In our summer sermon series, we are going to study the first three chapters of the last book of the Bible, beginning with Revelation 1 and then taking the letters to the seven churches of chapters 2 and 3 one at a time. In this first chapter, we have an introduction that teaches us how and why to read the book and then see a stunning portrayal of Jesus, which serves as the base of the following letters. This first scene and all the scenes in the book invite us to look behind the events of our lives and our world to see what is really happening so that we can live above our circumstances instead of dominated by them.
Not only are believers in Jesus justified before God, but we also have peace, grace, hope, love, reconciliation, and salvation.
As the second Adam and the faithful Israel, Jesus resisted temptation and so can help us when we are tempted.
In response to Moses’ prayers, God promised to go up with his rebellious people after all, showing grace even to them as he does...