Grace Bible Church Midtown Sermons: Recent Episodes
Grace Bible Church, College Station Texas
Original sermons recorded at Grace Bible Church in College Station Texas. Please note there are many more recordings not listed here.Visit our sermons archive at www.grace - bible.org for more audio messages. All recordings are available as free MP3 downloads.Most messages have supplementary Notes and PowerPoint slides.
God invites us to join with Him on the mission that He has prepared for us in Christ. When we do, He actively guides us through His Spirit, His Word, His power, and His people. While the world can try to dilute God's message of the gospel, God graciously shares His gift of salvation with all who believe in the one true savior, Jesus.
Even though the grace of God can be scandalous at times, it is worth a fight and ultimately unites us!
El sermón destaca la responsabilidad de la iglesia de enviar embajadores para expandir el reino de Dios donde el evangelio aún no ha llegado. Usando la iglesia de Antioquía como modelo—diversa en nacionalidad, dones y clases sociales—se enfatiza cómo la iglesia primitiva alineaba sus corazones para escuchar la voz de Dios a través del ayuno y la oración, lo que resultó en que el Espíritu Santo llamara a Pablo y Bernabé para ser apartados para la obra de predicar, hacer discípulos y plantar iglesias. El sermón subraya la importancia de que las iglesias locales abracen su rol en el envío de misioneros, citando Romanos 10:13-15 para mostrar que el evangelio no puede llegar a los perdidos a menos que los predicadores sean enviados. Finalmente, llama a la iglesia a alinearse con la misión de Dios y extender Su reino enviando, yendo, y orando para que se haga la voluntad de Dios en la tierra.
highlights the church’s responsibility to send ambassadors to spread God’s kingdom where the gospel has not yet reached. Using the church at Antioch as a model—diverse in nationality, gifts, and social classes—it emphasizes how the early church aligned their hearts to hear God’s voice through fasting and prayer, resulting in the Holy Spirit calling Paul and Barnabas to be set apart for the work of preaching, making disciples, and planting churches. The sermon underscores the importance of local churches embracing their role in sending missionaries, citing Romans 10:13-15 to show that the gospel cannot reach the lost unless preachers are sent. Ultimately, it calls the church to align with God’s mission and extend His kingdom by sending, going, and praying for God’s will to be done on earth.
From the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, Acts 8:26-40 shows us our role in helping people find and follow Jesus, as we follow the Gospel thread and carry out the Gospel spread to the end of the earth.
Chapters 6-8 and the beginning of the book of Acts narrate four main events. The election of the first deacons, the ministry and message of Stephen, the martyrdom of Stephen, and the introduction of Saul of Tarsus. The need for deacons, and especially Stephen’s story, teach us inspiring truths as we follow and imitate Christ, proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel.
While generosity can unify the church especially amidst external opposition and adversity, the lie of hypocrisy can threaten the unity and community found within the church. As a result, God in His grace will actually judge such sin to protect the purity and fruitfulness of His church.
It can be so easy for our limitations and circumstances to cause us to manage our expectations in a way that we no longer pray or ask God to move in supernatural ways. But what if we began again to dream bigger realizing God may have even more in store for our lives than we even expect? In Acts 3, a lame man will be miraculously healed to the praise and glory of Jesus as a reminder that God sees us in our struggles and works to bring restoration to the broken areas of our lives. As a result, we can be encouraged to pray afresh asking God to do more than we can think or imagine again.
Acts 2:1-36 describes Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to speak in various languages, fulfilling prophecy. Peter proclaimed Jesus' resurrection and lordship, urging repentance. This event marked the birth of the Christian Church as many believed and were baptized.
The book of acts marks the beginning of the disciples active mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. this same mission the same power are given to us today, equipping us to face challenges similar to those encountered by the early church, the victory of Christ is our victory.
El libro de los Hechos marca el comienzo de la misión activa de los discípulos, empoderados por el Espíritu Santo para llevar el evangelio hasta los confines de la tierra. Esta misma misión y este mismo poder nos son dados hoy, equipándonos para enfrentar desafíos similares a los que encontró la iglesia primitiva. La victoria de Cristo es nuestra victoria.
Joash's rise reminds us to prepare our hands to fulfill our calling, taking bold actions to restore and uphold what is holy.
Joshua, who was Moses’ successor, had made a personal commitment to serve the Lord all his life. He decides that he will not allow the idols and the false gods of the pagan nations to influence his household. In his farewell address, he reminds the Israelites to turn away from their false idols and return to serving the living God.
In 458 B.C. Ezra led the second return of exiles to the Promised Land. Because Ezra was trusted, King Artaxerxes (464-424 B.C.) charged Ezra with restoring civil and religious order among his own people. Ezra’s skill for this role came from his study of God’s word (he knew it), his personal application of God’s word (he lived it), his ability to pass on these life-giving truths to others of his generation (he shared it) and the favor of the Lord empowering him (he understood the source of real change). Ezra was prepared to fulfill his calling? Are you prepared to fulfill your calling?
It is easy to get caught up in the idea and desire of the living successful lives that the culture deems the “American Dream.” However, if we are not careful, falling into this trap can lead us to live empty lives. But only if we acknowledge that provision comes from the Lord do our lives have meaning.
Life moves fast, and time seems to slip through our fingers. Sometimes, days pass, and “we don’t have time” to pray. Let us study Psalm 5, in which King David practices some principles we could apply to improve our prayer life.
In Psalm 103, David directs our worship to a God who rescues sinners from their desperation in order to bless them with his love and grace. Though he would be just in issuing judgment, he forgives in order to bless. When we come into his presence, we are overwhelmed by his love.
El Salmo 100 es un cántico de exhortación a ser agradecidos con Dios. El Salmista nos da una lista de 7 acciones con las cuales el creyente debe manifestar su gratitud a Dios. En el verso final nos da la razón por la cual el creyente debe agradecer a Dios.
What should we do when times are hard and we seem to be at the bottom of a pit we cannot escape? In Psalm 40 David writes a beautiful song and prayer to God remembering the deliverance God has already worked in his life and trusting that God will deliver him again. Those of us who are in Christ also get to remember our deliverance from the eternal consequences of sin and shame! These stories of deliverance are meant to be shared for the building up of the body of Christ!
Psalm 2 highlights the rebellion of the nations against God's sovereign rule, His response and promise of judgment through His Son, and the call for the nations to seek refuge in Him.
Similar to the "gap" of knowledge that toddlers have with parents, we have a gap in our understanding of how God works. This Psalm reminds us who God is, and gives one example of how we can trust Him despite us not fully knowing His ways.
Psalm 90 is a psalm of trust in the Lord as our refuge and it challenges us to use our time well on this earth.
Jesus Christ said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, “. These words were spoken as he raised Lazarus, and taught doctrinal, relational, and spiritual truths to Martha, Mary, his disciples, and all who were present at the greatest of the signs in John's gospel. This declaration of Jesus fills every believer in Christ with present and future hope, thanks to the eternal life that Christ offers to all who believe in him, receiving his marvelous grace.
Jesus expounds on who He is as the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd calls His people; although in the Old Testament He called His people through intermediaries, He now calls us to Him and leads us directly through the Holy Spirit. The Good Shepherd loves His flock with an unmerited, uniquely directed, and irrevocable love which caused Him to lay His life for us. The Good Shepherd is expanding His flock, and desires for all men to be saved.
We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Since Jesus is the Bread of Life, He satisfies my spiritual hunger and gives me eternal life.
it’s resurrection Sunday, Christ was crucified, but He is risen, and because He is, now we can live, He died our death so we could live His Life.
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior, triumphantly entered Jerusalem more than two thousand years ago, as part of His prophetic, transforming, and redemptive Purpose.
Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and He came to make whole those who are broken and want to be made whole. Do we want to be healed?
Only by COMING with Jesus and SEEING the extent of who Jesus meant when He said "whoever" in John 3:16 can they hope to reap the HARVEST Jesus intended. It took a Samaritan woman, rejected by everybody, to see what Jesus meant when He said, "Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life."
What does it mean to be born again? Is this something physical or spiritual? Come join us as we explore Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus and see how Jesus explains the fullness of eternal life found in Him and Him alone.
We should prepare ourselves to follow when Jesus invites us to come and see. John is challenging us to see who Jesus is and then respond similarly to how his followers responded when they were invited to follow.
The call to "come and see” is issued as we encounter Jesus and learn about how He wants us to know He is near.
John the Baptist was a witness to Jesus, who was coming. We are witnesses to Jesus, who is coming again. John the Baptist’s life has necessary lessons for every disciple of Christ.
What it means to be a disciple. Luke 9 - deny yourself, pick up your cross daily, follow me. The passage ends with Jesus “setting his face” to go to Jerusalem to die - He knew how it would end: both the cross and the resurrection.
God has spoken to us in Jesus and we ought to listen to Him well for He is the Son of God, the world’s creator, sustainer, and heir, and also our high priest.
Some churches shrivel and die. Other churches thrive and flourish. What about our church? Will we fade, or will we flourish for generations to come? And more specifically, what can you do to help your church become or remain a vibrant, growing community of faith?
New Year's is a natural time to reflect on the past and look to the future. Jesus' proclamation in Luke 4:14-21 sheds light on how the arrival of Jesus and his mission of redemption brings us favor with God.
Through the Holy Spirit’s intercession, God’s purpose in their lives, and the unshakeable love of God. we Can find comfort and Strength, We are called to have a deeper trust in God's plan and a more profound relationship with Him. anchor our hope in the unchanging love and promises of God. Our present sufferings, no matter how intense, are incomparable to the glory that awaits us. With this unshakeable hope, we are called to live boldly, trusting that God's purposes will prevail, and His love will triumph over every trial
The Holy Spirit leads believers through life’s challenges, turning hardships into gateways for freedom, deeper communion with God, and hopeful anticipation of the future. This spiritual journey, akin to a roller coaster's highs and lows, ultimately guides us toward exhilarating liberation. The core message emphasizes that, in the midst of trials, the Spirit’s presence offers a guarantee of a glorious future, inspiring believers to persist in faith, buoyed by God’s enduring promises.
Gratitude transforms as Romans 12:1-2 urges us to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, embracing a renewed mind that leads to a life of thanksgiving.
Exploring Romans 8:1-11, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit is highlighted as the key to shifting from self-driven effort and legalism to a life guided by the Spirit. The futility of seeking change through Law adherence is contrasted with the Spirit's role in fostering internal transformation and securing freedom from condemnation in Christ. Believers, by forsaking fleshly viewpoints and following the Spirit, experience genuine transformation and righteousness. Such a life, empowered by the Spirit, continually reorients towards love, righteousness, and spiritual vitality, gradually molding us to reflect Jesus more each day.
In Romans 7:14-25, Paul addresses the Christian dilemma of the constant tension between sinning and the desire to obey God. It underscores our human weaknesses and the perpetual nature of this struggle, setting it against God's divine law. This passage emphasizes that true freedom and victory over sin come not from our own efforts, but through Jesus Christ. It invites believers to acknowledge their struggles, lean on the Holy Spirit, and find peace in Christ’s triumph, fostering a faith journey transformed by His grace and redemptive strength.
When we look at the work that has yet to be done in seeing the Gospel message be proclaimed to all nations, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet scripture is clear, Christ has promised us that this will be done. We can rest in the promise of how He intends to use His Church in the Great Commission, and how His finished work on the cross will usher in a Kingdom that is yet to come, and is everlasting.
As we continue our study of Romans, Paul shares another truth in Chapter 7: Believers are dead to the Law. Join us as we study the difference between the Mosaic Law and the newness found in Christ.
Are you living in true freedom, or are you a bird that keeps returning to its old cage? Romans 6 shakes our comfort zones, proclaiming that in Christ, we are not only forgiven, but we are fundamentally free from the power of sin! Paul challenges us: Why cling to our old way of living when Christ's sacrifice has shattered our chains? We are not called to stand at the door of our past, but to boldly move forward into a new life marked by righteousness and holiness. Today's sermon dives into four actions that define this new life in Christ: Acknowledge your death to sin, consider your new life in Christ, present yourself before God, and serve in righteousness. Let's discover together what it truly means to be free and alive in Christ.
In Romans 5:12-21, Paul outlines the profound contrast between Adam, whose disobedience led to sin, death, and universal condemnation, and Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial act brings grace, justification, and eternal life. While we are all born into Adam's legacy of sin and separation, through faith in Jesus, we can transition into a new legacy—one of grace, righteousness, and life eternal. This passage magnificently illustrates that no matter how great the sin, Christ's grace superabounds, offering redemption and transforming us from fallen beings into recipients of divine favor.
In life's major decisions—like choosing a college, accepting a job, or selecting a spouse—we often weigh the benefits. Similarly, the sermon on Romans 5:1-11 highlights the transformative "benefits package" God offers through faith in Christ: unshakable hope, unconditional love, and unbreakable security. These aren't just perks; they are divine blessings rooted in God's justification and reconciliation of us. Amid a world short on lasting hope, love, and security, the sermon calls us to actively embody these life-changing benefits.
Exploring Paul's narrative in Romans, "By Faith Alone" urges us to break down our self-constructed walls of pride, move beyond our fruitless self-efforts, and embrace God's inexhaustible promises. Highlighting the solid faith of Abraham, the sermon invites us to transition from self-sufficiency to divine certainty. It encourages us to renounce self-justification, and warmly welcome the grace and righteousness that God generously offers. This journey aims to energize, enlighten, and root our souls in God's firm promise, reflecting Abraham's extraordinary faith.
In a world where many feel helpless and hopeless, the message of Romans 3:21-26 offers a lifeline. Paul articulates that God does what we can't do for ourselves by providing a righteousness that is both free and eternal. This righteousness serves as a spiritual life jacket, available to all and fully paid for by Christ on the cross. Paul delves into three key aspects: the Problem of Righteousness, showing our universal need; the Provision of Righteousness, highlighting God's gift; and the Price of Righteousness, pointing to the cross as the ultimate cost that only God could cover.
Jewish religiosity was a matter of discussion in the Christian church in Rome during the time of the Apostle Paul. Centuries have passed but Christians always face the temptation to live religiously with practices and substitutes for the gospel, instead of experiencing lives that reflect and delight in the powerful message of the Gospel of the Grace of God. This message is an invitation to consider and enjoy that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and saved by the Grace of God, and not by our religiosity.
God's judgment is the same for everyone, no matter where you're from or what cultural background you have. It's a wake-up call telling us that we're all accountable for our actions. Paul, in Romans 2:1-16, asks us to look inward, drop any fake fronts, and aim for a life that's genuinely good. The message reminds us that no one gets a special pass; we're all judged by what we actually do. Let's explore how we can make better choices and truly transform our lives with God's help.
This sermon tackles the theme of God's divine righteousness in contrast to human shortcomings. While we celebrate the 'Good News' of divine grace, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we can't fully appreciate this gift without first acknowledging our own imperfections. Much like the first step in a recovery program asks us to admit our flaws, admitting our shortcomings allows us to fully experience God's transformative grace. The Good News becomes truly Great News when viewed against the dark backdrop of our own failures.
Today's sermon, "God's Mission, God's Vision, Our Commitment," draws a sharp analogy between life's unexpected twists and the consequences of leaving out key ingredients when cooking. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to trust fully in God's wisdom rather than our limited understanding, ensuring our paths are divinely guided. Proverbs 29:18 further emphasizes the importance of God's vision, highlighting the dangers of wandering without it. As part of the Grace Bible Church family, our shared goal is to align with God's mission and vision. Inspired by these scriptures, we are called to embrace God's redemptive mission and eternal vision. This alignment helps us find purpose, follow His directives, and multiply disciples in the name of Jesus. Our spiritual journey mirrors the four pillars of the church: God's Word, God's Grace, God's People, and God's World. Through this understanding, we can tap into the perfect life "recipe" God has for us.
Proverbs emphasizes the importance of righteousness and integrity. The choices we make, our actions, and our character shape our pursuit of happiness. By living in accordance with God's principles, we set ourselves on a path of true joy, grounded in the hope that comes from knowing we are walking in God's ways.
Having spent multiple chapters explaining who we are in Christ, Paul wanted the Ephesians to understand that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but agains the spiritual forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:10-12 reminds us that we need to step into all that God has provided to help us grow and mature, as well as resist the devil and his schemes.
Is there any area of your life that seems out of control, and what can you really do about it? In the message today, we learn that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the people of God can live out the self-controlled life. When the followers of Jesus dwell upon the gospel, have a focused direction, and exercise self-discipline, they display both God and His gospel!
Our hope comes from the indestructibility of truth of God’s word and that our God who is our stronghold is on His throne.
When we build friendship based on biblical values, last forever. A close look to Friendship in the book of Proverbs will lead us to build meaningful and long-lasting relationship with truly friends.
The book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of justice and compassion in our interactions with others. It highlights that living justly involves treating others fairly, defending the oppressed, and standing up for what is right. Furthermore, it encourages us to extend compassion to those in need, showing kindness, mercy, and empathy.
How does our daily life transform when we seek godliness and wisdom with our speech? Join us as we dive into what Proverbs has to say!
As Christians, by the power and work of the Holy Spirit, we are called to live a life of self-control. We are to be responsible and conscious of our emotions, actions, words, habits and decisions, submitting our own desires to the authority and teachings of God's Word.
The key to neutralize fear/worry is to put all of our attention into knowing our trustworthy God.
Much like seeds require continual care and attention, the wisdom contained within the Book of Proverbs needs routine nourishment through thoughtful consideration and understanding to firmly implant in our hearts. By gently fostering these wisdom seeds with consistent reading, contemplation, and application, we are not merely accumulating information but maturing in wisdom—effectively employing our knowledge. Let's commit to making the quest for wisdom, as guided by the Book of Proverbs, our daily endeavor, a journey that enhances our lives and sheds light on our pathway.
In our exploration of the Lord's Prayer, we learn that experiencing God's forgiveness on a daily basis depends on our willingness to forgive others. By seeking God's guidance and protection, we can achieve spiritual freedom and strengthen our connection with Him. Embracing forgiveness heals relationships and allows us to extend God's grace to others.
In this sermon based on Matthew 6:11, we learn the importance of embracing daily dependence on our heavenly Father's provision. Recognizing God as our Father and supreme King doesn't remove our personal needs but places them in a secondary position, as we trust in His loving care. Through the Lord's Prayer, we're reminded to prioritize our relationship with God and rely on His perfect provision, which enables us to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, knowing that He is always watching over and providing for us.
Based on Matthew 6:9-10, the initial verses of the Lord's Prayer, this sermon highlights the significance of developing a dynamic prayer life, grounded in the proper perspective, priority, and purpose. By incorporating these principles, we can deeply experience God's kingdom in our daily lives.
Jesus emphasized the importance of genuine and purposeful prayer, urging us to let go of external displays and focus on authentic communication with God. By distinguishing between the ostentatious prayers of hypocrites and our own sincere, intentional prayers, we can foster a meaningful connection with our Creator, who is aware of our deepest desires and needs even before we voice them.
As we celebrate Easter, and remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, let us take this opportunity to embrace the power of God's grace and forgiveness in our lives. By rejoicing in the immense forgiveness received in Christ and emulating Christ's love by offering forgiveness to others, we can finally lay down our heavy burdens at the cross, allowing the power of the resurrection to transform our lives and relationships.
Explore the profound significance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, a crucial event in His last days on earth. Grasp the difference between just observing religious customs and building a sincere relationship with Christ. Be motivated to dedicate yourself to Jesus fully, recognizing His exceptional appeal beyond institutional religion, trusting the dependability of the Scriptures, and celebrating His fulfillment of prophecies as He bestows the invaluable gift of salvation.
James reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of turning to God in all circumstances. Whether we are experiencing sadness, joy, sickness, or darkness. Through prayer, we can turn to God for comfort, thanksgiving, healing, and confession.
En el trayecto de la vida, podemos elegir seguir el camino de la vida mundana, marcado por la autosuficiencia y la autoindulgencia, o el camino de la vida cristiana, caracterizado por la paciencia y la honestidad. Viviendo con una perspectiva piadosa, sometiendo nuestros planes a Dios, confiando en Su provisión y cultivando la paciencia en medio de las pruebas y dificultades, podemos honrar a Dios y vivir una vida que refleje Su amor y gracia a los que nos rodean.
In the journey of life, we can choose to follow the path of worldly living, marked by self-reliance and self-indulgence, or the path of Christian living, characterized by patience and truthfulness. By living with a godly perspective, submitting our plans to God, relying on His provision, and cultivating patience in the midst of trials and difficulties, we can honor God and live a life that reflects His love and grace to those around us
God has made us his collaborators by entrusting us with what is most precious to Him, something that He was willing to send his Son to die for. Therefore, we must be faithful in what we have received by grace, not out of obligation, but out of love for Him, and because He is worthy.
Dios nos ha hecho sus colaboradores al confiarnos lo más preciado y por lo que estuvo dispuesto a enviar a su Hijo a morir, por lo tanto debemos ser fieles en lo que hemos recibido por gracia, no por sentido de obligación, sino por amor a Él y porque Él es digno.
All of us have experienced conflicts in our lives. Whether it be a dispute with our spouse, a disagreement with a colleague, or an argument with a friend, conflicts can be painful and damaging to our relationships. And nowhere has that been more true than in the body of Christ. Conflicts within the church stem from our selfish desires and motives, and true humility and submission to God's will are the keys to overcoming them.
Our words reveal our hearts and can either infuse life or death into our relationships. As believers, we must recognize the power of our tongue and seek to control it by cultivating wisdom from above. May we be known for our kind and edifying speech, which reflects the wisdom of our heavenly Father and leads to peaceful relationships and righteous living.
Maturing in our faith requires the kind of faith that is accompanied by works. When our faith is not accompanied by works, it is worthless in the sense that it does nothing to help our faith mature and become complete. For James, faith is no abstract proposition but rather something that has effects in the real world.
Judging another person's motives based on outward appearance or other external factors is impossible. Appearances can be misleading, so James challenges us to adopt God's standard in dealing with others. Since there shouldn't be favoritism but only impartial love among God's people, show no partiality.
Desarrollar nuestra fe requiere acción. No podemos limitarnos a escuchar la Palabra; debemos hacer algo en respuesta. Para ir más allá de las pruebas y tentaciones generales de la vida, Santiago ahora nos desafía a confrontar nuestro comportamiento: lo que hacemos en respuesta a lo que oímos.
Developing our faith requires action. We can’t simply hear the Word; we must do something in response. To Get beyond the general trials and temptations of life, James is now challenging us to confront our behavior—what we do in response to what we hear.
All of us know what it is to face temptation… And all of us know what it is to be defeated by temptation. The good news is that believers in Christ can have victory over temptation because God always provides a way out. James shows us that temptation can be cured when we focus on God’s goodness, His Word, and His plan.
There are three types of people in this world: those who are in a trial, those who are exiting a trial, and those who are about to enter a trial. The truth is that no one is immune from trials and tribulations while living in this falling and rebellious world, not even Christians. However, given that trials will come, James 1:1-12 advises us to count them as joy, submitting to God, knowing that He is using them to deepen and mature our faith. Therefore, we need to see trials are our teacher, not our torture.
Helping people find and follow Jesus is a mission given to our church by God's grace for God's people to accomplish in God's world through the proclamation of God's Word. We achieve this task by adopting a "Plus One" mentality in bearing witness to Christ and in all that we do. We can trust that God has already prepared the "plus ones" we need to accomplish what He wants.
As the new year arrives, how can we be reminded of our vision and mission for the church, and what God has given us to make that possible.
As we've wrapped up our series in Revelation and Christ's second advent, we now head into the celebration of His first. During this time it's important for us to remember that before there was a world that needed to be renewed, He is the one who was, and is, and is to come. Christ the Eternal Word - the name that deserves all the glory, exaltation, and is worthy to be praised.
Things in this world are not as they should be because sin spoils everything. But when Christ returns, He will establish the millennial kingdom, reigning with His glorified saints. After that, Christ will destroy Satan, judge all sin, and abolish death forever, making way for the new heavens and the new earth.
All of us will have the opportunity to be part of God’s history by modeling others His story in our life. We will have the opportunity of being HIStory makers in our lifetime. And through our decisions show our friends, neighbors, coworkers, city, nation that there’s no other God like our God.
The region of Shinar, where the tower of Babel had been built, eventually became the center of one of the world's earliest empires—Babylon. The Babylonians took great pride in their buildings, economy, and man-made religions, considering their great city heavenly (bâb-ili means "the gate of God"). It's no wonder that even after its collapse as the world's most influential political, economic, and religious center, Babylon became a metaphor for godless, humanistic religion in general. This aspect brings us to the book of Revelation. Chapters 17 and 18 introduce the term "Babylon" to refer to the Antichrist's last and most influential religious, political, and economic empire. God empowers us to live in His Kingdom and to reject the spirit and the rewards of opposing kingdoms. Therefore, we should reject Babylon because one day, God will reject it and those belonging to it.
God is a God of wrath and judgment. One day, He will say, “Enough is enough,” and end all the evil in this world. But the same God of wrath and judgment is also a God of grace and mercy. His judgment is terrible news for those who reject the gospel of Christ but good news for those who respond to it in obedience.
Satan has and will continue to do everything in his power to deceive and destroy. We see in Chapter 13 how he will establish his kingdom of hell on earth. All signs point to tragedy but there is still hope because Satan's power is limited and is no match for the true kingdom of God.
The Tower of Babel and it’s place in God’s plan of redemption of peoples, tribes, tongues and nations - all people groups.
Jesus makes a seemingly crazy promise to "...whoever believes..." that they will "...do the works that He does and even greater works than these...". Learn what this promise means and what it does not and hear from people that are seeing it come true throughout the world. If this promise is true in your life and Jesus sees you in this way, how will you respond?
Satan is an aggressive enemy, but he's also a defeated enemy and will not have the final victory. Our task, therefore, is not to try to win every battle but to stay faithful to the One who has already won the war.
Everything on this earth needs some type of energy source to keep it moving. These things are stoppable at some point. When we enter the spiritual world, perpetual motion becomes a reality. God is always in motion, His kingdom is constantly advancing, and nothing in heaven and earth can stop the progression of His sovereign plan. He is the unstoppable God whose glory goes on and on forever.
Everyone deals with some sort of trial or hardship at any given moment. Some of these are part of the normal hardships of life. Others are brought on by our own sin. Some are temptations of the world. Yet others come from wicked spirits trying to torment or distract us. In every case, the answer is to turn to God. Let us respond to God’s judgments with awe-filled expectation and humble repentance.
In Revelation we're given a glimpse of what's to come. While the end times include a time of affliction, judgement, and wrath, there's no need to fear for those that are in Christ. We have a Hope that is sure and eternal, and we're promised a reconciliation in which all will be made right and whole. We have much to rejoice in. We'll witness the fulfillment of a promise made long ago, and we will have the opportunity to celebrate Jesus' finished work in His presence before His throne.
With the Church no longer present because of the Rapture, Jesus reveals his plan for judging the nations, Israel and gentile alike, for their rejection of his gracious offer of redemption.
The vision of heaven in Revelation chapters 4 and 5 is more than the eye can see or words can describe, and the ultimate picture it creates is greater than the sum of all its parts. It is an excellent reminder that life is not all about us, but it’s all about God. Every earthly thing fades into the background as we stand with John on the edge of the awesome presence of God and His Lamb, who are worthy of all praise.
Only Jesus Christ, the head of the church, can accurately inspect each church and know its true condition because He sees the internal, not only the external. Because churches are made up of individuals, it is individuals who determine the church's spiritual life. So, while reading these memos to the seven churches of Revelation, we must apply them personally as we examine our own hearts.
Revelation is a book about the future and about the present. It offers future hope to all believers by proclaiming Christ’s final victory over evil and the reality of eternal life with Him. But it also gives present hope by teaching us how to live with confidence knowing that through Christ, God blesses us, loves us, and is with us.