Dear Church... Part I: Jesus

New Series - Dear Church...
by Senior Pastor Dr. David Uth
Part I: Jesus
August 10, 2008

Revelation 1:1-20

- John Piper said that we become what we look at.
- The greatest thing you can do when you are down is to worship.
- Trumpets are an announcement, they are mentioned more in the book or Revelation than the entire New Testament.

- Revelation 1:11
The Lampstands are the churches and Jesus is in the middle of the churches. He is not watching over us - He is walking with us. The churches mentioned are in what is known as Turkey today.

Read Daniel 7

Revelation 1:13
Old testament mentions of a man wearing a robe to the feet were referring to the high priest. The high priest was the intermediate between God and the people--the highest position at the time. The High Priest sash was made of a woven material but Jesus' was made of gold. The high priest worn the sash around his waist but Jesus worn his across his chest. Jesus was far superior to every high priest. We don't need another mediator to God - It is Jesus.

Revelation 1:14
Proverbs 16:31 says gray hair is a crown of splendor or glory. White hair is a sign of wisdom. Eyes like flaming fire - He can see us to the core.

Revelation 1:15
Bronze reference represents strength and the voice like rushing waters is powerful and loud.

Revelation 1:16
The 7 stars we find out later represent the angels of the 7 churches. His face shining is another reference to how powerful He is.

The writer John kept saying "it was like..." because he was trying his best to describe what he was seeing. When we see Jesus he will be more beautiful than we could have ever imagined.

Revelation 1:17
Do not fear. We are commanded not to fear over and over again in the bible-it is the #1 command. Every time you feel fear may you feel the right hand of Jesus. He is the first and the last. He was there when it all began and will be there when it all comes to an end.

Revelation 1:18
Hades is the spirit world - where the demons hang out. He has the keys to it. He who holds the keys rules! You don't need to be afraid because God is in control. He rattles the keys!
If Jesus is for you, then who can be against you?