Advent: A Journey of Hope and Faithfulness
Summary
As we gather on this first Sunday of Advent, we embark on a journey of reflection and preparation for the coming of Christ. Advent, though not traditionally emphasized in Baptist churches, offers a beautiful opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus' birth. Over the next four Sundays, we will explore themes that draw us closer to the essence of this season. I encourage you to take home the Advent booklet provided, which contains daily reflections and readings to help you engage with the message of Christmas in a meaningful way.
Today, we also conclude our series on the book of Revelation, a journey that has been both challenging and enlightening. Revelation, often misunderstood, is a profound revelation of Jesus Christ and a call to follow Him faithfully. As we delve into the final chapter, Revelation 22, we are reminded of the promise of a renewed heaven and earth, where God's dwelling is among His people, and the separation between heaven and earth is no more. This vision challenges our traditional understanding of eternity, emphasizing God's purpose to renew and restore all creation.
In Revelation 22, we encounter the river of the water of life and the tree of life, symbols of God's presence, blessing, and healing. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations, a radical image of God's redemptive power extending even to those who once opposed Him. This chapter invites us to reflect on the promises of God that we need to hear afresh today.
As we conclude this series, we are called to respond in worship, mission, and prophetic witness. Worship transforms us into the image of the Lamb and draws others to witness our faithful testimony. Our mission is to live out the values of God's future reality in the present, demonstrating the power of the crucified Messiah in our daily lives. We are also called to be a prophetic voice, speaking truth to power and resisting the temptations of compromise.
Ultimately, Revelation is a book of hope, reminding us of the certainty of Christ's return and the renewal of all things. As we anticipate His coming, we are encouraged to live as faithful witnesses, embodying the hope and promise of God's kingdom. Let us hold on to the assurance that Jesus is coming soon, and may our lives reflect the reality of His imminent return.
Key Takeaways:
1. Advent as a Season of Preparation: Advent invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, offering a time of reflection and anticipation. It encourages us to engage with the message of Christmas through daily reflections and readings, fostering a deeper understanding of Jesus' birth and its significance for believers. [16:13]
2. Revelation's Call to Faithfulness: The book of Revelation challenges us to consider who we will follow and whose way we will choose. It reveals Jesus as the central figure and calls us to be faithful to Him, resisting temptation and compromise. This call to faithfulness is a reminder of the promises made to the early churches and their fulfillment in the new creation. [49:04]
3. The Promise of a Renewed Creation: Revelation 21 and 22 present a vision of a renewed heaven and earth, where God's dwelling is among His people. This challenges traditional views of eternity, emphasizing God's purpose to restore and heal all creation. The tree of life, with its leaves for the healing of the nations, symbolizes God's redemptive power extending even to those who once opposed Him. [51:54]
4. Worship and Mission as Responses: Our response to God's revelation is worship and mission. Worship transforms us into the image of the Lamb and draws others to witness our faithful testimony. Our mission is to live out the values of God's future reality in the present, demonstrating the power of the crucified Messiah in our daily lives. [01:09:33]
5. Revelation as a Book of Hope: Revelation is ultimately a book of hope, reminding us of the certainty of Christ's return and the renewal of all things. As we anticipate His coming, we are encouraged to live as faithful witnesses, embodying the hope and promise of God's kingdom. The repeated assurance that Jesus is coming soon calls us to live with the expectation of His imminent return. [01:18:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:13] - Advent Season Introduction
[49:04] - Conclusion of Revelation Series
[50:20] - Revelation's Central Question
[51:54] - Vision of Renewed Creation
[53:30] - The New Jerusalem
[54:28] - Promises in Revelation 22
[55:23] - The River and Tree of Life
[55:59] - Worship God Alone
[56:44] - The Call to Faithfulness
[57:38] - The Invitation to Come
[58:32] - Reflection on Promises
[59:54] - The River of Life
[01:00:48] - The Tree of Life
[01:02:16] - God's Redemptive Power
[01:03:11] - Fulfillment of Promises
[01:04:10] - Healing of the Nations
[01:05:07] - God's Grace and Redemption
[01:06:37] - The Extent of God's Grace
[01:07:34] - God's Sovereignty and Justice
[01:08:38] - Revelation's Call to the Church
[01:09:33] - Worship as a Response
[01:10:44] - The Power of Worship
[01:11:49] - Mission and Witness
[01:13:11] - Prophetic Voice
[01:14:16] - The Call to Return to God
[01:14:58] - The Prophetic Voice in Revelation
[01:15:50] - Revelation as a Book of Hope
[01:16:48] - The Hope of Christ's Return
[01:18:04] - Living with Expectation
[01:19:17] - C.S. Lewis on "Soon"
[01:20:22] - Invitation to Communion
[01:21:39] - Communion as Worship and Hope
[01:22:22] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 22:1-21
- Genesis 2:9
- Ezekiel 47:1-12
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#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key symbols mentioned in Revelation 22, and what do they represent? [54:28]
2. How does the imagery of the river of the water of life and the tree of life in Revelation 22 connect to the story of Genesis? [01:00:48]
3. What promise is repeated multiple times in Revelation 22, and why is it significant? [01:18:04]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of worship in transforming believers and drawing others to witness? [01:09:33]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the vision of a renewed heaven and earth in Revelation 21 and 22 challenge traditional views of eternity? [51:54]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the book of Revelation calls believers to be a prophetic voice in the world? [01:13:11]
3. What does the sermon imply about the extent of God's grace and redemption, especially concerning the healing of the nations? [01:06:37]
4. How does the sermon interpret the call to live out the values of God's future reality in the present? [01:11:49]
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#### Application Questions
1. Advent is a time of preparation and reflection. How can you incorporate daily reflections and readings into your routine to prepare your heart for Christmas? [16:13]
2. Revelation challenges us to be faithful to Jesus and resist compromise. What are some areas in your life where you feel tempted to compromise your faith? [49:04]
3. The sermon emphasizes worship as a transformative act. How can you make worship a more integral part of your daily life, beyond just singing? [01:09:33]
4. Revelation calls us to be a prophetic voice. What are some practical ways you can speak truth to power in your community or workplace? [01:13:11]
5. The promise of Christ's return is a source of hope. How can you live with the expectation of His imminent return in your daily decisions and interactions? [01:18:04]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of mission. How can you demonstrate the power of the crucified Messiah in your interactions with others this week? [01:11:49]
7. Reflect on the concept of God's grace extending to the healing of the nations. How does this perspective influence your view of those who may oppose your beliefs? [01:06:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Advent as a Time of Heart Preparation
Advent is a season that invites believers to prepare their hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. It is a time of reflection and anticipation, offering an opportunity to engage deeply with the message of Christmas. This season encourages believers to explore the significance of Jesus' birth through daily reflections and readings, fostering a deeper understanding of its impact on their lives. By embracing Advent, individuals can cultivate a sense of expectancy and readiness for the celebration of Christ's arrival. [16:13]
Isaiah 40:3-5 (ESV): "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'"
Reflection: As you enter this Advent season, what specific practices or changes can you implement to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ?
Day 2: Faithfulness in the Face of Temptation
The book of Revelation challenges believers to consider who they will follow and whose way they will choose. It presents Jesus as the central figure and calls for faithfulness to Him, urging believers to resist temptation and compromise. This call to faithfulness serves as a reminder of the promises made to the early churches and their fulfillment in the new creation. By choosing to follow Jesus, believers align themselves with His purpose and are empowered to live out their faith in a world that often opposes it. [49:04]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you face temptation. How can you actively choose faithfulness to Jesus in that area today?
Day 3: The Vision of a Renewed Creation
Revelation 21 and 22 present a vision of a renewed heaven and earth, where God's dwelling is among His people. This vision challenges traditional views of eternity, emphasizing God's purpose to restore and heal all creation. The imagery of the tree of life, with its leaves for the healing of the nations, symbolizes God's redemptive power extending even to those who once opposed Him. This vision invites believers to reflect on the promises of God and the hope of a future where all things are made new. [51:54]
Isaiah 65:17-18 (ESV): "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness."
Reflection: How does the vision of a renewed creation influence your understanding of God's purpose for the world? What steps can you take to align your life with this vision?
Day 4: Worship and Mission as Transformative Responses
In response to God's revelation, believers are called to worship and mission. Worship transforms individuals into the image of the Lamb and draws others to witness their faithful testimony. The mission involves living out the values of God's future reality in the present, demonstrating the power of the crucified Messiah in daily life. By embracing worship and mission, believers become active participants in God's redemptive work, embodying His love and grace to the world around them. [01:09:33]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: In what ways can you incorporate worship and mission into your daily routine to reflect God's love and grace to those around you?
Day 5: Living with Hope and Expectation
Revelation is ultimately a book of hope, reminding believers of the certainty of Christ's return and the renewal of all things. As believers anticipate His coming, they are encouraged to live as faithful witnesses, embodying the hope and promise of God's kingdom. The repeated assurance that Jesus is coming soon calls believers to live with the expectation of His imminent return, shaping their actions and attitudes in the present. This hope serves as a source of strength and motivation to persevere in faith. [01:18:04]
1 Peter 1:13 (ESV): "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the hope of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and interactions? What changes can you make to live with greater expectation and readiness for His coming?
Quotes
The 1st of December also is the first Sunday in Advent. Now, in Baptist churches, we're not really kind of a high, we don't do tradition as much as other churches like Anglican or Catholic churches. But Advent is this beautiful season in the church life where it's about preparing ourselves and reflecting on what is to come. Advent is over four Sundays. And so the next four Sundays, we're going to celebrate Advent. [00:15:42]
Each week has a particular word that we can draw to. But on the way in, you hopefully will be given a booklet like this. And the invitation is for you to take this home. And every day, there's 25 short reflections and readings that you might want to just take this in and use to prepare your hearts, to focus on what Jesus is saying to you as we prepare for Christmas together. [00:16:13]
I hope you've enjoyed reading through part of a scripture that we don't often explore. I hope that you've been encouraged and challenged to think about what does it mean to follow Jesus and how this whole book, these 22 chapters point to Jesus. I think Revelation asks us the unavoidable question, who will you follow? [00:49:05]
And so last week, we saw how Revelation shows us that at the very end, the very end of time, there is a renewed heaven and a renewed earth. And that rather, this was a little bit of a mind bend for some of you. I've heard you reflect this back to me this week. Rather than our destination being heaven, we see that God's dwelling place is among his people. [00:51:43]
There is no longer any separation between heaven and earth. The answer to the prayer, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, has come about fully. In the new creation, in the New Jerusalem. And so the story of Scripture that starts in the garden at the very beginning, it ends in this big city of the New Jerusalem. [00:53:16]
And so we fast forward to Revelation 22 and we see that we've been told in 21, Evil and sin are no more. There is no more suffering. Evil has been dealt with. There is no more evil in the renewed heaven and earth. And the tree of life is there. The bar of sin has been removed. The curse is no more. That's what we're told in verse 3. [01:02:35]
And the tree of life is there for who? For the healing of the nations. This messes big time with our concept of salvation and our sense of time, right? Like, how? But what I think it does show is it shows us the extent and the breadth of God's redemptive power and purposes. Even beyond the second death in Revelation, God, somehow, is still at work redeeming. [01:07:12]
Throughout Revelation, we've seen these spontaneous outbursts of worship in Revelation in response to how God has acted. Moments that just interrupt things, they just pause and all of a sudden there's these magnificent scenes of worship where every tribe, nation, people, and tongue worship God because God has acted. [01:09:44]
The call for us as followers of Jesus, those who are faithful to the Lamb, is to practice the values of the future reality that we look forward to now. To practice what we know is to come now. Revelation isn't just a book that's to be understood or be amazed or confused by, but it's a reality that is to be lived out. [01:11:49]
Revelation calls for a prophetic voice, a return to God and to the ways of Jesus, and to cut off the things that are not of him. That was the call for the first seven churches reading this letter. And so too, that is the call for us this morning. Chapter 22 says in verse 7, blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll. [01:14:16]
The hope that Jesus' first coming offered us as God becoming human. And the hope that we know and are certain of because of all that Jesus has done. The hope of his return. The hope of renewing of all things that the end of death will come. Tears will be wiped away. [01:16:48]
Did you notice the repetition of those words in chapter 22? I am coming soon. Three times it's said. A call and a reminder to the believers to just hold on. I am coming soon. Whenever there's repetition in scripture, you've got to look for it because it's important. [01:18:04]
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