Theme: The Return of the King
Passage: Revelation 19:11–21
John emphasizes three aspects of the 2nd Coming:
1. Christ’s Glorious Appearance (11–16)
a. He is faithful to His promises and true in His words.
b. He judges and wages war justly.
c. He sees perfectly and completely.
d. He possesses sovereignty over all nations.
e. He earned his victory through self-sacrifice.
f. He is the Word of God.
g. He brings His loyal followers with Him.
h. He unleashes the full wrath of God over his opponents.
i. He announces that He is the only King and Lord.
Christ’s glorious appearance needs to motivate obedience now.
2. Angelic Invitation for birds to feast on the opposition (17–18).
Heed the invitation to trust in Christ alone now!
3. Christ’s Victory over those who oppose Him (19–21)
Long for this victorious day by preparing yourself and others now.
Main Idea: The return of the King must change our mindset and actions now!
Application Questions:
• How often do you think about the return of Jesus Christ? What can you do to ponder this climactic event more often?
• Which description of Christ at His return challenges you (vv. 11–16)? Why and how so?
• What emotions does Christ’s defeating of His enemies cause in you (sadness; fear; joy)? Why?
• If you knew the exact time of Christ’s return, what would you be doing differently? What can you be doing so that you are living this way now?
August 7, 2022
The Return of the King
August 7, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 19:11–21
October 9, 2022
October 9, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:18–21
Passage: Revelation 22:18–21 Theme: Conclusion to Revelation Revelation’s conclusion leaves us with three final challenges: 1. Be Warned (18–19) a. To hearers who add to the Word, God will pour out His plagues. b. To hearers who subtract from the Word, God will remove them from life in His city. Application: • Teach the Word and only the Word. • Live according to the Word. 2. Trust His Promise (20) a. Jesus is coming soon! b. His followers long for His return. 3. Receive Grace (21) a. From beginning to end, its only by grace. b. Jesus offers grace to all of us. Main Idea: HEED JESUS FINAL WORDS! Application Questions: • What does it mean to add to God’s prophetic word? How are you tempted to add to God’s word? • What does it mean to subtract from God’s word? How are you tempted to subtract from God’s word? • Do these warning apply to believers? How do vv. 18–19 impact our understanding of eternal security? • What can you do to keep your focus on Christ and His coming? • What application can we make from the final statement that Jesus extends His grace to all of us?
October 2, 2022
October 2, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:16–17
Passage: Revelation 22:16-17 Theme: A Call to “Come” 1. Jesus’ Testimony (16a) a. “I, Jesus” i. Authorization ii. Autograph iii. Attestation b. “give you this testimony for the churches” i. Warning ii. Encouragement iii. Exhortation 2. Jesus’ Credentials (16b) a. He is God (“I am”) b. He is Messiah 3. Invitations to “Come” (17) a. The Spirit and Bride say “Come” b. Let the hearer say “Come” c. Let the one in need come d. Let the desirer take freely of the life-giving water Main Idea: Jesus’ Revelation invokes invitation. Will you come?
September 25, 2022
September 25, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:12–15
Passage: Revelation 22:12–15 Theme: Payday is Coming Notice three truths about payment at the Second Coming: 1. Jesus brings life’s paycheck (12–13). a. He renders payment because He is God (13). b. He pays each of us for what we have done (12b). 2. He blesses those who repent to receive His cleansing (14). a. Penitents have the right to partake in eternal life. b. They can freely come into God’s eternal presence. 3. He excludes those who remain unrepentant (15). Main Challenge: Wear clothes washed in Christ’s blood. Application Questions: • From what you heard today, do you think that there will be degrees of reward in heaven for believers? Why or why not (consider the rewards mentioned in this text)? • How do you define repentance? Is this something you did at some point or something that is an on-going process? • In what ways is this passage encouraging news to people who sin? How is it frightening news as well? • How can you wear clothes today washed in Christ’s blood? What attitudes and actions is this passage calling you to embrace?