Sermon scripture: Revelation 1:4-6
1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
2 who testifies to everything he saw that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
3 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.
4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne,
5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Fatheróto him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
God Is in Control (vv. 4–5):
God Loves Us (v. 5b):
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1
Our Sins Have Been Forgiven (v. 5b):
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22
We Are Called to Serve Him (v. 6a):
We Must Live for His Glory (v. 6b):
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8–9
