An Eternal Church

Introduction

Asbury. Falls Creek. Retreats. Church Services.

Just a taste of what is coming in eternity.

A reminder of who we are and what we are about.

Experience Eternal Victory

vv. 9-10

“After this...” Seeing these Jewish believers on earth - 144,000.

Shift to heavenly perspective - back to throne room (Rev. 4-5).

Now a great multitude that cannot be counted.

This inclusive language - no separation of worshipers!

Shh! They think they’re the only ones here...

Singular focus “standing before the throne/lamb.”

Not looking at other things! Other people...

And who is there? White robes.

Revelation 7:13–14 ESV

13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

These are people who are saved - who have been forgiven by what Jesus did.

Gospel Presentation.

Palm branches - welcoming the victor.

And then, on the other side of being forgiven, you are part of this victorious band!

Experience Eternal Worship

vv. 11-12

Divine beings join in the worship (from the seals).

Powerful creatures.

And worship goes to the top. Overflow of worship.

Battle scenes throughout LOTR - humans from different nations, and elves and dwarfs. Powerful beings!

For the little hobbits to look next to them and see who they are fighting alongside.

In this scene of worship, imagine looking next to you and seeing these amazing creatures bowing down and worshiping along with you.

Moses. David. Elijah. Esther. Barnabas. Paul. John. Martin Luther. Adoniram Judson. Charles Spurgeon. Lottie Moon. Former church members here.

All gathered together for the singular purpose of worship.

Conclusion

Athanasius, 4th C Christian. Same faith of today.

Apostle’s Creed. 5th C. But based upon the Old Roman Creed (150-180 AD): "[I believe] in the Father almighty, - and in Jesus Christ, our Savior; - and in the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, in the holy Church, and in the remission of sins."

Our faith reaches back over two thousand years and connects us with the very first believers who walked with Jesus Christ.

And even more than that:

Hebrews 12:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

The image of all Christians who have gone before you are cheering you on.

And, if the Lord doesn’t return soon, we have to pass that same ancient faith on to the next generations.

We are the church. Both the local body of believers, but also the universal church that will one day gather as Revelation 7:9-12 shows and we will worship together.