Is This the Future (Revelation 1:1-9)
Gary McManus, 01/09/2022Part of the God's New Year series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
January 9, 2022 Revelation 1:1-9
Have you read the news headlines this week?
The month of January is named for Janus.
We often in January look back and forward.
But not just in January; science fiction, television,
film—Pastor’s grandson!
Is THAT the future? Or is where I am now, my
younger self’s future? Wouldn’t young Pastor Gary
be depressed?
Do we really want to know the future?
Most American Christians tend to see the area of
Prophecy as being about the future. But is it?
The future or insight into the present?
See 1 Kings 15-19 on Elijah.
Did God reveal the future? Sort of?
Some Christians in America, calling themselves prophets,
have made a living claiming that the end is near.
Revelation 1:1-8
What IS to come? Jesus’ return. (Revelation 1:7)
When is it to come? Hmm. . .“what must soon take place.”
How soon is soon?
NO ONE KNOWS! (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32, Acts 1:6-8).
What is soon to you? What is SOON to God. . .do you know?
When the disciples asked about the future of Israel,
Jesus told them what they needed to know at that moment.
(Acts 1:4)
(John 21:22)
Is the Revelation for back then or for now? OR. . .both?
Be reminded:
the Revelation is for believers, NOT THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
God gave God’s people this revelation to lift up God’s people—
to encourage God’s people.
So, no matter what the future holds (even Revelation 12:3) . . .
you are going to be okay.
Or, you are faced with another beast (Revelation 13:1).
What are YOU going to do about it?
See Ch. 13, vs. 10.
“This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness.”
(Also Revelation 14:12)
Americans love to fight. . .Pastor reads it everywhere.
Pastor prefers a bruhaha.
Even American Christians will talk about themselves as
being in a fight or a battle and they are not.
(See the armor of God in Ephesians (chapter 6:10-18)).
Armor is to help us “stand.” Swords are also defensive weapons.
See Revelation 20:8-9
See Revelation 19:15-21 –the battle of Armageddon, right>
(Revelation 16:16)
So, Pastor does not read of believers described as fighting.
Pastor is open to correction.
Our faithful endurance is a key point in Revelation.
The Essenes WERE going to fight.
So, what does the future hold for American churches?
Has anyone a vision or a dream from the Lord?
Next time we talk about what we know and what we have
seen and ask (and pray for) if we may be given discernment.
(1 Corinthians 2:14, Philippians 1:10)
even as we have read today: “keep to Jesus with patient endurance.”
We have already sung about the future:
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlefolk (men)”
Tidings of comfort and joy!
The Revelation of God which God gave FOR HIS PEOPLE
. . .to encourage them. (Revelation 13:10)
Amen.
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