July 5, 2022 strive4theprize

The Return of the King aka the Ballad of the White Horse Rider

Revelation 19.11-21

The King returns, and none of those who are His enemies will be able to stand before Him. His fury will be terrifying and His vengeance on His adversaries complete.

Jesus is coming…He is coming in judgment, He is coming in vengeance, He is coming as Sovereign over all, and you want to be with Him and not against Him.

In Luke 19, Jesus tells the parable of the nobleman who goes off to receive a kingdom. Before the nobleman leaves, he calls together his slaves and gives each one a mina to invest until his return. And generally the focus is on the slaves investing the nobleman’s mina. But there is a third group in that parable…those who didn’t want the nobleman to rule over them. In Luke it for sure represents the religious leaders who rejected Jesus. In Revelation, it represents the folks aligned with the beast. Seed of the serpent types.

There are only two sides in this conflict…only two. You are either on the side of the White Horse Rider, or you are aligned against Him. There is no middle ground. No Switzerland here.

As believers, this is our blessed hope…the return of the King in all His terrible glory executing judgment and vengeance for every wrong done on earth. Ever since Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit and plunged humankind, and all of creation, into a world of sin, death and corruption, we’ve been waiting for the Seed of the woman who would crush the head of the serpent, the One God promised would set everything right. So for us, the White Horse Rider is our Fearless Commander, our Conquering Warrior-King riding into battle against an already vanquished foe. His appearance is salvation and the realization of our greatest hopes. Jesus wins. And because of our faith in Him, we also win.

For those who are facing the White Horse Rider, there is great dread and fear as they see a Fierce, Ruthless, Unrelenting and Vengeful Warrior-King bent on destroying them. None will escape. All will face His wrath.

So where are you? Are you with Him or against Him?

If you have trusted in Jesus, give thanks! Jesus wins. The realization that He is coming back in all His awesome glory is good news indeed, for He will right the wrongs that have been done. But knowing that He is coming back with such terrifying vengeance, there should be a sense of urgency in sharing our story with those around us who don’t know about Him.

If you find yourself today in the position of an enemy of Jesus, be afraid! Jesus wins. The realization that He is coming back in all His awesome glory is sobering news indeed, for He will right the wrongs that have been done. Knowing that He is coming back with such terrifying vengeance, now is the time to repent…to trust in Him, for now is the time of God’s favor. We are in a holding pattern awaiting His return. Part of the reason for the delay is so that folks will come to trust Him and join His side. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life, that you too may look forward to the return of your King.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Revelation series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

June 27, 2022 strive4theprize

The Great Hallelujahs

Revelation 19.1-10

The fourfold hallelujahs are ringing out in anticipation of the coming of the King. The long wait is nearly over. The time is near.

The return of the King is good news for His servants, for those who have entered into covenant relationship with Him. For them He has come with His reward. For them there is the “well done good and faithful slave” of a benevolent and magnanimous Master. For them their righteous deeds are the linen garments they will wear as they enter the kingdom to feast at the wedding supper of the Lamb.

But His return will not be good news for His enemies. For them He has come to judge them for their wicked deeds and avenge the wrong done to His people. For them it will be a dark day, a terrible day. For the King will be their Judge…their uncompromising and just Judge.

Life and death are set before you, the blessing and the curse. So choose life.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life…a covenant relationship with Him, feasting together with Him at the wedding supper of the Lamb and reigning with Him forever.

pro rege

June 13, 2022 strive4theprize

Lament for Babylon

Revelation 18.9-24

Babylon has fallen, and the kings of the earth, the merchants and the seafaring peoples will all mourn over her…not for what it means for her, but for what it means for them. And while those who participate in her wickedness mourn, the righteous will rejoice.

One day every wrong will be righted. Truth will prevail. Good will crush evil. Sin will be atoned for. But until that day we live in a time of waiting. Patient endurance. We don’t like it. And like the martyrs under the altar, we too cry out, “How long?” But God’s patience is mercy. It allows time for repentance. For those far from Him to come to Him…through Jesus. And during this time of waiting, He calls us to be investing…investing our mina. Sharing our story. The hope that we have found in Jesus. Telling them about Him. That’s why we’re still here…waiting. Longing for Him to come back. So don’t give up. And don’t give in. He’ll be here soon enough.

If you are one of those who have not yet trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. The world as we know it is quickly coming to an end. Soon all the vain things that you have been pursuing will be no more. But the things that remain…the eternal things, the unshakable things…they can be yours. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and that you might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

June 6, 2022 strive4theprize

Babylon is Fallen

Revelation 18.1-8

The unthinkable has happened…Babylon is fallen. Though her kingdom seemed to be impregnable and her self-proclaimed reign absolute, her judgment is swift and her doom sure. So come out of her lest you share in her downfall.

It’s disturbing to think that believers would have to be warned to flee Babylon…a city described as the Mother of Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth”, and yet it’s not altogether surprising. Let’s be honest with ourselves…too many of us compromise far too often in far too many areas of our lives. And while we’re being honest…some of those who are the closest to us might be the most surprised to find out that we are Christians based on the way we conduct ourselves at work or school or in social settings, etc.

But it shouldn’t be that way…and it doesn’t have to be. We can’t save ourselves, and we can’t change ourselves…only the Spirit can do that. But He will only do that as we allow Him to. There is a divine partnership involved. We talked about it when we were going through Romans. Saying “yes” to Jesus, and “no” to all the other junk. That looks like…time in God’s Word everyday, praying throughout the day, spending time with other believers as often as possible, sharing my story with those who haven’t yet trusted in Jesus and living a generous life. Beginning to live my life in light of the truth that I am no longer who I used to be. I really have passed from death to life. And now I have the opportunity to live like it. Motivated, not by fear of stepping out of line, but out of love for the One who first loved me.

So don’t give up. Don’t give in. Jesus wins…and that means that you do to.

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. You too need to get out of Babylon before it’s too late. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins, eternal life and a place in His kingdom.

pro rege

May 30, 2022 strive4theprize

The Doom of Babylon

Revelation 17.7-18

The time is short. The end is coming quickly. The fall of Babylon is on the horizon, as well as the destruction of the beast. Though it may seem like the bad guys are always winning, the truth will soon be apparent…their demise is sure.

It’s not a time for us to be fearful…it’s a time for us to be faithful. We have been chosen and called. Our names are written in the book…if we have trusted in Jesus. But that’s not true for a majority of folks you see every day. Most have no clue that the end is near…that there is anything more to this life than what’s right in front of them. And then it’s over. They are without hope and destined for hell. But you have the words of eternal life. You can tell them about Jesus. God can use you to change their trajectory, to rewrite their destiny. But it means you can’t give up or give in. And you’ve got to be willing to share your story with them.

If you are one of those who have not yet trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. Your name too could be written in the book of life. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, conquering both sin and death…so that you might not only have forgiveness of sins, but that you too might conquer death and have eternal life. That you could be one of the called and chosen and faithful whose name is written in the book of life.

pro rege

May 23, 2022 strive4theprize

Babylon the Great

Revelation 17.1-6

Babylon is being remembered before God. Soon she will drink from the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath. And all those aligned with her will share her same fate.

The Bible is one Story. And in these closing chapters of Revelation, we see that though much has happened, much remains the same. The seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent and the enmity between the two…the persecution of God’s people by those who reject Him…is still being played out in these last few scenes.

This description of Babylon is more like our world everyday. That shouldn’t surprise us. But it also shouldn’t scare or worry us. Our job doesn’t change no matter how much the world shakes around us. We are still to live lives worthy of the calling. Lives that point others to Jesus. And to share our story…to tell them about Him and the difference He’s made in our lives.

And though it looks like the bad guys are winning, appearances can be, and often are, deceiving. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Jesus wins.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait…time is running out. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, showing that He not only satisfied God’s wrath, but that He also conquered both sin and death. We don’t have to fear what’s to come, but we can face it with courage and anticipation looking for our King to return.

pro rege

May 16, 2022 strive4theprize

Armageddon

Revelation 16.12-21

The last two bowls are poured out and with them, wrath/judgment is done. But not before the great battle and the catastrophic shaking of both heaven and earth. And yet men will still refuse to repent.

But that’s not true for everyone. Remember the great multitude that we talked about in Revelation 7 and the angel with the eternal gospel in Revelation 14. Even during this time of judgment, a great multitude which no one can count from all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues will come to faith, worshiping Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb. Even in the midst of the pouring out of His wrath, we see God’s mercy.

And so we have a job to do. First, don’t give up or give in. We’ve talked about that before. Jesus’ warning to believers is sobering…don’t be caught sleeping. Don’t live as if He’s not coming back. Live as if He’s coming back today. John’s already talked about the two different harvests…how we live our lives matters. We will one day be evaluated. Better to be the slave who gained the five or ten minas than the one who hid theirs.

Second, share your story. Tell someone about Jesus. Tell them about the difference He’s made in your life. Impact list…friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, teammates, gym buddies, etc.

Finally, if you haven’t trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. The folks under judgment here have chosen to reject God, but still blame Him for the consequences of their decision. Don’t do that. Please don’t do that. You don’t have to face His wrath…you can instead experience His mercy. By trusting in Jesus who satisfied God’s wrath on the cross.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, showing that He not only satisfied God’s wrath, but that He also conquered both sin and death. We don’t have to fear what’s to come, but we can face it with courage and anticipation looking for our King to return.

pro rege

April 4, 2022 strive4theprize

The Bowls

Revelation 16.1-11

The first five bowls have been poured out, and the worshipers of the beast and his kingdom are reeling because of it, yet they refuse to repent and turn to God. The end is fast approaching, and their fate is soon to be sealed.

Many these days go about their lives unaware or indifferent about the choices they are making that have eternal consequences. Like Pharaoh, many see God’s patience…His mercy…as an indication that if their actions have no immediate consequences, then they must not have any consequences. But they are wrong. Dead wrong. God will deal with sin. It may not be today. Or tomorrow. Or the next. But eventually the day will come. And in the day of God’s wrath, who is able to stand?

The answer is simple…those who follow the Lamb. Those of us who have trusted in Jesus. We need not fear the coming judgment for we are on the winning side. Jesus is our Resurrected King who has conquered death and satisfied God’s wrath on sin.

We live in uncertain times. The world is shaking all around us. These judgments have not yet come, and yet we see our world fractured and coming apart at the seams. Almost daily we are reminded of how fleeting life is. But the fact that you’re still here means that you still have work to do. If you’ve trusted in Jesus, your job is to keep sharing your story with those around you who don’t know Him. Your job is kingdom impact. It’s to point others to Jesus.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. The folks under judgment here have chosen to reject God, but still blame Him for the consequences of their decision. Don’t do that. Please don’t do that. You don’t have to face His wrath…you can instead experience His mercy. By trusting in Jesus who satisfied God’s wrath on the cross.

pro rege

March 28, 2022 strive4theprize

Another Sign in Heaven

Revelation 15

The last of the signs in heaven are seven angels with seven plagues that will bring to completion God’s wrath. The righteous will be vindicated…the wicked punished. It’s not too late to escape God’s wrath. But time is running out.

It reminds me of the parable of the bigger barn builder from Luke 12.16-21. Jesus tells a story to illustrate…a rich man has a successful year. In our story he’s a farmer. By all accounts, God has blessed him…provided the right amount of rainfall and sunshine, the right temperature and nutrients for the soil, things which the farmer has little if any control over. It’s his best year ever…doesn’t have enough barn capacity to store it all. Presents a problem that most of us think we would like to have…he has too much. What to do with an unexpected abundance of crops? So he gives it some thought and the internal dialogue starts…time to tear down the old barns and build bigger ones. Up to this point, the farmer appears to act prudently. Proverbs talks a lot about saving and investing.

But then the internal dialogue continues…“Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” So what’s wrong with that? Sounds like the perfect retirement plan, right? Don’t we work hard now so we can relax and enjoy life later?

Then God steps in and says, “You fool!” Sad irony…the man thought he had many years to enjoy his stuff, but God requires his soul “this night”. The futility of the man’s efforts become clear. Like the Preacher from Ecclesiastes, “vanity of vanities…”

We too can be fooled into thinking that we have time. Time to do all the things. And get around to Jesus later. But so did this guy. And time ran out. Don’t let that be you. Make today the day.

pro rege

March 21, 2022 strive4theprize

The Harvest

Revelation 14.14-20

Harvest aka judgment is coming. When the earth is ripe and when the grapes are ripe, the sickle will be put in and judgment will come. Every day we get one step closer. Every day the earth/grape vine is a little riper.

The good news is…if you’ve trusted in Jesus then the kingdom awaits. Jesus Himself will welcome us in with the “well done good and faithful slave”.

The bad new is…if you haven’t trusted in Jesus then God’s wrath awaits. But there is still time. You can escape it. All can be saved. You can be saved.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life…entrusted with our own mina to invest in the lives of others…and that you might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: