Our world is weary of “noun” Christians. It’s looking for “verb” Christians – people who will walk the walk, not just talk the talk. But how can you move to a life that goes beyond belief? The Bible is filled with counsel toward that end, but one of the most practical texts is the N.T. book of James. We were made for more than “easy chair living.” We were called to a life “beyond belief.” And that is what James addresses in his remarkable epistle. 1.     WHO was James? Most biblical scholars agree that the writer of this letter is not James the brother of John, one of Jesus’ original 12 disciples. This James was martyred in A.D. 44, so the timing doesn’t work.They also don’t believe the author was another one of the 12 – James, the son of Alphaeus. The person most scholars believe penned this letter is James, the brother of Jesus. Now some religious traditions claim that Jesus did not have any literal brothers, that the brothers mentioned in the gospels (see Matt. 13:53-57) were cousins. However, the Greek word used here means blood brother, not cousin. So, Scripture seems to indicate that after Jesus’ miraculous birth, Joseph and Mary went on to have several other children, including James.But James and his siblings struggled to believe that their big brother was the Messiah. They thought He’d gone crazy! (see Mk. 3:20-21; Jn. 7:5) So what changed?Jesus made a special post-resurrection appearance to, of all people, his little brother.  And, in light of that, James came to a point of unshakable belief and total commitment.James rose to a place of prominence. In Gal. 2:9 he’s described as a “pillar” in the church.  And by the time we get to Acts 15, he is the leader of the church at Jerusalem. 2.     WHEN did he write the letter?Though there is some debate, many scholars date the epistle from James at around A.D. 48. It is believed that this was the first N.T. book to be written, pre-dating all 4 of the gospels.3.     WHERE was this letter addressed? James sent this letter to Jewish Christians who had been scattered throughout the Roman world following an outpouring of persecution. He was responding to reports that many were living lives of comfort and compromise. So, as leader of the church, James writes this letter to be shared among the diaspora – and he doesn’t hold any punches.   4.     WHAT is the content of this letter?In short, James asks his audience then and us today, “If you say that you believe as you should, then why do you behave as you shouldn’t? 5.     Why should we rise to the challenge?The answer is seen in how James saw himself.  He opens his letter by calling himself “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The Greek word he uses to identify himself is “doulos.” Literally, it means “slave.” The title of “slave” implies:Absolute obedience. Total humilityComplete loyaltyUltimate identityFar from being a title of dishonor, “slave” was the title by which the greatest figures of the O.T. were known. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were called the doulos of God.  So were Job, Moses, and Joshua, as well as the prophets Amos and Zechariah.By referring to himself this way, James recognized that there was an identity that went beyond being Jesus’ brother or the Jerusalem church’s pastor.  He recognized that the greatest name by which he could ever be known was a doulos of the Lord. Text: James 1:1 Originally recorded on January 17, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Feelings of inadequacy have sidelined so many people in the Kingdom of God. Whether because of past failures, poor self-esteem, or too many put-downs, they’ve concluded they could never make a difference.Ironically, one of the greatest heroes of the Bible suffered from feelings of inadequacy. His name is Moses. Hidden by his mother in an attempt to protect her baby from those committed to killing all the male Hebrew children, he was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses was raised as the prince of Egypt, living a life of privilege and power.  But eventually, an inner turmoil ensued as Moses came to understand that the blood of Hebrew slaves ran through his veins. It came to a head one day when he saw one of his countrymen being beaten by an Egyptian overseer. Moses intervened and in the struggle killed the Egyptian.  Fearing for his life, Moses fled to the desert of Midian. There Moses took a wife, had a son, and spent the next 40 years herding sheep in the wilderness.But God wasn’t done with him. Moses had a dramatic encounter with God who spoke to him from a burning bush. God gives Moses an assignment: return to Egypt and tell Pharoah to let my people go.Moses struggles with this mission for multiple reasons. First of all, he’s 80 years old.  Surely his best leadership years are behind him.  How can an old man make a difference?Secondly, he’s already failed at this deliverance thing once.  He’d messed things up so badly, who would ever dare to trust him to do anything right?Third, he has some sort of speech impediment.  How do you rally a dispirited group of people if you have no oratory skills?  Finally, Moses has a credibility problem. How would these people believe that God sent him of all people?God responds to Moses’ skepticism by asking a question: What’s in your hand?See, the issue isn’t the ability you bring to a situation but the availability you offer to God.  The thing in Moses’ hand was an ordinary shepherd’s staff. God tells him to throw the staff on the ground and the staff becomes a snake! Then God tells him to pick up the snake…by the tail…and it becomes a staff again. Why would God do that? Because He had an important lesson for Moses…and for us.Moses was a shepherd and he had a shepherd’s staff.  It was nothing special, nothing more than a stout stick.  But that staff represented everything Moses was. The staff represented his identity, his influence, and his income. God was saying, “Moses, you don’t think you have all that much in your hand. But if you will give Me what you do have… your identity, your influence, and your income – as small and insignificant as they may appear... I’ll do miraculous things with it.  Things beyond your wildest dreams.” From then on, that staff was known as the “rod of God,” and God used it to turn the Nile to blood, to part the Red Sea, and to bring water from a rock. History was changed because Moses gave God what was in his hand.I have wondered, what would have happened if Moses had said no to God. What happens when we say no to God?When you fail to respond to God’s challenge, over time His voice fades and His reality dims.God is not concerned with all that you don’t have or can’t offer – He’s looking for what you’re willing to submit and let Him multiply.What’s in your hand?  Text: Exodus 3-4 Originally recorded on June 19, 2011, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Loss is a part of life. Some losses are natural, even predictable. But there are other losses that are unnatural and unexpected. These “catastrophic losses” change your life forever. How does faith survive in those times? Is God big enough for that?The book of Job speaks of the pain and confusion that always accompanies loss and offers us a remarkable perspective to help us through our loss.  To understand the book of Job, we would do well to think of it as a play with 2 stages. There’s a lower stage - which is earth, where Job lives.  And then there’s an upper stage – where God is.  The story opens on the lower stage, introducing us to Job, a God-fearing man committed to living in a God-honoring way.  And God has given him this wonderful life.  Which to most people’s way of thinking, is only fair.  Bad things don’t happen to good people.  Good things happen to good people. Right? But this philosophy is about to be shattered. The scene shifts to the upper stage where Satan challenges God. “The only reason Job is devoted to You is because You’ve given him all this stuff. Turn off the blessing and watch how fast Job turns off his devotion.”Then God allows Satan to test Job.  Job loses his livestock, his wealth, his servants, and all of his children.  Everything!  How does he respond? He falls down before God…and worships. The story then returns to the upper stage where Satan again throws down the challenge. This time Job’s body is the target. Covered with painful sores, Job sits in the ash heap and his heart starts to waver.  The question being asked in the book of Job is this: Can a human being continue to have faith in a good God in the face of catastrophic loss?  That would be a lot easier if we understood the “why” of our loss. But like Job, we can only see the lower stage of life.  We don’t know what divine purposes are being fulfilled by a big God.  Some of Job’s friends hear of his troubles and come to comfort him. For 7 days they sit with him in silence. Then they venture to explain why all this has happened to Job.  Their conclusion: Job must have done something wrong because bad things don’t happen to good people.  For 35 chapters Job and his friends debate the “why” of his suffering. Gradually, Job begins to see himself as a victim of random, senseless suffering and longs to ask God some questions and find some answers. And then…God shows up. For the next two chapters, God challenges Job about who is really in charge. Over and over again the Lord notes how big He is and how little Job is.  “You think you have the whole picture. You don’t. I am in total control of everything. Your loss was not an accident. Your suffering was not random. It was part of a big plan…a big plan authored by a big God.”  A light begins to dawn in Job’s thinking. And Job worships even though he isn’t given all the answers he was looking for.  At no time does God ever explain why everything happened. Rather, He shows that His sovereignty over both good and bad is so comprehensive, that He is truly bigger than our loss.  He asks Job to live with that and trust Him until the day when all things will be explained.  And that’s where we’re left as well.We have to decide whether we will worship a big God even though our questions aren’t answered.Satan’s mocking accusation is silenced every time a suffering child of God offers up worship, love and trust to the One who is bigger than their loss. Text: Job Originally recorded on June 12, 2011, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

How big is your God?  This is an important question because the way you live will be the consequence of the size of your God.If you have a small God, you will live in a constant state of fear and anxiety. But we do not have a small God. He is the sovereign, transcendent Lord of all! Whatever your weakness, God is stronger.  Whatever your lack, God is sufficient.  Whatever your loss, God is enough.  And whatever your fear, God can see you through it.In Judges 6 we meet a young man named Gideon, threshing wheat in a winepress at night. Why would he be doing that? Because he was afraid. Afraid the marauding Midianites would steal his family’s meager supply of grain. So here he is, threshing wheat in a hole in the ground under cover of darkness, when an angel appeared to Gideon. “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (v. 12) Mighty warrior? Gideon has a hard time comprehending this. One of the consequences of living with a little God is that you come to the conclusion that things can never change.  But God gives Gideon a mission. “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand… I will be with you…” (v. 14,16)“I will be with you.” This is the hinge that everything turns on – not just for Gideon, but for us too. That which would seem to be unthinkable, undoable on my own becomes not merely possible, but unstoppable when you partner with a big God. Believing that God is with you changes everything.Gideon finally commits to taking on the Midianites, so he sends out a call to the Israelite tribes to send soldiers, and 32,000 show up. The problem is Midian has an army of 135,000! God effectively says to Gideon, “You have a numbers problem. You have too many!” Then He leads Gideon through a couple of rounds of cuts until he is left with just 300 men. Armed with a torch, a trumpet, and a clay pot, this ragtag bunch of nobodies defeats the enemy in a totally unpredictable way. Against all odds, God brought about a tremendous victory. One of the results of partnering with a big God is that that which frightens you the most is brought down to size.  How big is your God compared to what frightens you?Friends, the issue isn’t the size of that which so frightens you.  The issue is the size of the God who is with you. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Text: Judges 6, 7Originally recorded on June 5, 2011, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

We have reached the conclusion of this great book. But it’s also how God chose to conclude the entire Bible. So, if these are the last words of the Bible, we need to ask ourselves, “What does God hope for us to remember?” As I read through these final verses, I came up with a list of His hopes for us, and my hopes for you.1.     I hope we will have a greater commitment to the local church.The book of Revelation began with “To the seven churches…” Now it ends in the same way: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.” (Rev. 22:16)This truth was written to real people in literal assemblies with the hope that they would live for God’s glory and extend His Kingdom…and that they would do so within the context of community. Putting it simply, from the very beginning, God believed in the local church as the hope of the world.The church never has been perfect. But this imperfect new community was, and still is, His chosen tool to fix a broken world.  And, that being the case, I want to challenge you  - as never before – to commit your time, talent, and treasure to the local church.  2.     I hope we will have a greater desire for heartfelt worship.One of the great themes of this book has been the supreme importance of worship. Now here in chapter 22, we see a two-word mandate given to John in vs. 9: “Worship God!”  My prayer is that you will come out of this study determined to follow the heavenly model. That every time you enter the sanctuary to worship, you will see it as an opportunity to glorify God on earth even as you practice for heaven.3.     I hope we will have a greater devotion to active obedience.Verse 7 says: “Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy…”My hope is that we will come out of this study with a newfound commitment to obey. That every time our King asks something of us, we’ll instantly respond, “As You wish.”Obedience, though difficult, always leads to blessing.4.      I hope we will have a greater zeal for courageous evangelism.One of the great points of joy in this study has been the hope of heaven that we who know Christ have. But we’ve also been confronted by the ultimate judgment that awaits those who don’t come to Christ: the Lake of Fire.I hope we will look at every person we meet as someone who matters to God.  Moreover, he/she is an eternal being who will live forever in either heaven or hell.  And maybe, just maybe, God has brought them across my path so that I can help them move a bit closer to the Cross.5.     I hope we will have a greater anticipation for Christ’s return.This is our hope.  He is coming …He is coming soon.  So, let’s be a church that is ready for Him…with robes washed white…actively serving while we’re excitedly waiting.    Text: Revelation 22:7-21Originally recorded on June 25, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Home. What does that word mean to you?  Take all those wonderful memories, multiply them a hundred-fold, and you will just have scratched the surface of what our heavenly home will be like.  What will heaven be like? Revelation 21-22 gives us a glimpse. Here John describes a place that is absolutely perfect with streets of gold and gates of pearl. He is introduced to the “Bride” – a city that is a family, God’s perfect new community.What will life be like in this new community? 1.     You will be wondrously transformed.  Verse 1 speaks of a “new heaven and a new earth,” and aren’t you glad?  Satan’s savagery and human sinfulness have raped God’s creation.  It’s a far cry from the “very good” world that the Lord first made.But it’s not only the world at large that will be transformed – you will be transformed. Think of it! A new fit-for-eternity body and housing a whole new sin-free nature. 2.     You will be thoroughly joyful. Not only will all those things that rob you of joy be removed, but heaven will add the things that bring the greatest joy.3.     You will be ceaselessly productive. You need never fear that heaven will be boring! We were made with a desire to grow and learn… to contribute and produce. And that’s what we will do in heaven. The responsibility God gave mankind in Eden will be reinstated… to have dominion and rulership.4.     You will be intimately cherished. Think of it!  We’re going to be in the very presence of the Father. We’ll get to crawl up on Abba-Papa’s lap. We’ll be in the presence of the Lamb who died for us. We will see His face and look into His eyes. All our questions will be answered. This is your destiny when you’re finally home. With that in mind, how should that impact the way we live?Knowing there’s a heaven can keep us from handling discontentment in unwise ways.We have this deep longing for contentment, but in this world that desire is consistently frustrated. And you’re tempted to meet that need for contentment in a way that does not honor God or advance His Kingdom. But knowing what awaits us in heaven allows us to delay gratification and remain faithful to our Father. Knowing there’s a heaven can comfort us when times are hard.  When the bottom of life drops out…when the roof begins to cave in… the promise of heaven reminds us that there’s a firm, unshakable shelter above.  Knowing there’s a heaven can encourage us that our lives have meaning. Sometimes we’re tempted to think that life is futile and that we’re simply marking time down here. But the Bible clearly teaches us that every day has meaning and purpose.Your life matters. Your actions are not in vain. Your sacrifices have not gone unseen. And that can make all the difference in the world in how you approach life.  Text: Revelation 21:1-22:6Originally recorded on June 11, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

After Jesus’ glorious defeat of the Antichrist and his armies at Armageddon, He steps down on planet Earth once more and takes up His throne. The King has returned to set up His Kingdom. The 1000-year reign of Jesus is best known by its Latin name: the Millennium. Revelation 20 lays out four events that will take place during this time.1.     Satan will be chained.Jesus commissions an angel to seize, bind, and chain Satan and throw him into a place called “the Abyss.”  We can infer that with the subjugation of Satan, the world is swept clean of all demonic influence because vs. 3 notes that this imprisonment will keep him from stirring up the nations against the rule of Christ.  2.     Saints will be enthroned.Incredibly, as part of our inheritance as children of God, we will join with Jesus in the judging and ruling process.  Specifically named are those who were martyred during the Great Tribulation, but most scholars see such a highlighting as a word of assurance more than a word of exclusivity. All believers who had died before this are now given their “fit-for-eternity” bodies. This is called “the first resurrection.” 3.     Satan will be released.Why bind Satan for a thousand years just to release him and have to deal with him again? I think God does this to prove once and for all that He is just in His judgment – of Satan and of mankind. When Satan is released, he will once again deceive the nations and lead a rebellion against the Lord. Who are these people who rebel? One theory is that these will be some of the children born during the Millennium. Notwithstanding a perfect environment and flawless social conditions, there will be some who will still want to do their own thing and have their own way.  They will chafe at Christ’s rule.This brief rebellion is the final proof that the terrible and final judgment that is about to happen is right and just.4.     Sinners will be judged.Satan is thrown into the lake of fire with the Antichrist and False Prophet. Then a white throne is set up and unbelievers come forth to stand before the Lord one last time. “The books” are opened, the record of their deeds. Make no mistake, this is not seeing if their good deeds outweigh their bad. That’s impossible. These books do not save, they condemn. Then the “book of life” is opened and all those whose names are not found written there, are thrown into the lake of fire. What can we take away from all this as an application?·      Realize Christ’s authority. There is no dualism. Good and evil are not two equal sides of an equation. God alone is God and Satan is nothing but an angelic being. Authority is Christ’s alone.·      Remember your destiny.As children of God, you are destined to rule with Christ. All your sacrifice for the Kingdom is going to be worth it!·      Recognize man’s impurity.There’s only one way to make real and lasting change. You need a new heart…and only Christ can give you that.·      Reflect on eternity.Hell is real…and real people will be going there. If anything should cause you to consider Christ, it’s this. And if anything should drive you to your knees praying for your unsaved friends and family, and give you the courage to witness to your hope…it’s this.  Text: Revelation 20Originally recorded on June 4, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

The Second Coming of Christ is not a point on which the Scriptures are ambiguous or unclear. “In the same way” as He ascended, it says in Acts 1:9-11, He will return. Literally, bodily, gloriously. The Bible even tells us where He will return: the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:4).But it’s in Revelation 19 that the day of Jesus’ return is described. First of all, there is rejoicing at the destruction of evil. “Hallelujah!” shouts this great multitude in heaven. “Praise God!  At last!  He has won!”To all waiting for that day, waiting for evil to be overcome: your desire for justice may be deferred, but it will not be denied - so be confident.Secondly, there is rejoicing at the wedding feast of the Lamb.We all have a great fear of rejection. Rather we long to know and be known, to love and be loved. But the truth is, no relationship on earth can fully satisfy that longing. Only God can.One of the uniquenesses of Christianity is that our God describes Himself as our “husband.” We are designed and destined to know an intimacy with God and He uses the illustration of marriage to convey it.Verse 8 talks about the “bride” – the church – being given fine linen to wear, symbolizing the “righteous acts of God’s holy people.” If you were to appear before God dressed in a wedding gown made up of your righteous acts (service and love), what type of gown would you be wearing?  Would it be stained or wrinkled? Or would it be beautiful?Your hunger for love will be fully satisfied – so be ready.Finally, there is rejoicing at the return of Christ. The setting of His return is the battle of Armageddon. The kings of the earth have rallied their armies against the Antichrist has his horde as his empire begins to implode. Suddenly, Jesus appears – riding on a white horse, with the armies of heaven behind Him. The earthly armies join forces and turn to take Him on. But there is no contest. With the sword of His mouth, the armies are destroyed.There is a lot that is unclear about Christ’s return, but one thing is clear: Jesus is coming back to earth, and this time He’s no meek Lamb.  He’s the Lion of Judah. And His judgment on all who have not come into His camp will be decisive and devastating. If you’re not prepared for His return…if you’ve not allied yourself with Him…you will face that wrath.  Your questions about the coming of Christ will be answered – so be saved. Text: Revelation 19 Originally recorded on May 28, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Revelation 17 is one of the most difficult passages in the entire book. The identity of the woman on the beast has been a matter of great theological debate down through the years.  In trying to interpret these thornier texts, it’s important to ask this basic question of biblical hermeneutics: What did the writer intend to say to his original audience? The Bible cannot mean what it never meant.As John’s audience read the vision of this woman, they would have quickly identified her as Rome. The beast, as we’ve seen in earlier visions, symbolizes political power.  In John’s day, that would have been the emperor. So, we have a godless system supported by political power.But this vision did not simply apply to a 1st-century empire. It also points to a leader that is yet to come. The Antichrist – the beast of Rev. 13 - a charismatic leader who will arise in the last days out of a restored Roman Empire. He will create a city that will serve as his social, political, and religious base while he attempts to establish his kingdom. And world leaders will “get in bed” with the Anti-Christ and his godless system.As God’s wrath is poured out with greater and greater destruction, the Antichrist will turn on his allies and the system will begin to implode. Like wounded animals, they devour each other.So, what are we to learn here?Rev. 18:4 is a key verse: “‘Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins…”We need to understand that we all face the temptation to compromise with the system.The system – “Rome” – is anything that could seduce you or intimidate you into not fully following Christ.In an earlier letter, John called this system “the world.” He wrote: “Do not love the world, nor the things that are in the world…” (1 Jn. 2:5-6)He then breaks down the things in the world as:The lust of the flesh = SensualismThe lust of the eyes = MaterialismThe boastful pride of life = EgotismWe can have promising beginnings and thriving hearts, and then get seduced by the world.  It is a very real threat.  We need to understand what will be the end of any system that defies Christ.That John symbolized “Rome” as a prostitute isn’t accidental. He’s making a vivid point. You may think this grand and glorious world system is so desirable, but the reality is that “Rome the Magnificent” is a bloated, pathetic streetwalker. Doomed to destruction.  So don’t be seduced by her evil or intimidated by her power. Take a long view of life and be faithful.  We need to understand the loss for any person who trusts in such a system.In Rev. 18:9-19 we see people who bet everything they had that alliance with “Rome” would give them power, wealth, and security. But in the end, “Rome” didn’t come through. All her promises were as empty as the words of a prostitute.You’ve started the race well; but will you finish well?  Only you can answer that.  Only you can put safeguards into your life - spiritual disciplines, solid community, honest accountability - so you can run the race, finish the course, and win the prize.  Text: Revelation 17-18Originally recorded on May 14, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Deep inside every human spirit, there’s this unquenchable longing for justice. We look at the inequity of our world and ask, “How long, Lord? How long must we put up with this evil? How long before You step in and set things right?”At last, in our study of Revelation, we reach the point where God says, “Enough!” He pours out His wrath and final judgment on “every living thing.” (Rev. 16:3)Since judgment is coming, how should we then live? Let’s ask a few questions and consider some practical implications. 1.     Who will do the judging?The Bible makes it clear that God will be the judge (Rev. 16: 5, 7).  But from other scriptural references we learn that, more specifically, the Father will delegate that judgment to Jesus. (Jn. 5:22; Mt. 28:19)Since Christ will judge with absolute authority, I must not take vengeance into my hands.Revenge is a losing proposition every time because the victim and the victimizer never weigh pain on the same scale. It never comes out as “fair” to both parties. Therefore, whenever you get hurt you only have two choices: to exact revenge or to forgive. By forgiving, we are trusting God to be the judge, a role only He is qualified and competent to hold. He says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” When we insist upon vengeance, we are actually placing ourselves in a position that is reserved for Jesus Himself. And that is idolatry.2.     How will He judge?Rev. 16:5-7 uses these phrases to describe God’s judgment: “You are just” “as they deserve” “true and just”We see miscarriages of justice all the time in our world – and that makes us wonder if people will somehow pull the wool over the Lord’s eyes.            But these verses make it very clear that He will be absolutely fair and unbiased. True justice will be done.Since Christ will judge with utter integrity, I need not wonder if He will be fair. 3.     What will He judge? In vs. 15, there’s a sort of parenthetical statement that pops out in all the plagues. “Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”Jesus warns that there is nothing hidden that will not one day be revealed. (Lk. 12:2-3) Have you ever done something in the dark you didn’t want to be exposed? Ever whispered words in private you wouldn’t want to be shouted? It’s these dark deeds that Jesus will judge on that day. The only way you will keep from being utterly exposed on the Day of Judgment is if your sins are covered with Christ’s forgiveness.Since Christ will judge with ruthless efficiency, I dare not stand before Him in naked rebellion.Too many people are “playing dress up.” They come to church, they put on a façade of righteousness, but they’ve never actually repented – given their lives to Christ and been covered in His righteousness. Their lives have shown no change. Their hearts instead are hard and rebellious. Don’t play dress up. Run to the cross and be clothed in Christ. Text: Revelation 15-16Originally recorded on May 7, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In this message, I’d like to walk us through four key images in Revelation chapters 8-11 – one from each chapter – and then find an application in each for our lives.  When Revelation chapter 8 begins, Jesus opens the seventh and final seal on the scroll of God’s ultimate plans for mankind. This triggers the 7 Trumpet Judgments. Before the first trumpet sounds, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. All of heaven seems to be holding its breath. Why? Because the prayers of God’s people were being poured out. What prayers? Likely the prayers of the saints back in Rev. 6 when the martyrs prayed for vindication. “How long, Lord? How long?” Now, at last, God answered those prayers…and acted.God’s plan is to bring us into partnership, and the point of that partnership is prayer.Your prayers matter more than you could ever know.  As Walter Wink says, “History belongs to the intercessors.”  Am I willing to engage in the responsibility of intercession?In answer to the prayers of the saints, God’s judgments now fall on earth.  As each trumpet sounds, a plague is poured out upon the world - the wrath of a holy God upon a people who had chosen to give its allegiance to the Antichrist rather than to His Son.In each of these plagues, we read of the destruction of 1/3 of the earth. Why? Why not just destroy it all? I think it’s a sign of God’s mercy.God’s desire is to bring about repentance, and sometimes pain is the only way to get people’s attention.Is there any pain in my life that God is trying to speak to me through?The third image comes from Rev. 10. John is given a small scroll and told to eat it. The scroll tasted sweet in his mouth but turned sour in his stomach. The scroll symbolizes God’s Word. God’s Word is all truth, but it’s not all easy or pleasant.Do I feed on God’s Word, obeying the hard commands as well as enjoying the happy promises?Finally, we come to the 2 witnesses in Rev. 11. Whether these are 2 literal people or they represent God’s people faithfully witnessing in these last days, the reality is, the cost of their witness was death. God’s call is for us to be courageous and faithful in our witness, not necessarily successful.Am I willing to take my stand for Christ even when it costs me?   Text: Revelation 8-11 Originally recorded on April 30, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

One of the central themes of the book of Revelation is the struggle that has been going on down through time between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.  We’ve already seen how that conflict will culminate in a series of dramatic “end time” events. But in John’s vision recorded in Revelation 12, God pulls back the curtain of human history and lets us see what’s been going on behind the scenes.    There are three primary players in this great struggle: 1.     The woman = faithful Israel2.     The Dragon = Satan3.     The Child = Jesus, the MessiahTo understand this conflict, we need to go back into eternity past. From the Creation account in Genesis 1, we know that God created everything and called it “good.” There was no evil whatsoever. Part of God’s “good” creation were the angels themselves. These angels had various ranks and responsibilities, among the highest were archangels. The Bible names two of them: Michael and Lucifer. However, the Bible tells of a time when Lucifer began to desire the throne of God for himself. He rallied other angels to his side - a full 1/3 of them - and a civil war of sorts broke out in heaven. This is what we read about in Rev. 12.Michael and the holy angels defeated Lucifer and his horde, and they were booted out of heaven. Now called “the devil” or “Satan,” he prowls the earth assisted by those dark angels or demons. Their goal is to destroy the ones God, in love, created to be His family. Though things looked ruined when Adam and Eve sinned, God still had a plan. A plan for Satan’s ultimate destruction and mankind’s ultimate redemption – all through the offspring of a woman. (Gen. 3:15)When all things were ready, this promised Deliverer was born to a Jewish girl named Mary. The Dragon sought to kill that child, but God’s promise would not be thwarted.Rev. 12 then leaps ahead to the end of time where it speaks of God’s protection of His faithful people and the persecution of the woman (faithful Israel) for 3 ½ years.The chapter ends with the sobering truth that we who are committed to Christ are the unique focus of Satan’s rage and efforts to destroy.  The point of John’s vision is clear: there is a battle going on and like it or not… we’re in it.From this passage, we see 3 strategies the enemy uses against us in this battle and 3 counter-strategies God gives us. 1.     Deception (v.9)If Satan can’t make you unfaithful to God, he will seek to make you unfruitful for God. And the primary way he does that is through deception. Every chain of sin begins with the link of deceit.Deception is countered by Truth. Don’t buy the lie.  You’ll lose every time. Rather, cling to the truth.2.     Intimidation (v. 12)John Ortberg said, “The Evil One will use deceit to get you to do what’s wrong and intimidation to keep you from doing what’s right.”Intimidation is countered by pre-decision. Before the temptation ever comes, you need to have already made up your mind about how you will react .3.     Accusation (v. 10)The Evil One deceives us and intimidates us to induce us to do wrong… then when we give in…he takes on the role of the Accuser.  Accusation is countered by the cross. Verse 11 says the way we overcome the Accuser is by the “blood of the Lamb and the word of (our) testimony.”  Text: Revelation 12Originally recorded on April 16, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

One of the most exciting events on the end-times timeline is the Rapture of the Church - the day when believers in Jesus will suddenly be “caught up” to meet Him in the air.Paul speaks of this great day in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 when he says that we will be caught up to meet Christ in the air. The Greek word for “caught up” is the term “harpazo.” There are 3 basic ideas conveyed in the word harpazo that will help us understand this great event.1.     To seize with a sudden and overwhelming force. Don’t imagine us all floating up into the sky. No, the Rapture will be a sudden snatching up.2.     To transport to another setting. This usage of the word harpazo is found in Acts 3 where we read of how Philip the evangelist, after leading the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ, is transported suddenly by the Spirit of God to a completely different city. Similarly, in the Rapture we will be transported from earth to a new heavenly location.3.     To seize and rescue from imminent peril. In this usage of harpazo found in Acts 23, Paul is saved from a violent mob when Roman troops suddenly step in to seize and thus rescue the apostle. The term “rapture,” then, speaks of all 3 of these elements: seized suddenly, transported to another location, and rescued from harm. The timing of the Rapture has been a matter of debate by Bible-believing, Jesus-loving Christians for years. There are 3 classic views of the timing of the Rapture. 1.     Pre-Tribulation: This view believes the rapture will take place before the Antichrist ever shows up. They believe we could be taken up at any moment and we will see none of the events of the final 7-year period we’ve been talking about.2.     Mid-Tribulation: This view maintains that we will be here for “the beginning of sorrows,” but will be taken out at the 3 ½ year mark, before the Great Tribulation.3.     Post-Tribulation: This view takes the position that we will be here for all of it. We will be vulnerable to the Anitchrist’s persecution, but we will be supernaturally protected from God’s wrath.There is an adaptation of this view that I have come to embrace, called The Pre-Wrath view. It seems to line up with both Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 as well as the book of Revelation. In the timeline we’ve been working with, the final 7-year period begins when the Antichrist rises to power with a peace plan for the world and a special covenant with Israel. Three and a half years into this covenant, this ruler, aided by the False Prophet, will set up an idol in the newly constructed Temple and demand to be worshiped. Persecution then breaks out against all who refuse. This is the beginning of The Great Tribulation. Jesus says that if those days had not been cut short, no one would survive. What will cut those days short? The great cosmic event of cataclysmic proportions described in Matthew 24:29 and Revelation 6:12-17. In Jesus’ description, this event is followed immediately by the Rapture. And then comes the pouring out of God’s wrath on the earth. The church is here for the persecution but taken out before God’s wrath. We may be called upon to suffer and even die for our faith.  But if God allows that, we need to know that He will also give us the same capacity He has for His people down through history.  God never commands something without giving the capacity to obey it. Text: Revelation 7:9-17Originally recorded on April 9, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

What will the first five minutes after your heart stops beating be like? The answer to that question all depends on whether you’ve been sealed or marked. What do I mean by that?In Ephesians 1, we read that those who come to God by faith in Christ have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. A seal, such as a king’s signet ring, would be pressed into hot wax on a document to affirm its authenticity and guarantee its security. A seal, thus, denoted 2 things: ownership and protection.  When you came to Christ you were given the Holy Spirit as God’s “seal of approval”.  A sign of belonging to God and the promise of heaven.With this truth in mind, let’s look at Revelation 7 & 14. Here we read of a group of people simply called “the 144,000.” Their identity is mysterious, but one thing we know is that they will be specially sealed by God before the persecution and eventual Day of Wrath. They will not cave into the spiritual seduction of the Antichrist. They are blameless - not meaning sinless, but rather not being condemnable because of their faith in Christ.Along with the rise of the Antichrist, we read of another figure – a second beast that comes from the earth. Other texts identify him as “the false prophet.” His description of having 2 horns is understood by most scholars to mean he will be more of a religious leader than a political leader. It is he who begins to concoct the scheme of universal worship of the Antichrist.This false prophet will be satanically empowered (spoke like a dragon – Rev. 13:11) and will amaze and deceive with signs and wonders. But his best effort will be the animating of the idol or image of the Beast and then killing all who would not worship the image. (Rev. 13:13-15)During this time, the pressure to capitulate will grow stronger and stronger.  In order to gain control of the populace, economic sanctions will kick in. (Rev. 13:16-17) No one will be able to buy or sell without the mark of the Beast.We must be cautious not to give in to conspiracy theories about what the mark of the Beast is. Nor should we be afraid that we will mistakenly take the mark without knowing it. Scripture seems to make it clear that there will be no mistaking the moment when people are called to take this loyalty test. And I believe that part of God’s seal on His people is to protect us as well as identify us. Text: Revelation 14:1-13; 7:1-8; 13:11-18Originally recorded on April 2, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

The Bible talks about a 7-year period of time that will be the climactic era of history - when the church will be raptured, God’s final judgments will be poured out, and Jesus will come again.This 7-year period will be kicked off by the arrival on the world scene of a key figure: the Antichrist.In 2 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul reassures these young believers that despite the rampant rumors and false teaching, they had NOT missed the coming of Christ. The reason they should know that, Paul says, is because “that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed.” (2 Thess. 2:3) This and other texts all seem to agree that before Jesus returns and before we’re raptured, there will appear on earth a human being who will be the ultimate false messiah - a satanic duplicate of Christ.  The prefix “anti” not only means “against” but “in place of.” That is, he will not only be against Christ, but he will seek to take the place of Christ in the hearts of men and women.We learn more about the Antichrist in Revelation 13. He is described as “a beast coming out of the sea.” The sea symbolizes the chaos of the nations. This figure arises out of the chaos and confusion of the world. What can we learn about The Antichrist?1.     He will be a world-class political and military dictator. (v. 1)This Beast is described as having 10 horns with 10 crowns and 7 heads. In Biblical imagery, horns have to do with military power and crowns with political power. The Antichrist will be a leader with unmatched clout and charisma. 2.     He will be extraordinarily powerful. (v. 2a)The imagery seems to mean that this leader will have the stealth of a leopard, the brute strength of a bear, and the intimidating power of a lion. The point is that this ruler will be incredibly powerful, and that’s because…3.     He will be energized by Satan. (v. 2b)The dragon will both empower and enable this beastly leader.4.     He will gain an audience by recovering from a fatal wound. (v. 3)Some scholars take this literally, while others interpret it symbolically. In any event, the world will be taken with the newly recovered life of this Beast and will see him as someone worth following.5.     He will seek to be worshiped and blaspheme God. (vs. 5-6)At first, the Antichrist will win the world’s respect and admiration for solving the Middle East crisis and making a covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:27), even creating a way for them to rebuild the Temple. But halfway through these 7 years, there will be a shift. The Antichrist will demand more than respect. He will demand worship. He will break his covenant with Israel, set up an idol in the Temple, and demand the world to worship him.6.     He will persecute the people of God. (v.7)This is the Great Tribulation. What should we take away from all this?The deception will be powerful; don’t be fooled. (v.8)The challenge will be great; don’t be naïve. (vs. 7, 10a)The victory will be sure; don’t be intimidated. (v. 10b) Text: Revelation 13Originally recorded on March 26, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

We’re about to enter into the portion of this book that speaks of a series of cataclysmic events that will bring history to its dramatic climax.  And one of the words we’ll be seeing with some frequency is “tribulation.”  Jesus makes it clear that tribulation – trouble, stress, pressure – is to be expected in this life because we live in a sin-stained, Satan-controlled world. But there is coming a day when there will be a time of tribulation that is on another level entirely. In Mt. 24:21 Jesus refers to it as “a great tribulation” that is unlike any ever seen before or since. The $10,000 question is, “when will it begin?” We begin to see the answer in Revelation 6.The chapter opens with Jesus taking the scroll that contains God’s plan for the restoration of His Kingdom and one by one opening the 7 seals. These seals must all be opened before the scroll can be unrolled, which would seem to say that these 7 seals are preparatory and preliminary to the Great Tribulation to come. If we look at Matthew 24 in parallel, we can gain some insights into what these seals mean.Each of the first four seals brings forth a rider on a horse, sometimes called “the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.”  Seal #1: The White HorseIt is my belief that the white horse represents false Christs who will deceive many. Ultimately, there will come the consummate deceiver: the Antichrist himself. But until then, there will be an acceleration of counterfeits. I have to ask you. Is that happening today?Seal #2: The Red HorseThe red horseman symbolizes war. As the end nears, war will increase. Not only between nations but between people groups. Are we seeing more war?Seal #3: The Black HorseThe black horseman seems to reflect great scarcity if not actual famine. A time when it would take all a man earns to buy enough food to survive. But it also seems to indicate that luxury items would suffer no lack. That is, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Is that happening in our world?Seal #4: The Pale HorseDeath rides this horse with the grave (Hades) following close behind. The sword and famine will claim many lives. Some suggest the “wild beasts” might be the deadliest beast of all: the rat, spreading disease as their population explodes.Seal #5: MartyrsPersecution of Christians will increase and intensify. A natural question here would be, “If these first five seals have been exhibited down through history, how will we know when it’s not simply a function of general tribulation and we’re in the Great Tribulation?”  As best I understand it, we won’t exactly know that we’re in the Great Tribulation until this moment when the sixth seal is broken. Seal #6: A Cataclysmic EventThe cosmic meltdown alluded to is greater than any earthquake we’ve ever known. The seismic implications of this event will literally change the face of our planet. Could it be an asteroid or comet that strikes the Earth? We don’t know. But when it happens, it will be a day unlike any other ever to take place on this planet. And it will trigger in rapid succession all the other aspects of His wrath as the seventh seal is broken.Simultaneously with this event, this may be when the Rapture of the Church takes place. In light of this, what should we do? 1.     Stand firm.2.     Keep watch.3.     Be ready.   Text: Revelation 6Originally recorded on March 12, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

Revelation 5 continues from the previous chapter with the scene of God the Father on the throne.  But now John notices that in His right hand is a scroll sealed with 7 seals. This is how important, confidential documents were kept private. The scroll represents the title deed to Planet Earth. Whoever held the scroll and opened it up had the authority to rule the world and the ability to fulfill God’s ultimate purposes for the human race.However, until it was opened, God’s plan could not and would not be realized. The natural question that’s asked is this: “Is there anyone worthy to open the scroll?  Who has the authority to rule the earth? Who is capable of setting things right?  Is there anyone?The answer comes back: no one.  No one was found worthy to take the scroll in hand and open it.  Hearing this, John weeps. He weeps for the beauty of a world that could be but is not. And he weeps for his own failure to be part of the solution.Friends, if you’ve ever wept that things are so ugly and so unfair and so wrong… then you’ve wept the tears of John.Then one of the elders says to John, “Do not weep! There is One who is worthy to take the scroll and open the seals.” Then John sees a Lamb – a Lamb who is worthy. He is worthy because…1.     He was slain. (v. 9)Literally, “slaughtered” - like a sacrifice offered for sin. Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn.1:29), was the sinless sacrifice offered once and for all so that we might be saved. And not only saved, but adopted. And because we are children of God, we are also His heirs. That’s why He is worthy of all praise and glory!The Lamb is also worthy because…2.     He is strong. (vs. 6b)The Lamb is described as having 7 horns and 7 eyes. The number 7 speaks of perfection or completeness. 7 horns indicate that He is all-powerful. 7 eyes convey that He is all-seeing. This Lamb was strong enough to conquer! He conquered demons, sickness, and disease.  He conquered sin on the cross. He conquered death in His resurrection. He is worthy!And He is... 3.     Standing. (v. 6)He is standing because He is ready to take action. Taking the scroll in hand, He is about to bring that power to bear upon our twisted and perverse world. He is about to begin the judgment on evil. He is about to vindicate His church and set up His millennial reign.This is our destiny – and it’s a glorious one. (v. 10)He is worthy! Worthy to rule. Worthy to worship.  Text: Revelation 5Originally recorded on February 20, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

Much of the book of Revelation is about the future – the unfolding of God’s judgment and Satan’s last-ditch effort to thwart that plan.  But before the visions of beasts and dragons, the Antichrist, and the Great Tribulation, God gave John a vision that would put all of that into perspective. He gave John a vision of heaven. Indeed, of the very throne room of God Himself.His point is this:  “Yes, the days ahead will be challenging – even for the redeemed.  But know this and mark it well: there is a throne, and it is occupied!Nothing or no one will preempt His sovereign plan.  Everything is under control.  That’s the theme of this chapter.  John tries to describe what he sees, but it is almost beyond explanation. It’s like looking into the sun on a summer day. Around the throne, John sees a rainbow, the symbol of God’s covenant. It speaks of the fact that God will be faithful and merciful to His people - even through the storm to come.  Which leads us to your first point:1. There is no storm where He is not faithful.Around the throne are 24 elders likely representing the redeemed of all mankind. There are also 4 creatures covered with eyes – cherubim – surrounding the throne. The number 4 may refer to the four corners of the earth, and their eyes speak to God’s total awareness of and complete control over all that He has made.2. There is no situation where He is not sovereign.Note that the text clearly says that One was sitting on the throne. Mark it well: God is not pacing about heaven hoping things are going to work out.  He is never panicked. He’s not even nervous.  Nor is He some sort of celestial cheerleader rooting us on and pulling for us in “the game of life” hoping that we win.  No!  He is our God, bringing all things together in the counsel of His will…working all things together for the good of those who love Him.What are they doing in the throne room of God? They are worshiping. The elders are casting their crowns before the Lord and the cherubim never stop saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.”Worship is our destiny. If God is worthy of our worship then, is He any less worthy of worship now? 3. There is no setting when He is not worthy. Text: Revelation 4 Originally recorded on February 13, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

Most scholars feel confident that the author of this amazing book is none other than the Apostle John, the brother of James, the “one Jesus loved.” The timing of the writing of this book is approximately A.D. 95. By now, John is nearly 90 years old and the only surviving member of the original 12 disciples who lived with and learned from Jesus. During the reign of Domitian, severe persecution broke out against Christians. Many were martyred, including Paul and Peter. But John was sentenced to work the rock quarries on an island off the coast of Asia Minor called Patmos. Imagine for a moment what life must have been like for this old man. Yet it was amid these brutal conditions that John received the most extensive revelation ever given of the victory-filled future awaiting God’s people.The Symbolism in RevelationWhen reading the book of Revelation, it’s necessary to understand that is written in a literary style known as “apocalyptic.” Apocalyptic literature is highly symbolic. The drama between God and Satan, this evil age and the age to come, is played out in spectacular imagery.Apocalyptic symbolism uses objects, creatures, and numbers. We’ll see all of that throughout the book of Revelation. We begin to see some of that symbolism in chapter 1 with an incredible vision of the risen Jesus.The Savior in RevelationEach element described – from His robe and sash to His white hair; His blazing eyes and feet like bronze, the sword in his mouth, voice like an ocean, and face like the sun - symbolized Jesus’ position as priest and king, His eternal wisdom and all-seeing power. They portrayed Jesus’ justice and authority, His Lordship and glory.What does all this mean for us today?1.     All of us end up on Patmos sooner or later.Patmos is the place of disappointment. When you’re confused, alone or disillusioned. Patmos is a place of pressure and pain. We’ll all end up there eventually and when we do, all we want to do is get out!But God’s plan was not to take John off Patmos but to meet John right there. 2.     Patmos was the place where Christ was unveiled.You can never be in so forsaken a place that the Lord can’t seek and find you. Christ is with you - in the midst of your crisis.  Jesus is closer than you think.  3.     Christ is seen by those who turn to Him and touches those who fall at His feet.All too many never see Jesus because they’re so wrapped up in their crisis that they never turn to see who is with them. This is one reason why worship is such an important part of this book. Those who turn in worship see that Jesus is with them after all.4.     His words to us are still the same: Stop being afraid. Pass on the truth.   Text: Revelation 1:9-20 Originally recorded on January 16, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

Are we living in the last days?Technically, we’ve been living in the last days for 2000 years, ever since the Day of Pentecost with the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that “in the last days” God would pour out His Spirit on all people. (Acts 2:14-18)The real question we want answered is: Are we in the last days of the last days? Truth is…we just don’t know. It’s like a soccer match where you aren’t even shown the clock. We have no idea how much time is left. The best we can do is say, “It’s got to be close.”  This study of the book of Revelation is going to zero in on the last part of the last days.There are 2 Wrong Responses people have toward the book of Revelation: 1.     Obsession. We get so preoccupied with charts and timelines that we get diverted from the heart of discipleship and lose our evangelistic credibility.2.     Avoidance.  Many Christians have decided that the book of Revelation is too hard to even attempt to understand.  So, why study it?Here are 3 Right Reasons: 1.     Because it’s in the Bible.  There is practical truth here for our equipping and we’ll end up more mature as a church for having studied Revelation.2.     Because it provides a source of hope for tomorrow. You can summarize the book of Revelation in two words: “WE WIN!”  John wants us to know that whatever may come our way, in the end, we win!3.     Because it contains the promise of blessing for today. Revelation is the only book in the Bible that carries a promise of blessing for those who read it and take it to heart.The word “revelation” literally means “to unveil.” This book is nothing less than the unveiling of the magnificence of the Lord Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  It is hope unveiled.   Text: Acts 2:14-18; Revelation 1:1-8; Acts 1:6-8Originally recorded on January 9, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.