Explores finding hope in the seemingly ominous symbols and visions presented in the book of Revelation.
Good morning, friends. We gather here today, hearts filled with hope. We stand on the edge of a new understanding. Today, we turn our gaze to the last book of the Bible, Revelation. A book filled with visions and symbols. A book that often leaves us pondering. Yet, a book that holds so much hope for us.
G.K. Chesterton once said, "Hope means hoping when things are hopeless, or it is no virtue at all." And indeed, when we look at the world around us, when we look at the trials we face, it can often seem hopeless. But today, we're going to find hope in a place where many may not think to look.
In the passage we read, we see that everyone is forced to receive a mark. This mark is not just any mark. It's a mark that carries weight, a mark that carries significance. It's a mark that determines whether one can buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.
More than a physical mark: It's not just ink on skin or a brand on flesh. It's a spiritual mark. It's a mark on the soul. It's a mark that signifies allegiance, that signifies loyalty, that signifies belonging. It's a mark that ties one to the beast, that ties one to the world, that ties one to the darkness.
We find a glimmer of hope: For in the darkness, light shines the brightest. In the darkness, hope is most needed. In the darkness, hope is most appreciated. In the darkness, hope is most powerful. And so, in this mark, in this dark spark, we find hope.
A mark of choice: It's a mark of decision. It's a mark of free will. Everyone is forced to receive the mark, but not everyone chooses to receive the mark. Some resist. Some refuse. Some reject. And in their resistance, in their refusal, in their rejection, we find hope.
A mark of the future: It's a mark of what's to come. It's a mark of prophecy. It's a mark of revelation. It's a mark that points to the end times, that points to the final battle, that points to the ultimate victory. And in this prophecy, in this revelation, in this victory, we find hope.
A mark of man: It's a mark of humanity. It's a mark of our fallen nature, of our sinful nature, of our broken nature. It's a mark that reminds us of our need for a Savior, of our need for redemption, of our need for grace. And in this need, in this Savior, in this grace, we find hope.
A mark of light: It's a mark that shines in the darkness, that pierces the darkness, that overcomes the darkness. It's a mark that points to the Light of the World, to the Morning Star, to the Bright and Morning Star. And in this Light, in this Star, in this Bright and Morning Star, we find hope.
In the midst of the darkness, we find ourselves at a feast ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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