Christ the King: Our Eternal Hope and Foundation

Summary

Today, we gather on Christ the King Sunday, a day that marks the culmination of the liturgical year and invites us to reflect on the majesty and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. As we prepare to enter the Advent season, we are reminded of the profound introduction of Jesus by the Apostle John in the book of Revelation. John presents Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, the eternal and unchanging foundation of our faith. In a world filled with uncertainty and change, this truth offers us a firm anchor, assuring us of God's faithfulness and constant presence.

John's introduction also highlights Jesus as the faithful witness, the martyr who laid down His life for us. This act of sacrificial love is a testament to the depth of His commitment to humanity, dying not just for the righteous but for sinners like us. It challenges us to consider the ultimate test of belief and the profound nature of Christ's love.

Furthermore, John's depiction of Jesus as the firstborn from the dead underscores the victory over death that Christ achieved through His resurrection. This triumph transforms our understanding of death, offering us hope and assurance of eternal life. The resurrection is not only a validation of Jesus' divinity but also a promise of our future resurrection, a guarantee of the life to come for all believers.

Finally, John proclaims the future return of Jesus, a promise that fills us with anticipation and hope. This expectation reminds us that our current struggles are temporary and that a day is coming when all things will be made new. As we await His return, we are called to live with hope and faithfulness, trusting in the faithfulness of the One who promised.

As we approach the Advent season, let us strive to know Christ the King more intimately, so that we may confidently introduce Him to others, sharing the gospel with clarity and conviction.

Key Takeaways:

1. Eternal Nature of Christ: Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the eternal and unchanging foundation of our faith. In a world of uncertainty, His timeless nature provides a firm anchor, reminding us of God's faithfulness and constant presence. [37:00]

2. Sacrificial Love: Jesus, the faithful witness, laid down His life for us, demonstrating the ultimate act of love. His sacrifice challenges us to reflect on the depth of our beliefs and the profound nature of His love for sinners. [40:54]

3. Victory Over Death: Jesus' resurrection as the firstborn from the dead assures us of His victory over death. This triumph offers hope and transforms our understanding of death, promising eternal life to those who trust in Him. [43:21]

4. Promise of Christ's Return: The anticipation of Jesus' return fills us with hope, reminding us that our present struggles are temporary. We are called to live with faithfulness, trusting in the promise of a renewed creation. [46:44]

5. Introducing Christ to Others: As we deepen our understanding of Christ the King, we are better equipped to introduce Him to others. Knowing Jesus intimately allows us to share the gospel with clarity and conviction. [47:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:16] - Service Introduction
- [07:36] - Announcements and Celebrations
- [08:18] - Time and Talent Sheet
- [09:10] - Call to Worship
- [22:00] - Prayer of Humility
- [22:54] - Silent Prayers
- [24:38] - The Lord's Prayer
- [28:06] - Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:4-8
- [30:56] - Introducing Jesus
- [33:34] - Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
- [35:43] - Christ the King Sunday
- [37:00] - Eternal Nature of Christ
- [38:11] - Trust in God's Faithfulness
- [39:37] - Jesus as the Faithful Witness
- [43:21] - Victory Over Death
- [45:43] - Promise of Christ's Return
- [47:51] - Knowing Christ the King
- [49:59] - Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 1:4-8

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#### Observation Questions
1. How does the Apostle John introduce Jesus in Revelation 1:4-8, and what titles does he use to describe Him? [35:43]
2. What does the term "Alpha and Omega" signify about Jesus' nature according to the sermon? [37:00]
3. How is Jesus described as a "faithful witness" in the sermon, and what does this imply about His mission? [39:37]
4. What is the significance of Jesus being the "firstborn from the dead" as mentioned in the sermon? [43:21]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the eternal nature of Christ as the Alpha and Omega mean for believers living in a world of uncertainty? [37:00]
2. How does Jesus' sacrificial love challenge the way believers view their own commitment to faith and others? [40:54]
3. In what ways does the promise of Christ's return provide hope and perspective for current struggles? [46:44]
4. How does understanding Jesus as the "firstborn from the dead" transform a believer's perspective on life and death? [43:21]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's uncertainties. How can the truth of Jesus as the Alpha and Omega provide you with a firm anchor during such times? [38:11]
2. Jesus' sacrificial love was for sinners, not just the righteous. How can this understanding influence the way you show love and grace to those around you, especially those who may not seem deserving? [41:55]
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus' resurrection offers hope and assurance of eternal life. How does this promise affect your daily life and decisions? [43:21]
4. As we anticipate Christ's return, what are some practical ways you can live with hope and faithfulness in your current circumstances? [46:44]
5. The sermon encourages us to know Christ the King more intimately. What steps can you take this Advent season to deepen your relationship with Jesus and confidently share the gospel with others? [47:51]
6. Consider the idea of Jesus as a "faithful witness." How can you be a faithful witness in your community, and what might that look like in your daily interactions? [39:37]
7. How can the assurance of God's constant presence, as highlighted in the sermon, help you navigate moments of fear or loneliness? [38:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as Our Eternal Anchor
In a world that is constantly changing, the eternal nature of Christ provides a steadfast foundation for believers. Jesus is described as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, emphasizing His timeless presence and unchanging nature. This truth offers believers a firm anchor amidst life's uncertainties, reminding them of God's unwavering faithfulness and constant presence. As we navigate through life's challenges, we can find peace and assurance in knowing that Christ's eternal nature is a reliable source of strength and stability. [37:00]

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most uncertain right now? How can you lean on the eternal nature of Christ to find peace and stability in that area today?

Day 2: The Depth of Sacrificial Love
Jesus, as the faithful witness, demonstrated the ultimate act of love by laying down His life for humanity. This sacrificial love is not just for the righteous but extends to sinners, challenging believers to reflect on the depth of their own beliefs and the profound nature of Christ's love. His willingness to die for us is a testament to His unwavering commitment to humanity, inviting us to consider the implications of such love in our own lives. As we ponder this sacrificial act, we are encouraged to embrace and share this love with others, recognizing its transformative power. [40:54]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the sacrificial love of Christ through you today? How can you demonstrate this love in a tangible way?

Day 3: Triumph Over Death
The resurrection of Jesus as the firstborn from the dead signifies His victory over death, offering believers hope and assurance of eternal life. This triumph transforms the understanding of death, shifting it from a source of fear to a promise of new life. The resurrection not only validates Jesus' divinity but also serves as a guarantee of future resurrection for all who trust in Him. As believers, this assurance of eternal life empowers us to live with hope and confidence, knowing that death is not the end but a transition to a promised future. [43:21]

"For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:22, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of resurrection and eternal life change your perspective on current struggles or fears? What steps can you take to live more confidently in this hope today?

Day 4: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
The promise of Christ's return fills believers with hope, reminding them that present struggles are temporary and that a day is coming when all things will be made new. This anticipation calls for a life of faithfulness and trust in the promise of a renewed creation. As believers await His return, they are encouraged to live with hope and perseverance, knowing that their efforts are not in vain. This expectation of Christ's return serves as a motivation to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in the faithfulness of the One who promised. [46:44]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to live with more anticipation of Christ's return? How can this anticipation influence your daily actions and decisions?

Day 5: Sharing the Gospel with Clarity and Conviction
As believers deepen their understanding of Christ the King, they become better equipped to introduce Him to others. Knowing Jesus intimately allows for the sharing of the gospel with clarity and conviction, inviting others to experience the transformative power of His love. This call to evangelism is not just about words but also about living a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ. As believers grow in their relationship with Him, they are empowered to share the message of hope and salvation with those around them, fulfilling the Great Commission. [47:51]

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message today? How can you prepare yourself to share this message with clarity and conviction, both in words and actions?

Quotes

"Verse 4, grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come. And then verse 8, I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Now this declaration encapsulates the timeless nature and the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ. He is the beginning and the end, the eternal, the unchanging foundation upon which all of creation rests." [00:36:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Well, in a world marked by uncertainty and transience, the truth of Christ, his eternal nature provides that firm anchor for our faith. He is the unchanging constant in a world of constant change, the source of hope amid the ebb and the flow of human history." [00:37:03] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"That's why in times of uncertainty, in times of conflict and fear, it's reassuring to remember that Jesus Christ is that one constant that we can depend on and that his will is going to ultimately prevail." [00:37:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Now, that doesn't mean that Jesus was an eyewitness to some disputed event, but that he was a martyr, a martyr who loved us and freed us from our sins by his blood. He voluntarily laid down his life for us. The Greek word witness in our reading is martus, martyr. If you claim to believe something, if you claim to truly believe, if you truly believe something, what's the ultimate test of that belief? You die for it." [00:39:55] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Jesus is the faithful witness or martyr of the faith, mentioned in verse 5. And it is Jesus who loves us, who died to save us from the sins, our sins, by his blood. He was born to die. As were the lambs of the temple's sacrificial system." [00:40:26] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"But have you ever heard, I don't think yet, it's virtually unknown for anyone who gave up their life for someone that they knew who was evil, who was incorrigibly bad and unrepentant. And yet Jesus, while we were still sinners, Paul says, died for us. Here's the amazing part. It isn't just good people that Jesus died for." [00:42:24] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Another aspect of John's gospel, of his introduction of Jesus, is that he died for us. He died for us. He died for us. He died for us. This is not in his gospel, in his letter. John's introduction tells us that Jesus was not only death-defying, but he conquered death completely." [00:42:52] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"As the firstborn among the dead, Jesus walked out of the tomb showing us that he has power over death and offers that same thing to us. His beatdown of death assures us on this Christ the King Sunday that Jesus is indeed the sovereign ruler over all of creation." [00:43:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"This is why the resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate expression of hope. It transforms our understanding of death, turning it from the end to the beginning, the beginning of eternity in Christ." [00:43:56] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Conqueror of death, we know that death has been defeated and eternal life awaits those who place their trust in him. And yet, as the firstborn from the dead, we know his resurrection was a complete validation of his divinity that happened in the fulfillment of scripture and that, as doctrine, is the very foundation of our faith." [00:44:21] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Well, finally, John tells us that Jesus is coming again. And this is John's announcement in verse 7. He said, Look, he is coming with the clouds. Every eye shall see him, including those who pierced him." [00:45:31] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"The promise of Christ's return should fill us with anticipation, with expectation. it's a reminder that our present struggles, our sufferings here are temporary and that a day is coming when all things will be made new." [00:46:44] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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