ still stands amongst His Church
      • Christ by His Spirit is present
      • Christ is with us
      • Christ has given authority to the Church
      • Christ’s intention is to work in us to make us holy, to revive and reformed
  • How does Christ revive and reform?
    • 3 movements:
      • Being held
      • Coming out of His mouth
      • Shining forth

The hand that holds

  • The right hand of Christ holds the 7 stars
    • 7 angels/messengers of the churches (v20)
      • 7 letters in chapter 2-3 to His churches
    • He uses means and messengers to His people
    • An indicator of Christ’s commitment to His Church
      • A reminder that God does not change
    • God sends His messengers to His Churches
      • These messengers are in His right hand
      • Gospel messengers

The sword that proceeds

  • Christ is speaking to the Church
    • It is not about the messenger but about Christ
      • Eph 6 – the Sword of the Spirit is the word of God
    • Christ speaks through His word
      • We have the Bible
      • Heb 4 – the living word
    • Christ works though His messengers but the great tool is the word of God
      • The centrality is the word of God
    • Our great trajectory is to shine for God
      • Even though many things press upon us – we need to hear the voice of Christ
      • Christ speaks to us
      • We must come to church expecting to hear His voice

The face of Christ that shines out

  • This is Christ’s disposition before the Church at all times
    • Do we get angry, perplexed and frustrated at the Church today?
    • Jesus’ face shines when He considers His Church
      • Not because He condones sin or back-sliding
      • His heart is always towards His people
    • Are we in danger of falling into a unbiblical view of Christ towards the Church?
      • He is not disappointed with us
      • His face shines towards us, His blessing is on us, He desires our growth
      • He stands with us, He has given us His messengers, He has given us His word
    • Be encouraged
      • Give yourselves fully to the work of hearing the word of God, responding and living in accordance with it