Scripture Reference:  Revelation 6:1-17

As John gets a peek behind the veil into heaven, the scroll is broken, and all are shown the unfolding plan of God in world history. With vivid images, John sees that world history will be characterized by four horseman riding and bringing suffering. This sight is alarming, but also comforting to see that suffering is NOT a sign that the world is out of control, but instead a sign that Jesus is indeed coming and at work.

Sermon Points:

• An Explanation of Suffering (vv. 1-8)
• Strategy in the Suffering (vv. 9-11)
• Security amidst Suffering (vv. 12-17)

Scripture Reference: Revelation 1:1-8

The book of Revelation is written to a group of churches whose lives are getting “worse” as they follow a risen and ascended “unseen” Jesus. This book comes to people struggling to make sense of the world around them and says “LOOK!, things are not as they seem!” What is revealed to the apostle John and then shared with the churches are astounding images that make sense of the world, bring assurance and peace by ultimately revealing the character and presence of Jesus among them.

Sermon Points:

• Reveals (vv. 1-3, 11)
• Reveals Through Pictures
• Reveals a Person (vv. 1, 4-8)

Scripture Reference: Romans 8:18-25

The Apostles Creed ends by confessing what Christians believe about the future. In summary, God will finish what He started. He created a world to dwell with humanity as His image bearers. No matter, how much sin has infected and destroyed the world and humanity, God is going to save and restore it all. This Christian hope is embraced when we confess I believe in “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”

Sermon Points:

• The Resurrection of the Body
• The Life Everlasting

Scripture Reference: Acts 1:1-11