Sermon Snippets with Max Taylor

114. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 9: Church #1 - Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-7
 
We left off discussing the various views of these churches, and today we jump into the letter to the first of these churches. Christ presents Himself to the church at Ephesus—who had been given premier teaching on the church from Paul and the qualifications for church leaders through Paul’s letter to Timothy—as the One who cares for the messengers of the church and walks in the midst of His body. Most of the contents of this letter to Ephesus is praiseworthy, but there is a warning issued them to return to their first love. There is much for us to learn from the letter to this church.
 
Ephesus: the Loveless church
  I. The Location (literal local church) #1 
Very important Roman city in the province of Asia
City of Diana the pagan Greek goddess
Church Paul spent the most time at
Timothy ministered there, as did John, possibly as elders
Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians is the masterpiece treatise on the church, there were no problems addressed in this epistle, contains spiritual depth, it is in the letter to Timothy we have the qualifications for pastor and deacon
Gave his parting sermon in Acts 20
 II. The Likeness of Christ
Christ’s relationship with His church
Caring for the elders and walking in the midst of the members
III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings)
✅Intolerance towards evil & error
✅Hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans (domineering over the people)
✅Had remained faithful and patient in their works and labor
❎Left their first love
Their fervor and affection was abated over time
Probably due to trials due to their location
IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) #3 
Represents the Apostolic Age AD 70-170
This is a call to patience, to bear under great trials, to continue long in obedience
 V. The Lesson for us (type of church) #2 
Wilmington’s helpful outline:
Remember the faith they had loved (give their heads to Christ)
Repent (give their hearts to Christ)
Repeat their first works (give their hands to Christ)

113. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 8: Intro to the Churches

Revelation 2-3
 
This is a really important part of Revelation because this is where we are living right now. This is the things which “are” so we should take note because it is written to our current time frame. In this first episode on these two chapters, we are introducing the seven churches and the three aspects of these churches as (1) literal local churches, (2) symbolic or types of churches, and (3) historic representative churches throughout the church age. Looking forward to jumping into the church of Ephesus next week!

112. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 7: The Layout of Revelation

Revelation 1:17-20
 
John is here given the outline for the revelation he would record (1) the things which he had seen, (2) the things which were, and (3) the things which would be hereafter. When these last remaining things begin to happen, they will take place suddenly and in rapid succession (1:1). May we meditate on these things of eternal value and long to see the Lord face to face.

111. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 6: Getting a Glimpse of Jesus

Revelation 1:13-16
 
These verses give us a glimpse of Jesus, as He will be in the day of the Lord. For now, we can see Jesus as we study the truth of His Word, watch prophecy line up for His return, interact with other believers who are part of His Bride, and meditate upon Him personally. We need but to listen and turn and look as John did. And one day we will see—not just a glimpse of Jesus—but we will see Him as He is. That is what motivates us to purity and hope (1 John 3:2-3).

110. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 5: Christ In Our Midst

Revelation 1:11-16
 
At the beginning of John’s vision, he hears the voice of God telling him to record the things he would see (beginning with a vision of Jesus Himself) to spread to the churches in the region. We then get a window into the voice and description of Jesus here. These verses remind us of how we have come to possess the Word of God and the privilege of being the church of God. Next week, we will pick up with this seven-fold vision of Jesus.

109. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 4: On the Island But In the Spirit

Revelation 1:9-10
 
In these two verses, we get a window into the life of John and what he was experiencing after his imprisonment and exile to the Isle of Patmos. But even there, his mind was on the Lord’s Day. They can imprison our bodies, but they cannot capture our hearts and minds. The important truth for us is that even when we feel exiled in this world and on an island spiritually, we can meditate on the culmination of God’s plan in our spirit.

108. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 3: Seeing Christ

Revelation 1:7-8
 
We will all see Christ return to earth, the question is how will we respond. Some will mourn over not believing Christ sooner, others will be angry that God is coming to crush wickedness, and those of us who are saved right now will actually return with Him and watch Him set up His kingdom. So how should we live right now? We should live with trust in God, believing that His way is best and that He will keep His promises. He is eternal and almighty, and nothing can interfere with His designs for human history. Ours is only to trust Him and live for Him.

107. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 2: Behold, He Cometh

Revelation 1:4-7
 
This closing book of prophecy was written in response to the question the disciples repeatedly asked Jesus while He was here. What mercy from God! And yet, how much time do we spend reading and analyzing our Lord’s long-awaited response? We pick up with some information on the Author, the audience, and the announcement in the next few verses. I'm really looking forward to getting deeper into this study!