A Vision of Christ’s Work in His Church, Part 1 (Revelation 1:9–20) | John MacArthur | GTYtv

To me, life is all about the truth. To me, life is all about the truth. >> We've been moving phrase by phrase, >> We've been moving phrase by phrase, >> We've been moving phrase by phrase, verse by [music] verse, paragraph by verse by [music] verse, paragraph by verse by [music] verse, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter through paragraph, chapter by chapter through paragraph, chapter by chapter through these great truths. [music] Now, as you know, last Sunday we began Now, as you know, last Sunday we began to look at the book of Revelation. And to look at the book of Revelation. And to look at the book of Revelation. And the reason I felt urgency to do this is the reason I felt urgency to do this is the reason I felt urgency to do this is because there seems to be so much because there seems to be so much because there seems to be so much confusion in our world about the future confusion in our world about the future confusion in our world about the future and it seems to be so ominous. and it seems to be so ominous. and it seems to be so ominous. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] the uh the powers that be in our country the uh the powers that be in our country the uh the powers that be in our country and I think elsewhere in the world are and I think elsewhere in the world are and I think elsewhere in the world are trying to do everything they can to trying to do everything they can to trying to do everything they can to frighten people about the future so they frighten people about the future so they frighten people about the future so they can exercise certain control over them can exercise certain control over them can exercise certain control over them and I think that'll continue to and I think that'll continue to and I think that'll continue to escalate. They are not in charge of the escalate. They are not in charge of the escalate. They are not in charge of the future by any stretch of the future by any stretch of the future by any stretch of the imagination. imagination. imagination. The environmentalists are not in charge The environmentalists are not in charge The environmentalists are not in charge of the future nor are the polluters in of the future nor are the polluters in of the future nor are the polluters in charge of the future. uh no human being charge of the future. uh no human being charge of the future. uh no human being is in charge of the future that belongs is in charge of the future that belongs is in charge of the future that belongs to God and God alone and to have that to God and God alone and to have that to God and God alone and to have that perspective that is the divine perspective that is the divine perspective that is the divine perspective you have to go to the word perspective you have to go to the word perspective you have to go to the word of God and no better place in the book of God and no better place in the book of God and no better place in the book of revelation.

of revelation. of revelation. Now as we come to the second part of Now as we come to the second part of Now as we come to the second part of chapter 1 I want this morning as you chapter 1 I want this morning as you chapter 1 I want this morning as you look at this first chapter of Revelation look at this first chapter of Revelation look at this first chapter of Revelation with me to show you what Christ is doing with me to show you what Christ is doing with me to show you what Christ is doing in his church. in his church. in his church. It's important what you do. It's It's important what you do. It's It's important what you do. It's important what I do. But it's far more important what I do. But it's far more important what I do. But it's far more important what he's doing. And there's important what he's doing. And there's important what he's doing. And there's no mystery about that. That's not no mystery about that. That's not no mystery about that. That's not hidden. hidden. hidden. It may not be visible on the outside, It may not be visible on the outside, It may not be visible on the outside, but you have a full explanation of what but you have a full explanation of what but you have a full explanation of what the Lord is currently doing in his the Lord is currently doing in his the Lord is currently doing in his church in this amazing chapter. At the church in this amazing chapter. At the church in this amazing chapter. At the same time, same time, same time, you have the vision of what I call the you have the vision of what I call the you have the vision of what I call the glorified son. glorified son. glorified son. Th this is the transcendent vision of Th this is the transcendent vision of Th this is the transcendent vision of Christ in his glory. And that's a that's Christ in his glory. And that's a that's Christ in his glory. And that's a that's a dramatic change from the rest of the a dramatic change from the rest of the a dramatic change from the rest of the Bible. In the Old Testament, you had Bible. In the Old Testament, you had Bible. In the Old Testament, you had prophecies about the Messiah's coming prophecies about the Messiah's coming prophecies about the Messiah's coming and occasionally he appeared as the and occasionally he appeared as the and occasionally he appeared as the angel of the Lord and the prophet spoke angel of the Lord and the prophet spoke angel of the Lord and the prophet spoke about his future reign and glory. But about his future reign and glory. But about his future reign and glory. But when Christ came, he came in when Christ came, he came in when Christ came, he came in humiliation. He came in the incarnation humiliation. He came in the incarnation humiliation. He came in the incarnation and he lived in this world in a lowly and he lived in this world in a lowly and he lived in this world in a lowly way. and eventually died and rose again.

way. and eventually died and rose again. way. and eventually died and rose again. And that was the end of human history as And that was the end of human history as And that was the end of human history as he ascended into heaven. The end of he ascended into heaven. The end of he ascended into heaven. The end of human history seeing him. People on human history seeing him. People on human history seeing him. People on earth haven't seen him since then except earth haven't seen him since then except earth haven't seen him since then except with a few visions to the apostles. with a few visions to the apostles. with a few visions to the apostles. So the last view of the the world, the So the last view of the the world, the So the last view of the the world, the last view that humanity has of Jesus is last view that humanity has of Jesus is last view that humanity has of Jesus is basically that of his incarnation. basically that of his incarnation. basically that of his incarnation. And for many people, it appeared as And for many people, it appeared as And for many people, it appeared as though whatever he was trying to do to though whatever he was trying to do to though whatever he was trying to do to bring peace and love and truth and bring peace and love and truth and bring peace and love and truth and wisdom to the world, he failed and ended wisdom to the world, he failed and ended wisdom to the world, he failed and ended up on a cross. And that was it. up on a cross. And that was it. up on a cross. And that was it. But this is the vision that we all need But this is the vision that we all need But this is the vision that we all need in chapter one of Revelation. This is in chapter one of Revelation. This is in chapter one of Revelation. This is Christ now. This is Christ now in his Christ now. This is Christ now in his Christ now. This is Christ now in his glory. glory. glory. And obviously we can't see that with our And obviously we can't see that with our And obviously we can't see that with our human eyes, but we can see it through human eyes, but we can see it through human eyes, but we can see it through the revelation of scripture. John saw the revelation of scripture. John saw the revelation of scripture. John saw what he's doing in his church now in his what he's doing in his church now in his what he's doing in his church now in his glory in a vision. And he captured that glory in a vision. And he captured that glory in a vision. And he captured that vision under the inspiration of the Holy vision under the inspiration of the Holy vision under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Wrote it down so that we can Spirit. Wrote it down so that we can Spirit. Wrote it down so that we can share in that vision and be instructed share in that vision and be instructed share in that vision and be instructed as to what the Lord is doing in his as to what the Lord is doing in his as to what the Lord is doing in his church. And when I talk about his church. And when I talk about his church. And when I talk about his church, I'm talking about the true church, I'm talking about the true church, I'm talking about the true church. I'm not talking about church. I'm not talking about church. I'm not talking about denominations. I'm not talking about denominations. I'm not talking about denominations. I'm not talking about buildings. I'm talking about the true buildings. I'm talking about the true buildings. I'm talking about the true church. Those people who belong to him.

church. Those people who belong to him. church. Those people who belong to him. And we all know that there are many And we all know that there are many And we all know that there are many false forms of the church and many false false forms of the church and many false false forms of the church and many false believers in the church. So we're believers in the church. So we're believers in the church. So we're talking about the true church, the talking about the true church, the talking about the true church, the church that the Lord redeems, that the church that the Lord redeems, that the church that the Lord redeems, that the Lord brings to glory as his bride. This Lord brings to glory as his bride. This Lord brings to glory as his bride. This is what the Lord is doing in his church. is what the Lord is doing in his church. is what the Lord is doing in his church. And it's a very important perspective And it's a very important perspective And it's a very important perspective for us to have because frankly for us to have because frankly for us to have because frankly uh there is so much discouragement about uh there is so much discouragement about uh there is so much discouragement about the condition of the church. So much the condition of the church. So much the condition of the church. So much discouragement and disillusionment about discouragement and disillusionment about discouragement and disillusionment about spiritual leadership or the lack spiritual leadership or the lack spiritual leadership or the lack thereof. You can get depressed thereof. You can get depressed thereof. You can get depressed uh if you look long enough at the uh if you look long enough at the uh if you look long enough at the failures of the church and its weakness. failures of the church and its weakness. failures of the church and its weakness. We would all love to think of the church We would all love to think of the church We would all love to think of the church as the beautiful bride of Christ without as the beautiful bride of Christ without as the beautiful bride of Christ without spot and without blemish. We would love spot and without blemish. We would love spot and without blemish. We would love to see the church the way Paul referred to see the church the way Paul referred to see the church the way Paul referred to it as the the pure chasteed virgin.

to it as the the pure chasteed virgin. to it as the the pure chasteed virgin. But we we would like a beautiful bride, But we we would like a beautiful bride, But we we would like a beautiful bride, but instead we get a ragged Cinderella but instead we get a ragged Cinderella but instead we get a ragged Cinderella who um seems to have suffered the stroke who um seems to have suffered the stroke who um seems to have suffered the stroke of the clock at midnight and is the of the clock at midnight and is the of the clock at midnight and is the worst for it. worst for it. worst for it. uh we who uh preach and teach and are uh we who uh preach and teach and are uh we who uh preach and teach and are called to lead the church are called to lead the church are called to lead the church are continually burdened with the care of continually burdened with the care of continually burdened with the care of the church. Paul said over all the other the church. Paul said over all the other the church. Paul said over all the other issues that in his life 2 Corinthians 11 issues that in his life 2 Corinthians 11 issues that in his life 2 Corinthians 11 that the the the most suffering and pain that the the the most suffering and pain that the the the most suffering and pain that he experienced had to do with the that he experienced had to do with the that he experienced had to do with the care of the church because he said who care of the church because he said who care of the church because he said who sins and I don't feel the pain. It is a sins and I don't feel the pain. It is a sins and I don't feel the pain. It is a weakness and failure of the church that weakness and failure of the church that weakness and failure of the church that makes it a different different burden makes it a different different burden makes it a different different burden than maybe many other burdens because than maybe many other burdens because than maybe many other burdens because the church you're dealing with people the church you're dealing with people the church you're dealing with people you never see perfected until you get to you never see perfected until you get to you never see perfected until you get to glory. And so it always seems as though glory. And so it always seems as though glory. And so it always seems as though we're we're climbing a hill and never we're we're climbing a hill and never we're we're climbing a hill and never able to see the fulfillment of what we able to see the fulfillment of what we able to see the fulfillment of what we would wish for the Lord both for our own would wish for the Lord both for our own would wish for the Lord both for our own lives as leaders and and for the people lives as leaders and and for the people lives as leaders and and for the people we serve.

we serve. we serve. I suppose we could say it this way. We I suppose we could say it this way. We I suppose we could say it this way. We we would long that people have a deep we would long that people have a deep we would long that people have a deep fellowship with Christ. fellowship with Christ. fellowship with Christ. That that those who know Christ would That that those who know Christ would That that those who know Christ would have a cultivated communion with him have a cultivated communion with him have a cultivated communion with him that is deep and profound and rich and that is deep and profound and rich and that is deep and profound and rich and expresses itself in true worship, pure expresses itself in true worship, pure expresses itself in true worship, pure worship. And we desire for people in the worship. And we desire for people in the worship. And we desire for people in the church to have power over temptation. church to have power over temptation. church to have power over temptation. We know the power is available, but we We know the power is available, but we We know the power is available, but we wish that they were able to access that wish that they were able to access that wish that they were able to access that power over temptation and power over power over temptation and power over power over temptation and power over their trials and certainly power over their trials and certainly power over their trials and certainly power over sin. Excuse me. We pray for strength for sin. Excuse me. We pray for strength for sin. Excuse me. We pray for strength for all of you. We pray for victory in the all of you. We pray for victory in the all of you. We pray for victory in the spiritual struggle and battle. That's spiritual struggle and battle. That's spiritual struggle and battle. That's what we desire. And we are also what we desire. And we are also what we desire. And we are also concerned that the the church reflect concerned that the the church reflect concerned that the the church reflect the glory of God. that the church be a the glory of God. that the church be a the glory of God. that the church be a light shining in the world for the light shining in the world for the light shining in the world for the gospel. All of these things are what we gospel. All of these things are what we gospel. All of these things are what we desire for the church.

desire for the church. desire for the church. And yet all of us understand that we And yet all of us understand that we And yet all of us understand that we never seem to get there. We we are never seem to get there. We we are never seem to get there. We we are always falling short. always falling short. always falling short. Every genuine shepherd carries a heavy Every genuine shepherd carries a heavy Every genuine shepherd carries a heavy burden with regard to that. And that's burden with regard to that. And that's burden with regard to that. And that's one of the reasons why sometimes people one of the reasons why sometimes people one of the reasons why sometimes people drop out of the ministry because they drop out of the ministry because they drop out of the ministry because they become discouraged or depressed about become discouraged or depressed about become discouraged or depressed about the the absence of what they would hope the the absence of what they would hope the the absence of what they would hope would be in the church or the patterns would be in the church or the patterns would be in the church or the patterns of success or the maturity that's of success or the maturity that's of success or the maturity that's lacking. It can and it does discourage lacking. It can and it does discourage lacking. It can and it does discourage many people to see the church fall short many people to see the church fall short many people to see the church fall short of what the Lord would want it to be. I of what the Lord would want it to be. I of what the Lord would want it to be. I I've been discouraged by my own weakness I've been discouraged by my own weakness I've been discouraged by my own weakness and failure. I've been discouraged by and failure. I've been discouraged by and failure. I've been discouraged by the weakness and failure of others, but the weakness and failure of others, but the weakness and failure of others, but I've never been discouraged I've never been discouraged I've never been discouraged by the Lord because he never fails and by the Lord because he never fails and by the Lord because he never fails and he is strong. he is strong. he is strong. And what matters to me is um what he's And what matters to me is um what he's And what matters to me is um what he's doing in the church and he gets around doing in the church and he gets around doing in the church and he gets around our frailties. our frailties. our frailties. And you can be confident of what he's And you can be confident of what he's And you can be confident of what he's doing in the church. In fact, John gives doing in the church. In fact, John gives doing in the church. In fact, John gives us a picture of it right here in this us a picture of it right here in this us a picture of it right here in this amazing vision. you have reason to have amazing vision. you have reason to have amazing vision. you have reason to have great confidence in the future. We in great confidence in the future. We in great confidence in the future. We in the church the church the church have a triumphant savior. And Paul says have a triumphant savior. And Paul says have a triumphant savior. And Paul says to the Corinthians, we always triumph in to the Corinthians, we always triumph in to the Corinthians, we always triumph in Christ.

Christ. Christ. The church will triumph. Christ said, The church will triumph. Christ said, The church will triumph. Christ said, I'll build my church and the gates of I'll build my church and the gates of I'll build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. And Hades will not prevail against it. And Hades will not prevail against it. And the reason for this is not the skill of the reason for this is not the skill of the reason for this is not the skill of pastors or even the faithfulness of pastors or even the faithfulness of pastors or even the faithfulness of parishioners. the the reason for the parishioners. the the reason for the parishioners. the the reason for the success of the church is the work of success of the church is the work of success of the church is the work of Christ on earth. Christ on earth. Christ on earth. And I know the first thought you have And I know the first thought you have And I know the first thought you have about Christ in this age is that he's in about Christ in this age is that he's in about Christ in this age is that he's in heaven. That he left the earth and went heaven. That he left the earth and went heaven. That he left the earth and went to heaven in his transfiguration as a to heaven in his transfiguration as a to heaven in his transfiguration as a little preview of his second coming. And little preview of his second coming. And little preview of his second coming. And then he went to to heaven on the Mount then he went to to heaven on the Mount then he went to to heaven on the Mount of Olives, said goodbye and said, "I'm of Olives, said goodbye and said, "I'm of Olives, said goodbye and said, "I'm coming back in his ascension." But we coming back in his ascension." But we coming back in his ascension." But we think of him as in heaven. That however think of him as in heaven. That however think of him as in heaven. That however is not the way this vision presents him. is not the way this vision presents him. is not the way this vision presents him. This vision presents Christ in his This vision presents Christ in his This vision presents Christ in his church. In his church in all his beauty church. In his church in all his beauty church. In his church in all his beauty and majesty, magnificence and glory.

and majesty, magnificence and glory. and majesty, magnificence and glory. So this is a vision that we all need So this is a vision that we all need So this is a vision that we all need desperately. desperately. desperately. We need to see the triumph of Christ in We need to see the triumph of Christ in We need to see the triumph of Christ in his church and the means by which he is his church and the means by which he is his church and the means by which he is triumphing. And we'll see that in a triumphing. And we'll see that in a triumphing. And we'll see that in a moment. Just a note to say about poor moment. Just a note to say about poor moment. Just a note to say about poor John the Apostle. If you look at verse John the Apostle. If you look at verse John the Apostle. If you look at verse nine where we left off last Sunday, John nine where we left off last Sunday, John nine where we left off last Sunday, John is writing and he says,"I John," he says is writing and he says,"I John," he says is writing and he says,"I John," he says that I, John, several times in this that I, John, several times in this that I, John, several times in this passage because it just seems impossible passage because it just seems impossible passage because it just seems impossible to him that he would be chosen for such to him that he would be chosen for such to him that he would be chosen for such privilege. I John your brother and privilege. I John your brother and privilege. I John your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and fellow partaker in the tribulation and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in kingdom and perseverance which are in kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus Jesus Jesus and and was uh on the island called and and was uh on the island called and and was uh on the island called Patmas because of the word of God and Patmas because of the word of God and Patmas because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. So that sets the the testimony of Jesus. So that sets the the testimony of Jesus. So that sets the scene. John is on the aisle of Patmas scene. John is on the aisle of Patmas scene. John is on the aisle of Patmas about 40 miles or so from Myitus which about 40 miles or so from Myitus which about 40 miles or so from Myitus which was a port connected to Ephesus. Patmas was a port connected to Ephesus. Patmas was a port connected to Ephesus. Patmas is a small island about 5 miles by 10 is a small island about 5 miles by 10 is a small island about 5 miles by 10 miles. It's a It's really a piece of miles. It's a It's really a piece of miles. It's a It's really a piece of rock jutting out of the Mediterranean.

rock jutting out of the Mediterranean. rock jutting out of the Mediterranean. I've been there a few times. And it was I've been there a few times. And it was I've been there a few times. And it was a penal colony. It basically was a a penal colony. It basically was a a penal colony. It basically was a prison. You were taken there to die. Bad prison. You were taken there to die. Bad prison. You were taken there to die. Bad food, bad clothing, bad company, hard food, bad clothing, bad company, hard food, bad clothing, bad company, hard labor defined it. So this is John's labor defined it. So this is John's labor defined it. So this is John's condition. He is a prisoner in a pal condition. He is a prisoner in a pal condition. He is a prisoner in a pal penal colony of the the worst riff raff penal colony of the the worst riff raff penal colony of the the worst riff raff that society has to offer. and he is the that society has to offer. and he is the that society has to offer. and he is the last living apostle. All the rest are last living apostle. All the rest are last living apostle. All the rest are gone. Uh for the most part, they have gone. Uh for the most part, they have gone. Uh for the most part, they have been systematically terminated by Christ been systematically terminated by Christ been systematically terminated by Christ haters. haters. haters. This is a this is a this is a a pattern This is a this is a this is a a pattern This is a this is a this is a a pattern that John I don't think really expected. that John I don't think really expected. that John I don't think really expected. I don't think any of the disciples I don't think any of the disciples I don't think any of the disciples expected that when Jesus said, "I'm expected that when Jesus said, "I'm expected that when Jesus said, "I'm going to come back and set up my going to come back and set up my going to come back and set up my kingdom." I don't think that they kingdom." I don't think that they kingdom." I don't think that they thought necessarily it would even be thought necessarily it would even be thought necessarily it would even be beyond their lifetimes. that they might beyond their lifetimes. that they might beyond their lifetimes. that they might have thought he would be coming back have thought he would be coming back have thought he would be coming back very soon even when they were still very soon even when they were still very soon even when they were still alive. But that has all faded away. All alive. But that has all faded away. All alive. But that has all faded away. All his fellow apostles, as I said, have his fellow apostles, as I said, have his fellow apostles, as I said, have been martyed.

been martyed. been martyed. And um Jerusalem at this point, by the And um Jerusalem at this point, by the And um Jerusalem at this point, by the time you get into 90 AD, Jerusalem has time you get into 90 AD, Jerusalem has time you get into 90 AD, Jerusalem has been sacked and totally destroyed. Back been sacked and totally destroyed. Back been sacked and totally destroyed. Back in the 70s, the Romans came and in the 70s, the Romans came and in the 70s, the Romans came and slaughtered the Jews, massacred hundreds slaughtered the Jews, massacred hundreds slaughtered the Jews, massacred hundreds of thousands of them, then went through of thousands of them, then went through of thousands of them, then went through the land of Israel and basically the land of Israel and basically the land of Israel and basically terrorized and tortured people in 985 terrorized and tortured people in 985 terrorized and tortured people in 985 towns and villages. So the hope for the towns and villages. So the hope for the towns and villages. So the hope for the future of the kingdom at at its capital, future of the kingdom at at its capital, future of the kingdom at at its capital, Jerusalem, was gone from a human Jerusalem, was gone from a human Jerusalem, was gone from a human perspective. The nation Israel was the perspective. The nation Israel was the perspective. The nation Israel was the subject of a massacre by pagans. The subject of a massacre by pagans. The subject of a massacre by pagans. The apostles are all gone. John is a apostles are all gone. John is a apostles are all gone. John is a prisoner. It really doesn't look like prisoner. It really doesn't look like prisoner. It really doesn't look like this is the path to the kingdom. this is the path to the kingdom. this is the path to the kingdom. It doesn't look like this could possibly It doesn't look like this could possibly It doesn't look like this could possibly be what the Lord wanted. be what the Lord wanted. be what the Lord wanted. and he's basically unable to carry on and he's basically unable to carry on and he's basically unable to carry on his own ministry because they have his own ministry because they have his own ministry because they have isolated him to a penal colony because isolated him to a penal colony because isolated him to a penal colony because they don't want him spouting off about they don't want him spouting off about they don't want him spouting off about the word of God and the testimony of the word of God and the testimony of the word of God and the testimony of Christ.

Christ. Christ. So faithfulness got him there. It's So faithfulness got him there. It's So faithfulness got him there. It's really hard to think about that. really hard to think about that. really hard to think about that. He knew God had plans for Jerusalem and He knew God had plans for Jerusalem and He knew God had plans for Jerusalem and he knew that Jesus had said that he knew that Jesus had said that he knew that Jesus had said that Jerusalem would be destroyed. But he Jerusalem would be destroyed. But he Jerusalem would be destroyed. But he knew from the Old Testament that knew from the Old Testament that knew from the Old Testament that Jerusalem would have a golden era and Jerusalem would have a golden era and Jerusalem would have a golden era and rise again. And that seemed really rise again. And that seemed really rise again. And that seemed really remote. And what about the apostles? remote. And what about the apostles? remote. And what about the apostles? They didn't seem successful. They all They didn't seem successful. They all They didn't seem successful. They all ended up as martyrs. And now look at his ended up as martyrs. And now look at his ended up as martyrs. And now look at his own condition. an old man all alone own condition. an old man all alone own condition. an old man all alone in a penal colony most likely sleeping in a penal colony most likely sleeping in a penal colony most likely sleeping on the ground in a cave and I've had the on the ground in a cave and I've had the on the ground in a cave and I've had the privilege of wandering through some of privilege of wandering through some of privilege of wandering through some of those caves those caves those caves and he had this to deal with as well. He and he had this to deal with as well. He and he had this to deal with as well. He had had a ministry in in Asia Minor and had had a ministry in in Asia Minor and had had a ministry in in Asia Minor and he had a full firsthand knowledge of the he had a full firsthand knowledge of the he had a full firsthand knowledge of the churches that had developed there and churches that had developed there and churches that had developed there and you could see them listed in verse 11. you could see them listed in verse 11. you could see them listed in verse 11. The church at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, The church at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, The church at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thotyra, Sardis, and Philadelphia and Thotyra, Sardis, and Philadelphia and Thotyra, Sardis, and Philadelphia and Leodysia. Seven churches uh in Asia Leodysia. Seven churches uh in Asia Leodysia. Seven churches uh in Asia Minor.

Minor. Minor. But things weren't going well for the But things weren't going well for the But things weren't going well for the churches. You you might have thought you churches. You you might have thought you churches. You you might have thought you could look at the churches and say, could look at the churches and say, could look at the churches and say, "Well, even though all is gone in "Well, even though all is gone in "Well, even though all is gone in Israel, as far as we can tell, and the Israel, as far as we can tell, and the Israel, as far as we can tell, and the apostles are gone, the churches are apostles are gone, the churches are apostles are gone, the churches are flourishing." But that wasn't the case. flourishing." But that wasn't the case. flourishing." But that wasn't the case. Church at Ephesus had left its first Church at Ephesus had left its first Church at Ephesus had left its first love. It had abandoned its affections love. It had abandoned its affections love. It had abandoned its affections for the Savior. And the Lord threatened for the Savior. And the Lord threatened for the Savior. And the Lord threatened to close it down and eventually did. The to close it down and eventually did. The to close it down and eventually did. The church at Pergamus was idolatrous and church at Pergamus was idolatrous and church at Pergamus was idolatrous and immoral. immoral. immoral. And the Lord was about to fight against And the Lord was about to fight against And the Lord was about to fight against it. And he tells them that and he did. it. And he tells them that and he did. it. And he tells them that and he did. The church at Thotyra was compromised by The church at Thotyra was compromised by The church at Thotyra was compromised by sin and worldliness and also faced sin and worldliness and also faced sin and worldliness and also faced divine judgment. The church at Sardis divine judgment. The church at Sardis divine judgment. The church at Sardis that once was alive is now completely that once was alive is now completely that once was alive is now completely dead. And the church at Leodysia is dead. And the church at Leodysia is dead. And the church at Leodysia is nauseatingly hypocritical. nauseatingly hypocritical. nauseatingly hypocritical. So that's five out of the seven churches So that's five out of the seven churches So that's five out of the seven churches that really are threatened by the Lord that really are threatened by the Lord that really are threatened by the Lord of the church with judgment because they of the church with judgment because they of the church with judgment because they had defected from their love for him and had defected from their love for him and had defected from their love for him and the truth.

the truth. the truth. So it's a bleak picture So it's a bleak picture So it's a bleak picture for this belleaguered prisoner. And it's for this belleaguered prisoner. And it's for this belleaguered prisoner. And it's a it's not like not unlike today. As you a it's not like not unlike today. As you a it's not like not unlike today. As you look at the church and you see look at the church and you see look at the church and you see liberalism and legalism and division and liberalism and legalism and division and liberalism and legalism and division and racism and compromise and immorality and racism and compromise and immorality and racism and compromise and immorality and heresy and carnality and apostasy and heresy and carnality and apostasy and heresy and carnality and apostasy and materialism and unound doctrine, etc., materialism and unound doctrine, etc., materialism and unound doctrine, etc., etc., etc. You you you wonder how the etc., etc. You you you wonder how the etc., etc. You you you wonder how the church is going to survive all of this. church is going to survive all of this. church is going to survive all of this. And sometimes the the folks proclaiming And sometimes the the folks proclaiming And sometimes the the folks proclaiming the truth and being faithful seem like a the truth and being faithful seem like a the truth and being faithful seem like a small m minority rejected by the world small m minority rejected by the world small m minority rejected by the world and even rejected by many in the quote and even rejected by many in the quote and even rejected by many in the quote unquote church. unquote church. unquote church. So we're like John in a sense we need a So we're like John in a sense we need a So we're like John in a sense we need a vision of the future. So many people vision of the future. So many people vision of the future. So many people worried about the future when the Bible worried about the future when the Bible worried about the future when the Bible tells us exactly what the future is tells us exactly what the future is tells us exactly what the future is going to be. going to be. going to be. And anything and everything that's And anything and everything that's And anything and everything that's happening to us in this hour and this happening to us in this hour and this happening to us in this hour and this moment fits perfectly in the divine moment fits perfectly in the divine moment fits perfectly in the divine revelation that God has planned for this revelation that God has planned for this revelation that God has planned for this planet.

planet. planet. But we need to know what the future of But we need to know what the future of But we need to know what the future of the church is going to be like. And the church is going to be like. And the church is going to be like. And that's why we're given this vision. We that's why we're given this vision. We that's why we're given this vision. We need to be taken to see the Lord in his need to be taken to see the Lord in his need to be taken to see the Lord in his church. And that's what we have starting church. And that's what we have starting church. And that's what we have starting in verse 9. John is on the aisle of in verse 9. John is on the aisle of in verse 9. John is on the aisle of Patmas Patmas Patmas and on the 10th in the 10th verse he and on the 10th in the 10th verse he and on the 10th in the 10th verse he says I was in the spirit on the Lord's says I was in the spirit on the Lord's says I was in the spirit on the Lord's day. Uh that simply means he was in tune day. Uh that simply means he was in tune day. Uh that simply means he was in tune with the spirit with the spirit with the spirit on the Lord's day. That's a Sunday. It on the Lord's day. That's a Sunday. It on the Lord's day. That's a Sunday. It happened to be a Sunday. There wouldn't happened to be a Sunday. There wouldn't happened to be a Sunday. There wouldn't be any church services there. There be any church services there. There be any church services there. There probably weren't very many believers if probably weren't very many believers if probably weren't very many believers if John had found any. John had found any. John had found any. He was in the spirit, meaning he was in He was in the spirit, meaning he was in He was in the spirit, meaning he was in tune with the spirit of God tune with the spirit of God tune with the spirit of God on a Sunday. on a Sunday. on a Sunday. And that may be he was meditating on the And that may be he was meditating on the And that may be he was meditating on the Old Testament or meditating on some Old Testament or meditating on some Old Testament or meditating on some words that the Apostle Paul had written words that the Apostle Paul had written words that the Apostle Paul had written or one of the other apostles, or one of the other apostles, or one of the other apostles, but he was sensitive to the Holy Spirit but he was sensitive to the Holy Spirit but he was sensitive to the Holy Spirit on that day. And verse 10 says, I heard on that day. And verse 10 says, I heard on that day. And verse 10 says, I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of behind me a loud voice like the sound of behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet. All of a sudden in that a trumpet. All of a sudden in that a trumpet. All of a sudden in that little cave and they show you a cave little cave and they show you a cave little cave and they show you a cave when you're there that the tradition when you're there that the tradition when you're there that the tradition goes back a long ways to say at some goes back a long ways to say at some goes back a long ways to say at some point John might have been in and a point John might have been in and a point John might have been in and a trumpet blast in a cave would deafen trumpet blast in a cave would deafen trumpet blast in a cave would deafen you.

you. you. And so John is literally shattered out And so John is literally shattered out And so John is literally shattered out of whatever of whatever of whatever kind of meditation he was in. And this kind of meditation he was in. And this kind of meditation he was in. And this is a voice. This is not a trumpet but is a voice. This is not a trumpet but is a voice. This is not a trumpet but this is a voice that sounds like a this is a voice that sounds like a this is a voice that sounds like a trumpet. trumpet. trumpet. And the voice speaks directly in verse And the voice speaks directly in verse And the voice speaks directly in verse 11 saying, "Write in a book what you see 11 saying, "Write in a book what you see 11 saying, "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches to and send it to the seven churches to and send it to the seven churches to Ephesus to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Ephesus to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Ephesus to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thotyra and to Sardis and Philadelphia Thotyra and to Sardis and Philadelphia Thotyra and to Sardis and Philadelphia and Leodysia." That's the postal route and Leodysia." That's the postal route and Leodysia." That's the postal route in sequence for Asia Minor. So, you're in sequence for Asia Minor. So, you're in sequence for Asia Minor. So, you're going to write down what you see, this going to write down what you see, this going to write down what you see, this series of visions, and you're going to series of visions, and you're going to series of visions, and you're going to make six copies, and you're going to make six copies, and you're going to make six copies, and you're going to hand those seven copies to seven people, hand those seven copies to seven people, hand those seven copies to seven people, seven messengers, seven representatives seven messengers, seven representatives seven messengers, seven representatives of those churches who will take the book of those churches who will take the book of those churches who will take the book of Revelation with the seven letters of Revelation with the seven letters of Revelation with the seven letters to the churches of Asia Minor. So, that to the churches of Asia Minor. So, that to the churches of Asia Minor. So, that each church will get a copy of the book each church will get a copy of the book each church will get a copy of the book of Revelation. And in each of the seven of Revelation. And in each of the seven of Revelation. And in each of the seven there will be a message to each church.

there will be a message to each church. there will be a message to each church. So that's the setting. He is in the So that's the setting. He is in the So that's the setting. He is in the spirit which means he is beyond the spirit which means he is beyond the spirit which means he is beyond the normal human normal human normal human preoccupation. preoccupation. preoccupation. He is sensitive to the Lord in in a He is sensitive to the Lord in in a He is sensitive to the Lord in in a sense that he's about to have a vision. sense that he's about to have a vision. sense that he's about to have a vision. A vision. It is spiritual reality A vision. It is spiritual reality A vision. It is spiritual reality transmitted somehow through imagery to transmitted somehow through imagery to transmitted somehow through imagery to the to the mind and the soul. the to the mind and the soul. the to the mind and the soul. And this is what he sees. I turned verse And this is what he sees. I turned verse And this is what he sees. I turned verse 12 to see the voice that was speaking 12 to see the voice that was speaking 12 to see the voice that was speaking with me and it was of course the Lord. and it was of course the Lord. This is the Lord This is the Lord This is the Lord speaking to John and he's going to tell speaking to John and he's going to tell speaking to John and he's going to tell him what he's doing in the church in him what he's doing in the church in him what he's doing in the church in spite of what it looks like. spite of what it looks like. spite of what it looks like. I turned to see the voice that was I turned to see the voice that was I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me.

speaking with me. speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden And having turned, I saw seven golden And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. lampstands. lampstands. The setting is the lampstands. Those The setting is the lampstands. Those The setting is the lampstands. Those would be oil lamps. There would be seven would be oil lamps. There would be seven would be oil lamps. There would be seven of them representing the seven churches. of them representing the seven churches. of them representing the seven churches. in the se seven churches because seven in the se seven churches because seven in the se seven churches because seven is a number of completion represent the is a number of completion represent the is a number of completion represent the church in in full. So what he sees here church in in full. So what he sees here church in in full. So what he sees here is seven golden lampstands golden is seven golden lampstands golden is seven golden lampstands golden because the church is valuable because the church is valuable because the church is valuable lampstands because the church is the lampstands because the church is the lampstands because the church is the light of the gospel shining in the light of the gospel shining in the light of the gospel shining in the world. And so the vision is of the world. And so the vision is of the world. And so the vision is of the churches as lampstands. churches as lampstands. churches as lampstands. And in the middle of these lampstands, And in the middle of these lampstands, And in the middle of these lampstands, verse 13, I saw one like a son of man. verse 13, I saw one like a son of man. verse 13, I saw one like a son of man. Now, that has to be Christ. Now, that has to be Christ. Now, that has to be Christ. The seven golden lampstands are the The seven golden lampstands are the The seven golden lampstands are the seven churches. Go down to verse 20. As seven churches. Go down to verse 20. As seven churches. Go down to verse 20. As for the mystery of the seven stars, for the mystery of the seven stars, for the mystery of the seven stars, which you saw in my right hand, and which you saw in my right hand, and which you saw in my right hand, and we'll comment on that later. and the we'll comment on that later. and the we'll comment on that later. and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars seven golden lampstands. The seven stars seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches or are the angels of the seven churches or are the angels of the seven churches or the messengers of the seven churches, the messengers of the seven churches, the messengers of the seven churches, the representatives of those churches.

the representatives of those churches. the representatives of those churches. And the seven lampstands are the seven And the seven lampstands are the seven And the seven lampstands are the seven churches. So he's seeing the seven churches. So he's seeing the seven churches. So he's seeing the seven churches. Those lampstands are sort of churches. Those lampstands are sort of churches. Those lampstands are sort of symbolic of these seven churches which symbolic of these seven churches which symbolic of these seven churches which are symbolic of the whole church. In the are symbolic of the whole church. In the are symbolic of the whole church. In the vision, vision, vision, they would be lit with oil. And that's they would be lit with oil. And that's they would be lit with oil. And that's what John sees in a visionary way. But what John sees in a visionary way. But what John sees in a visionary way. But more importantly, in the middle of the more importantly, in the middle of the more importantly, in the middle of the lampstands lampstands lampstands in verse 13, I saw one in verse 13, I saw one in verse 13, I saw one like a son of man. like a son of man. like a son of man. This language son of man This language son of man This language son of man comes from Daniel 7:es 13 and 14 where comes from Daniel 7:es 13 and 14 where comes from Daniel 7:es 13 and 14 where the prophet says concerning the coming the prophet says concerning the coming the prophet says concerning the coming Messiah, one like a son of man was given Messiah, one like a son of man was given Messiah, one like a son of man was given dominion, glory and a kingdom that all dominion, glory and a kingdom that all dominion, glory and a kingdom that all people and nations and men of every people and nations and men of every people and nations and men of every language might serve him. And this is an language might serve him. And this is an language might serve him. And this is an everlasting kingdom that will never be everlasting kingdom that will never be everlasting kingdom that will never be destroyed. So the son of man was a title destroyed. So the son of man was a title destroyed. So the son of man was a title for a messiah. This then is Christ and for a messiah. This then is Christ and for a messiah. This then is Christ and John is seeing Christ in the middle of John is seeing Christ in the middle of John is seeing Christ in the middle of the churches. He's the churches. He's the churches. He's identified with his church. So this is identified with his church. So this is identified with his church. So this is the place I want to start. I'll give you the place I want to start. I'll give you the place I want to start. I'll give you a few points to unfold this scene. One, a few points to unfold this scene. One, a few points to unfold this scene. One, he sees the ministry of Christ to his he sees the ministry of Christ to his he sees the ministry of Christ to his church from within his church. He church from within his church. He church from within his church. He inhabits his church. He inhabits his inhabits his church. He inhabits his inhabits his church. He inhabits his church. This is a a marvelous reality.

church. This is a a marvelous reality. church. This is a a marvelous reality. He is not just in heaven sending down He is not just in heaven sending down He is not just in heaven sending down orders. orders. orders. He is in his church. He lives in his He is in his church. He lives in his He is in his church. He lives in his church. church. church. Christ lives in me, says the apostle, Christ lives in me, says the apostle, Christ lives in me, says the apostle, the hope of glory. I live, yet not I, the hope of glory. I live, yet not I, the hope of glory. I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me. but Christ lives in me. but Christ lives in me. Romans 8, if any man have not the spirit Romans 8, if any man have not the spirit Romans 8, if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he's none of his. You are the of Christ, he's none of his. You are the of Christ, he's none of his. You are the temple of the spirit of God. temple of the spirit of God. temple of the spirit of God. God the father and the son have taken up God the father and the son have taken up God the father and the son have taken up residence in you. residence in you. residence in you. This is the wonder of the true church of This is the wonder of the true church of This is the wonder of the true church of Jesus Christ that the the Lord inhabits Jesus Christ that the the Lord inhabits Jesus Christ that the the Lord inhabits the church individually to start with the church individually to start with the church individually to start with and then collectively as well. and then collectively as well. and then collectively as well. When we gather, he gathers with us. When we gather, he gathers with us. When we gather, he gathers with us. He inhabits our praise. He inhabits our praise. He inhabits our praise. He is in us individually He is in us individually He is in us individually and collectively. So he's here, but he's and collectively. So he's here, but he's and collectively. So he's here, but he's always here in the life of a believer. always here in the life of a believer. always here in the life of a believer. That's why in the great commission, That's why in the great commission, That's why in the great commission, Jesus said, "Lo, I'm with you always."

Jesus said, "Lo, I'm with you always." Jesus said, "Lo, I'm with you always." John 14:18, "I will not leave you. I John 14:18, "I will not leave you. I John 14:18, "I will not leave you. I will come to you." He promised the will come to you." He promised the will come to you." He promised the disciples. John 14:23, "If anyone loves disciples. John 14:23, "If anyone loves disciples. John 14:23, "If anyone loves me," and here's the key, "I'll make my me," and here's the key, "I'll make my me," and here's the key, "I'll make my abode with him. If you love him, he abode with him. If you love him, he abode with him. If you love him, he lives in you." lives in you." lives in you." Paul says in Colossians 3, Christ is all Paul says in Colossians 3, Christ is all Paul says in Colossians 3, Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3 again verse and in all. Colossians 3 again verse and in all. Colossians 3 again verse four, Christ who is our life. four, Christ who is our life. four, Christ who is our life. No matter how this church struggles, No matter how this church struggles, No matter how this church struggles, no matter how difficult it is, the son no matter how difficult it is, the son no matter how difficult it is, the son of man is alive in his people of man is alive in his people of man is alive in his people individually and collectively in their individually and collectively in their individually and collectively in their gathering. gathering. gathering. Th this is the reality Th this is the reality Th this is the reality of the Christian gospel and the gift is of the Christian gospel and the gift is of the Christian gospel and the gift is not just salvation. not just salvation. not just salvation. It is Christ himself It is Christ himself It is Christ himself who takes up residence in his people. who takes up residence in his people. who takes up residence in his people. So our future is in his hands and he is So our future is in his hands and he is So our future is in his hands and he is in our midst.

in our midst. in our midst. He does not forsake us. He does not He does not forsake us. He does not He does not forsake us. He does not abandon us. He will never leave us. That abandon us. He will never leave us. That abandon us. He will never leave us. That is impossible because he is in us. is impossible because he is in us. is impossible because he is in us. The fellowship never stops. The The fellowship never stops. The The fellowship never stops. The communion never stops. Never has a communion never stops. Never has a communion never stops. Never has a break. There's never a moment when his break. There's never a moment when his break. There's never a moment when his presence and power are not in his presence and power are not in his presence and power are not in his church. The second thing John sees is church. The second thing John sees is church. The second thing John sees is that he intercedes for his church. And that he intercedes for his church. And that he intercedes for his church. And this is a this is a this is a dramatic picture. dramatic picture. dramatic picture. As he looks at the son of man, he sees As he looks at the son of man, he sees As he looks at the son of man, he sees him clothed in a robe reaching to the him clothed in a robe reaching to the him clothed in a robe reaching to the feet and girded across his chest with a feet and girded across his chest with a feet and girded across his chest with a golden sash. golden sash. golden sash. This robe is pterrace is the is the word This robe is pterrace is the is the word This robe is pterrace is the is the word and it's a familiar word. It's used in and it's a familiar word. It's used in and it's a familiar word. It's used in the Old Testament Greek which is a the Old Testament Greek which is a the Old Testament Greek which is a septuagent septuagent septuagent and when it's used it's used of a king and when it's used it's used of a king and when it's used it's used of a king or a prophet or a prophet or a prophet and most importantly of a priest. Six and most importantly of a priest. Six and most importantly of a priest. Six out of seven times that word appears in out of seven times that word appears in out of seven times that word appears in the Old Testament it's it's a priest.

the Old Testament it's it's a priest. the Old Testament it's it's a priest. So is this presenting Christ as king? So is this presenting Christ as king? So is this presenting Christ as king? Well, it certainly could be. He is king. Well, it certainly could be. He is king. Well, it certainly could be. He is king. Is is it presenting him as a prophet? Is is it presenting him as a prophet? Is is it presenting him as a prophet? Kings wore robes. prophets wore robes. Kings wore robes. prophets wore robes. Kings wore robes. prophets wore robes. It could be. He certainly is the It could be. He certainly is the It could be. He certainly is the ultimate prophet. But the second part of ultimate prophet. But the second part of ultimate prophet. But the second part of his clothing identifies it more his clothing identifies it more his clothing identifies it more specifically. And gerted across his specifically. And gerted across his specifically. And gerted across his chest was a golden sash. chest was a golden sash. chest was a golden sash. A golden sash or belt. This was worn by A golden sash or belt. This was worn by A golden sash or belt. This was worn by the high priest. So what are we seeing the high priest. So what are we seeing the high priest. So what are we seeing here? Christ is in his church here? Christ is in his church here? Christ is in his church interceding for his church. That's what interceding for his church. That's what interceding for his church. That's what a priest did. Priest interceded between a priest did. Priest interceded between a priest did. Priest interceded between men and God. men and God. men and God. He's acting on behalf of his church as He's acting on behalf of his church as He's acting on behalf of his church as our high priest. Hebrews 21:17, he is a our high priest. Hebrews 21:17, he is a our high priest. Hebrews 21:17, he is a merciful and faithful high priest, able merciful and faithful high priest, able merciful and faithful high priest, able to come to the aid of those who are to come to the aid of those who are to come to the aid of those who are tempted. tempted. tempted. Hebrews 3:16, Jesus, the high priest of Hebrews 3:16, Jesus, the high priest of Hebrews 3:16, Jesus, the high priest of our confession, faithful over his house, our confession, faithful over his house, our confession, faithful over his house, whose house we are.

whose house we are. whose house we are. Hebrews 4:15, a high priest who can Hebrews 4:15, a high priest who can Hebrews 4:15, a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses. sympathize with our weaknesses. sympathize with our weaknesses. And then Hebrews 9:11 and 12 gives a And then Hebrews 9:11 and 12 gives a And then Hebrews 9:11 and 12 gives a specific function of this high priest. specific function of this high priest. specific function of this high priest. When Christ appeared as a high priest of When Christ appeared as a high priest of When Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, the good things to come, the good things to come, that's that's our future. He entered that's that's our future. He entered that's that's our future. He entered through the greater and more perfect through the greater and more perfect through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is tabernacle, not made with hands, that is tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, not like a to say, not of this creation, not like a to say, not of this creation, not like a high priest. Didn't go into a tent or a high priest. Didn't go into a tent or a high priest. Didn't go into a tent or a temple. temple. temple. And he didn't go through the blood of And he didn't go through the blood of And he didn't go through the blood of bulls and calavs, but through his own bulls and calavs, but through his own bulls and calavs, but through his own blood. blood. blood. He entered the holy place once for all, He entered the holy place once for all, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. He comes as the high priest who has He comes as the high priest who has obtained eternal redemption. What is obtained eternal redemption. What is obtained eternal redemption. What is that saying? Do you remember that the that saying? Do you remember that the that saying? Do you remember that the high priest before he went into the holy high priest before he went into the holy high priest before he went into the holy of holies had to offer a sacrifice? The of holies had to offer a sacrifice? The of holies had to offer a sacrifice? The sacrifice for the sins of the people and sacrifice for the sins of the people and sacrifice for the sins of the people and a sacrifice for his own sins. And then a sacrifice for his own sins. And then a sacrifice for his own sins. And then he could on Yumkipur go into the he could on Yumkipur go into the he could on Yumkipur go into the presence of God.

presence of God. presence of God. Well, our high priest has entered into Well, our high priest has entered into Well, our high priest has entered into the presence of God not by blood from the presence of God not by blood from the presence of God not by blood from bulls and goats, but by his own blood. bulls and goats, but by his own blood. bulls and goats, but by his own blood. He has purchased our redemption and He has purchased our redemption and He has purchased our redemption and entered into the presence of God. And he entered into the presence of God. And he entered into the presence of God. And he is there now to advocate for us. He He is there now to advocate for us. He He is there now to advocate for us. He He is there to defend us against all is there to defend us against all is there to defend us against all accusations. He is there to defend us accusations. He is there to defend us accusations. He is there to defend us against all enemies. He is there to take against all enemies. He is there to take against all enemies. He is there to take up our cause. He intercedes for us. He's up our cause. He intercedes for us. He's up our cause. He intercedes for us. He's the lawyer for our defense. He knows the lawyer for our defense. He knows the lawyer for our defense. He knows we're weak. He sympathizes with our we're weak. He sympathizes with our we're weak. He sympathizes with our weakness. He in all points was tempted weakness. He in all points was tempted weakness. He in all points was tempted like as we are, yet without sin.