“Jesus Sets the World Right” | Shawn Williams

Revelation 2:13 says, "And I heard a Revelation 2:13 says, "And I heard a loud voice from the [music] throne, loud voice from the [music] throne, loud voice from the [music] throne, saying, look, God's dwelling place is saying, look, God's dwelling place is saying, look, God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell now among the people, and he will dwell now among the people, and he will dwell with them. [music] They will be his with them. [music] They will be his with them. [music] They will be his people, and God himself will be with people, and God himself will be with people, and God himself will be with them and be their [music] God. them and be their [music] God. them and be their [music] God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will [music] be no more death or There will [music] be no more death or There will [music] be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. mourning or crying or pain. mourning or crying or pain. For the old order [music] of things has For the old order [music] of things has For the old order [music] of things has passed away. [music] All right. Good morning. Great to have All right. Good morning. Great to have everybody here. Want to welcome all of everybody here. Want to welcome all of everybody here. Want to welcome all of our Willow locations. Big shout out to our Willow locations. Big shout out to our Willow locations. Big shout out to our friends in Huntley and Crystal Lake, our friends in Huntley and Crystal Lake, our friends in Huntley and Crystal Lake, Northshore, South Lake, Wheaton. Great Northshore, South Lake, Wheaton. Great Northshore, South Lake, Wheaton. Great to have everybody. Also want to welcome to have everybody. Also want to welcome to have everybody. Also want to welcome those of you joining online. And as those of you joining online. And as those of you joining online. And as always, a very special welcome to our always, a very special welcome to our always, a very special welcome to our brothers who join us at the Jefferson brothers who join us at the Jefferson brothers who join us at the Jefferson City Correctional Center. Great to have City Correctional Center. Great to have City Correctional Center. Great to have everybody here with us.

everybody here with us. everybody here with us. Now, we've been on this journey for now. Now, we've been on this journey for now. Now, we've been on this journey for now. This is week number nine in our journey This is week number nine in our journey This is week number nine in our journey through the book of Revelation. I'm glad through the book of Revelation. I'm glad through the book of Revelation. I'm glad that you're here today because we've that you're here today because we've that you're here today because we've just survived 12 chapters of the just survived 12 chapters of the just survived 12 chapters of the tribulation. And the tribulation is now tribulation. And the tribulation is now tribulation. And the tribulation is now behind us in Revelation. And now this is behind us in Revelation. And now this is behind us in Revelation. And now this is kind of the climactic week of all of kind of the climactic week of all of kind of the climactic week of all of Revelation. We get to kind of see a Revelation. We get to kind of see a Revelation. We get to kind of see a glimpse of what happens at the end. And glimpse of what happens at the end. And glimpse of what happens at the end. And I think the reason why God gives us a I think the reason why God gives us a I think the reason why God gives us a glimpse of what happens at the end is if glimpse of what happens at the end is if glimpse of what happens at the end is if you understand how it ends, it changes you understand how it ends, it changes you understand how it ends, it changes how you experience it today. Now, I've how you experience it today. Now, I've how you experience it today. Now, I've shared this with you before. So, if shared this with you before. So, if shared this with you before. So, if you've been around for a long time, you've been around for a long time, you've been around for a long time, you've heard me share this illustration, you've heard me share this illustration, you've heard me share this illustration, but I think it's really applicable for but I think it's really applicable for but I think it's really applicable for today. Uh, many of you know that I'm a today. Uh, many of you know that I'm a today. Uh, many of you know that I'm a diehard Cubs fan. Uh, I grew up in diehard Cubs fan. Uh, I grew up in diehard Cubs fan. Uh, I grew up in Texas, but I'm still a diehard Cubs fan. Texas, but I'm still a diehard Cubs fan. Texas, but I'm still a diehard Cubs fan. Uh, I'm one of those kids that watched Uh, I'm one of those kids that watched Uh, I'm one of those kids that watched WGN where the Cubs used to play on that WGN where the Cubs used to play on that WGN where the Cubs used to play on that channel every single day. And so I I was channel every single day. And so I I was channel every single day. And so I I was ruined as a kid. And so I grew up with ruined as a kid. And so I grew up with ruined as a kid. And so I grew up with this avid Cubs fan. And so fell in love this avid Cubs fan. And so fell in love this avid Cubs fan. And so fell in love with the lovable losers. And as anybody with the lovable losers. And as anybody with the lovable losers. And as anybody who's been a Cubs fan for a long time, who's been a Cubs fan for a long time, who's been a Cubs fan for a long time, you know, it's a hard journey being a you know, it's a hard journey being a you know, it's a hard journey being a Cubs fan. And so it always next year, Cubs fan. And so it always next year, Cubs fan. And so it always next year, somebody says, you're totally right. And somebody says, you're totally right. And somebody says, you're totally right. And so it was, you know, quite the journey.

so it was, you know, quite the journey. so it was, you know, quite the journey. But then, but then But then, but then But then, but then 2016 happened, right? 2016 happened, right? 2016 happened, right? So, we're celebrating the 10-year So, we're celebrating the 10-year So, we're celebrating the 10-year anniversary of it right now, and the anniversary of it right now, and the anniversary of it right now, and the Cubs finally made it to the World Cubs finally made it to the World Cubs finally made it to the World Series. I was ecstatic. But then it got Series. I was ecstatic. But then it got Series. I was ecstatic. But then it got to game seven of that World Series. And to game seven of that World Series. And to game seven of that World Series. And I will tell you, there's never been a I will tell you, there's never been a I will tell you, there's never been a more stressful day in my entire life more stressful day in my entire life more stressful day in my entire life than November the 2nd, 2016. I'm pretty than November the 2nd, 2016. I'm pretty than November the 2nd, 2016. I'm pretty convinced watching game seven of the convinced watching game seven of the convinced watching game seven of the World Series, I shaved off about 5 years World Series, I shaved off about 5 years World Series, I shaved off about 5 years to the end of my life because of how to the end of my life because of how to the end of my life because of how much stress I experienced on that day. much stress I experienced on that day. much stress I experienced on that day. Now, I lived in Vegas at the time and so Now, I lived in Vegas at the time and so Now, I lived in Vegas at the time and so a lot of people around me didn't care a lot of people around me didn't care a lot of people around me didn't care about the Cubs, but they knew I was an about the Cubs, but they knew I was an about the Cubs, but they knew I was an avid Cub fan. So, people came over not avid Cub fan. So, people came over not avid Cub fan. So, people came over not to watch the game, but to watch me watch to watch the game, but to watch me watch to watch the game, but to watch me watch the game because I was a basket case the game because I was a basket case the game because I was a basket case watching the game. And so, people didn't watching the game. And so, people didn't watching the game. And so, people didn't care about the game, but they were care about the game, but they were care about the game, but they were snapping photos of me. Haha, look at snapping photos of me. Haha, look at snapping photos of me. Haha, look at this loser, you know, who's just like this loser, you know, who's just like this loser, you know, who's just like going crazy about it. So, here's a going crazy about it. So, here's a going crazy about it. So, here's a couple of the photos. They they snap couple of the photos. They they snap couple of the photos. They they snap with me. Uh, I mean, I'm just like on my with me. Uh, I mean, I'm just like on my with me. Uh, I mean, I'm just like on my knees. I can't stand it. That's when knees. I can't stand it. That's when knees. I can't stand it. That's when Rajie Davis hit the home run in a title.

Rajie Davis hit the home run in a title. Rajie Davis hit the home run in a title. I'm like, I can't even believe, right? I'm like, I can't even believe, right? I'm like, I can't even believe, right? And I was just so incredibly stressed And I was just so incredibly stressed And I was just so incredibly stressed out, not knowing what was going to out, not knowing what was going to out, not knowing what was going to happen. But then the rain delay happen. But then the rain delay happen. But then the rain delay happened. happened. happened. God love us, right? And then we'll never God love us, right? And then we'll never God love us, right? And then we'll never forget the moment where the ground ball forget the moment where the ground ball forget the moment where the ground ball went to third base, Chris Bryant throws went to third base, Chris Bryant throws went to third base, Chris Bryant throws across the diamond, Anthony Rizzle across the diamond, Anthony Rizzle across the diamond, Anthony Rizzle catches it, and the Cubs win the World catches it, and the Cubs win the World catches it, and the Cubs win the World Series for the first time in 108 years. Series for the first time in 108 years. Series for the first time in 108 years. Now, I remember watching that moment and Now, I remember watching that moment and Now, I remember watching that moment and then I think everything went blank for then I think everything went blank for then I think everything went blank for me. I don't know why, but I fell on my me. I don't know why, but I fell on my me. I don't know why, but I fell on my living room floor. My wife just covers living room floor. My wife just covers living room floor. My wife just covers me up with the with the Cubs W flag and me up with the with the Cubs W flag and me up with the with the Cubs W flag and they were just like, "Let him be." I they were just like, "Let him be." I they were just like, "Let him be." I don't know. I don't even remember this don't know. I don't even remember this don't know. I don't even remember this moment. I kind of passed out. I don't I moment. I kind of passed out. I don't I moment. I kind of passed out. I don't I don't really know what took place, but don't really know what took place, but don't really know what took place, but eventually I came too and I got to stand eventually I came too and I got to stand eventually I came too and I got to stand in the victory of what it looked like in the victory of what it looked like in the victory of what it looked like for the Cubs winning the World Series. for the Cubs winning the World Series. for the Cubs winning the World Series. Now, the reason why I share that story Now, the reason why I share that story Now, the reason why I share that story is I've actually gone back and watched is I've actually gone back and watched is I've actually gone back and watched game seven of the World Series a number game seven of the World Series a number game seven of the World Series a number of times. What's interesting is you go of times. What's interesting is you go of times. What's interesting is you go back and watch it, I can't remember back and watch it, I can't remember back and watch it, I can't remember every at bat. I can't remember every every at bat. I can't remember every every at bat. I can't remember every pitch. There's still a lot of unknowns pitch. There's still a lot of unknowns pitch. There's still a lot of unknowns for me, but I have almost no anxiety for me, but I have almost no anxiety for me, but I have almost no anxiety watching it back. Why?

watching it back. Why? watching it back. Why? Cuz I know how it ends. Cuz I know how it ends. Cuz I know how it ends. Here's why that matters. For some of us, Here's why that matters. For some of us, Here's why that matters. For some of us, we're walking through life with we're walking through life with we're walking through life with something very uncertain right now. We something very uncertain right now. We something very uncertain right now. We don't know how it's going to end. Uh we don't know how it's going to end. Uh we don't know how it's going to end. Uh we don't know how our marriage is going to don't know how our marriage is going to don't know how our marriage is going to wind up. We don't know if our wind up. We don't know if our wind up. We don't know if our relationship with a child will be relationship with a child will be relationship with a child will be reconciled. reconciled. reconciled. uh we don't know if we're going to be uh we don't know if we're going to be uh we don't know if we're going to be able to figure out what's going to able to figure out what's going to able to figure out what's going to happen when we get the results of that happen when we get the results of that happen when we get the results of that scan. And so we we live in all kinds of scan. And so we we live in all kinds of scan. And so we we live in all kinds of uncertainty and sometimes we live with uncertainty and sometimes we live with uncertainty and sometimes we live with all kinds of anxiety. And I would argue all kinds of anxiety. And I would argue all kinds of anxiety. And I would argue that if you're here facing something that if you're here facing something that if you're here facing something that has a lot of anxiety, then this that has a lot of anxiety, then this that has a lot of anxiety, then this week is for you because I think that God week is for you because I think that God week is for you because I think that God gives us a picture of the end. It gives us a picture of the end. It gives us a picture of the end. It doesn't resolve the uncertainty. But if doesn't resolve the uncertainty. But if doesn't resolve the uncertainty. But if you can understand how it ends, it you can understand how it ends, it you can understand how it ends, it changes everything with how we changes everything with how we changes everything with how we experience it today. experience it today. experience it today. And Revelation continues to push us back And Revelation continues to push us back And Revelation continues to push us back to these powerful images of Jesus.

to these powerful images of Jesus. to these powerful images of Jesus. Again, we started here week one. Let me Again, we started here week one. Let me Again, we started here week one. Let me just give you these anchoring pictures just give you these anchoring pictures just give you these anchoring pictures of Jesus all throughout the book of Re of Jesus all throughout the book of Re of Jesus all throughout the book of Re Revelation. Revelation will tell us tell Revelation. Revelation will tell us tell Revelation. Revelation will tell us tell us this that Jesus is he's the high us this that Jesus is he's the high us this that Jesus is he's the high priest. He's the high priest that walks priest. He's the high priest that walks priest. He's the high priest that walks with us. that he understands your needs, with us. that he understands your needs, with us. that he understands your needs, that he's with us, that he's present that he's with us, that he's present that he's with us, that he's present with us every single moment of every with us every single moment of every with us every single moment of every day, that he's also the lamb who died day, that he's also the lamb who died day, that he's also the lamb who died for us, that he's the one that holds all for us, that he's the one that holds all for us, that he's the one that holds all of history in his hands. And it's of history in his hands. And it's of history in his hands. And it's actually because of his sacrifice that actually because of his sacrifice that actually because of his sacrifice that ensures what ultimately is to come. But ensures what ultimately is to come. But ensures what ultimately is to come. But here we are, baby. We're in chapter I'm here we are, baby. We're in chapter I'm here we are, baby. We're in chapter I'm sorry for calling you baby, but here we sorry for calling you baby, but here we sorry for calling you baby, but here we are, chapter 19, that Jesus is the king are, chapter 19, that Jesus is the king are, chapter 19, that Jesus is the king who returns for us. And it gives us this who returns for us. And it gives us this who returns for us. And it gives us this picture of the end. If we can understand picture of the end. If we can understand picture of the end. If we can understand this, this king who comes for us, I this, this king who comes for us, I this, this king who comes for us, I would argue that it changes everything would argue that it changes everything would argue that it changes everything by how we choose to live today. So, by how we choose to live today. So, by how we choose to live today. So, let's dive in. Revelation 19, we're let's dive in. Revelation 19, we're let's dive in. Revelation 19, we're going to start at verse 11. It says going to start at verse 11. It says going to start at verse 11. It says this. These are John's words. He says, this. These are John's words. He says, this. These are John's words. He says, "I saw heaven standing open, and there "I saw heaven standing open, and there "I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse whose rider before me was a white horse whose rider before me was a white horse whose rider is called faithful and true. With is called faithful and true. With is called faithful and true. With justice he judges and wages war, his justice he judges and wages war, his justice he judges and wages war, his eyes are like blazing fire, and on his eyes are like blazing fire, and on his eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head there are many crowns. He has a head there are many crowns. He has a head there are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows name written on him that no one knows name written on him that no one knows but himself. He's dressed in a robe but himself. He's dressed in a robe but himself. He's dressed in a robe dipped in blood. And his name is the dipped in blood. And his name is the dipped in blood. And his name is the word of God.

word of God. word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, The armies of heaven were following him, The armies of heaven were following him, riding on the white horses and dressed riding on the white horses and dressed riding on the white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming in fine linen, white and clean. Coming in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with out of his mouth is a sharp sword with out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He which to strike down the nations. He which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the wine press to the fury of the treads the wine press to the fury of the treads the wine press to the fury of the wrath of the God Almighty. And look what wrath of the God Almighty. And look what wrath of the God Almighty. And look what it said. says on his robe and on his it said. says on his robe and on his it said. says on his robe and on his thigh he has the name written. He's the thigh he has the name written. He's the thigh he has the name written. He's the King of Kings. He's the Lord of Lords. King of Kings. He's the Lord of Lords. King of Kings. He's the Lord of Lords. Now, there's a couple things that are Now, there's a couple things that are Now, there's a couple things that are referenced about who he is in this referenced about who he is in this referenced about who he is in this passage, almost like names given to passage, almost like names given to passage, almost like names given to Jesus as he is this coming king. So, let Jesus as he is this coming king. So, let Jesus as he is this coming king. So, let me go back through them just really me go back through them just really me go back through them just really quickly and highlight a couple things. quickly and highlight a couple things. quickly and highlight a couple things. He's called faithful. My friends, in a He's called faithful. My friends, in a He's called faithful. My friends, in a world that is full of broken promises, world that is full of broken promises, world that is full of broken promises, he is faithful. he is faithful. he is faithful. The one who's who's never fallen short The one who's who's never fallen short The one who's who's never fallen short of any promise that he's ever given us, of any promise that he's ever given us, of any promise that he's ever given us, he is faithful.

he is faithful. he is faithful. He's also true. In a world that's full He's also true. In a world that's full He's also true. In a world that's full of counterfeits, of counterfeits, of counterfeits, in a world that that that sometimes in a world that that that sometimes in a world that that that sometimes promises us things but but comes up promises us things but but comes up promises us things but but comes up short, he is always true. It says that short, he is always true. It says that short, he is always true. It says that he is the word of God. He's the one he is the word of God. He's the one he is the word of God. He's the one through whom all of creation was spoken through whom all of creation was spoken through whom all of creation was spoken into existence. And his word is also the into existence. And his word is also the into existence. And his word is also the final word. Evil doesn't get the final final word. Evil doesn't get the final final word. Evil doesn't get the final word. word. word. He is the final word. He is the final word. He is the final word. It also says this. I love this on the It also says this. I love this on the It also says this. I love this on the the next page. It says that he is the the next page. It says that he is the the next page. It says that he is the king of all kings. king of all kings. king of all kings. He's the lord of all lords. He's the lord of all lords. He's the lord of all lords. You know, in other words, in our world, You know, in other words, in our world, You know, in other words, in our world, there will be all kinds of kings and there will be all kinds of kings and there will be all kinds of kings and kingdoms. That's true of any period, of kingdoms. That's true of any period, of kingdoms. That's true of any period, of any age, of any country, of any culture. any age, of any country, of any culture. any age, of any country, of any culture. There are kings and kingdoms in this There are kings and kingdoms in this There are kings and kingdoms in this world. But he's not just any king. He's world. But he's not just any king. He's world. But he's not just any king. He's the king of all kings. He's the Lord of the king of all kings. He's the Lord of the king of all kings. He's the Lord of all lord. It reminds me of of the words all lord. It reminds me of of the words all lord. It reminds me of of the words of Paul in in the book of Philippians of Paul in in the book of Philippians of Paul in in the book of Philippians where he says, "At the name of Jesus, where he says, "At the name of Jesus, where he says, "At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow in heaven, on every knee shall bow in heaven, on every knee shall bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every earth, and under the earth, and every earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that he is Lord." And so, tongue confess that he is Lord." And so, tongue confess that he is Lord." And so, Revelation 19 is that moment. It's that Revelation 19 is that moment. It's that Revelation 19 is that moment. It's that moment that that all the kings that moment that that all the kings that moment that that all the kings that sought for power for themselves are all sought for power for themselves are all sought for power for themselves are all bowing to the one true king. He is bowing to the one true king. He is bowing to the one true king. He is faithful. He is true. He is the word of faithful. He is true. He is the word of faithful. He is true. He is the word of God. He is the King of Kings. He's the

God. He is the King of Kings. He's the God. He is the King of Kings. He's the Lord of Lords. Lord of Lords. Lord of Lords. And because that's true, I would argue And because that's true, I would argue And because that's true, I would argue that it changes everything. So when you that it changes everything. So when you that it changes everything. So when you walked in today, hopefully across all of walked in today, hopefully across all of walked in today, hopefully across all of our locations, you received a card like our locations, you received a card like our locations, you received a card like this. Uh this card is my outline of this. Uh this card is my outline of this. Uh this card is my outline of where I'm going today. But it was where I'm going today. But it was where I'm going today. But it was important enough for me to put it in important enough for me to put it in important enough for me to put it in print for you so that you have it print for you so that you have it print for you so that you have it because again, if we understand the end because again, if we understand the end because again, if we understand the end as described in Revelation, it changes as described in Revelation, it changes as described in Revelation, it changes everything about who we are today. So, everything about who we are today. So, everything about who we are today. So, I'm going to walk through these and I'm I'm going to walk through these and I'm I'm going to walk through these and I'm always going to say the first phrase and always going to say the first phrase and always going to say the first phrase and I'm going to need you to say the second I'm going to need you to say the second I'm going to need you to say the second part of the phrase out loud with me. part of the phrase out loud with me. part of the phrase out loud with me. Let's try it real quick. I will say Let's try it real quick. I will say Let's try it real quick. I will say this, victory is certain. So, this, victory is certain. So, this, victory is certain. So, victory is certain. victory is certain. victory is certain. It's certain. It's certain. It's certain. So, stay faithful So, stay faithful So, stay faithful even when it feels somewhat uncertain. Maybe you've heard the the term uh Maybe you've heard the the term uh sometimes in our world you've heard the sometimes in our world you've heard the sometimes in our world you've heard the term the battle of Armageddon. Have you term the battle of Armageddon. Have you term the battle of Armageddon. Have you ever heard that before? A few of you ever heard that before? A few of you ever heard that before? A few of you have, right? We we hear that because uh have, right? We we hear that because uh have, right? We we hear that because uh they've made movies about it. They've they've made movies about it. They've they've made movies about it. They've made books about it. Maybe you've heard made books about it. Maybe you've heard made books about it. Maybe you've heard the term the battle of Armageddon, the term the battle of Armageddon, the term the battle of Armageddon, right? And what's interesting about this right? And what's interesting about this right? And what's interesting about this battle is we typically think it's the battle is we typically think it's the battle is we typically think it's the the final catastrophic conflict, right?

the final catastrophic conflict, right? the final catastrophic conflict, right? where really it determines the ultimate where really it determines the ultimate where really it determines the ultimate fate of the world. And though the movies fate of the world. And though the movies fate of the world. And though the movies have sensationalized it and the books have sensationalized it and the books have sensationalized it and the books have been written about it, sometimes we have been written about it, sometimes we have been written about it, sometimes we get detached from what scripture get detached from what scripture get detached from what scripture actually says about it. So let's read actually says about it. So let's read actually says about it. So let's read about it. It's in Revelation 19. Here's about it. It's in Revelation 19. Here's about it. It's in Revelation 19. Here's what it says. Says, "Then I saw a beast what it says. Says, "Then I saw a beast what it says. Says, "Then I saw a beast and the kings of the earth and their and the kings of the earth and their and the kings of the earth and their armies. They gathered together to wage armies. They gathered together to wage armies. They gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and war against the rider on the horse and war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured and his army. But the beast was captured and his army. But the beast was captured and with it the false prophet who had been with it the false prophet who had been with it the false prophet who had been performed the these signs on his behalf. performed the these signs on his behalf. performed the these signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those With these signs he had deluded those With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast who had received the mark of the beast who had received the mark of the beast and and worshiped his image. The two of and and worshiped his image. The two of and and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery them were thrown alive into the fiery them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. lake of burning sulfur. lake of burning sulfur. Do you notice what's missing in the Do you notice what's missing in the Do you notice what's missing in the battle of Armageddon? There's actually no battle at all. It There's actually no battle at all. It describes like the the kingdoms of this describes like the the kingdoms of this describes like the the kingdoms of this world like gathering their armies. It world like gathering their armies. It world like gathering their armies. It talks about like the beast, the false, talks about like the beast, the false, talks about like the beast, the false, they they gather these armies. But you they they gather these armies. But you they they gather these armies. But you notice that there's never actually a notice that there's never actually a notice that there's never actually a battle fought.

battle fought. battle fought. And the reason that that there's no And the reason that that there's no And the reason that that there's no battle that's actually fought that if battle that's actually fought that if battle that's actually fought that if the battle was fought, that would the battle was fought, that would the battle was fought, that would indicate that the outcome is not yet indicate that the outcome is not yet indicate that the outcome is not yet determined. determined. determined. My friends, the outcome is already been My friends, the outcome is already been My friends, the outcome is already been determined. The outcome was determined determined. The outcome was determined determined. The outcome was determined before they ever gathered the armies. before they ever gathered the armies. before they ever gathered the armies. And the reality of it is nobody And the reality of it is nobody And the reality of it is nobody nobody can rival the king who came to nobody can rival the king who came to nobody can rival the king who came to get his people. There there's there's no get his people. There there's there's no get his people. There there's there's no there's no rival to him. There is not a there's no rival to him. There is not a there's no rival to him. There is not a shot fired. There's not a bomb dropped. shot fired. There's not a bomb dropped. shot fired. There's not a bomb dropped. It's just that the writer comes and he It's just that the writer comes and he It's just that the writer comes and he captures the beast, the prophet, and he captures the beast, the prophet, and he captures the beast, the prophet, and he puts them into a place of eternal puts them into a place of eternal puts them into a place of eternal punishment. punishment. punishment. The the reason why this is true is The the reason why this is true is The the reason why this is true is because this is actually not the place because this is actually not the place because this is actually not the place where victory was won. A victory was not where victory was won. A victory was not where victory was won. A victory was not won in Revelation chapter 19. Victory won in Revelation chapter 19. Victory won in Revelation chapter 19. Victory was won outside of Jerusalem on a Friday was won outside of Jerusalem on a Friday was won outside of Jerusalem on a Friday on a cross on a hill called Calvary.

that the victory was decided before the that the victory was decided before the battle ever assembled. And so I would battle ever assembled. And so I would battle ever assembled. And so I would argue that the battle of Revelation 19 argue that the battle of Revelation 19 argue that the battle of Revelation 19 is not where Jesus wins. It's just where is not where Jesus wins. It's just where is not where Jesus wins. It's just where he publicly displays what he already won he publicly displays what he already won he publicly displays what he already won on the cross. on the cross. on the cross. Scripture actually gets to this idea in Scripture actually gets to this idea in Scripture actually gets to this idea in another part of the Bible. In Colossians another part of the Bible. In Colossians another part of the Bible. In Colossians chapter 2, it says, "And having disarmed chapter 2, it says, "And having disarmed chapter 2, it says, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a the powers and authorities, he made a the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing public spectacle of them, triumphing public spectacle of them, triumphing over the because of the cross." That over the because of the cross." That over the because of the cross." That that's that's who he is and what he's that's that's who he is and what he's that's that's who he is and what he's done. Victory is certain because of his done. Victory is certain because of his done. Victory is certain because of his work that has already happened some work that has already happened some work that has already happened some 2,000 years ago on the cross. And 2,000 years ago on the cross. And 2,000 years ago on the cross. And because of that certainty of that because of that certainty of that because of that certainty of that victory, there's actually never a battle victory, there's actually never a battle victory, there's actually never a battle that plays out in the end. that plays out in the end. that plays out in the end. It's just a king who stands and It's just a king who stands and It's just a king who stands and culminates that victory. Now, I want to culminates that victory. Now, I want to culminates that victory. Now, I want to take us back to one image that was in take us back to one image that was in take us back to one image that was in the kind of first section that we read the kind of first section that we read the kind of first section that we read that was describing this one who's that was describing this one who's that was describing this one who's faithful and true. He's the word of God. faithful and true. He's the word of God. faithful and true. He's the word of God. Look what it says. It says he's dressed Look what it says. It says he's dressed Look what it says. It says he's dressed in a robe that's been dipped in blood in a robe that's been dipped in blood in a robe that's been dipped in blood and his name is the word of God. Now, and his name is the word of God. Now, and his name is the word of God. Now, this this image dipped in blood, that this this image dipped in blood, that this this image dipped in blood, that would have been a reference back to what would have been a reference back to what would have been a reference back to what would have been known in the Roman would have been known in the Roman would have been known in the Roman Empire. You know, that that Rome was an Empire. You know, that that Rome was an Empire. You know, that that Rome was an empire that conquered a lot of other empire that conquered a lot of other empire that conquered a lot of other nations. And what happened is when a nations. And what happened is when a nations. And what happened is when a king in that day conquered other king in that day conquered other king in that day conquered other nations, often times they would return nations, often times they would return nations, often times they would return with the blood of their enemies on their with the blood of their enemies on their with the blood of their enemies on their robe. It was a sign of victory. It was a robe. It was a sign of victory. It was a robe. It was a sign of victory. It was a sign of triumph. I've taken down my sign of triumph. I've taken down my sign of triumph. I've taken down my enemies. But notice this rider on the enemies. But notice this rider on the enemies. But notice this rider on the white horse, which is Jesus, when he white horse, which is Jesus, when he white horse, which is Jesus, when he shows up to the battle, the blood on his

shows up to the battle, the blood on his shows up to the battle, the blood on his robe is not of his enemies. robe is not of his enemies. robe is not of his enemies. The blood that's on his robe The blood that's on his robe The blood that's on his robe is his own robe. is his own robe. is his own robe. Is is his own blood. Is is his own blood. Is is his own blood. that his victory was not through that his victory was not through that his victory was not through shedding the blood of his enemies. His shedding the blood of his enemies. His shedding the blood of his enemies. His victory came by the sacrifice of himself victory came by the sacrifice of himself victory came by the sacrifice of himself for the sake of those he loves. It's for the sake of those he loves. It's for the sake of those he loves. It's what distinguishes his kingship and his what distinguishes his kingship and his what distinguishes his kingship and his kingdom compared to every other king and kingdom compared to every other king and kingdom compared to every other king and kingdom of this world. Uh we we might kingdom of this world. Uh we we might kingdom of this world. Uh we we might say it this way that every other king say it this way that every other king say it this way that every other king asks people to bleed for him but Jesus asks people to bleed for him but Jesus asks people to bleed for him but Jesus is the one who bled for his people. And is the one who bled for his people. And is the one who bled for his people. And it's because of his sacrifice it's because of his sacrifice it's because of his sacrifice that he is victorious. that he is victorious. that he is victorious. And so I would say victory is certain. And so I would say victory is certain. And so I would say victory is certain. So people stay faithful. So people stay faithful. So people stay faithful. The cross is not a prelude to victory. The cross is not a prelude to victory. The cross is not a prelude to victory. The cross actually is the victory. The cross actually is the victory. The cross actually is the victory. Let me give you principle two. It's on Let me give you principle two. It's on Let me give you principle two. It's on your card. So help me out with the your card. So help me out with the your card. So help me out with the second phrase. Judgment is good news. So second phrase. Judgment is good news. So second phrase. Judgment is good news. So judgment is actually good news. And judgment is actually good news. And judgment is actually good news. And because that's true, I think that we can because that's true, I think that we can because that's true, I think that we can live without fear. Now, if you turn the live without fear. Now, if you turn the live without fear. Now, if you turn the page into Revelation chapter 20, the page into Revelation chapter 20, the page into Revelation chapter 20, the first part of Revelation 20, we'll talk first part of Revelation 20, we'll talk first part of Revelation 20, we'll talk about something called the millennium.

about something called the millennium. about something called the millennium. Now, for the sake of time, I don't have Now, for the sake of time, I don't have Now, for the sake of time, I don't have time to describe the hotly debated time to describe the hotly debated time to describe the hotly debated theories around what the heck the the theories around what the heck the the theories around what the heck the the millennium even means. uh but but it millennium even means. uh but but it millennium even means. uh but but it describes this thousand-year reign of describes this thousand-year reign of describes this thousand-year reign of Jesus and people take it in a lot of Jesus and people take it in a lot of Jesus and people take it in a lot of different ways and again it's it's it's different ways and again it's it's it's different ways and again it's it's it's widely debated about what what what you widely debated about what what what you widely debated about what what what you try to understand it as. Let me kind of try to understand it as. Let me kind of try to understand it as. Let me kind of talk about it in a very simplistic way. talk about it in a very simplistic way. talk about it in a very simplistic way. Uh some people would say that the Uh some people would say that the Uh some people would say that the millennium should be taken literally. In millennium should be taken literally. In millennium should be taken literally. In other words, Jesus is literally going to other words, Jesus is literally going to other words, Jesus is literally going to return. He he's literally going to set return. He he's literally going to set return. He he's literally going to set up a kingship in Jerusalem likely at the up a kingship in Jerusalem likely at the up a kingship in Jerusalem likely at the Temple Mount. He's going to reign on Temple Mount. He's going to reign on Temple Mount. He's going to reign on this earth for a thousand years. this earth for a thousand years. this earth for a thousand years. Other people take it figuratively and Other people take it figuratively and Other people take it figuratively and they say that Jesus is going to return they say that Jesus is going to return they say that Jesus is going to return and that his reign is figurative. He's and that his reign is figurative. He's and that his reign is figurative. He's actually been reigning for lots and lots actually been reigning for lots and lots actually been reigning for lots and lots of years, not exactly a thousand. His of years, not exactly a thousand. His of years, not exactly a thousand. His reign is like a thousand years reign is like a thousand years reign is like a thousand years now. Whether it's literal, whether it's now. Whether it's literal, whether it's now. Whether it's literal, whether it's figurative, what exactly it means, figurative, what exactly it means, figurative, what exactly it means, again, we won't we won't settle that again, we won't we won't settle that again, we won't we won't settle that debate today because I think we can all debate today because I think we can all debate today because I think we can all agree on this. Uh we can agree about the agree on this. Uh we can agree about the agree on this. Uh we can agree about the millennium this that Jesus is going to millennium this that Jesus is going to millennium this that Jesus is going to return.

return. return. We believe that that Jesus is going to We believe that that Jesus is going to We believe that that Jesus is going to reign. He actually already is. And that reign. He actually already is. And that reign. He actually already is. And that reign will usher in judgment. Now, reign will usher in judgment. Now, reign will usher in judgment. Now, judgment is what's described next in judgment is what's described next in judgment is what's described next in Revelation 20. Uh it's a little Revelation 20. Uh it's a little Revelation 20. Uh it's a little unsettling, but I I think that we'll see unsettling, but I I think that we'll see unsettling, but I I think that we'll see it actually as good news here. Here's it actually as good news here. Here's it actually as good news here. Here's what it says. Then I saw this great what it says. Then I saw this great what it says. Then I saw this great white throne and him who was seated on white throne and him who was seated on white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from it. The earth and the heavens fled from it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for his presence, and there was no place for his presence, and there was no place for them. Then it says, I then I saw the them. Then it says, I then I saw the them. Then it says, I then I saw the dead, great and small, standing before dead, great and small, standing before dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and the books were opened. the throne, and the books were opened. the throne, and the books were opened. Another book was opened, which was uh Another book was opened, which was uh Another book was opened, which was uh which is the book of life. The dead were which is the book of life. The dead were which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done judged according to what they had done judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. as recorded in the books. as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in The sea gave up the dead that were in The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and the death and Hades gave up the it, and the death and Hades gave up the it, and the death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person dead that were in them, and each person dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had was judged according to what they had was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown done. Then death and Hades were thrown done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. And that lake of into the lake of fire. And that lake of into the lake of fire. And that lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose fire is the second death. Anyone whose fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book name was not found written in the book name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of of life was thrown into the lake of of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Okay, everybody take a deep fire. Okay, everybody take a deep fire. Okay, everybody take a deep breath.

breath. breath. Okay, we're going to be okay. Okay, we're going to be okay. Okay, we're going to be okay. It talks about judgment. Judgment's a It talks about judgment. Judgment's a It talks about judgment. Judgment's a real thing that all of us will face at real thing that all of us will face at real thing that all of us will face at the end. the end. the end. But I would argue that judgment is But I would argue that judgment is But I would argue that judgment is actually good news. Here's why. Some actually good news. Here's why. Some actually good news. Here's why. Some people read this and they're like, "Man, people read this and they're like, "Man, people read this and they're like, "Man, what's up with that kind of God? I what's up with that kind of God? I what's up with that kind of God? I thought God was loving, that God was thought God was loving, that God was thought God was loving, that God was kind. What's up with this God that feels kind. What's up with this God that feels kind. What's up with this God that feels somewhat vindictive or maybe even somewhat vindictive or maybe even somewhat vindictive or maybe even mean-spirited?" mean-spirited?" mean-spirited?" But I would argue that our loving God, But I would argue that our loving God, But I would argue that our loving God, it's actually because of his radical it's actually because of his radical it's actually because of his radical love that radical love demands justice. love that radical love demands justice. love that radical love demands justice. Here's what I mean. Here's what I mean. Here's what I mean. If you are somebody who lost a family If you are somebody who lost a family If you are somebody who lost a family member to murder and they never figured member to murder and they never figured member to murder and they never figured out who did it and that that case went out who did it and that that case went out who did it and that that case went cold, it felt like you never got a sense cold, it felt like you never got a sense cold, it felt like you never got a sense of justice. of justice. of justice. Or if you were somebody or know somebody Or if you were somebody or know somebody Or if you were somebody or know somebody who was exploited as a child and nobody who was exploited as a child and nobody who was exploited as a child and nobody ever did anything about it ever did anything about it ever did anything about it or if you were somebody who was abused or if you were somebody who was abused or if you were somebody who was abused along the way and you told people but along the way and you told people but along the way and you told people but nobody ever really believed you.

nobody ever really believed you. nobody ever really believed you. There there's so many situations in life There there's so many situations in life There there's so many situations in life that people experience just atrocious that people experience just atrocious that people experience just atrocious things that are never really fully things that are never really fully things that are never really fully addressed and reconciles. And it feels addressed and reconciles. And it feels addressed and reconciles. And it feels like it's not just. Now, think about a like it's not just. Now, think about a like it's not just. Now, think about a God who deeply, deeply loves his kids. God who deeply, deeply loves his kids. God who deeply, deeply loves his kids. A God who deeply loves his kids, who A God who deeply loves his kids, who A God who deeply loves his kids, who sees what evil has done to harm his sees what evil has done to harm his sees what evil has done to harm his kids. That love demands justice. If kids. That love demands justice. If kids. That love demands justice. If you've experienced those atrocities, you've experienced those atrocities, you've experienced those atrocities, what you don't need is a God that goes, what you don't need is a God that goes, what you don't need is a God that goes, "Sorry, you need a God who cares. you need a God who cares. You need a God who will make it right. You need a God who will make it right. You need a God who will make it right. You need a God who will punish evil so You need a God who will punish evil so You need a God who will punish evil so that evil doesn't get the final word." Judgment is not the bad news at the end Judgment is not the bad news at the end of the story. of the story. of the story. It's the good news that evil does not It's the good news that evil does not It's the good news that evil does not get the final word. get the final word. get the final word. And that's why that's why judgment's And that's why that's why judgment's And that's why that's why judgment's actually good news, especially for the actually good news, especially for the actually good news, especially for the life of the believer. Now, if you life of the believer. Now, if you life of the believer. Now, if you remember the details that we just read remember the details that we just read remember the details that we just read in Revelation 20, it actually describes in Revelation 20, it actually describes in Revelation 20, it actually describes what I would believe to be two different what I would believe to be two different what I would believe to be two different judgments. You remember his talk about judgments. You remember his talk about judgments. You remember his talk about the these books that contain all these the these books that contain all these the these books that contain all these things that that we've done, and then things that that we've done, and then things that that we've done, and then there's another book that's called the there's another book that's called the there's another book that's called the book of life. Do you remember that? And book of life. Do you remember that? And book of life. Do you remember that? And so it's kind of this picture if you can so it's kind of this picture if you can so it's kind of this picture if you can just imagine with me imagine like on just imagine with me imagine like on just imagine with me imagine like on this this side is like this wall of this this side is like this wall of this this side is like this wall of books like volume after volume after

books like volume after volume after books like volume after volume after volume and in it are written everything volume and in it are written everything volume and in it are written everything that you and I have ever done in the that you and I have ever done in the that you and I have ever done in the history of our entire lives. All the history of our entire lives. All the history of our entire lives. All the good moments all the proud moments all good moments all the proud moments all good moments all the proud moments all the moments like like they're all the moments like like they're all the moments like like they're all written like it's all here and then over written like it's all here and then over written like it's all here and then over here there's a single book. It's the here there's a single book. It's the here there's a single book. It's the lamb's book of life. Here's the lamb's book of life. Here's the lamb's book of life. Here's the question. Do you want to be judged by question. Do you want to be judged by question. Do you want to be judged by all of this all of this all of this or do you want to be judged by what he or do you want to be judged by what he or do you want to be judged by what he did for you? did for you? did for you? And so again, what's described in And so again, what's described in And so again, what's described in Revelation 20 are two different Revelation 20 are two different Revelation 20 are two different judgments. I would say judgment one is judgments. I would say judgment one is judgments. I would say judgment one is this. It's the question of salvation. this. It's the question of salvation. this. It's the question of salvation. So when the the believer when the So when the the believer when the So when the the believer when the follower of Jesus shows up at the end follower of Jesus shows up at the end follower of Jesus shows up at the end and stands before God on that great and stands before God on that great and stands before God on that great white throne of judgment, white throne of judgment, white throne of judgment, the believer will not be judged the believer will not be judged the believer will not be judged eternally for all the things that eternally for all the things that eternally for all the things that they've ever done. they've ever done. they've ever done. That their salvation will be decided That their salvation will be decided That their salvation will be decided because of what Jesus has done for them.

because of what Jesus has done for them. because of what Jesus has done for them. It's not based on who I am and what I've It's not based on who I am and what I've It's not based on who I am and what I've done. is based on who he is and what he done. is based on who he is and what he done. is based on who he is and what he has done for me. has done for me. has done for me. It's it's what uh Paul gets to when he It's it's what uh Paul gets to when he It's it's what uh Paul gets to when he when he writes these words, "For it's by when he writes these words, "For it's by when he writes these words, "For it's by grace that you've been saved through grace that you've been saved through grace that you've been saved through faith and and not from yourselves. It's faith and and not from yourselves. It's faith and and not from yourselves. It's the gift of God, not by works, so that the gift of God, not by works, so that the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." no one can boast." no one can boast." One's name is written in the book of One's name is written in the book of One's name is written in the book of life life life when they give their life to follow when they give their life to follow when they give their life to follow Jesus. When I repent of my sin, when I Jesus. When I repent of my sin, when I Jesus. When I repent of my sin, when I give my life, when I surrender my life give my life, when I surrender my life give my life, when I surrender my life to him, my name gets written in the book to him, my name gets written in the book to him, my name gets written in the book of life. So when I stand before God, I'm of life. So when I stand before God, I'm of life. So when I stand before God, I'm not condemned because of what I did. not condemned because of what I did. not condemned because of what I did. I'm delivered because of what he did. I'm delivered because of what he did. I'm delivered because of what he did. Now I want to be candid with you. Now I want to be candid with you. Now I want to be candid with you. Somebody who is not a follower of Jesus, Somebody who is not a follower of Jesus, Somebody who is not a follower of Jesus, whose name is not written in the book of whose name is not written in the book of whose name is not written in the book of life, life, life, that person faces the first judgment that person faces the first judgment that person faces the first judgment based on what they have done. And my based on what they have done. And my based on what they have done. And my friends, there's not a single one of us friends, there's not a single one of us friends, there's not a single one of us that by our good works is worthy to that by our good works is worthy to that by our good works is worthy to spend eternity with God.

spend eternity with God. spend eternity with God. And some of us, we might think, well, And some of us, we might think, well, And some of us, we might think, well, that doesn't that doesn't seem overly that doesn't that doesn't seem overly that doesn't that doesn't seem overly fair, does it? fair, does it? fair, does it? I love how CS Lewis thought about this. I love how CS Lewis thought about this. I love how CS Lewis thought about this. What CS Lewis says is, "The choice that What CS Lewis says is, "The choice that What CS Lewis says is, "The choice that we make today is the choice that will we make today is the choice that will we make today is the choice that will ultimately echo into eternity." For ultimately echo into eternity." For ultimately echo into eternity." For those who say yes to relationship with those who say yes to relationship with those who say yes to relationship with Jesus today, they say yes to Jesus today, they say yes to Jesus today, they say yes to relationship with Jesus for all relationship with Jesus for all relationship with Jesus for all eternity. for those who reject a eternity. for those who reject a eternity. for those who reject a relationship with Jesus today ultimately relationship with Jesus today ultimately relationship with Jesus today ultimately reject Jesus from all eternity. And so reject Jesus from all eternity. And so reject Jesus from all eternity. And so in other words, God allows our choice to in other words, God allows our choice to in other words, God allows our choice to play out as an eternal choice, but what play out as an eternal choice, but what play out as an eternal choice, but what we choose today echoes for all eternity. we choose today echoes for all eternity. we choose today echoes for all eternity. And so as we read Revelation 20, we know And so as we read Revelation 20, we know And so as we read Revelation 20, we know what the end is. We don't have to be what the end is. We don't have to be what the end is. We don't have to be afraid of it. But it should create some afraid of it. But it should create some afraid of it. But it should create some urgency in us to ask ourselves the urgency in us to ask ourselves the urgency in us to ask ourselves the question, is my name written in the book question, is my name written in the book question, is my name written in the book of life? I would say this about of life? I would say this about of life? I would say this about judgment. At judgment, we will either judgment. At judgment, we will either judgment. At judgment, we will either stand before Jesus and see him as a stand before Jesus and see him as a stand before Jesus and see him as a stranger or we will stand before him and stranger or we will stand before him and stranger or we will stand before him and see him as our savior.

see him as our savior. see him as our savior. You and I get to choose how we will You and I get to choose how we will You and I get to choose how we will stand before him one day. stand before him one day. stand before him one day. And so the first judgment is about our And so the first judgment is about our And so the first judgment is about our salvation. It is about our eternal salvation. It is about our eternal salvation. It is about our eternal destiny. destiny. destiny. But I get a sense from this passage, but But I get a sense from this passage, but But I get a sense from this passage, but also from all of scripture that there's also from all of scripture that there's also from all of scripture that there's actually a second judgment as well. I actually a second judgment as well. I actually a second judgment as well. I would say the second judgment is a would say the second judgment is a would say the second judgment is a question of next slide. The second question of next slide. The second question of next slide. The second judgment is a question of faithfulness. judgment is a question of faithfulness. judgment is a question of faithfulness. In other words, our [snorts] eternal In other words, our [snorts] eternal In other words, our [snorts] eternal destiny is not dependent on who we are destiny is not dependent on who we are destiny is not dependent on who we are and what we've done. It's dependent on and what we've done. It's dependent on and what we've done. It's dependent on who he is and what he's done for us. who he is and what he's done for us. who he is and what he's done for us. However, there is a sense that God will However, there is a sense that God will However, there is a sense that God will look at what we've done recorded all look at what we've done recorded all look at what we've done recorded all those other books and we will be those other books and we will be those other books and we will be rewarded rewarded rewarded connected to our faithfulness. connected to our faithfulness. connected to our faithfulness. Corinthians says it this way. It says, Corinthians says it this way. It says, Corinthians says it this way. It says, "For we must all appear before the "For we must all appear before the "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each of judgment seat of Christ so that each of judgment seat of Christ so that each of us may receive what is due us for the us may receive what is due us for the us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether things done while in the body, whether things done while in the body, whether good or bad." You get this sense from good or bad." You get this sense from good or bad." You get this sense from all of scripture that the choices we all of scripture that the choices we all of scripture that the choices we make actually do matter. Uh that every make actually do matter. Uh that every make actually do matter. Uh that every time we choose integrity when it would time we choose integrity when it would time we choose integrity when it would have been much easier to take a shortcut have been much easier to take a shortcut have been much easier to take a shortcut or or every time we choose forgiveness or or every time we choose forgiveness or or every time we choose forgiveness when bitterness felt like the easier when bitterness felt like the easier when bitterness felt like the easier option option option or or every time we choose to give or or every time we choose to give or or every time we choose to give generously to somebody who is in need.

generously to somebody who is in need. generously to somebody who is in need. Every single thing that we ever do, Every single thing that we ever do, Every single thing that we ever do, Jesus takes note of that. In other Jesus takes note of that. In other Jesus takes note of that. In other words, that gets rewarded in the end. It words, that gets rewarded in the end. It words, that gets rewarded in the end. It doesn't determine your eternal destiny, doesn't determine your eternal destiny, doesn't determine your eternal destiny, but it does shape what you experience but it does shape what you experience but it does shape what you experience once you're there. And and so I would I once you're there. And and so I would I once you're there. And and so I would I would say it this way. The cross determines whether we enter The cross determines whether we enter the kingdom, the kingdom, the kingdom, but our faithfulness shapes the reward but our faithfulness shapes the reward but our faithfulness shapes the reward we experience in the kingdom. we experience in the kingdom. we experience in the kingdom. And so what we do now actually matters. And so what we do now actually matters. And so what we do now actually matters. And so I say victory is certain. So stay And so I say victory is certain. So stay And so I say victory is certain. So stay faithful. Judgment is good news. So live faithful. Judgment is good news. So live faithful. Judgment is good news. So live without fear. Here's the third piece. without fear. Here's the third piece. without fear. Here's the third piece. Help me out with the second phrase. Help me out with the second phrase. Help me out with the second phrase. Eternity starts now. So Eternity starts now. So Eternity starts now. So So love with urgency. So love with urgency. So love with urgency. Here's why I think this matters. Again, Here's why I think this matters. Again, Here's why I think this matters. Again, we get the fortunate benefit after we get the fortunate benefit after we get the fortunate benefit after already seeing the end. We know the already seeing the end. We know the already seeing the end. We know the result of game seven. And because we result of game seven. And because we result of game seven. And because we know the result, it does impact how we know the result, it does impact how we know the result, it does impact how we engage life today. And I would encourage engage life today. And I would encourage engage life today. And I would encourage you because we know about this rider on you because we know about this rider on you because we know about this rider on the white horse who's going to come. And the white horse who's going to come. And the white horse who's going to come. And because we know he's faithful and he's because we know he's faithful and he's because we know he's faithful and he's true and he's the word of God, he's the true and he's the word of God, he's the true and he's the word of God, he's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We know that there's NOT EVEN A BATTLE THAT know that there's NOT EVEN A BATTLE THAT know that there's NOT EVEN A BATTLE THAT plays out because the victory was plays out because the victory was plays out because the victory was already sealed at the cross. We know already sealed at the cross. We know already sealed at the cross. We know this.

this. this. because we know that there's a judgment because we know that there's a judgment because we know that there's a judgment that's coming. It actually can challenge that's coming. It actually can challenge that's coming. It actually can challenge us and encourage us to live differently us and encourage us to live differently us and encourage us to live differently today. Now, I think sometimes we either today. Now, I think sometimes we either today. Now, I think sometimes we either explicitly or implicitly uh have been explicitly or implicitly uh have been explicitly or implicitly uh have been taught somewhere along the way that that taught somewhere along the way that that taught somewhere along the way that that that that heaven is really an escape that that heaven is really an escape that that heaven is really an escape from the mess that we experience here on from the mess that we experience here on from the mess that we experience here on this earth that life's hard and we kind this earth that life's hard and we kind this earth that life's hard and we kind of hold on. If you put your faith in of hold on. If you put your faith in of hold on. If you put your faith in Jesus, then one day you get to escape Jesus, then one day you get to escape Jesus, then one day you get to escape this world to to heaven. And though this world to to heaven. And though this world to to heaven. And though there's some truth in that, I actually there's some truth in that, I actually there's some truth in that, I actually think that that's actually not the the think that that's actually not the the think that that's actually not the the the the profound teaching of scripture. the the profound teaching of scripture. the the profound teaching of scripture. That the scripture teaches us not just That the scripture teaches us not just That the scripture teaches us not just to ex escape the mess of this world, but to ex escape the mess of this world, but to ex escape the mess of this world, but actually to partner with God to bring as actually to partner with God to bring as actually to partner with God to bring as much heaven as possible into this world. much heaven as possible into this world. much heaven as possible into this world. It it's what Jesus prayed in what we now It it's what Jesus prayed in what we now It it's what Jesus prayed in what we now call the Lord's Prayer. Do you remember call the Lord's Prayer. Do you remember call the Lord's Prayer. Do you remember these words where it says, "Your kingdom these words where it says, "Your kingdom these words where it says, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it come, your will be done on earth as it come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. is in heaven. is in heaven. It's kind of the statement because you It's kind of the statement because you It's kind of the statement because you and I know how this ends. It actually and I know how this ends. It actually and I know how this ends. It actually creates a greater urgency in me to creates a greater urgency in me to creates a greater urgency in me to actually live today. Not to try to actually live today. Not to try to actually live today. Not to try to escape this world into heaven, but to escape this world into heaven, but to escape this world into heaven, but to partner with God to bring as much heaven partner with God to bring as much heaven partner with God to bring as much heaven as possible into this world so that as possible into this world so that as possible into this world so that people can experience the love, the people can experience the love, the people can experience the love, the grace, the mercy of Jesus so they might grace, the mercy of Jesus so they might grace, the mercy of Jesus so they might turn to him. So they can experience a turn to him. So they can experience a turn to him. So they can experience a very different judgment day because of very different judgment day because of very different judgment day because of it. And so it causes me to love with it. And so it causes me to love with it. And so it causes me to love with greater urgency. There are people in my greater urgency. There are people in my greater urgency. There are people in my life that don't yet know him. And I care life that don't yet know him. And I care life that don't yet know him. And I care so deeply about them that I want to love so deeply about them that I want to love so deeply about them that I want to love them urgently to give them the

them urgently to give them the them urgently to give them the opportunity to come to know him because opportunity to come to know him because opportunity to come to know him because I don't want to see I don't want them to I don't want to see I don't want them to I don't want to see I don't want them to see Jesus as a stranger. I want them to see Jesus as a stranger. I want them to see Jesus as a stranger. I want them to see Jesus one day as their savior. It's why It's why it's why we live out the absurd it's why we live out the absurd it's why we live out the absurd teachings of Jesus that are so different teachings of Jesus that are so different teachings of Jesus that are so different than how our world operates. than how our world operates. than how our world operates. It's why we love our enemies. Why would It's why we love our enemies. Why would It's why we love our enemies. Why would we do that? we do that? we do that? Because maybe, just maybe, that enemy Because maybe, just maybe, that enemy Because maybe, just maybe, that enemy gets a taste of the kingdom. And if they gets a taste of the kingdom. And if they gets a taste of the kingdom. And if they get a taste of the kingdom, maybe they get a taste of the kingdom, maybe they get a taste of the kingdom, maybe they would come to know him not as a would come to know him not as a would come to know him not as a stranger, but as a savior. It's why we stranger, but as a savior. It's why we stranger, but as a savior. It's why we extend forgiveness. It feels so absurd extend forgiveness. It feels so absurd extend forgiveness. It feels so absurd sometimes, doesn't it? But why do we do sometimes, doesn't it? But why do we do sometimes, doesn't it? But why do we do that? Because we are kingdom people that? Because we are kingdom people that? Because we are kingdom people living for an end that changes living for an end that changes living for an end that changes everything. everything. everything. And though this moment in our culture And though this moment in our culture And though this moment in our culture says that situation doesn't demand says that situation doesn't demand says that situation doesn't demand forgiveness, the thought is forgiveness forgiveness, the thought is forgiveness forgiveness, the thought is forgiveness actually releases something in our actually releases something in our actually releases something in our hearts and potentially causes somebody hearts and potentially causes somebody hearts and potentially causes somebody to experience what they didn't expect.

to experience what they didn't expect. to experience what they didn't expect. And maybe, just maybe, they would get a And maybe, just maybe, they would get a And maybe, just maybe, they would get a taste of the God that we're committed to taste of the God that we're committed to taste of the God that we're committed to serve. so that one day they would show serve. so that one day they would show serve. so that one day they would show up to experience him not as a stranger up to experience him not as a stranger up to experience him not as a stranger but ultimately a savior. but ultimately a savior. but ultimately a savior. We live and we love with urgency today. We live and we love with urgency today. We live and we love with urgency today. It changes everything. I would say this It changes everything. I would say this It changes everything. I would say this about the gospel. The gospel eliminates about the gospel. The gospel eliminates about the gospel. The gospel eliminates earning. You don't have to earn it but earning. You don't have to earn it but earning. You don't have to earn it but it doesn't eliminate effort. it doesn't eliminate effort. it doesn't eliminate effort. In other words, we get to boldly, In other words, we get to boldly, In other words, we get to boldly, clearly partner with God in the greatest clearly partner with God in the greatest clearly partner with God in the greatest mission on planet Earth, mission on planet Earth, mission on planet Earth, bringing God's eternal kingdom bringing God's eternal kingdom bringing God's eternal kingdom in the way that people can taste, touch, in the way that people can taste, touch, in the way that people can taste, touch, and feel it every single day. and feel it every single day. and feel it every single day. That's why loving people matters. That's why loving people matters. That's why loving people matters. It's why welcoming the stranger matters. It's why welcoming the stranger matters. It's why welcoming the stranger matters. It's why caring for the poor and It's why caring for the poor and It's why caring for the poor and marginalized matter. marginalized matter. marginalized matter. because it's a taste of what heaven because it's a taste of what heaven because it's a taste of what heaven ultimately is going to be.

ultimately is going to be. ultimately is going to be. Entr Wright says it this way. He says, Entr Wright says it this way. He says, Entr Wright says it this way. He says, "Every act of love, every work of "Every act of love, every work of "Every act of love, every work of justice, every act of beauty and truth justice, every act of beauty and truth justice, every act of beauty and truth done in the name of Jesus, none of it is done in the name of Jesus, none of it is done in the name of Jesus, none of it is wasted. It will be taken up into the new wasted. It will be taken up into the new wasted. It will be taken up into the new creation. It's not thrown away when this creation. It's not thrown away when this creation. It's not thrown away when this age ends. It becomes a part of what God age ends. It becomes a part of what God age ends. It becomes a part of what God is ultimately building. So that's why we love So that's why we love with urgency. with urgency. with urgency. Here's what I love at this kind of Here's what I love at this kind of Here's what I love at this kind of climactic moment in the book of climactic moment in the book of climactic moment in the book of Revelation. In this climactic moment, we Revelation. In this climactic moment, we Revelation. In this climactic moment, we realize that in the end, what is God realize that in the end, what is God realize that in the end, what is God ultimately trying to point us to? He's ultimately trying to point us to? He's ultimately trying to point us to? He's not actually trying to point us just to not actually trying to point us just to not actually trying to point us just to heaven. As amazing as it is, he's not heaven. As amazing as it is, he's not heaven. As amazing as it is, he's not just trying to point us to the defeat of just trying to point us to the defeat of just trying to point us to the defeat of evil. As beautiful as that is, what he's evil. As beautiful as that is, what he's evil. As beautiful as that is, what he's trying to point us to is to Jesus. trying to point us to is to Jesus. trying to point us to is to Jesus. The one who is faithful, the one who is The one who is faithful, the one who is The one who is faithful, the one who is true, the one who's the word of God, the true, the one who's the word of God, the true, the one who's the word of God, the one who's the King of Kings, the Lord of one who's the King of Kings, the Lord of one who's the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. And Revelation begs this Lords. And Revelation begs this Lords. And Revelation begs this question. Do you know him? Have you question. Do you know him? Have you question. Do you know him? Have you given your life to him? Have you chosen given your life to him? Have you chosen given your life to him? Have you chosen to follow him? Because we know how it to follow him? Because we know how it to follow him? Because we know how it ends.

So be faithful to him. So be faithful to him. Today, Today, Today, I want to give you the opportunity that I want to give you the opportunity that I want to give you the opportunity that if you've never said yes to Jesus, if you've never said yes to Jesus, if you've never said yes to Jesus, man, today is your day. The beautiful thing about that moment of The beautiful thing about that moment of judgment is we can appear before God is we can appear before God and not be judged by our worst mistake. and not be judged by our worst mistake. and not be judged by our worst mistake. We can actually be judged We can actually be judged We can actually be judged because of God's great greatest act on because of God's great greatest act on because of God's great greatest act on our behalf. The beautiful thing what the Bible The beautiful thing what the Bible describes is that salvation is a free describes is that salvation is a free describes is that salvation is a free gift from God made available to us gift from God made available to us gift from God made available to us through Jesus. through Jesus. through Jesus. So the Bible describes to repent of our So the Bible describes to repent of our So the Bible describes to repent of our sins, to turn to God, to surrender to sins, to turn to God, to surrender to sins, to turn to God, to surrender to him, to follow his ways. him, to follow his ways. him, to follow his ways. And when we do, we have nothing to fear And when we do, we have nothing to fear And when we do, we have nothing to fear when judgment day comes when judgment day comes when judgment day comes because we will see him not as a because we will see him not as a because we will see him not as a stranger.

stranger. stranger. We will see him as our ultimate savior. We will see him as our ultimate savior. We will see him as our ultimate savior. So if you've never said yes to Jesus, I So if you've never said yes to Jesus, I So if you've never said yes to Jesus, I want to give you the opportunity to say want to give you the opportunity to say want to give you the opportunity to say yes to him today. And so if you've never yes to him today. And so if you've never yes to him today. And so if you've never said yes to him, I would encourage you said yes to him, I would encourage you said yes to him, I would encourage you to to bow your head to say a prayer. You to to bow your head to say a prayer. You to to bow your head to say a prayer. You can do it out loud. You can do it in the can do it out loud. You can do it in the can do it out loud. You can do it in the context of your heart. I'll say the context of your heart. I'll say the context of your heart. I'll say the prayer. You can literally pray the prayer. You can literally pray the prayer. You can literally pray the prayer with me, giving your life to prayer with me, giving your life to prayer with me, giving your life to follow him. follow him. follow him. Father, we say thank you for loving us. Father, we say thank you for loving us. Father, we say thank you for loving us. God, we believe that you died on the God, we believe that you died on the God, we believe that you died on the cross for our sins. cross for our sins. cross for our sins. And that was actually the moment of And that was actually the moment of And that was actually the moment of victory victory victory because God, we believe that you also because God, we believe that you also because God, we believe that you also rose again. rose again. rose again. And when [music] you took up new life, And when [music] you took up new life, And when [music] you took up new life, you gave us the opportunity to you gave us the opportunity to you gave us the opportunity to experience new life with you for all of experience new life with you for all of experience new life with you for all of eternity. eternity. eternity. And so God, would you forgive us of our And so God, would you forgive us of our And so God, would you forgive us of our sins? sins? sins? Would you give us the gift of eternal Would you give us the gift of eternal Would you give us the gift of eternal life? life? life? Would you help us overcome what we're up Would you help us overcome what we're up Would you help us overcome what we're up against?

against? against? God, we give our life to you. We pray God, we give our life to you. We pray God, we give our life to you. We pray that in Jesus name. that in Jesus name. that in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.