Azuza Pacific University Chapel- the Church and Revelation

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is a call to wake up and take seriously the reality of God's presence in our lives. It's not just another chapel experience, but an opportunity to encounter the living God who is worthy of our reverence and awe. The speaker warns us that we must not get complacent or distracted by the mundane things of life, but rather keep our eyes fixed on the end times and the glory of God.

Key Scripture References

• Revelation 1:7-8 - John sees Jesus in his glorified state, with eyes like fire and hair like white wool. He falls over as though dead, showing the awe-inspiring presence of God. This passage sets the tone for the rest of the book of Revelation.
• Revelation 2-3 - Jesus writes letters to the seven churches, warning them of their shortcomings and calling them to repentance. He threatens to remove or punish those who do not heed His warnings, demonstrating the severity of God's judgment.
• Revelation 4:1-11 - John sees a vision of God on his throne, surrounded by lightning, thunder, and a hundred million angels. This passage highlights the majesty and power of God, emphasizing that He is not to be taken lightly.
• Galatians 3:1-5 - Paul asks the Galatians why they have turned away from the truth of the gospel, warning them that if they continue down this path, they will lose their reward. This passage shows how easily churches can drift away from God's plan.
• 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 - Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their divisions and immorality, calling them to remember the gospel and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This passage highlights the importance of staying true to God's Word and not getting distracted by worldly concerns.

Key Takeaways

• The book of Revelation is a severe warning from God, calling us to repentance and reminding us of His judgment.
• Churches can easily drift away from God's plan, as seen in the examples of Ephesus, Laodicea, Galatia, and Corinth.
• We must not get complacent or distracted by the mundane things of life, but rather keep our eyes fixed on the end times and the glory of God.
• The presence of God is awe-inspiring and worthy of reverence, as seen in John's vision of Jesus in Revelation 1:7-8.

Challenge to the Church in America

The speaker challenges the church in America to examine itself and see if it has become complacent or distracted from God's plan. He asks us to consider whether we are truly honoring God with our lives, or just going through the motions of attending church. The challenge is to take seriously the reality of God's presence and judgment, and to live accordingly.