Author: Laurin

I’m first and foremost a follower of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, striving to learn more and grow closer to Him. I am also a former public middle school English, Reading, Social Studies teacher now spending my days trying to figure out where God needs me to go next! I'm privileged to help author-friends with beta-reading and editing their work. I’m honored that I get to lead a Bible study and play librarian at my little church in southwestern Colorado. I love to serve God, meditate on His Word, read great books, take photos, be crafty, jot down random thoughts, and crochet poorly.

2 Timothy, pt. 6

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Pastor Alan is still taking us through the book of 2 Timothy. One week did not get recorded properly, but I have posted the outline below (for 2 Timothy 2:14-26). The following Sunday took us into 2 Timothy 3. To listen to that message, simply click play on the audio player below. The outline can be found below, with links to Scriptures referenced. Enjoy and be blessed!

2 Timothy 2:14-26: A Study in Contrasts

  1. Marks of a Good Teacher (v. 14-15)
    • gives constant reminders (v. 14a)
    • gives direct warnings (v. 14b)
    • is accountable to God (v. 15a)
    • can pass inspections (v. 15b)
    • has nothing to be ashamed of (v. 15c)
    • gives straight direction in truth (v. 15d)
  2. Marks of False Teachers (v. 16-18)
    • practice empty chatter (v. 16a)
      • all style, no structure
    • teach and live ungodliness (v. 16b)
    • spread destruction (v. 17)
    • stray away from the truth (v. 18a)
    • undermine people’s faith (v. 18b)
  3. A Firm Foundation (v. 19)
    • false teaching gives no foundation (v. 19a)
    • God’s solid foundation has two dynamics (v. 19b)
      • it bears a seal
      • it demands an action
  4. Two Types of Lifestyles (v. 20-26)
    • Marks of a Noble Lifestyle
      • cleanses himself of evil behavior (v. 21a)
      • is used of God (v. 21b)
      • pursues righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace (v. 22a)
      • keeps company with true believers (v. 22b)
      • doesn’t engage in controversy and infighting (v. 23)
      • doesn’t lose their cool (v. 24a)
      • kind, competent, patient, correcting (v. 25)
    • Potential Results of a Noble Life (v. 25b-26)

2 Timothy 3: Two Kinds of People Contrasted

  1. What are the Last Days? (v. 1)
    • The period between Christ’s ascension and His return
    • “the days of Noah” – the last of the Last Days
    • Described as difficult
    • The Amplified Bible says, “dangerous, troublesome, great stress”
    • The Greek word is the same as translated “violent” in Matthew 8:28, describing demon possessed men.
  2. The People of the Last Days (v. 2-4)
    • Paul uses 18 words to describe them.
    • They can be summed up as the:
      • decadent
      • deviant
      • defiant
      • deceitful
      • disobedient
  3. The Three Deviant Affections
    • All begin with the phrase “lovers (philos – emotional affection) of…”
      • self
      • money
      • pleasure
  4. The Other 15 Vices or Sins
    • Romans 1:18-32
      • boastful
      • arrogant
      • blasphemers
      • disobedient to parents
      • ungrateful
      • unholy
      • unloving
      • irreconcilable
      • slanderers
      • no self-control
      • savage
      • opposed to good
      • treacherous
      • reckless
      • conceited
    • Use this list to examine yourself!
  5. The Cloak of Religion (v. 5a)
    • There is only the outward appearance of goodness and religiosity
    • No Holy Spirit
  6. How to Respond (v. 5b)
    • Avoid!
  7. The Predators (v. 6-9)
    • This is NOT saying that all women are weak-minded!
    • It is saying that there are predators who prey on the weak and vulnerable.
  8. Switch Gears! (v. 10-17)
    • What to be and do in the last days:
      • “You, however…”
        • follow sound teaching and teachers (v. 10)
        • have a purpose (v. 10)
        • have faith, patience, love, and endurance (v. 10)
        • accept suffering (v. 11-12)
        • beware of evil people (v. 13)
        • be grounded in Scripture (v. 14-15)
        • accept rebuke/correction (v. 16)
        • be capable of getting equipped (v. 17)
  9. Conclusion
    • We should always be in the process of self-examination, confession, and repentance in light of the certain accountability.

2 Timothy 2:8-13

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Alan continued to take us through the book of 2 Timothy with a teaching on the second chapter, verses 8-13. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

2 Timothy 2:8-13

A key concept of 2 Timothy is enduring in both hardship and in the good times (since we can become complacent). We must remain faithful (not deny the faith). Paul is a picture of remaining faithful – 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 is a resume of suffering. Remaining silent can be a form of denying Christ.

  1. Priorities (v. 8-10)
    • Remember Jesus Christ
      • we fail when we forget who Jesus is & who we are in Him
      • 3 R’s
        • the Resurrection & its implications
          • without the resurrection, we can’t live out the life we are to live IN Him
          • the resurrection makes it possible for Him to work in & through us
        • Christ Reigns
          • He is the King of a kingdom, a descendant of David
          • we will reign with Christ
        • Results of the Gospel
  2. Promises (v. 11-13)
    • This section of Scripture is believed to be one of the earliest hymns in the Christian Church.
    • It contains four conditional clauses.
    • It is a “trustworthy saying” – you can believe it to be true.
      1. If we died with Him (died to self), we will also live with Him.
        • Galatians 2:20
        • Faith is expressed in confession.
          • Have you confessed you sin to Christ?
          • Have you denied your self?
      2. If we endure, we will also reign.
        • the promise of reward
          • He won’t deny us salvation, but He will deny us reward.
        • 2 Types of Inheritance in Scritpure
          • Heirs of Christ by faith
          • Co-heirs with Christ by suffering & enduring for Him (Romans 8:17)
        • reward = eternal glory (see v. 10)
      3. If we deny Him, He will deny us.
        • denial is born of fear
        • perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18)
      4. If we are faithless, He remains faithful.
        • We can’t change the faithfulness of God.
        • Our lack of holiness can’t affect the holiness of God.
        • He cannot deny His character.
          • It’s not what He does; it’s Who He is.
    • You know a person by their fruit.
    • True belief brings change.

2 Timothy, pt. 4

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

In Alan’s series on 2 Timothy, Paul’s Final Words, he took us into the second chapter of the book. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

2 Timothy 2:1-7

  1. Stand Strong in Grace (v. 1)
    • Grace = that which is given is neither earned nor merited
      • works are NOT required to be saved or to stay saved
      • Ephesians 2:8-10
        • grace + faith = salvation
        • not of yourself: grace generates faith
      • works follow salvation
      • if we have to work for salvation, it negates all Christ did on the cross
      • grace is God working in our lives to bring us closer to Him
    • How do you stand in the sphere of grace?
      1. You reject the idea that you are strong enough to stand on your own.
        • If you don’t stand in grace, you’ll fall in your works.
      2. You resist the temptation to boast about your seeming indispensability.
      3. You receive what God has given and appropriate it.
        • It’s all IN Christ Jesus who was full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
      4. You access grace by faith.
        • Romans 5:1-4
        • You are justified by faith, which gives you access to grace.
  2. Teach & Equip (v. 2)
    • Teach what? The gospel.
    • Prerequisites: those who will be taught to share the gospel must be:
      • faithful
      • able to teach others
      • Hebrews 5:11-14
      • One should never coast on their giftedness:
        • gifted is not an excuse for lack of preparation & competence
        • must rely on God & give Him credit
      • Part of ministry is to entrust the gospel to faithful & competent people
  3. The Cost of Carrying Out the Charge (v. 3-6)
    • Three Metaphors
      1. A Soldier
        • 1 Timothy 1:18-19 KJV – war a good warfare
          • engage the enemy
          • prayer is warfare
        • dedicated
          • not entangled by distractions
          • focused on the mission
          • carry out orders
            • we are subordinate to Christ who recruited us
        • 600 Legions of Roman soldiers (360,000 men)
          • most feared warriors of their time
          • carried a short sword with two sharp edges
            • for stabbing, not slashing
            • the Word is a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12) able to pierce in spiritual warfare
      2. An Athlete
        • Olympics: had to sign up for 10 months of dedicated/disciplined training
          • no breaking protocol
          • no commitment to anything else – period (even family)
          • must follow the rules or become disqualified
          • Crown of Victory for the winner
      3. A Farmer
        • lonely, hard-working, patient
        • endure hardships season after season
        • leadership involves loneliness & disappointment, but perseverance allows for a share of the crop/harvest
  4. The Point of Reflecting (v. 7)

2 Timothy, pt. 3

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Alan finished up the first chapter of 2 Timothy a few weeks ago. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

2 Timothy 1:9-18

Timothy was the pastor of the church of Ephesus (the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor). Paul is in prison, and this letter was his final written word.

  1. Paul’s Declaration (v. 9-12)
    • these verses were a hymn in the early church
    • Paul is declaring things that God has done for us through Jesus – fundamental things that we MUST be clear about.
      1. Christ saves us. (v. 9)
        • from sin & the curse of sin
        • we’re all physically dying, but everyone who is apart from Jesus is dying spiritually (Ephesians 2)
        • Salvation is an umbrella term for:
          1. justification: have been saved – reconciliation at the moment of trusting Him as our Savior (Romans 10)
          2. sanctification: being saved/changed – reconciled by His death; saved by His life (Romans 5)
          3. glorification: will be saved – away from the effects & presence of sin (1 Corinthians 15)
      2. Christ calls us to holiness. (v. 9)
        • ecclesia (Church) = called out ones
        • korban = something dedicated to the Lord
        • We are called out to be dedicated to the Lord.
        • “Be holy as I am holy.” (1 Peter 1)
        • Our righteousness must be greater
          • inward righteousness (Christ in us)
      3. Our saving & our calling are by God, not by us. (v. 9)
      4. Everything about the gospel is centered in grace, not works. (v. 9)
        • All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God
          • sin = falling short of God’s glory
      5. Christ destroys death & reveals eternal life. (v. 10)
        • eternal life = to know God & His Son (have an intimate relationship with them) (John 17)
        • opposite of the gospel = Satan, who comes to steal, kill, & destroy (John 10)
      6. The gospel has to be preached. (v. 11)
        • The gospel has apostolic authority.
        • The gospel has to be taught (delved into) with the aim of making disciples.
      7. Christ will guard Paul’s work. (v. 12)
        • Like he’s made a deposit & Christ is keeping that work safe & ready for that day
          • lay up for yourself treasures in heaven (Matthew 6)
          • Christ, the Good Shepherd, guards (John 10, Psalm 23)
          • what we do for Christ is kept
  2. Paul’s Admonition (v. 13-14)
    1. Holding fast/enduring is a major theme in this letter
      • hypomeno = stay under the load
    2. Hold fast to what you’ve heard.
      • sound words/teaching
    3. Act on what you hear in faith & love
      • balance is necessary
    4. Sound words must be protected.
      • There must be objective truth or there’s nothing to hold on to.
      • Jesus is the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life
      • No one comes to the Father, except through Him (John 14)
  3. Paul Deserted and Refreshed (v. 15-18)
    1. The importance of presence.
      • We need other people in our lives.
    2. Those who show mercy will receive mercy.
    3. Deed done in the name of Christ will not be forgotten on “that day” (the day of judgment for reward)

How do you want to be remembered? As someone who refreshed others or as one who deserted those who needed you?

2 Timothy, Pt. 2

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Alan continued his teaching through the book of 2 Timothy by taking us further into chapter one. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

2 Timothy 1:3-8

  1. Paul’s Thanksgiving – v. 3-5
    • Paul is thankful upon remembering. (v. 3)
    • Paul served with a clear conscience.
    • Paul’s reference to his ancestors who served God.
    • Paul’s deep connection with Timothy. (v. 4)
    • Paul’s second remembering. (v. 5)
      • He tells Timothy about his spiritual lineage.
      • The name Eunice means “good victory.”
      • The importance of teaching in the family.
  2. Paul’s Gift to Timothy through God (v. 6)
    • Likely the gift was the office of pastor/teacher.
    • The charge is to keep the gift burning.
      • Gift is always associated with grace.
  3. God’s Gift to All (v. 7)
    • The negative
      • a spirit of cowardice
    • The three-fold positive
      • power = dynamis
      • love = agape
      • self-control (sound or sober mind) = sophronismos
    • Titus 2
    • God has given us all we need in Christ.
      • We just need to appropriate it. (2 Peter 1:3)
      • Will we allow the Spirit to work in our spirit?
  4. Paul’s Plea to Timothy (v. 8)
    • Two things not to be ashamed of:
      • testify to Christ
      • suffer for Christ
  5. Closing
    • We have all been gifted by God in various ways.
    • We are to appropriate those gifts in power, love, and self-control.

Paul’s Final Words

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Alan began a study of the book of 2 Timothy, the last letter Paul wrote before his death that we have in the Bible. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

Main Ideas in 2 Timothy

  • Paul’s final words: Second Timothy was written from prison while Paul was waiting to be executed. These are his final words to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy.
  • The necessity to hold fast to one’s faith in the face of cultural persecution
    • 2 Timothy 2:11-13 may have been an early hymn
    • endure (Greek: hypomeno): to stay under a load
  • The description of a disciplined Christian life
  • The problem of false teachers and dealing with them
    • how not to cave in to culture
    • Paul had no problem calling people out by name if they preached a different gospel
  • The vivid description of the last days
  • The nature of Scripture as God-breathed
  • The importance of bringing up children in the faith
    • Timothy’s mother and grandmother brought him up in the faith
  • The surety of Christ’s presence if and when others fail you

Paul’s Greeting (2 Timothy 1:1-2)

  1. Two Things Paul Makes Clear of Himself
    • He is an apostle of God by the will of God to do the will of God
    • He preaches and lives the Gospel of Life in Christ
  2. Paul’s Relation to Timothy
    • The necessity of producing spiritual children
    • What are we doing to encourage faith in other believers?
  3. Three Blessings to Bless Others With
    • grace vs dogmatism
    • mercy vs vengeance
    • peace vs division
    • What are we spreading?

Outline of 2 Timothy

  1. Chapter 1
    • Paul’s greeting (v. 1-2)
    • Paul’s Thanksgiving (v. 3-5)
    • Paul’s Gift to Timothy (v. 6)
    • God’s Gift to All (v. 7-10)
    • Paul’s Self-Assessment (v. 11-12)
    • Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 13-14)
    • Paul’s Words About Others (v. 15-18)
  2. Chapter 2
    • Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 1-7)
    • Paul’s Call to Remember (v. 8-9)
    • Paul’s Hymn of Endurance (v. 10-13)
    • Paul’s Words on Avoidance (v. 14-19)
    • Paul’s Words on Purity of Living (v. 20-26)
  3. Chapter 3
    • Paul’s Description of the Last Days (v. 1-5)
    • Paul’s Suffering (v. 10-14)
    • Paul’s Words About the Nature of Scripture (v. 15-17)
  4. Chapter 4
    • Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 1-5)
    • Paul’s Testimony and Surety (v. 6-8)
    • Paul’s Assessment of Others, Requests, and Final Outcome (v. 9-17)
    • Paul’s Final Farewell (v. 19-22)

Millennial Reign

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Hello all! I know it’s been a while, and I apologize, but I will do my best to get caught up on posting messages over the next few days. This message is the last in Terry’s short series on the Millennial Reign of Christ (the second message did not get recorded…sorry!) To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

Millennial Reign

New Heaven & New Earth will come after the Millennium. The Millennium is to fulfill covenant promises to Israel, including the building of Ezekiel’s temple.

Israel has not had a king since the exile – the throne of David has been empty, waiting for Jesus, where He will reign from during the Millennium.

1/3 of the Jews will survive the Tribulation & will enter the Millennial Kingdom.

The White Throne Judgment happens at the end of the Millennium, followed by the Eternal State in the New Heavens & the New Earth.

Amos 9:13-15 – the bounty of the harvest in the Millennium & the Eternal State.

There will be no evil, no rebellion going into the Millennium. He will order everything according to His righteousness. The saints will help administer His kingdom of everlasting righteousness on earth.

Longevity of life will return (Isaiah 65). The earth will be repopulated. Most important change: God will reign with man, just the way He originally intended it. No faith will be required, because Jesus will be on earth, in charge of everything.

The knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth like the water fill the oceans (Isaiah 11:9).

The presence of God will make fear unnecessary. There will be total peace & joy.

Isaiah 60:1-22 fully describes the relationship between Israel & the nations during the Millennium.

Isaiah 2:1-4

  • v. 1: Written to Judah & Jerusalem
  • v. 2: Millennial Kingdom
    • last days
    • house of the Lord will be elevated on the highest mountain around
    • all nations will go out to the house of the Lord
  • v. 3: God Will Judge
    • those born during the Millennium will want to rebel & God will have to judge them
    • Peace among the nations
      • no more war
      • weapons will be useless for war
    • the threat of war is eliminated
      • all conflicts will be handled by Jesus & His administrators

Isaiah 9:6-7

  • v. 6a: Christ’s First Coming
  • v. 6b-7: Christ’s Second Coming
    • government on His shoulders alone
      • no corrupt politicians, etc.
    • Wonderful
    • Counselor
    • Mighty God
    • Prince of Peace
    • no end to His rule & His peace
    • rule from David’s throne
    • perfect justice & righteousness
    • FOREVER
    • God will do this

Isaiah 11:1-9

  • v. 1: From the Line of David
  • v. 2-3: Attributes of Christ
    • Spirit of the Lord is on Him
      • wisdom
      • understanding
      • counsel
      • might
      • knowledge of the Lord
      • fear of the Lord
      • will delight in the fear of the Lord
    • will not judge unjustly
  • v. 4: Will Judge with Righteousness
    • protect the weak & poor
    • zero tolerance for any rebellion
  • v. 5: Righteousness
    • will surround Him
  • v. 6-8: Changes to the Animal Kingdom
    • may be what it was like in the Garden of Eden
    • no more violence even amongst the animals
    • even humans will be at peace with all the other animals
    • this is how God intended things to be
      • this is right relationship with God
  • v. 9: The Hope of the Believer – The Heart of God
    • it will be even better in the eternal state than the Millennial Kingdom
    • God has so much in store for His people

Our blessed hope is the coming of the Lord!

The Millennial Reign of Christ

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Hello again! Last Sunday, Terry started a new series of lessons on the Thousand-Year Reign of Christ, which was spoken of in Revelation 20. He began by taking us through Zechariah 14. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes with links to Bible Gateway for the verses referenced.

The Millennial Reign of Christ

Intro: Revelation 20 began with Satan being bound for 1000 years; the martyrs reigning with Christ for 1000 years; the “1000 years” is referenced six times in the first few verses of the chapter. If something is repeated, it is important!

The Millennial Reign of Christ (the 1000 years) is set to be between the Tribulation and the eternal state. The Israelites believed this reign would be the 1st coming of the Messiah (to put down the enemies of Israel/God), but mankind had a bigger problem that Christ dealt with at His 1st coming (we needed to be saved from our sin/death).

Zechariah 14 – The Millennial Reign of Christ

  • v. 1-2: Battle of Armageddon
    • “Day of the LORD” is not just one “day” – is a time when God directly intervenes in the course of life on earth
    • “I will gather” = direct intervention
  • v. 3: The LORD will fight for Israel
  • v. 4-5a: The Second Coming of Christ
    • He lands on the Mount of Olives
      • Acts 1 – He will return as He went
    • Mount of Olives will be broken in half
      • split from east to west
      • 1/2 will move to the north; 1/2 will move to the south
      • the valley created by the split will allow people to flee to safety
  • v. 5b: The LORD & His Saints
    • we (all believers who’ve died) will return with Him in our resurrected, heavenly bodies
  • v. 6-7: No Light as We Know It
    • the sun, moon, and stars are no longer giving light
    • the light will come from God alone
  • v. 8: Living Water
    • water will flow out from Jerusalem, from the temple (Ezekiel 47), from the throne of God
    • will flow to the Dead Sea (east) & to the Mediterranean Sea (west)
    • Living Water = the Holy Spirit
      • rivers of living water will flow from those who believe (John 7)
  • v. 9: God Over All
    • Praise God! Finally!
    • God will reign & be the only God, the only King over all the earth
    • Luke 1 – He will sit upon the Throne of David
  • v. 10: Topographical Changes to Israel
    • Jerusalem will be raised up
  • v. 11: Safety at Last
    • We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122)
    • They will finally dwell in peace & safety forever
  • v. 12-13: Strike Against the Enemies of God
    • plague of decay & rot
    • will fight against each other
  • v. 14: Judah Will Fight
    • will collect all the wealth of the nations (reverse of what has happened in the past)
  • v. 15: Plague on the Livestock
  • v. 16: During the Millennial Reign
    • Ezekiel’s temple will fill every year as the people come for the Feast of Tabernacles (this is a mandate)
  • v. 17-19: Punishment for Failure to Go to Jerusalem
    • if you don’t go for the festival
      • no rain on you
      • plague
    • God has been waiting for pure worship & He will not let anyone get away without worshipping
    • Worship is due to Him alone
  • v. 20-21: The Holiness that Will Inhabit the Kingdom of God
    • even the animals (even their tack) will holy/sacred
    • even the cooking pots (common things) will be holy/dedicated to the service of the LORD
    • no more people who worship other gods
    • Now, we should strive to walk in purity of:
      • mind
      • tongue
      • everything we do/think/say dedicated to God
      • boldness of testimony
    • Then, we will be pure

Rest is found in the LORD alone (Hebrews 3-4).

The Battle Belongs to the LORD!

God Is Coming, pt. 24

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

The first Sunday of April found us in the last chapter of Revelation. To listen to this teaching, simply click play on the audio player below.

God Is Coming, pt. 24

God doesn’t want us to be ignorant (unknowing) of His blessings and His promises found in the Book of Revelation, even though it can be difficult at times to understand. Persevere! At God’s first coming, He broke the power of sin and death. At His second coming, He will overcome the prince of the power of the air (Satan).

Revelation 22

  • v. 1: The River of the Water of Life
    • comes from the Throne of God & the Lamb
  • v. 2: The Tree of Life
    • twelve types of fruit
    • every month a different fruit
      • God supplies all we need
  • v. 3: The Curse is Removed
    • Genesis 3 – man, woman, all of creation has been cursed in judgment for the transgression against the holy God
    • we will serve at the throne of God & the Lamb for all eternity
      • joining the angels and all redeemed around the throne of God
      • Holy, holy, holy!
  • v. 4: We will see God face-to-face
  • v. 5: God is our light
    • we will reign with Him forever and ever
  • v. 6: He will fulfill all His promises
    • His words are faithful and true
  • v. 7: I am coming soon!
    • He reminds us of this often. Keep watch & be ready!
  • v. 8-9: John is caught up in the moment
    • He falls at the feet of the angel
    • the angel corrects him
    • nothing is to be worshipped except God Himself
  • v. 10: The Time is at Hand
    • don’t seal the book up because of the blessing and the promise
    • remain faithful to God
  • v. 11: Let them do what they’re going to do
    • some people cannot be reached
  • v. 12: Our Reward
    • He is coming quickly
    • bringing our reward for what we have done
    • so important to bring glory to God in the spiritual darkness of the world
  • v. 13: Alpha & Omega
    • God is eternal; He has no beginning and no end
  • v. 14: Right to the Tree of Life
    • wash their robes
    • keep the commandments of God
  • v. 15: Another list of those who will not be in the Holy City
    • God has redeemed us from this list
    • They would not repent of their sins
  • v. 16: How we received the Revelation
    • From Jesus
    • to the Churches
    • His genealogy
    • He is our Morning Star
  • v. 17: Invitation to Redemption
    • God does not intend for any of us to be in the Lake of Fire; we choose to be there
    • the Spirit & the Church: tell others of the joy and freedom of redemption
    • we all have a longing for God, whether we know it or not – we thirst for Him
  • v. 18-19: Warning
    • Don’t mess around with the Word of God
  • v. 20-21: Close of the Revelation & the entire Bible
    • “I am coming!” (for the 3rd time in this chapter)
    • John responds with the prayer of the saint: “Come, Lord Jesus!”
    • Grace be with you – everything we’ve been talking about is grace (the unmerited favor of God)

God Is Coming, pt. 23

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

On Palm Sunday, Terry took us back into the 21st chapter of the Book of Revelation. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I have included some notes and links to referenced Scriptures.

God Is Coming, pt. 23

Intro: Jesus humbly rode into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey, but He will return in glory on a white horse. During the Passover week, Jesus told His disciples that He was going away to prepare a place for us, so that we can be with Him. That place is revealed in Revelation 21 as the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:5 says He is making all things new; this begins with the hearts of those who choose to believe in Him.

Revelation 21

  • v. 1: The new heaven & new earth replace the old, defiled heaven & earth
    • God is in complete control
  • v. 2: John is shown the New Jerusalem
  • v. 3: God’s dwelling place is now with us.
  • v. 4: The consequences of sin have been removed.
  • v. 5: He will make ALL things new.
  • v. 6: It is finished!
    • God’s redemptive plan (begun in Genesis 3) has culminated.
    • Freely partake of the water of life.
  • v. 7: He who overcomes obstacles that keep us from God
    • will inherit all things in the new creation – joint heirs with Jesus Christ
    • we have to remain heavenly minded
  • v. 8: Those who won’t be in the Kingdom of God
    • they will all be sent to the Lake of Fire
    • for rejecting Jesus Christ
  • v. 9: The Bride and the Holy Jerusalem
  • v. 10-21: The Holy City Described
    • brilliantly shining
    • around 1500 miles cubed (think a Rubik’s Cube)
    • walls (of precious stone) 144 cubits thick
    • The number 12 is prevalent in the dimensions
    • 12 foundations with a different precious stone in each foundation
    • Streets & the entire city are made of gold so pure it’s almost clear
    • Gates of pearl
      • things that are so costly on this earth will be used as building materials in God’s new creation
      • the vastness and the beauty and the splendor are nearly unimaginable
  • v. 22: There is no temple in the New Jerusalem
    • God Almighty and the Lamb of God are the temple in eternity
  • v. 23: No need for sun
    • The glory of Almighty God and the Lamb illuminate everything
  • v. 24: Even outside of the New Jerusalem
    • all those who are not in the Holy City
      • people
      • kings
    • will walk in the glory of the city
    • bring glory and honor
  • v. 25: No need for fear
    • the gates need never be closed
    • no more crime
    • no night/darkness
  • v. 26-27: Nothing impure
    • only those who worship the Lord will be there

Revelation 22

  • v. 1-2: Living Water from the Throne of God
    • In the Holy City
    • Down the middle of the street
    • The tree of life on either side of the river
      • yields new fruit every month
      • for the healing of the nations
  • v. 3: No more curse
    • reversal of the curse of Genesis 3
    • the end game for the believer is to be in the presence of God in the new creation