TRUTH FROM REVELATION – By Pastor George Lehman
A rising tide raises all ships!
This word you will hear – affects everyone – it’s not just for a selected few. Its about reading ourselves for the great day.
1 John 2:28(Amp) – And now, little children abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.
Just a small introduction:
2 Thessalonians 1:8-12 “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day He comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marvelled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s purpose for His children is life – and abundance of life.
Deut 30:15,19 (LB) 15. Look, today I have set before you life and death – depending on whether you obey or disobey. 19. I call heaven and earth to witness against you that today I have set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Oh, that you would choose life that you and your children might live!
Note: Death is linked to disobedience curse, as life is linked to blessing – obedience.
Obedience has far greater reaching affect.
I want to encourage you with this – that God gives another chance.
He knows we are not flawless.
He knows we are not perfect.
He knows our true nature.
That’s why He gives us the opportunity to put our failings, our shortcomings and our SINS behind us – choose life.
Our sermon title “Truth from Revelation” (may truth come and set us free).
The book of Revelation can be seen as God’s final WORD to this WORLD.
It spells out the things that will shortly (Greek – Tachos) come to pass. Ready to happen.
It’s as if God is wanting us to especially read this book – here is the reason:
Listen to the introduction in Chapter 1 of Revelation 1:3 (AMPL) “Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who reads aloud [in the assemblies] the word of this prophecy; and blessed (happy, to be envied) are those who hear [it read] and who keep themselves true to the things which are written in it [heeding them and laying them to heart], for the time [for them to be fulfilled] is near.
One thing we all need to be very aware of: is that God has perfect timing for all things – it just comes to pass and nobody can stop Him.
God keeps on warning before He judges and then it’s all over for those who were disobedient, ignorant, arrogant and those who could not care a less.
(We must fall into step with God’s purpose.)
Amos 3:3-7 (NLT)
3) Can two walk together without agreeing on the direction. 4.Does a lion ever roar in a thicket without first finding a victim? Does a young lion growl in its den without first catching its prey? (Even nature understands this.) 5.Does a bird ever get caught in a trap that has not bait? Does a trap ever spring shut when there’s nothing there to catch? 6.When the WAR trumpet blares, shouldn’t the people be alarmed? When disaster comes to a city, isn’t it because the Lord PLANNED it. (God’s clock and timing.) 7.“But always, first of all, I warn you through my servant the prophets, I, the sovereign Lord, have now done this”.
Isaiah 14:26-27 – I have a plan for the whole earth for my mighty power reaches throughout the WORLD. 27The Lord Almighty has spoken – who can change his plans? When His hand moves, who can stop Him?”
The raising tide raises all ships:
It doesn’t matter who you are but when God moves – it affects everyone!
NO ONE IS EXEMPT!!!
Dear children of God, we must understand that we have to seriously look at God’s plan in Revelation, because it concerns you personally.
It’s all summarized in one sentence:
“What did you do with Jesus Christ?” Was He Lord of all or not Lord at all?
There are six church ages in Revelation which have been fulfilled.
We are right now living in the last church age called the Laodicean age or (period).
This is the 7th church.
Think about it – why would God release such a striking and mysterious book as Revelations to a 98-year old man in a cave on the Island of Patmos.
By: Continuous reading the Bible we see a total picture of a merciful God who is willing to forgive us and even bless us. (Restore – Renew us)
BUT
We also see an unwilling world, who chooses to ignore God or many compromising Christians who serve Him with Luke warmness and no love.
I can clearly see why God is so quiet in the times we are living in.
We have a more powerful witness right now.
It’s His written complete word – THE BIBLE.
And His precious Holy Spirit confirming His word – you see, God knows right now how sincere you are about your relationship with Him.
Proverbs 20:27 The Lord’s searchlight penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.
Let’s look at the last church or the 7th church.
Revelation 3:14-22 – “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
God’s judgment and warning is on His church right now.
1 Peter 4:17(Amp) – For the time [has arrived] for judgement to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God?
God demands these 3 things from us:
Enthusiasm
Greek = Entheos – God’s breath in our lives.
Enthusiasm is the adrenaline of the spirit.
Titus 2:14 (Amp) – “Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds.
2. God requires ZEAL (is a strong, passionate, exciting attitude – it is infectious)– message bible says:
Romans 12:11 – “Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.
Keep yourself fueled and aflamed.
You either have zeal or you don’t – God says do all you can to make sure you have zeal.
1 Peter 3:13 – ” Now who is there to hurt you if you are zealous followers of that which is good?
Commitment – is what God requires.
Luke 6:62 “Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.
Commitment is not giving it a try – because this attitude will result in:
Pride – Luke-warmness – Bad attitudes
Self-trust – Following your own opinions.
Commitment means – you will actually do what you say you will do.
I leave you with this thought:
1. How enthusiastic are you?
How much zeal to you have for God?
How committed are you?
