A Vision of Christ’s Work in His Church, Part 2 (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] the uh the powers that [clears throat] the uh the powers that [clears throat] the uh the powers that be in our country and I think elsewhere be in our country and I think elsewhere be in our country and I think elsewhere in the world are trying to do everything in the world are trying to do everything in the world are trying to do everything they can to frighten people about the they can to frighten people about the they can to frighten people about the future so they can exercise certain future so they can exercise certain future so they can exercise certain control over them and I think that'll control over them and I think that'll control over them and I think that'll continue to escalate. They are not in continue to escalate. They are not in continue to escalate. They are not in charge of the future by any stretch of charge of the future by any stretch of charge of the future by any stretch of the imagination. the imagination. the 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.

charge of the future. charge of the future. uh no human being is in charge of the uh no human being is in charge of the uh no human being is in charge of the future that belongs to God and God alone future that belongs to God and God alone future that belongs to God and God alone and to have that perspective that is the and to have that perspective that is the and to have that perspective that is the divine perspective you have to go to the divine perspective you have to go to the divine perspective you have to go to the word of God and no better place in the word of God and no better place in the word of God and no better place in the book of revelation. book of revelation. book 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, we need church. In this amazing chapter, we need church. In this amazing chapter, we need to be taken to see the Lord in his to be taken to see the Lord in his 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 nine. John is on the aisle of in verse nine. John is on the aisle of in verse nine. 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. And verse 10 says, I John had found any. And verse 10 says, I John had found any. And verse 10 says, I heard behind me a loud voice like the heard behind me a loud voice like the heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet. And this is a voice.

sound of a trumpet. And this is a voice. sound of a trumpet. And this is a voice. This is not a trumpet, but this is a This is not a trumpet, but this is a This is not a trumpet, but this is a voice that sounds like a trumpet. voice that sounds like a trumpet. voice that sounds like a 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 11, saying, "Write in a book what you 11, saying, "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches to see and send it to the seven churches to see and send it to the seven churches to Ephesus, to Smyrna, and to Pergamum and Ephesus, to Smyrna, and to Pergamum and Ephesus, to Smyrna, and to Pergamum and to Thotyra and to Sardis and to Thotyra and to Sardis and to Thotyra and to Sardis and Philadelphia and Leodysia." That's the Philadelphia and Leodysia." That's the Philadelphia and Leodysia." That's the postal route in sequence for Asia Minor. postal route in sequence for Asia Minor. postal route in sequence for Asia Minor. 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. 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. seven churches. Go down to verse 20. seven churches. Go down to verse 20. As for the mystery of the seven stars As for the mystery of the seven stars As 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. But more importantly in the middle of But more importantly in the middle of But more importantly in the middle of the lampstands the lampstands the lampstands in verse 13 I saw one in verse 13 I saw one in verse 13 I saw one like a son of man. The son of man was a like a son of man. The son of man was a like a son of man. The son of man was a title for a messiah. This then is title for a messiah. This then is title for a messiah. This then is Christ. And John is seeing Christ in the Christ. And John is seeing Christ in the Christ. And John is seeing Christ in the middle of the churches. He's middle of the churches. He's middle of 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. The second thing inhabits his church. The second thing inhabits his church. The second thing John sees is that he intercedes for his John sees is that he intercedes for his John sees is that he intercedes for his church. And this is a church. And this is a church. And 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. This was worn by the high golden sash. This was worn by the high golden sash. This was worn by the high priest. What are we seeing here? Christ priest. What are we seeing here? Christ priest. What are we seeing here? Christ is in his church interceding for his is in his church interceding for his is in his church interceding for his church. That's what a priest did. Priest church. That's what a priest did. Priest church. That's what a priest did. Priest interceded between men and God.

interceded between men and God. interceded between 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. Then as John continues our high priest. Then as John continues our high priest. Then as John continues to look, he looks from first of all to look, he looks from first of all to look, he looks from first of all looking at clothing in verse 13 to the looking at clothing in verse 13 to the looking at clothing in verse 13 to the the person, the son of man. And he sees the person, the son of man. And he sees the person, the son of man. And he sees this in verse 14. His head and his hair this in verse 14. His head and his hair this in verse 14. His head and his hair were white like white wool like snow. were white like white wool like snow. were white like white wool like snow. The word white there is lucon. Not a The word white there is lucon. Not a The word white there is lucon. Not a flat kind of white, but a blazing white flat kind of white, but a blazing white flat kind of white, but a blazing white like like the glory of God. like like the glory of God. like like the glory of God. He he sees this blazing glory and his He he sees this blazing glory and his He he sees this blazing glory and his eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze when it has were like burnished bronze when it has were like burnished bronze when it has been made to glow in a furnace. been made to glow in a furnace. been made to glow in a furnace. So the vision shows him Christ in the So the vision shows him Christ in the So the vision shows him Christ in the church. Christ interceding for the church. Christ interceding for the church. Christ interceding for the church as its high priest. church as its high priest. church as its high priest. And here he is purifying his church. And here he is purifying his church. And here he is purifying his church. Purifying his church. His head and his Purifying his church. His head and his Purifying his church. His head and his hair being white like white wool like hair being white like white wool like hair being white like white wool like snow snow snow is drawn from Daniel chapter 7 verse9 is drawn from Daniel chapter 7 verse9 is drawn from Daniel chapter 7 verse9 which describes the almighty God in the which describes the almighty God in the which describes the almighty God in the same way so that it's obvious that the same way so that it's obvious that the same way so that it's obvious that the Lord is God. It's a symbol of Lord is God. It's a symbol of Lord is God. It's a symbol of eternality, glory, holiness, purity of eternality, glory, holiness, purity of eternality, glory, holiness, purity of life, purity of truth, wisdom.

life, purity of truth, wisdom. life, purity of truth, wisdom. So he sees the all- wise, all holy, all So he sees the all- wise, all holy, all So he sees the all- wise, all holy, all pure son of man pure son of man pure son of man and he is doing what he can in the and he is doing what he can in the and he is doing what he can in the church to maintain the purity of the church to maintain the purity of the church to maintain the purity of the church. What does he do? church. What does he do? church. What does he do? Well, his eyes are like a flame of fire, Well, his eyes are like a flame of fire, Well, his eyes are like a flame of fire, like two lasers, like flaming torches, like two lasers, like flaming torches, like two lasers, like flaming torches, as it's referred to in Daniel 10. as it's referred to in Daniel 10. as it's referred to in Daniel 10. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] He sees He sees everything. Nobody He sees He sees everything. Nobody He sees He sees everything. Nobody escapes. escapes. escapes. Hebrews 4:13, there is no creation Hebrews 4:13, there is no creation Hebrews 4:13, there is no creation hidden from no creature hidden from his hidden from no creature hidden from his hidden from no creature hidden from his sight. But all things are laid bare to sight. But all things are laid bare to sight. But all things are laid bare to his eyes. He sees everything in his his eyes. He sees everything in his his eyes. He sees everything in his church. Nothing is hidden. There are no church. Nothing is hidden. There are no church. Nothing is hidden. There are no secrets. His assessment of his church secrets. His assessment of his church secrets. His assessment of his church and every individual in it is an and every individual in it is an and every individual in it is an accurate one. And though he intercedes accurate one. And though he intercedes accurate one. And though he intercedes for the church and will not allow them for the church and will not allow them for the church and will not allow them to be lost, to be lost, to be lost, he will never stop loving them. He will he will never stop loving them. He will he will never stop loving them. He will never stop securing them. That does not never stop securing them. That does not never stop securing them. That does not mean that he is indifferent to their mean that he is indifferent to their mean that he is indifferent to their sin.

sin. sin. Because here you have the penetrating Because here you have the penetrating Because here you have the penetrating eyes of omniscience and divine wisdom eyes of omniscience and divine wisdom eyes of omniscience and divine wisdom and purity, and purity, and purity, searching out searching out searching out sin in the church. sin in the church. sin in the church. And how does he react when he finds it? And how does he react when he finds it? And how does he react when he finds it? Verse 15, his feet were like burnished Verse 15, his feet were like burnished Verse 15, his feet were like burnished bronze when it has been made to glow in bronze when it has been made to glow in bronze when it has been made to glow in a furnace. That's very threatening. a furnace. That's very threatening. a furnace. That's very threatening. Those Those Those who ruled were always in elevated who ruled were always in elevated who ruled were always in elevated thrones and the people below them were thrones and the people below them were thrones and the people below them were below their feet. The Lord is present in below their feet. The Lord is present in below their feet. The Lord is present in his church to fellowship with his church his church to fellowship with his church his church to fellowship with his church to um intercede for his church. to um intercede for his church. to um intercede for his church. But he's also present in his church to But he's also present in his church to But he's also present in his church to discipline his church. discipline his church. discipline his church. He wants that chasteed virgin. He wants He wants that chasteed virgin. He wants He wants that chasteed virgin. He wants that that that clean, sanctified church without spot, clean, sanctified church without spot, clean, sanctified church without spot, without blemish or wrinkle, holy and without blemish or wrinkle, holy and without blemish or wrinkle, holy and blameless. And so he works in his church to that And so he works in his church to that end. He unmasks sin and he gives us a end. He unmasks sin and he gives us a end. He unmasks sin and he gives us a pattern to follow. Matthew 18, if pattern to follow. Matthew 18, if pattern to follow. Matthew 18, if anybody's in sin, go to them. Call them anybody's in sin, go to them. Call them anybody's in sin, go to them. Call them to repent. If they don't repent, take to repent. If they don't repent, take to repent. If they don't repent, take two or three witnesses. If they still two or three witnesses. If they still two or three witnesses. If they still don't repent, tell the whole church. If don't repent, tell the whole church. If don't repent, tell the whole church. If they still don't repent, put them out.

they still don't repent, put them out. they still don't repent, put them out. The Lord wants the purity in his church. The Lord wants the purity in his church. The Lord wants the purity in his church. And it may mean that some people have to And it may mean that some people have to And it may mean that some people have to be put out of the church because they're be put out of the church because they're be put out of the church because they're like leaven that leavenvens the lump. like leaven that leavenvens the lump. like leaven that leavenvens the lump. They're a bad influence. It is also true They're a bad influence. It is also true They're a bad influence. It is also true that there are occasions when he that there are occasions when he that there are occasions when he literally takes a believer to heaven literally takes a believer to heaven literally takes a believer to heaven because that believer is doing damage to because that believer is doing damage to because that believer is doing damage to the church. And Paul said to the the church. And Paul said to the the church. And Paul said to the Corinthians, "Because of how you come to Corinthians, "Because of how you come to Corinthians, "Because of how you come to the Lord's table, some of you are weak the Lord's table, some of you are weak the Lord's table, some of you are weak and sick, and others of you are dead." and sick, and others of you are dead." and sick, and others of you are dead." Sometimes it can be fatal. Sometimes it can be fatal. Sometimes it can be fatal. The Lord just removes someone. But what is the what is all of this But what is the what is all of this supposed to accomplish this discipline? supposed to accomplish this discipline? supposed to accomplish this discipline? I think it can be explained in 1 Peter I think it can be explained in 1 Peter I think it can be explained in 1 Peter 5:10. After you have suffered a while, 5:10. After you have suffered a while, 5:10. After you have suffered a while, God will himself perfect, confirm, God will himself perfect, confirm, God will himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. strengthen, and establish you. strengthen, and establish you. It's going to be through suffering. And It's going to be through suffering. And It's going to be through suffering. And some of that suffering is discipline. some of that suffering is discipline. some of that suffering is discipline. Judgment must begin at the household of Judgment must begin at the household of Judgment must begin at the household of God. First Peter and John 15, every God. First Peter and John 15, every God. First Peter and John 15, every branch he purges.

branch he purges. branch he purges. So what you have is red-hot glowing So what you have is red-hot glowing So what you have is red-hot glowing brass brass brass blazing molten pure blazing molten pure blazing molten pure gleaming feet of judgment. He comes down gleaming feet of judgment. He comes down gleaming feet of judgment. He comes down on his church like he did when he took on his church like he did when he took on his church like he did when he took the lives of the lives of the lives of Ananas and Safh when he brings any kind of judgment. when he brings any kind of judgment. Just to remind you of that, Just to remind you of that, Just to remind you of that, the 12th chapter of Hebrews in verse 5, the 12th chapter of Hebrews in verse 5, the 12th chapter of Hebrews in verse 5, have you forgotten the exhortation which have you forgotten the exhortation which have you forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons. This is to is addressed to you as sons. This is to is addressed to you as sons. This is to you that are true sons of God. you that are true sons of God. you that are true sons of God. My son, do not regard lightly the My son, do not regard lightly the My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when discipline of the Lord, nor faint when discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him. He's talking you are reproved by him. He's talking you are reproved by him. He's talking about sons of God who are disciplined about sons of God who are disciplined about sons of God who are disciplined and reproved. For those whom the Lord and reproved. For those whom the Lord and reproved. For those whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, loves, he disciplines, loves, he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he and he scourges every son whom he and he scourges every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you receives. It is for discipline that you receives. It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with sons.

endure. God deals with you as with sons. endure. God deals with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father For what son is there whom his father For what son is there whom his father does not discipline. But if you are does not discipline. But if you are does not discipline. But if you are without discipline, of which all have without discipline, of which all have without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are become partakers, then you are become partakers, then you are legitimate children and not sons. legitimate children and not sons. legitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them. discipline us, and we respected them. discipline us, and we respected them. Shall we not much rather be subject to Shall we not much rather be subject to Shall we not much rather be subject to the father of spirits and live? For they the father of spirits and live? For they the father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as disciplined us for a short time as disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them. But he disciplines seemed best to them. But he disciplines seemed best to them. But he disciplines us for our good so that we may share his us for our good so that we may share his us for our good so that we may share his holiness. And in the next verse he said holiness. And in the next verse he said holiness. And in the next verse he said that discipline yields the peaceful that discipline yields the peaceful that discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. fruit of righteousness. fruit of righteousness. So it's not So it's not So it's not punishment, punishment, punishment, it's discipline. it's discipline. it's discipline. As much as we want a congregation that's As much as we want a congregation that's As much as we want a congregation that's pure and holy and do what we can to work pure and holy and do what we can to work pure and holy and do what we can to work for that, the Lord of the church wants for that, the Lord of the church wants for that, the Lord of the church wants it far more. it far more. it far more. Number four in the features that John Number four in the features that John Number four in the features that John sees is found at the second part of sees is found at the second part of sees is found at the second part of verse 15. His voice was like the sound verse 15. His voice was like the sound verse 15. His voice was like the sound of many waters.

of many waters. of many waters. He speaks with authority to his church. He speaks with authority to his church. He speaks with authority to his church. He speaks with authority to his church. He speaks with authority to his church. He speaks with authority to his church. He moves within his church. He He moves within his church. He He moves within his church. He intercedes for his church. He purifies intercedes for his church. He purifies intercedes for his church. He purifies his church. And here he commands his his church. And here he commands his his church. And here he commands his church. And just the imagery, his voice church. And just the imagery, his voice church. And just the imagery, his voice is like the sound of many waters. The is like the sound of many waters. The is like the sound of many waters. The crashing of the breakers on the rocks of crashing of the breakers on the rocks of crashing of the breakers on the rocks of Patmas would be a good illustration of Patmas would be a good illustration of Patmas would be a good illustration of that. that. that. Then the great commission. We go out and Then the great commission. We go out and Then the great commission. We go out and we preach the gospel. Matthew 28. And we we preach the gospel. Matthew 28. And we we preach the gospel. Matthew 28. And we teach men to observe all things I have teach men to observe all things I have teach men to observe all things I have commanded you. Christ speaks to his church with Christ speaks to his church with authority. authority. authority. That's what scripture is. That's why That's what scripture is. That's why That's what scripture is. That's why Paul said to Timothy, "Preach the word. Paul said to Timothy, "Preach the word. Paul said to Timothy, "Preach the word. Preach the word in season, out of Preach the word in season, out of Preach the word in season, out of season, because that is the season, because that is the season, because that is the authoritative message from the Lord of authoritative message from the Lord of authoritative message from the Lord of the church." church. The voice of the the church." church. The voice of the the church." church. The voice of the Lord of the church thunders like the Lord of the church thunders like the Lord of the church thunders like the surf in a storm pounding the rocks.

surf in a storm pounding the rocks. surf in a storm pounding the rocks. And there is no greater And there is no greater And there is no greater message than from heaven message than from heaven message than from heaven than the word of God. than the word of God. than the word of God. Sharper than any two-edged sword, Sharper than any two-edged sword, Sharper than any two-edged sword, more powerful in cutting open a man and more powerful in cutting open a man and more powerful in cutting open a man and a woman inside and revealing the truth. a woman inside and revealing the truth. a woman inside and revealing the truth. So the church listens when he speaks. So the church listens when he speaks. So the church listens when he speaks. The true church, the church itself is The true church, the church itself is The true church, the church itself is the pillar and ground of the truth. the pillar and ground of the truth. the pillar and ground of the truth. Then in verse 16, Then in verse 16, Then in verse 16, he controls his church. In his right he controls his church. In his right he controls his church. In his right hand, he holds seven stars. And if you hand, he holds seven stars. And if you hand, he holds seven stars. And if you drop down to verse 20, as I mentioned drop down to verse 20, as I mentioned drop down to verse 20, as I mentioned earlier, the seven stars which you saw earlier, the seven stars which you saw earlier, the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, in my right hand, in my right hand, what are they? They are the angalas of what are they? They are the angalas of what are they? They are the angalas of the seven churches. There's nothing the seven churches. There's nothing the seven churches. There's nothing about angels related to the church in about angels related to the church in about angels related to the church in this way. These are seven messengers. this way. These are seven messengers. this way. These are seven messengers. That word can mean does mean messengers That word can mean does mean messengers That word can mean does mean messengers and can be applied to angels. and can be applied to angels. and can be applied to angels. Apparently, there was a representative Apparently, there was a representative Apparently, there was a representative from each of the seven churches from each of the seven churches from each of the seven churches available to come to John and get access available to come to John and get access available to come to John and get access to these messages and take them back.

to these messages and take them back. to these messages and take them back. But the point that's being made here is But the point that's being made here is But the point that's being made here is the Lord has his leaders. He controls the Lord has his leaders. He controls the Lord has his leaders. He controls his church. Those who are the messengers his church. Those who are the messengers his church. Those who are the messengers in his church are held in his right in his church are held in his right in his church are held in his right hand. That that's a tight grip. Know hand. That that's a tight grip. Know hand. That that's a tight grip. Know this. In any generation, in any time, this. In any generation, in any time, this. In any generation, in any time, the Lord has his chosen leaders in his the Lord has his chosen leaders in his the Lord has his chosen leaders in his church. He has to. church. He has to. church. He has to. That's the whole point. He gave some That's the whole point. He gave some That's the whole point. He gave some apostles and prophets, evangelists and apostles and prophets, evangelists and apostles and prophets, evangelists and teaching pastors teaching pastors teaching pastors for the work of the ministry, for the for the work of the ministry, for the for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ. till edification of the body of Christ. till edification of the body of Christ. till the body of Christ grow into Christ the body of Christ grow into Christ the body of Christ grow into Christ likeness. Ephesians 4. So if he wants likeness. Ephesians 4. So if he wants likeness. Ephesians 4. So if he wants maturity and sanctification and Christ maturity and sanctification and Christ maturity and sanctification and Christ likeness, he has to have leaders in his likeness, he has to have leaders in his likeness, he has to have leaders in his hand who bring that about. And men are hand who bring that about. And men are hand who bring that about. And men are at all levels of faithfulness and at all levels of faithfulness and at all levels of faithfulness and ability with the with regard to that. ability with the with regard to that. ability with the with regard to that. But the Lord brings all the resources But the Lord brings all the resources But the Lord brings all the resources together to accomplish through his together to accomplish through his together to accomplish through his chosen leaders chosen leaders chosen leaders the building of his church.

the building of his church. the building of his church. So don't for a moment think he's lost So don't for a moment think he's lost So don't for a moment think he's lost sovereign control over his church. He sovereign control over his church. He sovereign control over his church. He hasn't. hasn't. hasn't. And he is concerned about the purity of And he is concerned about the purity of And he is concerned about the purity of the church. He's concerned about the the church. He's concerned about the the church. He's concerned about the devotion to the truth, the the bowing to devotion to the truth, the the bowing to devotion to the truth, the the bowing to the authority of his word. He's the authority of his word. He's the authority of his word. He's interceding for the church and he's interceding for the church and he's interceding for the church and he's constantly in fellowship with his constantly in fellowship with his constantly in fellowship with his church. church. church. And number six in verse 16, And number six in verse 16, And number six in verse 16, it says, "Out of his mouth came a sharp it says, "Out of his mouth came a sharp it says, "Out of his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword." two-edged sword." two-edged sword." I would say this is where he protects I would say this is where he protects I would say this is where he protects his church. He protects his church. And his church. He protects his church. And his church. He protects his church. And if you want to see an illustration of if you want to see an illustration of if you want to see an illustration of that, chapter 2, verse 12 to the church that, chapter 2, verse 12 to the church that, chapter 2, verse 12 to the church at Pergamus, at Pergamus, at Pergamus, write the one who has the sharp write the one who has the sharp write the one who has the sharp two-edged sword two-edged sword two-edged sword says this. says this. says this. And then he goes on to talk about being And then he goes on to talk about being And then he goes on to talk about being where Satan's throne is. where Satan's throne is. where Satan's throne is. And then he says verse 14, I have a few And then he says verse 14, I have a few And then he says verse 14, I have a few things against you because you have some things against you because you have some things against you because you have some there who hold the teaching of Balum.

there who hold the teaching of Balum. there who hold the teaching of Balum. This would be perversion of the truth This would be perversion of the truth This would be perversion of the truth who kept teaching Bailo to put a who kept teaching Bailo to put a who kept teaching Bailo to put a stumbling block before the sons of stumbling block before the sons of stumbling block before the sons of Israel to eat things sacrificed to idols Israel to eat things sacrificed to idols Israel to eat things sacrificed to idols and commit acts of immorality. So you and commit acts of immorality. So you and commit acts of immorality. So you also have some who in the same way hold also have some who in the same way hold also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the nickelans which is the teaching of the nickelans which is the teaching of the nickelans which is another deviation from the truth. And another deviation from the truth. And another deviation from the truth. And then verse 16, therefore repent or else then verse 16, therefore repent or else then verse 16, therefore repent or else I'm coming to you quickly and I will I'm coming to you quickly and I will I'm coming to you quickly and I will make war against them. Not against you make war against them. Not against you make war against them. Not against you but against them. Who who is them? All but against them. Who who is them? All but against them. Who who is them? All those leading the corruption described those leading the corruption described those leading the corruption described in verses 14 and 15. I will war against in verses 14 and 15. I will war against in verses 14 and 15. I will war against them with the sword of my mouth. them with the sword of my mouth. them with the sword of my mouth. This is the sword that he uses. It's This is the sword that he uses. It's This is the sword that he uses. It's two-edged. It's a ramfire. It's a huge two-edged. It's a ramfire. It's a huge two-edged. It's a ramfire. It's a huge broad sword. Cuts every way. broad sword. Cuts every way. broad sword. Cuts every way. I mean, you know me by now. You know I I I mean, you know me by now. You know I I I mean, you know me by now. You know I I want to fight against unound doctrine, want to fight against unound doctrine, want to fight against unound doctrine, false teachers and false teaching and false teachers and false teaching and false teachers and false teaching and cults and deceivers and frauds and fakes cults and deceivers and frauds and fakes cults and deceivers and frauds and fakes who seek to infiltrate the church. But who seek to infiltrate the church. But who seek to infiltrate the church. But as much as I want that and have as much as I want that and have as much as I want that and have virtually no power to thwart it, the virtually no power to thwart it, the virtually no power to thwart it, the Lord wants it far more and has all power Lord wants it far more and has all power Lord wants it far more and has all power to thwart it.

to thwart it. to thwart it. That is why they don't succeed with his That is why they don't succeed with his That is why they don't succeed with his true church. true church. true church. They don't succeed with his true church, They don't succeed with his true church, They don't succeed with his true church, but he makes war against them. but he makes war against them. but he makes war against them. And it's a deadly, eternally deadly war. And then in verse 16, he reflects his And then in verse 16, he reflects his glory through the church. glory through the church. glory through the church. His face as he looked at this image was His face as he looked at this image was His face as he looked at this image was like the sun shining in its strength. like the sun shining in its strength. like the sun shining in its strength. John saw the face of the son of man. It John saw the face of the son of man. It John saw the face of the son of man. It was like blazing sun at noonday, crystal was like blazing sun at noonday, crystal was like blazing sun at noonday, crystal clear day, blazing glory. clear day, blazing glory. clear day, blazing glory. Matthew 13:43 says, "The faces of the Matthew 13:43 says, "The faces of the Matthew 13:43 says, "The faces of the righteous shine like the sun." righteous shine like the sun." righteous shine like the sun." This is a picture of God of Christ in This is a picture of God of Christ in This is a picture of God of Christ in his church and his glory shining from his church and his glory shining from his church and his glory shining from his church. his church. his church. He shines in us. 2 Corinthians 4:6, He shines in us. 2 Corinthians 4:6, He shines in us. 2 Corinthians 4:6, he shines in us to give others the light he shines in us to give others the light he shines in us to give others the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in of the knowledge of the glory of God in of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. It's what Jesus the face of Christ. It's what Jesus the face of Christ. It's what Jesus said. Let your light shine that men may said. Let your light shine that men may said. Let your light shine that men may see your good works and glorify your see your good works and glorify your see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven or what the father who is in heaven or what the father who is in heaven or what the apostle Paul said with regard to the apostle Paul said with regard to the apostle Paul said with regard to the Philippians that you are lights in the Philippians that you are lights in the Philippians that you are lights in the world.

world. world. So he reflects his glory through his So he reflects his glory through his So he reflects his glory through his church and Jesus is saying let that light and Jesus is saying let that light shine. shine. shine. It's an amazing amazing picture. It's an amazing amazing picture. It's an amazing amazing picture. We who serve the church, who live for We who serve the church, who live for We who serve the church, who live for the church and die for the church, who the church and die for the church, who the church and die for the church, who work tirelessly to see it be what it work tirelessly to see it be what it work tirelessly to see it be what it should be. should be. should be. [clears throat] For us, this is great [clears throat] For us, this is great [clears throat] For us, this is great comfort because these are the things comfort because these are the things comfort because these are the things that we would desire for the church. that we would desire for the church. that we would desire for the church. Fellowship with Christ, purity and holiness, purity and holiness, submission to the truth, submission to the truth, submission to the truth, strong leadership, strong leadership, strong leadership, and effective evangelistic testimony. And he in this church is doing all of And he in this church is doing all of that. The exalted that. The exalted that. The exalted Christ is present empowering, Christ is present empowering, Christ is present empowering, interceding, purging, teaching, interceding, purging, teaching, interceding, purging, teaching, commanding, controlling sovereignly, commanding, controlling sovereignly, commanding, controlling sovereignly, evangelizing by shining the glory of his evangelizing by shining the glory of his evangelizing by shining the glory of his person through his church.

This is a magnificent picture and one of This is a magnificent picture and one of immense encouragement. Do you see this? Let's look at John's Do you see this? Let's look at John's reaction in verse 17. When I saw him, I reaction in verse 17. When I saw him, I reaction in verse 17. When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. fell at his feet like a dead man. fell at his feet like a dead man. Fear. That was the standard operating Fear. That was the standard operating Fear. That was the standard operating reaction to anyone who saw a vision of reaction to anyone who saw a vision of reaction to anyone who saw a vision of the glory of God. Happened to Monoah. It the glory of God. Happened to Monoah. It the glory of God. Happened to Monoah. It happened to Job. It happened to the happened to Job. It happened to the happened to Job. It happened to the disciples several times. It happened to disciples several times. It happened to disciples several times. It happened to Peter. It happened to Ezekiel. It Peter. It happened to Ezekiel. It Peter. It happened to Ezekiel. It happened to Isaiah. Happened to Daniel. Happened to Daniel. happened to Paul on the Damascus road. happened to Paul on the Damascus road. happened to Paul on the Damascus road. A terrifying experience. A terrifying A terrifying experience. A terrifying A terrifying experience. A terrifying experience. And John was terrified into experience. And John was terrified into experience. And John was terrified into a coma, temporary coma. It was kind of a coma, temporary coma. It was kind of a coma, temporary coma. It was kind of holy fright. And how wonderful it was that And how wonderful it was that John writes, "Then he placed his hand, John writes, "Then he placed his hand, John writes, "Then he placed his hand, his right hand on me, saying, do not be his right hand on me, saying, do not be his right hand on me, saying, do not be afraid. I'm the first and the last and afraid. I'm the first and the last and afraid. I'm the first and the last and the living one. And I was dead and the living one. And I was dead and the living one. And I was dead and behold, I'm alive forever more. And I behold, I'm alive forever more. And I behold, I'm alive forever more. And I have the keys of death and of Hades.

have the keys of death and of Hades. have the keys of death and of Hades. John, you have nothing to be afraid of. John, you have nothing to be afraid of. John, you have nothing to be afraid of. You belong to me. You belong to me. You belong to me. You belong to me. You belong to me. You belong to me. I am the first and the last. Meaning, I I am the first and the last. Meaning, I I am the first and the last. Meaning, I dominate dominate dominate history. history. history. I am alive and I'm in charge of who dies I am alive and I'm in charge of who dies I am alive and I'm in charge of who dies and I'm in charge of who lives. and I'm in charge of who lives. and I'm in charge of who lives. You have nothing to fear. This is the kind of reaction that This is the kind of reaction that someone would have if they really saw someone would have if they really saw someone would have if they really saw the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Not like some of the foolishness that Not like some of the foolishness that Not like some of the foolishness that you hear from you hear from you hear from fraudulent testimonies on that fraudulent testimonies on that fraudulent testimonies on that supposed vision. supposed vision. supposed vision. So the Lord encourages him that he's So the Lord encourages him that he's So the Lord encourages him that he's okay. okay. okay. Even under this immense vision, he's Even under this immense vision, he's Even under this immense vision, he's okay. He's okay He's okay because because because Jesus decides who lives and who dies.

Jesus decides who lives and who dies. Jesus decides who lives and who dies. And John will live. And more than that, And John will live. And more than that, And John will live. And more than that, verse 19 gives him his commission. verse 19 gives him his commission. verse 19 gives him his commission. Therefore, Therefore, Therefore, write the things which you have seen, write the things which you have seen, write the things which you have seen, the things which are, and the things the things which are, and the things the things which are, and the things which will take place after these which will take place after these which will take place after these things. things. things. Go to work, John. Go to work, John. Go to work, John. Start writing. Start writing. Start writing. This is just the beginning. This is just the beginning. This is just the beginning. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Here is another saint who Here is another saint who Here is another saint who literally was devastated under the literally was devastated under the literally was devastated under the vision of God who is called and vision of God who is called and vision of God who is called and commissioned like Isaiah was, like commissioned like Isaiah was, like commissioned like Isaiah was, like Ezekiel was, like Paul was. Ezekiel was, like Paul was. Ezekiel was, like Paul was. Get up, dust yourself off, Get up, dust yourself off, Get up, dust yourself off, and write the things which you have seen and write the things which you have seen and write the things which you have seen the past, things which are in the the past, things which are in the the past, things which are in the present, things which will take place present, things which will take place present, things which will take place after these things. Get back to work. It's all Get back to work. It's all It's all history that John wrote. He's It's all history that John wrote. He's It's all history that John wrote. He's writing history before it ever happened.

writing history before it ever happened. writing history before it ever happened. He's writing the future. He's writing the future. He's writing the future. And for us, go back to verse three. And for us, go back to verse three. And for us, go back to verse three. Blessed is he who reads and those who Blessed is he who reads and those who Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed hear the words of the prophecy and heed hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it. For the things which are written in it. For the things which are written in it. For the time is near. You want to be the time is near. You want to be the time is near. You want to be blessed? blessed? blessed? Look at the future through the book of Look at the future through the book of Look at the future through the book of Revelation, Revelation, Revelation, not through any human perspective. It's it's already written. The history It's it's already written. The history is written. It's written in indelible is written. It's written in indelible is written. It's written in indelible ink. ink. ink. Can never be changed. Can never be changed. Can never be changed. And just to summarize, And just to summarize, And just to summarize, let me borrow let me borrow let me borrow verse 7. verse 7. verse 7. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, Behold, he is coming with the clouds, Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him. Even those and every eye will see him. Even those and every eye will see him. Even those who pierced him, and all the tribes of who pierced him, and all the tribes of who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. So it is the earth will mourn over him. So it is the earth will mourn over him. So it is to be. Amen.

to be. Amen. to be. Amen. That's how it ends with the return That's how it ends with the return That's how it ends with the return of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. Father, thank you again for Father, thank you again for Father, thank you again for revealing to us revealing to us revealing to us these incredible realities and these incredible realities and these incredible realities and giving our giving our giving our hearts such great confidence and hope. We have faith in what you have done. We We have faith in what you have done. We have faith in you as the creator. We have faith in you as the creator. We have faith in you as the creator. We have faith in you as the sustainer of have faith in you as the sustainer of have faith in you as the sustainer of creation, the one who upholds all things creation, the one who upholds all things creation, the one who upholds all things by the word of his power. We have faith by the word of his power. We have faith by the word of his power. We have faith in in in in the the accomplishment of Christ on in the the accomplishment of Christ on in the the accomplishment of Christ on the cross. We we look back in history the cross. We we look back in history the cross. We we look back in history and we we we trust our eternal salvation and we we we trust our eternal salvation and we we we trust our eternal salvation to the truth of the historic event of to the truth of the historic event of to the truth of the historic event of the crucifixion and resurrection. the crucifixion and resurrection. the crucifixion and resurrection. We thank you that we we know the past We thank you that we we know the past We thank you that we we know the past and we believe the past and it is on the and we believe the past and it is on the and we believe the past and it is on the basis of the past that we have come to basis of the past that we have come to basis of the past that we have come to you and repented of our sin and embraced you and repented of our sin and embraced you and repented of our sin and embraced salvation.

salvation. salvation. But Lord, it isn't just the past that But Lord, it isn't just the past that But Lord, it isn't just the past that you revealed to us. You have revealed to you revealed to us. You have revealed to you revealed to us. You have revealed to us the future. us the future. us the future. And may we believe you And may we believe you And may we believe you as firmly with regard to the future as as firmly with regard to the future as as firmly with regard to the future as we do with the past. May we understand we do with the past. May we understand we do with the past. May we understand that with you, it was all written in eternity. Before it was all written in eternity. Before there was any creation, there was any creation, there was any creation, before there was any time before there was any time before there was any time or space, or space, or space, you wrote the full history. It's all laid out. Help us to live It's all laid out. Help us to live without dread or fear of the future without dread or fear of the future without dread or fear of the future because it's all in your hands. because it's all in your hands. because it's all in your hands. In fact, we we want you to bring the In fact, we we want you to bring the In fact, we we want you to bring the future, your future. So we say with future, your future. So we say with future, your future. So we say with John, even so come Lord Jesus. John, even so come Lord Jesus. John, even so come Lord Jesus. But until then we will rejoice But until then we will rejoice But until then we will rejoice because we know how it all ends because we know how it all ends because we know how it all ends to the eternal to the eternal to the eternal glory of the Son, the Father, and the glory of the Son, the Father, and the glory of the Son, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, and the everlasting Holy Spirit, and the everlasting Holy Spirit, and the everlasting blessing of the saints.

blessing of the saints. blessing of the saints. Thank you for such a gift. Thank you for such a gift. Thank you for such a gift. Amen.