New Series Begins March 5, 2017

These are the days of “not yet.” 

Those of us who follow Christ live in an uncomfortable reality. God has given us many great promises in Christ Jesus, but we’ve not yet experienced them all. Not yet. 

• Christ promised He would return—but not yet. 

• Jesus will ultimately make everything right—but not yet. 

• Christ promised to redeem our lives and welcome us into His glorious kingdom—but not yet. 

As we live in this “in between” reality of life, it’s easy to forget that the story—God’s great story of redemption—has a happy ending. Whenever we read the headlines or watch the news on TV, we sometimes wonder how things will turn out. We forget the war already has been won. The future isn’t in doubt. 

What all of this means on a practical level is that we can live in our present circumstances, whatever they are, with a joyful confidence because we know Christ has already secured our victory. We can have courage in our obedience, enthusiasm in our evangelism, mercy in our forgiveness, and determination in our discipleship. 

We can live each day with joy because we have victory. We are confident Jesus will finish what He has started in the whole world—and in us.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

I have a curious habit: I read the last paragraph of a book first. If it’s a mystery, I want to know “whodunit.” If it’s a thriller, I want to see the climatic ending right away. If the author is stating an argument, I want to read her concluding thoughts. 

When I know the ending, I enjoy the experience of reading the book much more. 

The Book of Revelation offers a similar experience. On the Isle of Patmos, the apostle John had an incredible vision that became the Book of Revelation. This last book of the Bible presents a grand and glorious picture—a victorious picture—of Christ. 

In this vision of the future, Christ is shown as victorious in every way, and history flows to that moment when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 

In other words, we know how the story ends. Therefore, we can live our lives in a much deeper and fuller way. We can live with confidence.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Revelation 1:12-16 

12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool — white as snow — and his eyes like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. 

The Book of Revelation was written during a time when the early church experienced intense persecution. To endure this hardship, John wanted to be sure the early Christians didn’t lose confidence in the truth of the gospel. Yes, the Scriptures tell us that Christ came, He lived a sinless life among us, He died for us, and He was resurrected. But there’s more! This same Christ now reigns over God’s kingdom forever. 

As John worshiped, he was lifted high enough to see over the horizon of time and catch a glimpse of the One who reigns over history. And what he saw was an incredible vision of Christ: 

• He was dressed in a long robe with a gold sash. Both rulers and Jewish high priests wore long robes. A gold sash indicated high rank and wealth. 

• His head and hair were white like wool and white as snow. White hair was viewed with respect, dignity, and honor. It symbolized experience and wisdom (see Prov. 16:31). 

• His eyes were like a fiery flame. This emphasizes Christ’s penetrating vision and His ability to judge perfectly. 

• His feet were like fine bronze. This emphasizes Christ’s purity, strength, and glory.

• His voice like the sound of cascading waters. When Christ speaks, His words are felt as much as they are heard, just like the way the roar of a waterfall vibrates your chest when you stand next to it. 

• He had seven stars in His right hand. The right hand represented authority and power (see Ps. 110:1; Matt. 26:64), and the seven stars were “the angels of the seven churches” (Rev. 1:20). The victorious Christ is in control of the churches. 

• He had a sharp double-edged sword coming from His mouth. Even today, we often refer to “the sword of justice.” This is an image of Christ’s judicial authority. 

• His face was shining like the sun at midday. This might have reminded John of seeing Jesus at His transfiguration (see Matt. 17:2). His glory is obvious.

Revelation 1:17-18 

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, 18 and the Living One. I was dead, but look — I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” 

Being human like us, John couldn’t comprehend the vision before him, and he “fell at his feet like a dead man.” 

This wasn’t the first time John had experienced a sight like this. On another occasion, he—along with Peter and James—saw Jesus transformed into His glory in front of them. And their response at that time was similar to John’s reaction in this passage: “they fell face-down and were terrified” (Matt. 17:6).

I love Jesus’ response on both occasions. In Matthew 17:7, Jesus touched them, and said, “Get up; don’t be afraid.” In Revelation 1:17, Jesus “laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid!’” 

Because of what Christ has done for us, we don’t need to be afraid. Jesus described Himself as “the Living One.” He died in our place, choosing to accept the punishment for our sin. Yet Jesus didn’t stay dead. God the Father put His seal of approval on what Jesus did by raising Jesus from the dead. Jesus is now alive, never to die again. 

• “Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living” (Rom. 14:9). 

• “He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church” (Eph. 1:19b-21). 

We need not fear death because Jesus conquered death for us—His church. His death was for us, and His resurrection was for us. 

Think about what that meant for the churches being persecuted. Roman authorities told the earliest Christians that Caesar was on the throne and reigned as a god. To the Romans, Jesus was just another dead prophet who would soon be forgotten. But now John brought the message of Christ’s resurrection and all it entailed: Jesus, whose power called the universe into being and whose authority will one day redeem our broken world, is alive and exalted over all.

Revelation 1:19-20 

19 “Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” 

John was commanded to write to the seven churches represented by the golden lampstands. With these seven churches were seven stars in Jesus’ right hand; Jesus called those “the angels of the seven churches.” I believe these were most likely the pastors of these congregations—leaders who were under growing pressure and persecution from the Roman government in an effort to silence their witness. 

Don’t miss the truth that the pastors of the churches were held in the palm of Jesus’ right hand. In the same way, remember that John saw Jesus walking “among the lampstands” (v. 13), meaning that Jesus is in the midst of His church. Jesus was (and still is) in control! 

John wrote the Book of Revelation so that the church would know Jesus reigns—so that we could live in the confidence that Christ has already won the victory over sin and the corruption of this world. Love triumphs over hate. Good defeats evil. Most importantly, Jesus will bring all His children home to be with Him. No power will ever separate us from Him (see Rom. 8:38-39). 

Sadly, most of us live as if the battle is still in doubt—as if we think Jesus is going to win, but we aren’t entirely sure. As a result, we never fully commit to Christ. We’re always hedging our bets and holding back on our full commitment to His kingdom. 

It doesn’t have to be that way. We can be bold and confident now. Jesus has won; His enemies are defeated. Therefore, live boldly for Christ and don’t let those already defeated by Christ intimidate you any longer. Jesus is our Victor, and we can live every day in joyful confidence of His victory.

LIVE IT OUT

Jesus is Lord, and He has already won the battle for you future. Consider the following options for responding to these truths in the days to come: 

• Trust. Examine your life for areas where you retain control. Trust Christ to lead you in those areas. Trust Him as Lord. 

• Encourage. If you have friends who are discouraged because of circumstances, pray for them. Share what you’ve gained from this study and help them see that Jesus is present and has authority over all things. 

• Stand. Be bold and confident in those places where your faith in Christ is challenged or ridiculed. Choose to take a stand for His victory at home, at work, in your neighborhood, and so on. 

What a privilege to know the end of our stories! As disciples of Jesus, we can peek at the back of the book and see that Christ will be victorious—that He is already victorious. Be confident in that victory as you follow Him each day.

Teacher Notes

Pilgrim's Progress: Young Christian's journey to the Celestial City.

At one point on their pilgrimage, Christian and his companion Hopeful stepped aside from the true Way, into By-Path-Meadow, because it looked easier and seemed to be going in the same direction as the Way. Soon they realized their mistake and began the journey back towards the Way. As they traveled, they slept one night on the grounds of a castle, but it turned out that this was Doubting-Castle, owned by Giant Despair. When the giant found them, he threw them into his dark and nasty dungeon, and they suffered terribly, from capture on Wednesday until escape on Sunday. 

On Thursday, at the suggestion of his wife, Diffidence, Giant Despair beat them severely and mercilessly. On Friday, he told them to kill themselves since there was no hope for them. On Saturday, angered that they had not committed suicide, he showed them the bones of those he had previously murdered by tearing them to pieces. He assured them that their end would come soon in the same manner. Then he beat them again.

At midnight on Saturday, despite their wounds, Christian and Hopeful began to pray (like Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25), and they continued this prayer throughout the night. Then we read of the amazing escape: “Now a little before it was Day, good Christian, as one half amazed, broke out in this passionate speech; ‘What a fool,’ said he, ‘am I, thus to lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty? For I have a key in my pocket, called Promise, that will I am persuaded open any lock in Doubting-Castle.’ And, using the key, Christian and Hopeful escaped.”

These are the days of “not yet.”  How do we live victoriously in the “in between”?

And what about the “in betweens” in the “in between”?

This we’ll be discussing over the next 6-weeks. 

• Where we find hope in the "in between"?
• How do we battle the sins we face in the "in between" reality of life?
• How can I have a victorious "in between" faith? 
• How can I have victory over the fears of my "in between" life?

Today we begin with the end of the STORY... that Jesus Christ is the victorious LORD of all. ​ 

What is Ash Wednesday?

• Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Its official name is “Day of Ashes,” so called because of the practice of rubbing ashes on one’s forehead in the sign of a cross. Since it is exactly 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter Sunday, it will always fall on a Wednesday—there cannot be an “Ash Thursday” or “Ash Monday.” The Bible never mentions Ash Wednesday—for that matter, it never mentions Lent. Lent is intended to be a time of self-denial, moderation, fasting, and the forsaking of sinful activities and habits. Ash Wednesday commences this period of spiritual discipline. Ash Wednesday and Lent are observed by most Catholics and some Protestant denominations. The modern tradition of rubbing a cross on a person’s forehead supposedly identifies that person with Jesus Christ. 

Should a Christian observe Ash Wednesday?

• Since the Bible nowhere explicitly commands or condemns such a practice, Christians are at liberty to prayerfully decide whether or not to observe Ash Wednesday. If a Christian decides to observe Ash Wednesday and/or Lent, it is important to have a biblical perspective. Jesus warned us against making a show of our fasting: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18). We must not allow spiritual discipline to become spiritual pride.

Ash Wednesday/Lent is the life we live in the “in between”.

• It is a good thing to repent of sinful activities, but that’s something Christians should do every day, not just during Lent. It’s a good thing to clearly identify oneself as a Christian, but, again, this should be an everyday identification. And it is good to remember that no ritual can make one’s heart right with God.
• Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent - a time in the Christian calendar that eventually leads to Holy Week, or the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. It lasts 40 days and emphasizes repentance, confession and fasting.

Jesus, Our Victor: Revelation 1:12-20

The Book of Revelation was written during a time when the early church experienced intense persecution. To endure this hardship, John wanted to be sure the early Christians didn’t lose confidence in the truth of the gospel. Yes, the Scriptures tell us that Christ came, He lived a sinless life among us, He died for us, and He was resurrected. But there’s more! This same Christ now reigns over God’s kingdom forever. It represents the end of the story, we know how it will all end.

As John worshiped, he was lifted high enough to see over the horizon of time and catch a glimpse of the One who reigns over history. And what he saw was an incredible vision of Christ! 

Revelation 1:12-20

12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool — white as snow — and his eyes like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, 18 and the Living One. I was dead, but look — I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” 19 “Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

Why is it important for our lives that Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades?

• Possessing the “keys of death” means that the risen Christ has control and authority over death. In John 10:17–18, Jesus says, “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” When Jesus died, He died according to His own timing, when He “gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead (Mark 15:44). Jesus, who has the authority over death, had the unique power to give up His spirit and to rise from the dead. Moreover, He has the authority to release His followers from death in order that they may be with Him forever.
• Eternal life through Jesus Christ is the blessed assurance John describes in 1 John 5:6–13. Jesus having the keys of death means He has the power to release from death those who receive the gift of salvation He offers.

What happens in our lives as we become more and more confident in Christ’s victory?

• We learn that Jesus was (and still is) in control!
• Jesus is our Victor, and we can live every day (the in between) in joyful confidence of His victory. 

Our series for the next 6 weeks is on how we are to live victoriously in the “in between” reality of life. We also have “in betweens” in the “in between”. I’m talking about the struggles and trials we face in life – with each of them we are looking and waiting for a way out or an end to what we face.

How does knowing the end of the story help you with the “in between”?

We can live in our present circumstances, whatever they are, with a joyful confidence because we know Christ has already secured our victory. We can have courage in our obedience, enthusiasm in our evangelism, mercy in our forgiveness, and determination in our discipleship. 

We can live each day with joy because we have victory. We are confident Jesus will finish what He has started in the whole world—and in us.

The 40 years in the wilderness for the Israelites on their way to the Promise Land is symbolic for our journey, our “in between” too. So, there are some Red Sea Rules I would like to give you today that will be helpful to our 6-week journey to living victoriously in the “in between”.

The Red Sea Rules: The Same God Who Led You In Will Lead You Out

1. Realize that God means for you to be where you are. Exodus 14:1-2 Begin to look at whatever circumstance we face in the “in between” period in this way - I am here: by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, and for His time. Ask yourself, haven’t I witnessed God’s power in the past? Haven’t I experienced His forgiveness before? Haven’t I experienced and felt His presence in other circumstances? How would you answer that? Point: He who has carried you this far isn’t going to drop you now.

2. Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief. Exodus 14:3-4 This begins with asking the right question. When we are in the “in betweens” of the “in between” and we become overwhelmed, instead of asking, “How can I get out of this mess?” try asking, “How can God be glorified in this situation?” “If only we could look upon a difficult crisis as an occasion of bringing out, on our behalf, the sufficiency of divine grace, it would enable us to preserve the balance of our souls and to glorify God, even in the deepest waters. – C. H. Mackintosh

3. Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. Exodus 14:5-9 Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The great tyrant has not forgotten you and he designs your capture and re-enslavement.” Satan doesn’t surrender his prey without a fight. He comes racing after the converted soul, seeking to discourage you and to defeat you. He pursues you with the intensity of Pharaoh.

4. Pray! Exodus 14:10 Some of our “in between” situations offer us just two options – we can either panic or pray. Many of us choose to panic, like the Israelites by the Red Sea or the disciples on the Sea of Galilee. The Lord has spent years trying to show us that prayer is the means by which we can, if we choose, stay even-tempered, self-possessed, cool-headed, and strong-spirited, even in a crisis. Matthew Henry said, “Their fear set them a praying, and that was a good effect of it. God brings us into straits that He may bring us to our knees. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:16 NLT

5. Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. It’s the hardest part of the “in between” this whole idea of waiting. Would you agree? J. Hudson Taylor once said, “I am waiting on Thee, Lord, to open a way.” Moses said to the people: “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” – Exodus 14:13-14 This is what the biblical phrase “waiting on the Lord” is all about: committing our Red Sea situations to Him in prayer, trusting Him, and waiting for Him to work. If you’re in a difficult place right now, perhaps you need to leave it in His hands for a while. He alone can storm the impregnable, devise the improbable, and perform the impossible. He alone can part the waters.

6. When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. In the next verse of Exodus 14:15 it says, “The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me?” Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” I have found that as we go as far as we can, God often opens up the rest of the way. How it pays to take one step at a time with God! – Isobel Kuhn. In a poem, entitled Moment by Moment, by Daniel Whittle he says, “Never a trial that He is not there, never a burden that He does not bear, never a sorrow that He does not share, moment by moment, we’re under His care.”

7. Envision God’s enveloping presence. Exodus 14:19-20 Always look for God’s presence in your trial. Psalm 139:5-6 David says, “I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too – your measuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful – I can’t take it all in! (The Message)

8. Trust God to deliver in His own unique way. Exodus 14:21-22, Psalm 50:15 says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. But does He still? Does He deliver from financial woes? Marital problems? Emotional confusion? Harm and danger? Self-destructive habits? Disease? Yes, He does! But we must have God’s perspective on deliverance, for He doesn’t always view things as we do. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” We must view God’s deliverance not by emotional reflex, human standards, or even common sense – but by biblical truth.

9. View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. Exodus 14:30-31 J. Hudson Taylor said, “I know He tries me only to increase my faith.” Lord, increase our faith. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. I have often said this prayer, knowing that faith isn’t something I can muster up at will; it must be given by God and developed according to the processes He has ordained. He is, after all, a God who grows things.

10. Don’t forget to praise Him. Exodus 15:1-2 Charles Spurgeon says to, “Wash your face every morning in a bath of praise.” So whether you are on the upper side or the underside of the storm, whether you are on the east bank or the west bank of the Red Sea, God will make a way. And when He does, don’t forget to praise Him.

Conclusion: "And, using the key, Christian and Hopeful escaped.”

What does this “key called Promise” mean to you and me today in the “in between”? 

• The most striking part of the story is where Christian realizes that he had the key all the time! There was no need for them to have spent even one hour in the dungeon. Sadly, Christian had forgotten that he had the key in his possession. What was the key? Well, it was the key called “Promise,” and because he had this key, there was no need to be in Doubting-Castle as a prisoner of Giant Despair. In modern language, Christian had in his possession all of the promises of God, and therefore he had no need to be a captive to despair. Christian ought to have trusted in God and His promises. Had he done so, he would not have been the prisoner of doubt and despair.

Are you going through a time of doubt or despair? Have you become a prisoner of these enemies of God and the Gospel? If you are a Christian, the wonderful truth is that you already have in your possession all that is necessary for your deliverance — you need to trust in the promises of God.

Hope to see you on Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan