The Kingdom...and Other Mysteries - Evergreen Church Tulsa

"Mystery of Babylon" - Revelation 17:1-19:3 | Full Sunday Service

July 28, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Revelation 17:1—19:3

This passage of Revelation forms one continuous drama displaying the judgment of Babylon. The woman of chapter 17 and the city of chapter 18 are the same entity. This is an appendix to the seventh bowl judgment (16:19) where these events are first mentioned. The mystery here is the identification of this recipient of overwhelming divine retribution.

Mystery of Christ in His Churches - Revelation 1:12-20

July 7, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Revelation 1:12–20

In the first of four great visions recorded throughout the book of Revelation, John describes his encounter with the Risen Lord. Unconcerned with the appearance of Jesus in the gospel he wrote, John now seems overwhelmed by his glimpse of Jesus after so many years. A vision of Jesus is a necessary part of the explanation of this mystery for a persecuted people.

Late: "Mystery of Lawlessness" - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

June 30, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • 2 Thessalonians 2

The issue of the Antichrist and how he emerges as a world leader is of vital interest to Christians in every generation. What historical realities conspire to allow such a man to gain global power? While certainly included in the book of Revelation, this mystery must be seen unfolding in both testaments in order to gain a more complete understanding.

"Mystery of Resurrection" - 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

June 23, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • 1 Corinthians 15:35–58

Very early, cynical questions were asked in Corinth about bodily resurrection. Some asked, “How are the dead raised? With what type of body will they come?” Paul answers these and other questions by unveiling the mystery of God’s working. By omnipotent power, God gifts to believers a body consistent with the promise of the gospel and suitable for life in eternity.

"Mystery of Christ in You" - Colossians 1:24-29 | Full Sunday Service

June 16, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Colossians 1:24–29

Viewing himself almost as a father to his church family, Paul speaks intimately about how a godly man approaches the purpose of his life—to bring his family and others to maturity in following Jesus Christ. Godly fathers do more than bring home a paycheck...they minister the gospel to their family in preparation for eternity.

Mystery of Godliness - 1 Timothy 3:14-16

June 2, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • 1 Timothy 3:14–16

Since creation, the earth has been the battleground between God and Satan. God calls mankind to respond to His Word, and Satan tries to lure them to follow lies. Today, the church is the key player in this ongoing battle of truth vs. deception. Godliness is the mysterious behavior that validates truth.

Mystery of Israel's Hard Heart - Romans 11:25

May 26, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Romans 11:25

How could a nation with all the advantages of the Old Testament covenant fail to recognize the Messiah and then reject the grace of God? Is their failure complete? Will the promised plan of God be frustrated? Israel’s spiritual status has been a mystery, but the truth is now unveiled. Something extraordinary is on the horizon!

Mystery of God's People - Ephesians 3:1-13

May 19, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Ephesians 3:1–13

Mystery continues to be unveiled as Paul, in an intensely personal testimony, outlines the magnificent scope of the redemptive plan of God for all creation. Gifted with the responsibility of this revelation, Paul points to the amazing privilege and extraordinary joy associated with being a servant of the gospel. Evergreen must dare to grasp these supernatural truths.

Mystery of the Bride - Ephesians 5:25-27, 32 | Full Sunday Service

May 12, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Ephesians 5:32, Ephesians 5:25–27

The life of Evergreen is sustained by the mighty Head of the church, the risen Lord Jesus Christ. His energy and continuing work is centered on the church in every generation in anticipation of an eternal wedding. Human marriage is a meaningful glimpse into the mystery of Christ’s love for the church. Shouldn’t we love the church enthusiastically as well?

Mystery of God's Plan

May 5, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Ephesians 1:3–14

After a brief greeting, Paul immediately soars into a great paean of praise—one long sentence, impossible to fully analyze, in which each successive thought crowds in on the one before. As he contemplates the position and possessions of every believer, he reveals the point of the church’s existence: restoration of Creation’s purpose.

Mystery of Unbelief

April 28, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Matthew 13:53–58

After describing the Kingdom of God and its many facets, Matthew relates an incident of rejection in the ministry of Jesus. The mystery here is the determination to be offended by Jesus despite the clear acknowledgement of His wisdom and power. Turns out, unbelief is not from lack of information, but rather refusal of accountability.

Mystery of the Kingdom

April 21, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Matthew 13:44–52, Matthew 13:31–33

The Kingdom of God is broader than any individual church, but the marks of the Kingdom ought to be reflected in the visible traits of the local church. The mystery of God’s Kingdom on earth is revealed openly in the church. As Jesus here illustrates the Kingdom, we must ask: Do these characteristics describe Evergreen?

Mystery of Present Evil

April 14, 2024 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Matthew 13:10–11, Matthew 13:24–30, Matthew 13:36–43

Why does evil exist? Why does God allow evil to continue? Is evil evidence for atheism? What is the future of evil? What is our role in the battle? These questions are among the most difficult issues of life. Jesus answers this human dilemma with His divine perspective.