Living Community, Part A Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22

Revelation 1

Prologue

1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Here is a message about Revelation that I appreciate Alistair Begg starting off with some rules of engagement by pointing out how important it is to stay focused on what the text is focused on. And that my friends is Christ. Everytime I am to listen to a sermon, I write at the top of my outline these words "focus on Christ." If your a preacher whose view is pre-millennial or amillennial or post-millennial and your message distracts you from Christ into all kinds of other things (like mice under the chair)(-now you're going to want to listen to figure out what I'm talking about) and not on Christ, then I don't have any use for that message at all. It is purely speculative and I believe it is just another distraction from Christ. I know I have much to learn about eschatology and yes I'm still in the amillennial camp, so you'll have to be patient with me if you think you need to challenge that. Right now I'm primarily interested in preaching Christ and Him Crucified and getting that Gospel right. I am drawn by the covenants of God and the thought that all things point to Christ. I was talking with a friend the other day about the thought that the Word is Christ, especially in light of John 1. Remembering that this is the same guy who wrote Revelation. And actuality now that I think about it some more, it is written by Christ about Christ through the pen and person of John. Just something to think about. So each time you see the reference to the Word or Scripture think about it being about Christ. Also remember that it was Jesus Himself who gave glory and honor to the Word during the temptations with the words "it is written." This is truly amazing if you follow this throughout scripture from beginning to end.

John 1

The Word Became Flesh

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.

3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood^[a] it.

Grace and Peace,

Chris Allen

Coram Deo!!!

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Title: Living Community, Part A Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22

Series: You've Got Mail

by Alistair Begg | Thursday, January 29, 2009

Listen Now: Listen in Mini-Player

At the end of the Bible we’re introduced to seven churches, and their call to commitment is a wake-up call for us. These New Testament churches thought they were in good shape, but the words of Christ cut to the heart, and they are words that the church needs to hear today. Hear them on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg.