Doctrine: God the Father (Revelation 4)

We are going to change up the order of thing this morning just a little bit. So I want you to start by going ahead and sharing your prayer request with the person next to you and then in a moment we will move to our doctrine talk.

————-

- Our doctrine this week is God the Father.

God the Father is the 1st person of the trinity…He is the creator and sustainer of all things

He is infinitely Holy, entirely without sin

Utterly unique and distinct in all creation..

and He rules over all creation without rival.

Like the sun is the center of the solar system, God is the center of the universe.

Life would not exist without the sun’s energy and life would not exist without God the Father.

In Revelation 4, John’s vision takes us right into God’s throne room,

where He is exalted-Majestic and glorious-

seated on the throne as Creator and King. God the Father started all things..

controls all things..

causes all things..

He is caused by nothing.

He needs nothing.

He is dependent on nothing.

surprised by nothing.

he is all sufficient

all knowing.

and without error.

he is never unaware

never unprepared.

he governs and shapes and defines reality as we know it.

everything comes from him..

everything exists through him

and everything is made for him.

Your concerns and circumstances are not obstacles distracting you from knowing God the Father.

They are opportunities for you to encounter God more deeply as you take what you know to be true of God and apply them to the here and now.

How does God the Father help you navigate your greatest concern?

Does knowing God is in control, good and knows the future impact you as you process through a recent, possibly, unwelcomed circumstance?

Does knowing he is the center of the universe free you from frantically trying to rule and reign your kingdom centered around you?

This vision of God on His throne brings us face-to-face with His holiness— He is high above all and yet, through Jesus, He draws near to us. This is the God we worship: One who is majestic and holy, yet compassionate and merciful, reaching down to us with open arms.

In Revelation 4, the elders cast their crowns before God in humble surrender. Their act of worship acknowledges that all they have and all they are - belong to Him. It feels appropriate this morning in light of the scripture this week and next to take some extra time to worship together.

So we are going to sing Holy, Holy, Holy together and then move directly into our prayer time.

Feel free to take whatever posture you want…you can kneel or stand…

but let this song serve as our adoration portion of our prayer today..

after it is over I will move us right into thanksgiving…

Announcements

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Snow Days

GO BACK TO THE TEXT

Alright— we are back in Revelation which means we are going to start taking a deep dive into symbols and imagery. As we go through this and you see confusing and disturbing images…before you freak yourself out…I want you to remind yourself to take a pause.

Ask yourself…what is this image trying to tell me?

Rather than focusing on the image itself.

If you start drawing creatures with 6 wings and eyes all over the place you will have a very disturbing looking half lion half bird.

That isn’t the point- the image is pointing you to something.

Now— if you are like- Megan- that is not my gift well then I am hear to tell you that you are not a lone.

I have so many friends that can stare at a piece of art and see so much depth and beauty while I tend to be the one standing there completely missing it.

This takes time to really meditate on God’s word.

We are going to practice this together as we go through Revelation 4 today.

Another important thing to remember…you can get LOST in all the commentaries and differing viewpoints.

Those viewpoints aren’t bad but at times they can distract us from the beauty of what God is communicating to us through His word.

If you are spending more time in commentaries than in God’s word- then it’s time to for you to go back to the text.

Remember- the OT is referenced over 800 times in the book of Revelation- let that be your guidebook…not a commentary and not the newspaper…

As I started to study for Revelation this year- I spent time sitting and listening to pastors and theologians to hear their best advice on how to read through and teach Revelation.

I was expecting a list of commentaries or helpful resources.

But instead- I was told over and over again by these men and women…to go back to the text.

when you are confused.

Read the text.

when you are afraid..

read the text.

when you are frustrated…go back to the text.

go back to the text.

so that is my challenge to you as we move forward…

go back to the text.

and let God speak to you and teach you through His living and active word…that promises to never run dry.

Shepherding

Let’s Pray