Rev'd Up Part 5 Series

Series: Revelation

Thesis: We need to receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ daily because it makes the difference whether you will decide to die for Christ daily or literally for Him in the end.

Key verse of Revelation: Text: Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Scriptures:

Text Rev. 1:3: "Blessed 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."

Text: Rev. 14:13 "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."

"There are Heavenly blessing spoken of in Revelation and the New Testament for those who die in the Lord for Jesus Christ – in the above verse they are: first there is eternal rest and second their deeds will follow them to Heaven."

We have been exploring Revelation 2 looking at the 7 churches and the message of Jesus to these 7 churches in Asia. Let’s be reminded of what we have learned so far:

Summary of Ephesus: The Loveless Church

What was the message to this church and also to us? We need to stay awake and guard ourselves from anything (including ministry) that allows us to forsake our love for Christ personally. It screams at us that we need to keep our focus on Jesus Christ and His love, so that we will not leave love behind. Hear this message Christian Hills Church - Is your love for Jesus exclusive? Do you regularly take quality time to be with him? Or have other things crept into your heart, taking up your thoughts and affection? Jesus is asking you to repent and start over again if you have answered “yes” to any of the preceding questions. He wants you to stop and realize, ‘Wait a minute - I see how this lack of love has crept into your life. It's robbing me of time with you says Jesus!' Today is the day to go back to you first love. Ask him to renew your passion for Him and to keep Him in the number one spot of your heart so you can eat of the Tree of Life in Heaven.

Summary of Symrna: The Persecuted Church

Jesus is God who came in the flesh and experienced what it was like in this abusive world. He can relate to what injustice, persecution feels like. He experienced it so He knows what it feels like. Jesus knows their pain and suffering. He can also help you go through it and help you to overcome it with His touch and presence. What will the world and Heaven record of your life and death in the annuals of History? Will you be famous in Heaven – before the throne of God? Or famous in annuals of Hell? Will you stand faithful at the evil hands of persecution for Jesus and receive the Crown of Life and see how the second death will not hurt you?

Summary of the message to Pergamos (The Compromising Church):

What do we need to know about the message to Pergamum?

o Answer: Christians will suffer in this world for Jesus, you will have to be bold enough and courageous enough to stand for Him when pressured to turn on Him. You must stand against false teachings!

Why do we need to know this message?

o Answer: So, we stay awake or even wake up from our apathy and understand that Jesus defeated the second death and so will we if we stand faithful to the end.

What do we need to do about this message?

o Answer: Stay Awake - Don’t compromise the truth of God’s Word. Stand firm with Jesus even if it means persecution. The key to being able to overcome is to get a new fresh vision or a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ.

Why do we need to do this?

o Answer: If we do we will receive an invitation to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and a New Name reflecting our legacy which we left behind here on this earth. And the truth that more people will come to Jesus because of our story. What do you think your name will be?

Question: How could someone give up their life? Could you or would you? How is the life changing question right? I ask the Lord what was inside these men and women of faith’s heart, soul and mind to give them the courage to do this?