Revelation of Assurance

Revelation 1:1-3

Introduction:
There was a sign in front of one church which read: “Church for sale, must find new owner ASAP!” Obviously, Jesus is the True owner of every True church. Acts 20:28 reminds us that Jesus purchased the church with His own blood. Unfortunately, many forget that the church is the property of Christ, under subjection to His leadership and affianced to Him as His future Bride.

Thankfully, even when we are agitated and overwhelmed, God calls us back to the peaceful assurance that He has everything well in grasp. As we study the future events of prophecy, we should not find fear but rather this brings comfort and confidence for the believer. That is precisely what we find as we turn our attention to the first three verses of the last book of the Bible.

I. PURPOSE of the Book-
When we hear the word apocalypse we are prone to think of disaster and total destruction
It may surprise you to know that the word apocalypse actually means an unveiling or a revelation
It is the Greek title of the book of Revelation and it actually appears in Gospel of Luke
Luke 2:32 "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."
It appears a number of times in the general epistles, usually translated revelation
While the book does address the judgment God will visit upon this earth, it is an opportunity for us to know God
Daniel was told to seal up the prophecy he was given but God sent Revelation to make His plan plain
If you have ever tried to read the book of Revelation, you know that it confirms the words of Isaiah
Isaiah 55:9 says, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
It is difficult to interpret much of the symbolism that is used
I have come to the conclusion that we can understand easily what we are meant to understand
And each time we read it, we understand a little more.
The portion that is most crucial for us at this moment is that Jesus will be victorious
John writes it in a time of isolation and persecution when believers understood martyrdom
In fact, John had been exiled to Patmos for refusing to worship the Emperor Domitian as god.
They faced persecution frequently. It is sent to comfort the hearts of the faithful and warn others
It is meant to assure God’s people that He is in control however things may seem to us
This was received by Jesus from our Heavenly Father and then sent to mankind through John
In this, we see order even while the world is embroiled in chaos and confusion
God always stands ready to assist and comfort us, but He is not ruffled by the world’s disarray
As we were reminded yesterday, often police officers find themselves in difficult circumstances
Even the people they attempt to help can turn on them (Illus) Bro. Messer could probably tell us stories about domestic dispute where the battered woman turned on the officers arresting her abusive spouse
An officer has to remain calm and in control in order to be able to be helpful
I am grateful that God intervenes and comes to our aid without being caught up in our drama
He wants us to understand that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end
This is all about Him. Seeing God in His Majesty and Glory will sour us for this world

II. PERTINENCE of the Book-
As we read this