The Hills Church - Rick Atchley
Introduction
So why should we study Revelation? For one thing, it’s in the Bible, and you want to be able to tell John you read his book when you meet him in heaven. For another, it is the only book of the Bible that specifically promises a blessing to those who heed its message.
Scripture Reference
Revelation 1:3 NIV
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
I.. The Times
When your exiled pastor writes about suffering and endurance, you know times are hard.
Scripture Reference
Revelation 1:9 NIV
I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Scripture Reference
Revelation 1:4-8 NLT
This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him— even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
Scripture Reference
Revelation 1:5-6 NCV
and from Jesus Christ. Jesus is the faithful witness, the first among those raised from the dead. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. He is the One who loves us, who made us free from our sins with the blood of his death. He made us to be a kingdom of priests who serve God his Father. To Jesus Christ be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
Scripture Reference
Revelation 5:9-13 NLT
And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
III. The Theme
Do life through the lens of Jesus. Three things we must cling to: -- Jesus loves us! -- Jesus has freed up from our sins! -- Jesus wants to reveal himself to us!
Conclusion
The goal for this series is not to take a look at every possible interpretation. The goal is to increase your desire to take a look at Jesus.
Prayer Requests
Let us pray for you. Give us your prayer requests and your contact info.
Weekly Announcements
In case you missed the announcement video at the beginning of the service, watch it here to stay up-to-date with events happening at The Hills.