You've Got Mail — and It's Personal
Hear What the Spirit Says: A Call to Awaken • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 10 viewsThis sermon is an introduction to Chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation.
Notes
Transcript
THEME: Write one sentence about the topic.
A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!
Overview: >
How does this message change lives?
What is the message / theme?
How does it CHANGE LIVES?
How is it tied to our testimony?
How do we apply it in our lives?
What is the one thing hearers should walk away with, if they do not hear anything else?
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✔️CHECKLIST
Complete the Sermon Notes Insert.
CREATE NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPH AS AN INSERT IN THE BULLETIN.
Select Background
Create an Introductory Slide (with name).
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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Lay Leader) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
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CALL TO WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 4
(LAY LEADER) God, You gave me relief from all my troubles.
(PEOPLE) So listen to me now when I call to You for Help.
(LAY LEADER) You can be sure that anyone who serves the Lord faithfully is special to Him.
(PEOPLE) Lord, be kind to me and Hear my prayer this morning.
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CHOIR / SONG🎵325
CHOIR / SONG🎵325
Just As I Am, without One Plea
Just As I Am, without One Plea
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Today’s Bible Reading
Today’s Bible Reading
(LAY LEADER) BIBLE (Reading): (Scripture to Read)
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.
(LAY LEADER) This is the Word of the Lord.
(LAY LEADER) This is the Word of the Lord.
(PEOPLE) Thanks be to God!
(PEOPLE) Thanks be to God!
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CHOIR / SONG🎵(Choir Performs Song) (Song Title)
CHOIR / SONG🎵(Choir Performs Song) (Song Title)
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Sharing Our Joys and Spiritual Needs
Sharing Our Joys and Spiritual Needs
(LAY LEADER) PRAYER NEEDS AND REQUESTS
[Go to front after Sharing of Prayer Requests.]
PASTOR: SILENT PRAYER
PASTOR: PASTORAL PRAYER for NEEDS.
Unspoken Prayer
Warden Community Church (Leaders, Volunteers, Givers, all other needs)
Mission Organizations (Navratils, the Elliots, the Killions, the Gideons, the NACCC, and others)
Homeless,
Sick and Injured,
Hungry and Needy,
In Prison
Military, Fire, Police, all other Emergency Services and Rescue,
Those who are new or visitors to Warden Community Church.
Those who are seeking after You and those who are lost. We pray for redemption.
And we lift up our families, friends, and and those close to our hearts, that they may seek and find You, Lord.
Others that we may not have mentioned.
PASTOR: LORDS PRAYER or OTHER PRAYER (Bulletin)
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we
forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)
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(Lay Leader) GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was
in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen,
Amen.
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CHOIR / SONG 🎵#323
Lord, I Want To Be A Christian
[To the PLATFORM near the end ]
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PRAYER OF PREPARATION (for the message)
PASTOR: May the words of my mouth . . . (CAN BE CHANGED!
PEOPLE: And the meditation of our hearts,
be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, Our Strength and Our Redeemer.
Amen. (Psalm 19:14)
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Lord, whenever I speak, let me speak as one who is speaking Your utterances, my God;
Whenever I serve , let me do so as one who is serving by the strength which You, God, supply;...
so that in ALL things You may be glorified through Your Son, Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (from 1 Peter 4:11)
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MESSAGE TITLE
MESSAGE TITLE
Pastor Dave Marks
Pastor Dave Marks
Warden Community Church
😁ANIMATED, EXPRESSIVE, PASSIONATE, POSITIVE. 😊❤️
Welcome 😊❤️
Good morning, church family! It is such a joy to gather together today in the presence of the Lord. There is nowhere else I would rather be on a Sunday morning than right here, worshipping alongside each of you. Let's give God thanks for bringing us together.
2. Welcome to Guests and Visitors
And if you’re visiting with us for the first time, we want to extend a very special welcome—you are not here by accident. We’re truly glad you’ve joined us, and we pray that today would be an encouragement to your heart.
3. Warden Community Church ⛪♥️
We are a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church devoted to God’s Word, prayer, and genuine fellowship, seeking to grow together and live out our faith each day.”
4. Special Announcements or Messages
We invite you to join us in the Fellowship all after the service for some food and fellowship. We’d love to get to know you better.
5. Series (we are in . . . (series)
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS
HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS
In this case, the Spirit is the messenger.
Not the originator.
This is a NINE week series and we’re looking at Seven Letters to Seven Churches,
EACH WITH A MESSAGE FOR US.
FOR US, THE CHURCH
FOR US, AS INDIVIDUALS.
Introduction to Message
A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!❤️😁
I WANT TO START WITH A STORY
On a Saturday night, a pastor was working late at his church — Almighty God Tabernacle — and decided to call his wife before leaving. It was around 10 PM, but she didn't answer. Frustrated, he tried again later and she picked up immediately. She said it had never rung at their house. They shrugged it off.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office from a young man who wanted to know why he had called on Saturday night. The pastor had no idea what the young man was talking about.
Then the young man said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer."
The pastor apologized, explaining he had intended to call his wife.
The man said, "That's OK. Let me tell you my story. I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God, if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.'
At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, 'Almighty God'. I was afraid to answer."
This story has been reported as a true story, but the author is anonymous. There are several churches named Almighty God Tabernacle, but I don’t know if any of these can verify this story.
Point or Perspective from Story
The Pastor thought he was calling his wife.
The young man saw the Caller ID and feared it was God calling.
Let’s look at the facts . . .
What are the chances that the Pastor would accidentally call THAT number at THAT time?
And why would the wrong number be from THAT pastor whose church’s name began with Almighty God.
And was it coincidental that the truncated Caller ID would only say ALMIGHTY GOD.
It was because there was a message that God wanted to send to both of them.
What is the message that God is sending
To the Young Man
God hears him.
God loves him.
God has a plan for his life.
His life is valuable to God.
To the Pastor
That he was called to serve
There was someone in need
That he was called to be the messenger to this young man.
Was there a conversation after that?
Did the Young Man turn his life around?
I don’t know . . .
But God was definitely in charge that night.
He made certain that both heard the message.
There was clearly a message there . . . for both of them.
GOD DOESN’T MAKE MISTAKES.
THERE IS INTENTIONALITY IN HIS WORK.
HE HAS A PLAN . . . AND IT INVOLVESS US.
WHAT WE DO WITH THAT MESSAGE COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL.
BETWEEN LIVING A FULFILLED LIFE, OR AN EMPTY LIFE.
IT’S UP TO US.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
Job recognized the immutable will of Got when he cried:
2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
God confirms that many places in His Word.
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
We can decide to be obedient to God, or
We can disobey Him.
God’s will shall be accomplished regardless.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
We see this play out in the story of Esther (BRIEF):
King Ahasuerus of Persia had elevated Haman, a high official, to a position of supreme authority.
When Mordecai, a Jewish court official, refused to bow to Haman out of religious conviction, Haman’s wounded pride transformed into genocidal rage. Rather than target Mordecai alone, Haman convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the annihilation of all Jews throughout the Persian empire on a single day—the thirteenth of Adar.
Mordecai, Esther’s cousin and guardian, learned of this edict and tore his clothes in mourning.
He sent word to Esther, who was now queen—a position she had attained through her beauty and favor with the king, though she had concealed her Jewish identity. Mordecai urged her to approach the king and plead for her people’s lives.
Esther’s initial response was hesitation.
Approaching the king uninvited was dangerous—it could result in execution unless he extended his golden scepter to grant her audience. She hadn’t been summoned to the king’s presence in thirty days, suggesting she had lost favor.
At this critical juncture, Mordecai sent a message to Esther:
13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
When God sends us a message, it is worth heeding, particularly if its a warning.
God will execute His will, with or without us.
He invites us to participate ...
He promises us blessings if we do.
He’s not inviting us because He needs our help.
He’s inviting us so that we can be part of something much greater than ourselves.
He’s inviting us to receive blessing.
Overview of Subject
In the case of Revelation there is a message that God is sending as well.
The Young Man in our story did not know who it was who called, but he was clear that the message was from Almighty God.
The Pastor did not realize at the time that he was the carrier of God’s message, but he soon understood who was its author.
In the Book of the Revelation, the book starts off with a message to seven churches.
The letters are just chapters two and three
But there’s an Introduction in Chapter One which has a special message to all those who read it, believe it, and do it.
Chapters 4 and 5 depict Jesus being glorified.
John is sharing his vision which Jesus is providing for him.
He is witnessing the heavens glorifying Jesus.
These letters to the churches are bookended with a depiction of Jesus being glorified in heaven.
This isn’t John’s imagination.
This isn’t apocalyptic fiction.
The opening verse stakes an extraordinary claim:
this comes from God, through Christ, directly to His people.
But why would we be interested in reading seven letters to seven churches that were written over two thousand years ago?
It is curious that all of these churches were located in what was known as Asia Minor.
There were many Christian churches throughout Asia Minor.
Jesus chose these seven. WHY?
Seven is often depicted as the number representing COMPLETENESS.
These seven churches represent every Christian church in some form.
That includes this church.
It includes the commendations as well as the rebukes, as we will study in these letters.
The issues facing these churches also have a personal application to each of us.
These churches were also conveniently lined up in a pattern, making delivery of these letters in this particular order.
These churches were selected in a specific pattern for a specific purpose.
[CLICK SLIDE - MAP]
This Book is a vision received by John.
John is on the island of Patmos — a Roman penal colony in the Aegean Sea, roughly 37 miles off the coast of modern Turkey.
He’s there because of his testimony about Jesus. He’s not on a retreat. He’s in exile.
The churches he’s writing to are not in comfortable suburbs. They are scattered across the Roman province of Asia
They are seven real congregations facing real pressure: emperor worship, economic exclusion, persecution, and the slow creep of compromise.
Into that world, God gives John a vision.
This vision is not just for these seven churches.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT WE LOOK AT THESE LETTERS NOW?
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
These letters are not just to these churches.
To all churches.
To all people.
For all time.
29 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
This statement is near the end of every letter.
However, the structure is different in three of the letters versus the other four.
Remember, the Bible has a specific design.
There are no accidents in what is included.
There are no accidents in how its ordered or designed.
AND THAT STATEMENT . . .
Refers to CHURCHES (Plural). TO ALL CHURCHES!!!!
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
Human Nature has not changed over thousands of years.
The problems identified in these churches are prevalent today.
And they apply to each of us as well.
In our archeology class we were looking at ruins of some of the civilizations in the Old Testament during the time of the Exodus.
We looked at a Pagan burial ground which had the remnants of jars with the skeletons of babies inside them.
These were the babies that had been sacrificed to Molech, the pagan God of the Amorites.
Dr. Turek showed six photos and then told us this.
The last photo was from a modern abortion clinic.
It looked the same.
The evil that humanity is capable of has not changed over time.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
This letter is from God Himself.
We need to pay attention.
Jesus is still walking amongst us.
He is here in this church … NOW.
THESE ARE THE REASONS WE NEED TO STUDY THESE LETTERS CLOSELY.
Let’s look at this introduction and note some unique things about it.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
This is a Revelation - SINGULAR.
It points to things that are coming.
Things that will be revealed (or unveiled).
apokalypsis means “revelation,” something that has been or will be revealed. (UNVAILED)
Recall from Daniel 9 that we are in this pause between
Week 69 and Week 70
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
The Time of the Church.
THIS MAKES THESE LETTERS IMPORTANT.
These are written for all churches that fall in this period of time.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
This emphasizes Jesus’ HEADSHIP of the church, THE BODY OF CHRIST.
It’s important they we all recognize the HEAD OF THE CHURCH.
I don’t lead this church.
The Diaconate does not lead this church.
The cabinet does not lead this church.
WE HAVE ONE HEAD . . . JESUS CHRIST
15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
This means that we need to pay attention to every letter, every commendation, and every critique or rebuke,
All of these pertain to all churches
Including this church.
Including each one of us who are called ‘the church’.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.
It’s also clear that this is a revelation has a progression . . .
Given by God the Father
God gives the revelation to Jesus Christ
Jesus gives it to His angel
the Angel delivers it to John (His servant)
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
finally, John writes it to the churches (US)
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
Let’s look at verse 3.
Special promise - unique in all the books of the Bible.
3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
The first word - BLESSED [CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
This is the pronouncement of a blessing.
To whom -
to anyone who reads aloud this book.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
This is referring to ones who read in assemblies
such as we are doing here in this church.
But could be in
Small group.
Leading a study.
Or one on one with another person.
The idea is that these letters are being shared.
to ones who hear the words of this book.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
This is all of you who are sitting in this assembly.
sitting in a small group.
sitting in a study.
So its the reader and the listener who are blessed.
But THERE IS ONE MORE REQUIREMENT!!!
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
to ones who keep what is written in this book.
This is the question we will look at as we journey through these letters.
What will you do with this message.
There is not a distinction between
Those who hear and
Those who do.
They are the same.
If you don’t do, then you haven’t heard.
THIS IS A SPECIAL BLESSING FROM JESUS TO FAITHFUL BELIEVERS WHO READ, HEAR, AND DO, WHAT IS IN THIS BOOK.
No other book has this blessing
The CHAPTER continues. [CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
This section starts off with an interesting phrase.
John is addressing all seven churches.
Indication is that all seven churches received all seven letters.
This is specific cause for attention.
Why did he send all these letters to all the churches.
BECAUSE IT ALL APPLIES TO ALL CHURCHES.
John ends this section by this Title of JESUS CHRIST.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
This is declaring the ATEMPORAL characteristic of God.
He is outside of time.
10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
These TITLES of GOD identify His character.
In Revelation, He’s saying to pay attention . . .
He’s telling us what is coming.
What we do with that will have consequences.
This also ties Genesis and Revelation together.
Everything that is lost in Genesis . . .
is restored in Revelation.
In the last verses of Chapter One we see
A direct order from Jesus to write the letters:
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
11 saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
We see the seven lampstands confirming that these letters were written to the entire church.
WHO IS THE CHURCH? (WE ARE THE CHURCH)
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
And John concludes this introduction quoting Jesus’ command to him.
Jesus first clearly identifies Himself.
first and last (atemporal)
the resurrected Savior (who lived and died)
omnipotent (holds the keys of DEATH and HADES and eventually HELL).
Jesus commands John to write in past, present, and future.
“things you have seen” (PAST)
“those that are” (PRESENT)
“those that are to take place after this” (FUTURE)
Time of the church.
Last week of Daniel.
Finally Jesus explains the mysteries
seven stars (the angels)
seven lampstands (the churches)
These will all play out in the letters.
As we go through these letters we’re going to see that there is a structure to each letters.
CHART OF CHURCHES (EMPTY)
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
EXPLAIN THE CHART.
We’re going to look at each section.
As we do you will notice.
There are some section that are missing in some of the letters.
That is not a mistake.
That absence screams attention.
It is something to pay attention to.
LOOK AT THE BREAKDOWN (CHART)
Address / Salutation — Who is this for?
Christ writes to a specific church in a specific city.
This tells us Christ sees individual churches, not just "the church" in the abstract.
Our congregation is a lampstand with a name.
EVERY CHURCH IS ADDRESSED
Description / Title of Christ — Who is writing?
Each letter opens with Christ identifying Himself using an image drawn directly from the chapter 1 vision.
The title He chooses for each church is not random — it is exactly the aspect of who He is that church most needs to see.
Ephesus, which has grown cold,
gets the One who walks among the lampstands.
Smyrna, facing death,
gets the One who died and came to life.
Each title is important to that church, to that issue.
It is important to us as well.
We can pray to Jesus, the King of Kings in times of victory.
Suffering Savior - Adversity, Sickness, Pain, other challenges.
Immanuel - Recognizing that He is always with us,
We can call upon Him when we are lonely.
Christ (Christos) - Savior or Messiah, the one who redeemed us. He delivers us from SIN and DEATH.
Son of God - Recognizing that we have access to the Father through Jesus.
The Alpha and Omega - that He can see us, hear us, answer us, anytime and any place, because He is outside of time.
Prince of Peace - He can reconcile us before God. He is our connection with God the Father.
THERE ARE MANY OTHER NAMES BY WHICH WE RECOGNIZE HIM.
HE IS ALL OF THEM.
Commendation — What is He praising?
Christ acknowledges what is genuinely good before He addresses what is wrong.
it is the honest assessment of a just judge who gives credit where it is due.
Notably, two churches receive no commendation at all
THIS IS NOT A MISTAKE - IT IS INTENTIONAL
AND WE’LL SEE WHY.
Rebuke — What is He correcting?
This is the most uncomfortable part — and the most loving.
Christ's rebuke is specific, not vague.
He names the exact fault:
you left your first love;
you tolerate false teaching;
you are lukewarm.
and two receive no rebuke.
THIS IS NOT A MISTAKE - IT IS INTENTIONAL
AND WE’LL SEE WHY.
Call to Repent — What must change?
The rebuke is never the last word. Christ always follows correction with a call
This element shows us that Christ writes these letters not to condemn but to restore.
HOWEVER, there is one church that was not called to repend.
We’ll see why again.
Promise to the Overcomer — What is at stake?
Every letter ends with a promise to the one who overcomes
These promises are stunning:
the tree of life,
the crown of life,
hidden manna,
the morning star,
a seat on the throne.
Closing Call — Is anyone listening? "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
This is not just a polite sign-off. It is a direct challenge.
And this is the one part of the letters that changes positions in the structure of the letter. WHY? We’ll see.
Christ is asking: are you actually going to do anything with this?
The letter has been read. Now what?
Remember the blessing.
Not just the hearers.
The doers.
Summary (What have we learned?)
SO WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
God is not silent. He never has been.
From the burning bush in the wilderness
to a mistaken phone call in the middle of the night,
He reaches across every barrier —
time,
circumstance,
wrong number
to deliver His word to the people who need it most.
That is precisely what the Book of Revelation is:
a divine phone call.
Not accidental,
not mistimed,
not addressed to the wrong recipient.
It is a message from God the Father,
transmitted through His Son Jesus Christ,
carried by an angel to His servant John,
and written down for every church in every age —
including ours, right here, right now.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ THESE CHAPTERS OVER THE NEXT NINE WEEKS.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
The Book of Revelation is not a mystery to be feared —
There is a blessing to be received.
God Himself opened this book with a promise:
WHAT WAS THAT PROMISE?
blessed are those who read,
blessed are those who hear,
and blessed are those who do.
No other book of the Bible carries that specific promise.
God wants us to read this one.
AS YOU READ, AND AS WE STUDY, REMEMBER THIS.
These seven churches are our churches.
Though they gathered in Asia Minor two thousand years ago —
they faced what we face:
the pull of compromise,
the pressure of culture,
the weariness of suffering,
and the temptation to let faith grow cold.
Seven churches.
Seven mirrors.
One Body. THE BODY OF CHRIST. THE CHURCH.
Jesus is here, now.
He’s still walking among the lampstands.
The vision John received was not a farewell — it was a visitation.
He is awakening His church.
The risen Christ,
the Alpha and Omega, First and Last,
the One who holds the keys to Death and Hades,
was not writing to churches He had abandoned.
He was writing to churches He was still watching over.
Still walking among.
Still calling by name.
THE WARDEN COMMUNITY CHURCH
THE BODY OF CHRIST.
God's will cannot be thwarted.
As Job declared,
as Esther discovered,
as the story of that young man on a Saturday night reminds us
when God moves,
no misdial,
no coincidence,
no human hesitation
can stop His purpose.
He invites us to participate.
But He will accomplish His will, with us or without us.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
2 “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
We are the church.
We are not a building,
not a denomination,
not an idea.
We are the living lampstands.
And Jesus, who walks among us even now, has a word for us —
a commendation where we have been faithful,
a correction where we have wandered,
and an invitation, always, to return.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
7 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. . . .
WE ARE THE CHURCH
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
Preview of Next Message
Next week we open our first letter.
It is addressed to the church at Ephesus — and of all seven churches,
this one may be the most dangerous to us.
Not because it was wicked.
Not because it was corrupt or spiritually dead.
But because it was doing everything right —
and still received a rebuke from Jesus
that REBUKE should shake every committed, hardworking, doctrinally faithful believer in this room.
The church at Ephesus was the model church.
They worked hard.
They resisted false teaching.
They held the line under persecution.
They did everything we would put on a report card as "excellent."
And Jesus looked at all of it — and said: "I have this against you."
Next week, we're going to sit with that rebuke.
We’re going to ask what Jesus was saying about US.
I can guarantee that many of you who are familiar with this Scripture, will realize that it’s not saying what you think it says.
THAT’S NEXT WEEK.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
Call to Action
HERE’S THE CHALLENGE
Open the BOOK of REVELATION
No Fear
Read with Expectation
Do you have an ear to hear?
PRAY BEFORE YOU READ! A must!
Read Chapter 1
Embrace the Vision
See Jesus standing among the lampstands (the churches)
Here
clothed in majesty
voice like rushing waters
eyes like flames of fire.
This is your Lord, Jesus Christ
He’s present here in the place.
He’s watching
Knowing
Speaking
Then Read Chapters TWO and THREE
Ask these questions
In each letter
Where do I see the commendation apply in my life?
Where do I see the rebuke apply in my life?
What is Jesus calling me to do?
What is He promising me as an overcomer?
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
And remember Rev 1:3
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
The blessing is for the one
who READS
who LISTENS
who DOES (some Bibles - HEEDS)
DR. ALBERT MOHLER - THE BRIEFING
Friday he answers emails
Teenager noting the difference in believer in his age group . . .
Most claim to be believers
Only some make the sacrifice.
Asked why . . .
MOHLER: Transformation - [CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
Those willing [CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
to make a deliberate effort to change,
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
willing to submit to the Holy Spirit,
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
willing to make Jesus central to their lives.
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
willing to pray without ceasing
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
willing to be obedient
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
willing to read the Bible DAILY
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
IT’S CHOICE AND SACRIFICE.
Few of them were willing to do that.
My Prayer for each of us . . .
Be willing
Be obedient
Be transformed
[CLICK SLIDE - CHANGE]
May each of us have ears to hear.
INDEED . . .The spirit is speaking.
Pray (Pastor) -> (Related to Message)
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[Sit/Stand]
CHOIR / SONG 🎵#353
CHOIR / SONG 🎵#353
Be Thou My Vision
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COMMUNION
COMMUNION
(1st Sunday only - LAST PAGES)
INVITATION TO COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)
RITE OF COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)———————————————————
(LAY LEADER) OFFERING
(LAY LEADER) DOXOLOGY
(LAY LEADER) DOXOLOGY
DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
(LAY LEADER) PRAYER OF DEDICATION (for Offering)
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CHOIR / SONG 🎵 #162
CHOIR / SONG 🎵 #162
Tell Me The Old Old Story
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BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION
PASTOR: Inspirational Conclusion🎉😁❤️
A young man in a dark room on a Saturday night
ready to end his life.
One last desperate plea to God.
Is he there?
“GIVE ME A SIGN, GOD, PLEASE”
And the phone rings
The caller ID says ALMIGHTY GOD
If that’s you, ANSWER THE PHONE
REACH OUT TO GOD.
THAT’S NOT A RANDOM THOUGHT.
THAT’S THE HOLY SPIRIT REACHING OUT TO YOU.
THAT’S GOD’S PERSONAL CALL TO YOU.
If you need prayer, I will come back into the church during fellowship and pray with you.
Please just let me know.
Reach out and I will stop what I am doing and pray with you.
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PASTOR: BENEDICTION
May the Lord Jesus Christ,
the Alpha and the Omega,
the One who walks among His churches,
give you ears to hear, hearts to obey,
and courage to remain faithful until He comes again.
Amen.
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PASTOR: FINAL PRAYER (WALK with LAY LEADER) ->
As we bow our heads .
Please pray with me . . . (While walking)
(WALK WITH THE LAY LEADER TO THE LOBBY)
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your Word and for this revelation given through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Lord, give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Search our hearts.
Reveal what must change.
Strengthen what remains faithful.
Awaken what has grown cold.
May we never become satisfied with outward religion while drifting inwardly from You.
Teach us to love Christ deeply,
to follow Him faithfully,
and to stand firm in a world filled with compromise and distraction.
As we begin this journey through these letters,
prepare our hearts not merely to hear Your Word,
but to obey it.
And may Warden Community Church be a lampstand that shines brightly for the glory of Jesus Christ.
In His mighty name we pray,
Amen.
FINAL SLIDE OPTIONS:
Go with God in Peace and Joy; Please, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a time of fellowship together.
Go with God in Peace and Joy; Please, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a time of fellowship together.
Go in the Peace of Christ
You are invited to continue in fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. Please come join us.
Go with God in Peace and Joy
We’d love to spend time with you—join us in the Fellowship Hall!
Go in Peace, Serve in Joy, Live in Love
Please come connect with others in the Fellowship Hall.
Go with God’s Peace and Joy and in the power of the Holy Spirit
But don’t rush off—Please join us for fellowship just across the lobby in the Fellowship Hall!
Go in the Peace of Christ and the Joy of the Lord and the Power of the Holy Spirit
Please, come continue in fellowship with us in the Fellowship Hall.
Go in Peace, Filled with His Joy
Please, let’s continue together in fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.
Go in Peace and Joy with God
Stick around—we’d love to see you in the Fellowship Hall!
You Are Sent by Jesus Christ with Peace, Joy, and a Mission
Now, please come and let’s enjoy fellowship together in the Fellowship Hall.
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PASTOR: COMMUNION PORTION
READ/PREACH: 1 Cor 11:23-29
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;
24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.
28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.
1. Opening Prayer (Variable)
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, remembering the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we partake of this bread and cup, we proclaim His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). Cleanse us from sin, renew our hearts, and help us approach this Table with reverence and faith. Thank You for the cross, for the blood that was shed, and for the grace that saves.
May this meal strengthen our unity, deepen our love for Christ, and stir our hope in His return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2. Scripture Reading & Brief Exhortation (Variable)
Text: Luke 22:14–20
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
(NASB)
When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”
And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.
3. Exhortation (Brief) (Variable)
Condemned men in prison are customarily given a last meal before they are put to death. Jesus, too, was a condemned man, with one last meal to eat before dying. Soon He would be betrayed, condemned and crucified for crimes He did not commit. He would be arrested, beaten, abused, and killed. He endured this suffering for us, giving grace to all believers, and inaugurating this celebration of redemption. As we partake, let us all remember the cross, and the love that led Him there. Let us take a moment and examine ourselves, repent, and come to the table with renewed faith and reverence.
4. The Lord’s Supper
Invitation (Variable)
All who have put their trust in Christ alone for salvation, and who walk in fellowship with Him and with His church, are invited to join with us in communion.
Distribution of the Bread:
“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)
(Eat the bread together)
Distribution of the Cup:
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)
(Drink the cup together)
5. Closing Prayer (Options)
Gracious Father,
As we sit in stillness before You, we thank You for the body and blood of Christ, given for us. May the gospel we have just proclaimed through this meal dwell richly in our hearts. Strengthen our faith, deepen our repentance, and renew our love for You and for one another.
Help us leave this Table not unchanged, but resolved to walk in holiness, bearing fruit in keeping with our salvation, until Christ returns in glory. To you be all glory and honor and praise.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
