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Rockets Are Cool!

Rockets are cool! However, in order to launch something into space, something needs to happen—there is a CHEMICAL REACTION! Chemicals, called propellants, come together causing an EXPLOSION of power. This produces EXHAUST FLAMES, which push the rocket upward at high speeds, launching it toward the atmosphere until it releases the object it is carrying into space. SO COOL! If you have enough money, in a few years you can pay to ride a rocket!

In order for the rocket to take off, the right mix of chemicals must come together … causing an explosion of power. That is what happened when the church was born—there was a spiritual chemical reaction. This morning, I think it is appropriate to go back to the beginning, back to Acts 2, to examine the chemicals which caused the first reaction. What do we read in Acts 2?

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit … (Acts 2:1-4a, NLT)

At Pentecost, the flame was lit, the mixture of Gospel and Spirit launched the rocket of revival that changed the world! But sometimes, the rocket encounters resistance. In fact, when a rocket is first launched, it needs a strong booster to get through the lower atmosphere where the air is thick. When it reaches the upper atmosphere, the air is thinner with less resistance. The same can be true with spiritual revival.

Sedentary Spiritual Lives

Worldly cultural messages cause resistance to revival. Let me ask: why are many captured by the world? We miss revival because we live sedentary spiritual lives. We stop moving, we stop growing, we stop having a passion for the Gospel. Many of us are moving. Others are satisfied sitting in the pew and going about our day. We hear God’s word but it does nothing to our heart. We become complacent Christians. And that is a dangerous place to be.

Let me offer an illustration. When I was younger, I would get excited to go to the gym. It was exciting to work your muscles, to train for the next game, to challenge yourself to max out the weights. As I’ve gotten older, the gym is less exciting. I realized, as I’ve gotten older, I don’t always want to go to the gym but I must go to the gym. Does anyone else feel me? Now, there are consequences for skipping the gym. My muscle tone, it starts to fade in about a week. Worse, if you are not strengthening your heart with exercise, it will become diseased, even if you do not realize it. Friends, it is the same thing spiritually. We cannot, as comfortable as it may be, we cannot live spiritually sedentary lives. We have to move!

We need a rocket launch of heart. We need a reshaping on our mind. Revival is a truth war of the heart. Satan does not want the rocket of revival to launch. If you are not a believer, he wants you BLIND. If you are a believer in Jesus, he wants you COMPLACENT. Don’t settle for that. Instead, ask this question: How do we ACTIVATE Revival?

Chemical One: Pursue Prayer

As the church is formed I want you to noticed how they are described in the next verse, very famous verse:

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles (Acts 2:42-43, ESV).

Wow. Among the first Christians, it says, there was devoted. That word, devoted, is a verb. It can mean, to “persevere devotedly.” IOW, nothing was going to stop these people from doing the following actions. What were they? They were taught by the apostles, the people who walked with Jesus. They had friendship—deep, intimate friendship. They ate meals together. Finally … they prayed. They prayed. They sought God. And what happened? “Awe came upon every soul.” In other words, they were blown away by what God did. When they sought the face of God … God showed up in a powerful way. The rocket ship of revival … took off!

But here is the thing about prayer: it is an assumed element of the Christians life. Many Christians know they should pray, but how many of us actively spend time in prayer? I have pastor friend I know—he gets up most mornings at 4am and prays for hours. Many of us cannot make it through five minutes. But if prayer is vital to our spiritual life, why does it not take up more time? When bad things happen, when suffering comes into our lives … why do so many people try to find a way to fix the problem rather than cry out, dependently to the only one who can help? For many Christians, our prayer life is an assumption … not a realized experience.

And this may be why so many of us fall under the spell of cultural messages. If I come back to the rocket illustration again—remember that there must be a chemical reaction to cause the explosion. Without that chemical explosion, there is no THRUST; the rocket would not take off. So, if the Christian simply says, “I know Jesus saved me—I prayed once when I was five, but I haven’t prayed much since.”—no wonder there is no explosion of growth in your life! To grow as a Christian, for the explosion to happen, you need two elements: (1) The Finished work of Christ on the Cross—know that Jesus died for you and receive him. (2) You need the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. But if you never talk with him, if you ignore him, if you don’t pray to him … you are missing a very important element. Without prayer, the rocket will go nowhere.

And a rocket that doesn’t take off is not very cool!

 Chemical Two: Commit to Community

The biblical pattern we see for community is outlined in Acts 2:44-46:

And all who believed were together and had all things in common (Acts 2:44, ESV).

The word, “together,” is the Greek word koinonia. It is a word that describes the gathered community of believers with a strong emphasis on unity. They were UNIFIED! Think about a time when you were part of a group that felt unified. In modern times, this is not always our experience with the church. Sometimes division seeks to creep in. This is always the work of the enemy. He doesn’t just want the church blind and complacent … he wants us divided. When we are divided, the rocket of revival does not stand a chance!

What does it mean they had all things in common? Did they all like the same things or live in the same area? He explains in the next verse:

And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need (Acts 2:45, ESV).

This might seem like a radical verse. However, there was a sense in the early church, if someone had a need, others sought to help. The church sought to meet the material needs of others. Now, it is worth stating that this verse is not teaching community ownership. Rather, it is indicating that the believers were selling their own goods, and then keeping the proceeds to help other when needs arose. Perhaps you have helped others in this way. As a church, we have a Care Leadership Team and Benevolence Team that seeks to meet these needs as a church. When you help someone in need, it lets them know you love them and it revives their soul. But there is more to this community …

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, (Acts 4:46, ESV)

This verse highlights three more ways community was built among the believers. First, they worshipped together. In order to usher in revival, the church must worship together. Corporate worship is important. It is great that you might sing songs in your car when you are driving to an appointment. But when the people of God come together and worship—that is something special.

And then … when we invite people into our homes it takes it to a new level. When revival happens second, hospitality abounds. In Acts, these people were eating together and building community and, I imagine, inviting non-believers to join them. In today’s world, hospitality is key element of revival.

And then, when you get to know people, you can be more GENEROUS with them. I love that last phrase—“glad and generous hearts.” I want to be part of a community, a church, where people have glad and generous hearts. Can we be that church?!

Chemical Three: Mission Minded

When these three chemicals combine … prayer, community and mission … the countdown to launch has just begun! Here is my big idea for today: Don’t just pray for revival … activate revival (x2). Let’s say that together. Prayer is the necessary foundation. Community grows as we pray for others. But revival is not just about prayer … God also calls us to active engagement with our world. Notice how the section finishes in v. 47:

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-47, ESV).

I want you to notice two phrases in that verse: (1) First, they had favor with all the people. This indicates that their influence was moving beyond their community to the wider world. (2) Second, as a result, the Lord added to their number … those who were being saved. Wow. Can you imagine?! Not those who were transferring churches … those who were coming to faith! Wow!

It begins with prayer … but moves to mission. That is the way in happened during the New York City Revival on 1857. The revival launch pad was the heart of a 48-year old businessman named, Jeremiah Lanphier. Through the faithful preaching of the Gospel, and a commitment to church community, Lanphier was moved by the Holy Spirit to reach New York City with the Gospel. So … he decided to do something:

“Mr. Lanphier invited one and all to meet at the North Dutch Reformed Church at noon on September 23, 1857 to join him in prayer, to implore God to convict sinners and bring repentance in the midst of the great city. By 12:30pm only one other person had showed up. After an hour, six men total poured their hearts out to God for mercy. Lanphier did not give up, however, and within a week he had sixteen; in three weeks, forty. They prayed for unsaved family members and friends. By October 18, there were consistently about one hundred people per day joining him to pray for God to bring revival.”[1]

Then something happened. There was an economic crash in late October of 1857 and 30,000 New Yorkers lost their jobs. There was a crisis—and crisis drives people to God. By November, the church was crowded every room was needed. Prayer meetings sprang up all over the city as hundreds of people confessed faith in Christ.

“[The editor] for the New York Tribune, sent a reporter with horse and buggy to ride from one prayer meeting to the next to see how many men were praying. In one hour he could only get to twelve meetings, but he counted more than 6,000 men . . . confessing their sins and praying for revival.”[2]

This revival spread to other cities like Cleveland, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Thousands of businessmen started praying in each city. Even the New York Times, the New York Times!! Reported about this:

“The great waves of religious excitement which is now sweeping over this nation, is one of the most remarkable movements since the reformation [. . .] Churches are crowded . . . school-houses are turned into chapels, converts are numbered by the scores of thousands […] we have seen in a business-quarter of the City in the busiest hours, assemblies of merchants, clerks and working-men, to the number of 5,000 gathered day after day for a simple and solemn worship . . . It is most impressive to think that over this great land tens and fifties of thousands of men and women are putting themselves at this time in a simple and serious way the greatest question that can ever come before the human mind: ‘what shall we do to be saved from sin?’”[3]

(Pause) Some people at the time estimated that ONE MILLION people came to Jesus Christ. It began with the burden of one man. His heart … was the launch-pad.

What Is Your Launch Pad?

So let me ask: What is your Launchpad? (x2) Is there are another Jeremiah Lanphier, a strong businessman in the church today?? All of us have one. I’ve had many launch pads in my life. When I was in high school, it was relationships I made through sports and theatre—I got to share the Gospel. I held the secular jobs before I worked in the church. Now, it’s the people I see at the gym, it’s the relationships we make through our kids schools. What’s your launch pad?

All us have a sphere of influence that God has put us in. We have been called together as a community of believers here at MBC … but God wants revival to spread … to your work … to your school … to your moms group … to your friends … to your neighborhood … to your extended family. What is your Launchpad? I want you to pull out your journal (or a whiteboard, or a piece of paper, or the notes on you iPhone) and write down all the possible launch pads for revival in your life. I want you to pray over those launch pads. Pray that God would send revival in those areas. Because you never know … the rocket may take off when you least expect it … the Spirit might move in powerful ways this week.

But don’t just pray for revival … activate revival … partner with God! Let him use you! Speak! Revival might begin with you … when your heart is set on fire for the Gospel.

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[1] https://landmarkevents.org/new-york-city-revival-1857/

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

A Sermon Summary (Titus 3:3-7)

Pastor Dave Hentschel

The church is in desperate need of Revival. Revival is often seen as an extraordinary outpouring of God’s Spirit, but at its heart lies the gospel—God’s power to transform lives. Titus 3:3-7 offers us a vivid picture of the gospel through two contrasting volumes: the bad news of humanity’s condition and the good news of God’s intervention.

Volume 1: The Bad News (Titus 3:3)

Paul begins with a sobering diagnosis of the human condition. “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another” (Titus 3:3, ESV).

This verse reminds us that apart from Christ, we are spiritually bankrupt. Our lives are characterized by:

1. Foolishness: A rejection of God’s wisdom, pursuing self-centered paths.
2. Disobedience: Rebelling against God’s commands and authority.
3. Slavery to Sin: Ensnared by desires and pleasures, unable to break free.
4. Relational Brokenness: Envy, malice, and hostility dominate our interactions.

Richard Lovelace describes this state as “living in a world governed by sin, death, and the devil,” leaving us spiritually blind and relationally fractured. Revival begins with recognizing this bleak reality and our inability to save ourselves.

Volume 2: The Good News (Titus 3:4-7)

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…” (Titus 3:4-5a, ESV). Here, Paul shifts to the radiant beauty of the gospel. God intervenes, not because of our righteousness, but because of His mercy.

1. The Source: God’s goodness and loving kindness are the fountainhead of our salvation (v. 4).
2. The Means: Salvation is not by works but through God’s mercy, mediated by the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (v. 5).
3. The Goal: Justification by grace, resulting in our adoption as heirs of eternal life (vv. 6-7).

As Lovelace puts it, the gospel restores what sin has destroyed. It reconciles us to God, renews our hearts, and enables us to live in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit. This is the central message of revival: God’s grace transforms sinners into saints.

Revival begins when God’s people are deeply aware of both the bad news of their sin and the good news of God’s grace. The gospel is not just the entry point of the Christian life; it is the sustaining power for growth, renewal, and mission.

As we reflect on Titus 3:3-7, let us confess our need, celebrate God’s mercy, and pray for the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts and our church. True revival flows from rediscovering the beauty of the gospel, the central message that changes everything.

A Winning Issue … or Unthinkable?

The National Recognition of Sanctity of Life Sunday began on January 22, 1984—under President Ronald Reagan—11 years after the Roe v. Wade decision. This issue has been of great moral concern for Christians—not just in the modern era—but all through church history. While many view this as a “political issue,” I would argue that should not be our focus—it is a moral and spiritual issue. It is something all Christians should care about deeply.

The Sanctity of Human Life is particularly appropriate to address in a series on revival because, when God revives our hearts—the impacts are felt throughout society. The Welsh Revival of 1904 is a powerful example. Owen Roberts, a young coal miner, had a compassionate love for people. He listened to God and made his faith public. God used his burden and love for those outside the faith to inspire others toward evangelistic and missional fervor. The newspapers reported that within six months of this revival outbreak … 100,000 people were converted. But listen to the societal impact:

Judges were presented with white gloves signifying no cases to be tried. Alcoholism was halved. At times hundreds would stand to declare their surrender to Christ as Lord. Restitution was made; gamblers and others normally untouched by the ministry of the church came to Christ.[1]

Revival can transform our world—it can make societal evils unthinkable! The Sanctity of Human Life is one such issue. As I will argue in this post—God cares about life—even and especially about unborn life.

Living In A Post-Roe World

It is worth taking stock of the current cultural landscape as we begin this discussion. Over 50 years ago, in 1973, the landmark case of Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in the United States. This became a lightning rod issue. For 50 years, the Pro-Life movement pushed back against this decision, seeking to reverse its immoral reasoning.

The cultural conversation changed in June 2022 when the Supreme Court overturned this ruling in the DOBBS case. This was a welcome shock to many in the Pro-Life movement. Many never thought they would see this day. 50 years! 62 Million unborn lives lost. Finally … a major victory was achieved for this cause.

And yet, it has been fascinating to experience the response to Dobbs. Among some Evangelicals … some who advocated the cause of life … the response has been tepid. Why is that? Writing in the Journal, First Things, theologian and historian Carl Trueman observes:

The Dobbs decision has revealed fault lines in American Christianity. These fault lines lay just below the surface for a long while, but are now clearly exposed. As long as abortion was legal by Supreme Court decree, it was possible to identify as pro-life but keep that commitment at the level of theory; one could hold pro-life views but not be perceived as a threat. All that has now changed. To identify as pro-life post-Dobbs is not simply to hold an opinion many regard as wrong; it is to be part of an act of political and social “oppression.” And predictably, many Christians are feeling the need to “nuance” their relationship to the overturning of Roe.[2]

That is a very important assessment. I think it is an accurate assessment of what has happened.

The problem is twofold: (1) First, many people assume the issue is over and done. Roe v. Wade is no more …  the felt need is diminished. What more is there to do? Except in a state like New Jersey, absolutely nothing has changed because the state has enshrined abortion up until birth into law. Case in point is First Choice Women’s Resource Center—an organization we proudly support. They do amazing work. Yet, currently, they are being pursued by the NJ Attorney General for their pro-life stances.

(2) Second, many people, even in the pro-life movement, did not think this day would ever come … and they didn’t adequately prepare for the next step. How do we advocate for the unborn … now that Roe v. Wade is no more?

Engage The Cultural Narrative

The cultural narratives about abortion and the pro-life movement are everywhere. If we are to bring revival … we must engage those narratives at the worldview level. To accomplish this we need to ask and answer some questions.

To clarify the issue, and have a productive conversation, you must ask and answer the question: “What is the unborn?” While we must deeply care for and walk with the mother … you need clarity on unborn life. What is the unborn? That is the issue.

Most current textbooks agree—human life begins at fertilization. For example, a leading textbook, “The Developing Human,” states:

“Human development begins at fertilization when a sperm fuses with an oocyte to form a single cell, the zygote. This highly specialized, totipotent cell (capable of giving rise to any cell type) marks the beginning of each of us as a unique individual.”[3]

Fertilization marks the beginning of an individual. We, of course, go through a growth process–but there is a beginning. What is the unborn? They are human life.

The pro-life movement, from it’s inception, has been laser focused on protecting the life of the unborn. If you say you are pro-life … it means you want to save babies. However, in recent years some have attempted to smuggle in other issues and reframe the conversation to “whole life” issues. Some will say we need to give equal weight to racism, sex trafficking, immigration, poverty, and care for refugees all under the “pro-life” label.

However, there is a disturbing reality to this agenda. A number of supposedly evangelical leaders who advocate the “whole life” agenda spend their energy advocating for every issue on that list … except abortion. For example, one speaker at a 2017 Evangelicals for Life event, Eugene Cho, encapsulates this problem when he wrote:

“Like most Christians I know, I am against abortion. However, I just do not believe we can legislate it … Can we maintain choice but do all that we can to preserve and ensure the life of the unborn?”[4]

The irony is that is functionally a pro-choice position.

Let me just say, those other issues are important. In fact, next week we’ll be interviewing one of our world partners on the issue of human sex trafficking. She’ll be doing a whole breakout on that topic at our Contend Conference. All these topics are important. But when we talk about the “pro-life” movement … that is not what we are talking about. We are talking about abortion.

Protecting children has been an issue all the way back in the Old Testament. The nation of Israel constantly battled the enticement of idols from the surrounding nations. Those idols, in many cases, were tied to child sacrifice. When the people of God entered the Promised Land, YHWH God warned them not to worship idols or intermarry with the gentiles. One of the main reasons was worship. If they married a gentile, they might worship their god—like Molech.

Molech was a pagan, Canaanite deity. One of the requirements to worship Molech was infanticide. In the book of Leviticus, the law makes it clear the people of God must not do this:

You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:21, ESV)

You shall not give your children to Molech as a sacrifice. This is why I say that the pro-life issue is not just a moral issue—it is a spiritual warfare issue. The cultural conversation around the issue of life—is a battle for our children … literally.

Internalize Our Creedal Imperative

Is the Bible “Pro-Life?” Or is it just … politics? Protecting the unborn is not a political issue … it is a spiritual warfare issue. This is an important piece of this topic, because I think many people assume, but don’t fully know, the Biblical reasoning for the Pro-Life cause.

Someone might say, “Abortion is not mentioned in the Bible!” To which you might reply: “Of course it is!” They will challenge you, “Where?” Many respond, “I don’t know—somewhere!” Now, it is true that the word, abortion, is not in the Bible. However, the worldview for life is woven throughout the Scriptures. In begins in Genesis 1:27,

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27, ESV)

Genesis 1 establishes the fact that human beings are created in the image of God. We are special among creation. After sin enters the world in Genesis 3, the possibility of death comes. In Genesis 4 we see the first murder as Cain kills his brother. This greatly displeases God and he warns against the shedding of innocent blood in Genesis 9:6,

Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. (Genesis 9:6, ESV)

In other words, murder is a big deal. Why? Because we are made in the image of God. Again, if the unborn baby is a human life, we need to take this matter very seriously from a Biblical perspective. God cares about life. However, you cannot establish the unborn life, Biblically, from those passages, you have to look at others. We already reference Psalm 139, but it bears repeating:

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm 139:13-16, ESV)

Anyone who has been a parent knows this to be true. As a mother, you can feel your baby move inside. You establish a bond as you carry him or her and birth them to life. What an incredible experience. Let me ask you, is the baby any less alive between the time they are inside your womb until you hold them for the first time?

Still, we might ask, “Why is the Bible Silent on Abortion?” To that question, we might respond:

First, while the Bible speaks to issues impacting all of life, it is not a comprehensive code of ethics. Rather, the Bible is written primarily as a story of God’s redemption of his people.  That being said, as we have seen from the Scriptures I referenced, the Biblical writers were not inclined to abort their unborn babies.

Second, the Old Testament in particular displays an overarching Hebraic Worldview. This included the following assumptions: (1) Humans have intrinsic value. (2) Children are desirable. (3) Immortality was expressed through one’s descendants. This is most prominently seen in God’s promise to Abraham to make him a “great nation” in Genesis 12. (4) Finally, as a result, sterility and barrenness were a curse. Therefore, it is inconceivable that any woman would want to abort their child.

Third, when you get to the New Testament, is assumes the Jewish morality of the OT. After all, nearly all the early Christians were all Jewish! Early Judaism was quite opposed to abortion. The Jewish historian Josephus wrote, “the law orders all the offspring be brought up, and forbids women either to cause abortion or to make away with the fetus.” So, the New Testament doesn’t explicitly use the word, abortion, but Josephus does!

If I could summarize—yes, the Bible does not explicitly mention abortion. However, no one in the Bible intentionally has an abortion, the Hebraic worldview values life, and Jewish historians testified to this fact. As a result, the Christians applied this worldview to the first century Roman world of the NT.

The Christians stood against the Roman Worldview of their day. Let me describe the 1st century Roman world and see if this reminds you of anything. Roman society devalued the material world and human life—especially the weak, like babies. Among the Roman elites, the wealthy, they had an anti-natal outlook. The Romans also lived in an oversexed society. If you think it is bad now, you have no idea. However, their sexual practices were deliberately non-reproductive. If their attempts failed, they would use surgical abortion as a means of birth control. If that failed, infanticide was an option.

The point, my friends, in that in First Century Rome, when the church was birthed—children were discarded. Historian Glenn Sunshine writes,

Although some people may have discarded their children because they simply could not afford them, the wealthy did not have that problem and yet they practiced contraception, abortion, and infanticide at least as often as the poor. The only explanation is that it was a cultural trend, not one that was dictated by economics.[5]

I want you to read that again: “It was a cultural trend.” And in that society … the Gospel came. In that society … the church was born. In that society the Christians said … NO MORE! Do you know why? Because the Christians believed that everyone was made in the image of God, even the unborn. The Christians said, “We don’t care how convenient this this … we don’t care how trendy this is … we care about LIFE! Because our God cares about life.”

It was our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Let the Little Children … come to me!”[6]

Christians stood against this and as the Roman world became more Christian abortion receded in prominence. Why? Because it was unthinkable.

Lovingly Counsel Those Impacted

As we advocate for the cause of life, we must never forget that this issue impacts many at a deeply personal level. Many need healing and freedom. I know for most of this post I have spent time laying out the case for life. And yet I know, many don’t choose that. If that is you today, God doesn’t want you to feel shame … he wants you to experience the freedom of forgiveness.

Revival for Life … it begins when we experience freedom from our past! There are many reasons someone might choose an abortion. There are internal and external influences including: financial stressors, lack of education, pressure from others, shame and FEAR! It can be scary to bring a new life into the world. It is a deeply emotional experience.

And yet, God can bring healing and restoration to any situation. I mentioned First Choice Women’s Resource Center earlier in this post. They are an excellent resource. Not only do they provide care for men and women choosing life—they have group to help post-abortion. If that is you today, I encourage you to visit their website, get in touch, and receive the healing and care from our great God.

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[1] Malcom McDow and Alvin Reid, Firefall: How God Has Shaped History Through Revivals (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 1997), 278.

[2] https://firstthings.com/christians-should-rejoice-over-dobbs/

[3] Keith L. Moore, T.V.N. Persaud, and Mark G. Torchia, The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology, 11^th ed. (Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2020), 11.

[4] Eugene Cho, “The Abortion Conversation,” October 30, 2008, EugeneCho.com.

[5] Glenn Sunshine, Why You Think The Way You Do, 33.

[6] Matthew 19:14

An Explosion of Bible Sales

Did you happen to catch the December headline which read, “Bible sales surge in 2024.” Yes, the Bible is the all-time bestselling book … but 2024 caused an explosion in Bible purchases. In fact, by the end of October, Bible sales surged 22% compared to the same period in 2023.[1]  22%! That is a huge number!

How do we account for these surging sales? A Wall Street Journal report suggested several possibilities: (1) Rising anxiety. Has anyone felt anxious, or known someone who struggles with anxiety, this past year? (2) A Search for Hope. As American culture has grown more secular, more post-Christian, people are unsure where to place their hope. In a post-pandemic world, with soaring inflation, and broken institutions, people wonder if there is any hope. They are looking for it. (3) Finally, the WSJ suggests the rising sales could be attributed to HIGHLY FOCUSED MARKETING and design. It could be, perhaps, that Bible publishers are tapping into the felt needs of a generation … but we also need to be careful. We should not reduce the power of God’s word to sheer marketing.

I want to camp on this last point for a few moments. Yes, I know we live in a marketing age. Yes, we do want to get the Gospel message out. Yes, because of social media marketing the Gospel message can spread quickly. However, we have to be very careful that in our marketing of the Bible and the Gospel we don’t obscure their full message and meaning. For example, the same article I referenced about the surge in Bible sales, also notes a well-known 2021 study from Arizona Christian University, which found that of the 176 Million American adults who call themselves “Christian,” only 6% have a true Biblical Worldview. 6%!!!

Good night! Do you see the disconnect here?! What’s ironic is that study found the MAJORITY of self-identifying Christians reject CORE Biblical teachings … including the existence of the Holy Spirit! How do you have a revival without the work of the Holy Spirit?

So, I think our culture is longing for something more … a revival of sorts … but we have to ask ourselves—is this longing for an EMOTIONAL HIGH? Or a CONFESSIONAL REALITY?

Here is what I mean. We live in an emotional culture. Marketing images, movies, music … they all play to our emotions. Social media is a powder key of emotions, which drives our fears, anxieties and anger. We get offended very easily. Our attention spans are short and we are rushing to the next high. That is the cultural moment. In contrast, a confessional reality is something that is deep and real.

To make a modern comparison, “worldly sorrow” produces a DEEP FAKE repentance. What is a deep fake? “Deepfakes are images, videos, or audio which are edited or generated using artificial intelligence tools, and which may depict real or non-existent people.”[2]  They appear real … but they aren’t—they are FAKE! There is a famous Deep Fake of President Obama created by researchers at the University of Washington. The researchers were able to make the video say anything. These episodes can resemble the Orson Wells “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast. Before images were prevalent, people believed everything the heard on the radio. It was called a “RADIO FAKE!” They even took up arms to defend against the “fake” alien invasion!

Friends, beware! Some revivals appear real at first … but they are fake! We don’t want a DEEP FAKE REVIVAL! We want a real revival! Is the Holy Spirit truly working in your heart … or are you just chasing your emotions to make you feel better about yourself? Is it about GOD … or you!

A Breathtaking Awareness of God’s Holiness

This is the background for Psalm 85. This Psalm likely was written just after the people of God returned from exiled captivity. They are experiencing favor from God, but they still need restoration … they still need REVIVAL! In the process of re-building the Temple, they feared the people around them—they got distracted from their task. And the prophet Haggai urged them to get their priorities right and put God first in everything. This the concern in the Psalm.

The first pre-condition to real, true revival is a breathtaking awareness of God’s holiness. God is a HOLY God. He must look away from and punish sin. This sin caused a rupture, a barrier in our relationship with him. This is what Psalm 85:1-3 is pointing us toward:

LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah (Psalm 85:1-2, ESV)

These first seven verses are a prayer for restoration, which begins by recalling the past. The people of God were exiled from the land because of their sin against God. But notice, despite their sin, God offers forgiveness. The word, “covered” refers to the blood sprinkled on the “atonement cover” or “mercy seat” of the Ark of the Covenant—this satisfied the wrath of God and pointed ahead to the cross.

The Selah is important. Selah is a pause, which allows the reality of this past forgiveness to sink in. Have you taken time in your own personal moments with God, to reflect on his mercy, his atonement for your past sins? His grace is amazing. The Psalmist turns us back to God’s holiness in v. 3:

You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. (Psalm 85:3, ESV)

This verse captures the reason the people of God needed forgiveness. Why? Because God must bring his just wrath against sin. God Is a God of justice. Why? Because he is HOLY! But in his grace and mercy he withdrew his wrath and turned away his anger.

So that is what happened in the past … and it is worthy reflecting upon. In our own lives, we have a tendency to let our hearts grow cold to this reality. I know I do. We start to take for granted God’s grace and mercy in our lives. But we dare not, because we will inevitably get into another situation, which is where the OT people of God found themselves. Listen to their response:

Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? (Psalm 85:4-5, ESV)

You might read this verse and think, “didn’t God already forgive them? Why are they asking for restoration again? Why do they need renewal again?” It seems clear from this verses they need another restoration.

When we talk about the topic of revival and renewal, Biblically speaking this is a cyclical event. We should be seeking after continuous renewal—it is not a one-time event. It you want to grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ … you need daily renewal and revival. As we enter 2025, some of us may be walking through a particularly dry season—we’ve become sleepy in our Christian walk. In fact, some of us may feel like God is angry, or disappointed with us. God is not pleased with sin, but he does give an exhortation here.

In the Hebrew, the phrase, “Restore us again” does not include the word “again.” It literally reads, “TURN US.” It is pointing to a heart change that is reoriented toward the breathtaking holiness of God. When we come face to face with God … our prayer will be—TURN US! And when we turn, we experience the next two verses:

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:6-7, ESV)

Turn us … REVIVE US! Literally … make us alive … breath life into us! Wake us up so that we might sing of your breathtaking power, holiness, grace and mercy! Show us your STEASFAST LOVE, the Hebrew concept is HESED. This is when a more powerful being shows mercy to a less powerful being. When a Holy God condescends to his creation and displays his love toward us.

That is breathtaking. Can you see it? Have your experienced it? Or are you asleep?

 A Painstaking Conviction of Our Sinfulness

While a breathtaking awareness of God’s holiness is inspiring … this second point is more difficult. And often, this is an impediment to revival. We like the emotion, without the confession that leads to life change. Or we confess begrudging … or partially. We confess some of our sin but not all of it. Why? Fear of rejection. Fear of reputation loss. This is particularly true in our context. We want to look good, like we have it all together.

Friends, I want to suggest to you that our need to look good and play a part is a barrier to God’s work. He wants you to come to him … on your knees … and CONFESS all the sins he already knows you do! What does John famously write in his first letter:

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10, ESV)

A sure sign of a DEEP FAKE REVIVAL is that it lacks confession of sin. Jesus wants no barriers as he does his work. He wants to change our hearts. He wants to speak to us and that is where the psalmist goes next …

Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. (Psalm 85:8, ESV)

This verse describes three very important aspects. If the people of God are to be revived, first, they must (1) LISTEN to God’s voice. “Let me hear what YHWH will speak.” God answers when we genuinely cry out to him. He may not immediately change things, but he wants us to turn and pursue him. He wants to speak to our hearts. (2) Second, we catch a glimpse of what God wants to say to us when we listen. “He will speak PEACE to his people.” Peace is the Hebrew word, SHALOM, which refers to “total well-being in every aspect.” When God speaks, SHALOM, to you … he want you to experience total peace. Would that revive you soul? How many of us want peace in our lives? When we listen … that is what God wants to speak … peace in the storm. (3) However, finally, he offers a warning—“do no turn back to FOLLY.” This phrase refers to unbelief tending toward idolatry.

When we don’t feel that God answers our prayers it is so easy to run to idols. It is so easy to fall back into folly. But that folly, those false Gods will never bring true REVIVAL. A painstaking a conviction of our sinfulness requires that we listen when God speaks, and we turn away from idols.

When that happens, what do we need? We need the words the prophet Haggai. He was speaking and writing to the people of God as they returned from exile when they needed renewal and revival. He was confronting them about their return to folly and ignorance of their sin. He was reminding them who God was and whose they were. He writes …

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. (Haggai 2:6-8, ESV)

Did you hear what he said? This world is MINE! Everything is MINE! My presence will one day fill this world. But some people are asleep … and they need to be aroused. What does he say? He will SHAKE us! He will SHAKE the heavens and the earth. He will SHAKE the nations! One commentator writes: “The portrayal of the Lord as Shaker underscores his divine omnipotence; nothing evades his might and power.”[3]

Friends, would you allow God to shake you so that you have a painstaking conviction of your sin? When that happens we can run to him, find the help we need, and receive the cleansing power of the Gospel. That will bring revival.

 A Liberating Embrace of Gospel Power

The reason many of us pray for revival is we think something is wrong. Something is wrong in our world … it is not working as it should. Something is wrong in our lives … we feel dry and distant from God. What we want is relief … we want freedom! We want peace. That is what the Gospel offers!

This is the great tension of the Bible’s storyline. In the OT, we are introduced to a God who is both JUST and LOVING. He is just in that he must punish sin. He brings judgement. But he is also loving in that he chooses a people for himself. And yet they sin. So … for most of the Bible we are asking the question … how can God be BOTH Just and loving. It’s not until we reach the NT, and the cross of Christ that we receive our answer.

Look how the Psalmist finishes:

Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. (Psalm 85:10-11, ESV)

Love … faithfulness … righteousness … peace … these are all embodied in Jesus Christ himself—the bringer of revival. How? He so LOVED the world that he left his place in heaven and took on human flesh in the incarnation. He walked the earth for 33 years as a human being and lived a perfect RIGHTEOUS life for all to see. He fulfilled the law and the prophets. At the end of his life, he could have called down his angel armies to save himself from the Romans, he could have come down from the cross if he wanted to. Instead, he was FAITHFUL to the end. And because of that sacrifice he made PEACE with us and God. He is the Prince of Peace who is reconciling the children of God to their Father.

Church, on the CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace KISS EACH OTHER. Jesus is righteousness come down from heaven and faithfulness walking on the earth. The question is … are you ready to receive this good news? If you are aware of God’s holiness and convicted about your sinfulness … the soil is prepared for God to bring fruit and blessing.

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[1] https://www.christianpost.com/news/bible-sales-surged-in-2024-but-is-it-a-cause-for-celebration.html

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepfake

[3] Richard A. Taylor and E. Ray Clendenen, Haggai, Malachi, vol. 21A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004), 158.

A Sermon Summary (2 Chron 7:14)

Pastor Dave Hentschel

A Nation in Need of Revival
The spiritual landscape of America is shifting rapidly, and not in a positive direction. Recent studies reveal that fewer than 47% of Americans now identify with a church, synagogue, or mosque, down from 70% in 1999. Meanwhile, the percentage of Americans claiming no religious affiliation has soared to 30%. Even among self-identified Christians, Bible engagement is at an all-time low. These sobering statistics reveal an urgent need for spiritual revival.

But revival doesn’t begin in the White House, the schoolhouse, or even the courthouse—it begins in the church house. More specifically, it begins in the hearts of God’s people. The call of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is as relevant today as it was when God first spoke it to Solomon:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Revival starts with us. Let’s examine the four key steps outlined in this verse.

1. God’s People Must Humble Themselves

Humility is the foundation of revival. Pride blinds us to our own need for change and keeps us from experiencing God’s power. Richard Lovelace, in Dynamics of Spiritual Life, writes, “People who are no longer sure that God loves and accepts them in Jesus, apart from their present spiritual achievements, are subconsciously radically insecure.” This insecurity fosters pride and self-reliance, the very antitheses of revival.

True humility acknowledges our dependence on God. It admits, “I can’t fix myself, let alone my community, my church, or my nation. Lord, I need You.” Revival cannot happen until God’s people lay down their pride and come to Him with open hands and surrendered hearts.

2. God’s People Must Pray

Prayer is the lifeblood of revival. It is in prayer that we align our hearts with God’s purposes. Lovelace emphasizes the importance of prayer, noting, “Spiritual life flows out of union with Christ, and the channel of that union is prayer.” If we long to see God move in power, we must become a people who pray with urgency and persistence.

Revival prayer is not casual or occasional; it is fervent, united, and desperate. As the old saying goes, “When man works, man works. But when man prays, God works.” What would happen if our churches became houses of prayer once again?

3. God’s People Must Seek God’s Face

Revival is not about seeking God’s blessings—it’s about seeking God Himself. To “seek His face” means to long for His presence above all else. Revival happens when we hunger for God more than we hunger for success, comfort, or security.

In today’s culture, distractions abound, pulling our attention away from God. Revival calls us to recalibrate our priorities, putting Him first. As Psalm 27:8 declares, “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’”

Seeking God’s face requires intentionality. It may mean turning off the television, setting aside our phones, or rearranging our schedules. But the reward—God’s presence—is worth it.

4. God’s People Must Repent

Revival requires repentance. This is not merely feeling sorry for our sins but turning away from them and walking in obedience to God. Repentance involves naming our sins, confessing them, and asking for God’s grace to change.

Richard Lovelace insightfully writes, “Revival is a renewed outpouring of the Spirit through the ordinary means of grace.” But the Spirit’s power is hindered when sin remains unaddressed in our lives. If we desire revival, we must ask God to search our hearts, reveal our sin, and give us the courage to turn from it.

Repentance is not just for individuals—it is for communities. What corporate sins might we, as God’s people, need to repent of? Have we grown lukewarm, apathetic, or self-focused? Revival starts with honest repentance.

Application: Do We Want Revival?

The question before us is simple yet profound: Do we want to see God bring revival? Are we willing to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways?

Revival begins with a decision. It begins when God’s people cry out, “Lord, start with me.” It begins when we, as the church, stop pointing fingers at the world and instead look inward, asking God to renew our own hearts.

May we have the courage to take these steps of obedience and faith, trusting God to hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. Revival is possible. The question is: Do we want it badly enough to ask for it?

A Sermon Summary on Revelation 21:1–22:5

Pastor Dave Hentschel

As we study Revelation 21:1–22:5, we witness the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. The old order of things, characterized by suffering, sin, and sorrow, is gone. What replaces it is a glorious, new creation—a city of joy, hope, and peace. This passage invites us to look forward to the joy that will one day be ours in the new heaven and earth. The stark contrast between the brokenness of our current world and the joy that awaits us serves as a reminder to seek joy that transcends the temporal circumstances of this life.

The New Creation (Revelation 21:1-8)

John begins with a powerful vision of the new creation: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more” (Revelation 21:1, ESV). This new creation represents the final and full restoration of God’s original design—one free from the decay and death that define our current reality.

The imagery of the sea being no more is particularly striking. In ancient times, the sea often symbolized chaos and evil, so its absence points to the complete victory of God over all forces of disorder. In this new creation, there will be no more suffering, sorrow, or death—things that we know all too well in this world. The joy that we seek in a world broken by sin will find its fulfillment in the perfection of God’s eternal kingdom.

Verse 4 reveals the heart of God’s promise: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” (Revelation 21:4, ESV). What joy this promises! The deep ache that characterizes our lives in a fallen world will be utterly removed. We live in a world where joy can feel fleeting—shattered by pain, loss, and injustice. But in this new world, joy will be the air we breathe, untainted by sorrow or suffering.

The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-27)

The next part of the vision focuses on the New Jerusalem, the holy city that comes down from heaven. The city is described with awe-inspiring beauty: streets of gold, gates of pearls, and foundations adorned with precious stones (Revelation 21:18-21). This is not just a place of beauty but of security and belonging, for it is God’s dwelling place with His people. The city will be the epicenter of joy and worship, where God’s glory shines so brightly that there is no need for sun or moon (Revelation 21:23).

The New Jerusalem represents the fulfillment of our deepest longings. In a world where joy often feels distant, or is fleeting, this city reminds us that true joy is found in God’s presence. The city will be completely free from the sin that now mars our world.

The Return to the Garden of Eden (Revelation 22:1-5)

The final section of this passage takes us to the river of life and the tree of life in the New Jerusalem. These images hark back to the Garden of Eden, where God walked with Adam and Eve in perfect communion. Now, in the restored creation, those who belong to God will experience that same intimate relationship with Him once again. “The river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1, ESV) symbolizes the eternal life that flows from God, nourishing and sustaining His people in perfect joy.

The tree of life, which was lost to humanity after the fall, now reappears, bearing fruit for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2). It’s a picture of complete restoration and abundance, where joy flows freely from God to His people, and we can fully partake in His goodness and love. The curse of sin that has marred creation since Genesis is now completely reversed (Revelation 22:3). In the new creation, there will be no more separation, no more curse, no more brokenness.

The vision concludes with the statement that God’s people will reign forever with Him (Revelation 22:5). This is not just a picture of power and dominion; it is the ultimate picture of joy—a joy that comes from being in the presence of God forever, fully restored to what we were always meant to be.

As we reflect on this passage, we see that the joy we experience in this life is but a shadow of the eternal joy that awaits us. In our world, joy can often seem elusive. We are surrounded by suffering, pain, and disappointment, and it can be hard to imagine a world where these things no longer exist. Yet, Revelation 21 and 22 remind us that our joy is secure in the promises of God. The pain and sorrow we experience now are temporary. The fullness of joy that we long for will be ours in the new creation, where God will dwell with His people, and every tear will be wiped away.

Let this vision of the future stir our hearts to live with hope and joy even now. As we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises, let us keep our eyes fixed on the joy that is to come, a joy that will never fade and will never be taken away.

Bells on Christmas Morning

There are many reasons people love the Christmas season. Maybe it’s the hot chocolate. Maybe it’s the eggnog. Maybe it’s the presents. Maybe it’s the decorations, and lights, and snow but I guarantee it is the music—which sometimes starts back at Halloween! (Shame on you!). One famous song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, later set to music. While he wrote about peace, Longfellow’s life knew tragedy. During a home fire, he watched his wife die from a severe burn. He was burned so badly, he go no longer shave and grew out his signature beard. His son, Charles, fought in the Civil War and was nearly paralyzed from a bullet wound suffered in battle. Can you imagine the pain he felt from this loss and tragedy? On Christmas Day, December 25th, 1863, Longfellow heard the familiar sound of Christmas Bells in the distance. He heard carolers singing, “Peace on Earth, Good-Will to Men.”

How could there be peace … when his life had known great tragedy? In that moment, Longfellow put pen to paper and wrote this poem to capture the dissonance in his heart on Christmas:

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play;

In music sweet the tones repeat,

“There’s peace on earth, good will to men.”

But the carol is not cotton candy; it is a beating heart, laid bare. It’s a carol that still rings true today. By the third stanza we sing:

And in despair I bowed my head;

“There is no peace on earth,” I said;

“For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

This past Sunday we lit the Advent Candle of “Peace.” While we, as a country, are not entrenched in a literal Civil War as in 1863—there is much polarization. The news cycle—it never seems to stop. Just this week I’ve seen stories where Russia is open to Nuclear War, weird drones are flying all over New Jersey, and a health-care executive was murdered in broad daylight on his way to a meeting in Manhattan. What is happening?! Our world feels Apocalyptic, as if the book of Revelation is playing out before our eyes. Like Longfellow, we’ve faced tragedy and the Christmas bells … they’ve stopped ringing. Have the bells stopped ringing in your life this Christmas?

For many of us, the candle of peace is illusive. Career, finances, friends, family … they all feel strained. The bells are silent; there is an absence of ringing in your life. Is that you today? You might be asking—how can I find peace this Christmas? I believe Revelation 20 offers a solution to our peace problem.

The Chain

We read this is Revelation 20:1,

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. (Revelation 20:1, ESV)

The phrase, “And I saw,” indicates that this is a continuing vision from chapter 19. This angel is coming down on a mission. In his hand, he has two items: (1) A Key. Specifically, this key locks and unlocks the “bottomless pit” or the “abyss.” This refers to the underworld, or the place where demons live. This key symbolizes authority to unlock this place. (2) Second, he holds a GREAT CHAIN. This is the instrument will be used to bind and restrain the Great Dragon, Satan himself. This section completes the reversal and destruction of the unholy trinity—in chapter 19 the beasts are destroyed; in chapter 20, the dragon is finished off.

And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. (Revelation 20:2-3, ESV)

So what does the text say? In chapter 19 Jesus comes back and defeats his enemies … but then John sees something else. An angel, perhaps Michael the archangel, bursts forth from the throne room in heaven with a KEY and CHAIN. He has power and authority to end Satan’s rule. In fact, the entire host of heaven may start chanting, “Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up!”

Friends, can you imagine a world where Satan has no power? Can you imagine a world where he could not cause trouble? The point is this: when the dragon is chained, peace with reign.

The Reign

What does John see next?

Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4, ESV)

This verse is hugely important—and hotly debated. This one verse in Revelation talks explicitly about the Millennium—the 1000 years. Since it is just one verse, we should be humble in our discussions. There is room for disagreement.

What happens during this 1000 year reign? An A-Millennial position says this is the saints reigning with Jesus in heaven and all the promises of the OT are fulfilled in the Church. A Post-Millennial person say we must continue to spread the Gospel and Christianize the world, ushering in the millennium. A Pre-Millennial position says this is a future intermediate kingdom before the eternal state. Some people think this will involve fulfillment of promises to Israel, others think it is a time when the church—OT and NT believers—reign with Christ on earth.

John finishes this section in v. 6 by telling us of the glory that awaits us at this first resurrection:

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6, ESV)

Church, what powerful images! This verse, right here, is the sound of the coming kingdom … it is the bells ringing in the distance which provide peace for today! When Christ returns, he will defeat his enemies, he will bind up Satan and throw him in the pit … then all his people will come to life and REIGN with him! The CHAIN leads to the REIGN! Why can we have peace? Christian, look at these promises: (1) First, the second death is the “lake of fire.” This is the eternal torment and separation from God. But if you are a Christian … that is not your fate. This should bring us peace. (2) Second, the priestly image is found throughout the biblical storyline. 1 Peter 2:9 applies that language to the church and here, it is confirmed, that in the coming kingdom we will be priests of God! We will REIGN with him!

 The Great White Throne

To close this section, John shares his vision of the Great White Throne.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. (Revelation 20:11, ESV)

Now we see images that have been present throughout Revelation coming into focus. The whiteness of the throne seems to be intentional pointing to the “purity, beauty, goodness, and righteousness of God’s judgments.”  Earlier in the book, Jesus has been described with white hair, riding on a white horse, and seated on a white cloud. Here … he is on his white throne for the final judgment.

All the evil in this world has been put to an end—the de-creation has now tuned to recreation. David Mathewson comments:

Moreover, even the present creation is forced to flee in judgment before the presence of the throne. The present earth has been the home of the dragon, the beasts, and the kingdom of empires like Rome. So it is also removed in judgment. Everything is now in the lake of fire (v. 15). Chapter 20, then, ends the series of judgment scenes, so that everything that opposes the full realization of God’s kingdom is cleared away. All that remains now is the emergence of the new creation in 21:1–22:5.[1]

Friends, the bells are ringing … peace is coming. Who approaches this Great White Throne?

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. (Revelation 20:12-13, ESV)

Vv. 12-13 describe the final judgment. Now, there is debate about how many judgements there will be at the end … some people say there are as many as FOUR. I tend to think believers experience the “first resurrection” in v. 5 where they are judged for their sins and acquitted based on Christ’s atoning work, and are rewarded with eternal life. Can you imagine that? As a believer you stand before God … and he knows your sins … but then he says you are forgiven based on your faith in Christ. Wow.

Here, in Revelation 20:12-13 however, is probably describing the “second resurrection of unbelievers.” Notice, that this resurrection and judgment are comprehensive—no one is left. Death, Hades, the seas … there are no dead left. All will face judgment.

What does this white throne judgment entail? BOOKS. Yes, my friends, this is the ultimate book war. Here we have an echo of Daniel 7. There the Ancient of Days is seated in a courtroom and books are opened. When unbelievers stand before the throne of God and the books are opened … their works convict them. There is no acquittal … only judgment.  And those works certify, or deny, your name in the second book, the book of life. Still, all face judgment for what they have done in this life. Then … the judgment is complete.

Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14-15, ESV)

Friends, we’ve made it through Revelation 20—and this is the end of the bad news. It only gets better from here. These last two verses of Rev. 20 are happy … and sad. On one hand, death has finally met its end. No one will die ever again. Wow. On the other hand, many people will experience eternity in the Lake of Fire. Those who did not give their lives to the lamb will experience eternity apart from him.

This is a heavy ending to this section. I know throughout this series, we have offered a lot of interpretative options. However, here, at the end … everyone affirms there will be a final judgment.

Is Your Name In The Book?

I want us to pause and take this in for a moment. This… is… real. Today, whether you claim to believe in God or not … you will stand before him. You will give an account. You will face judgement. There is no escape, there is no excuse. Just picture—yourself—standing beofre the white throne. Before God himself. Imagine him asking you about every aspect or your life … even the things you have done in private—that you are doing in private, right now. Things no one knows about but him. How will you fare on that day? Because it is coming.

If you are a Christian—you will experience the joy of acquittal—Christ’s blood covers your sins. If you are listening to this and you are not a Christian—this is your future. Resurrection. The open books. Judgment according to what is in them. What will Jesus say to you? Will your name be in the book of life? I pray that it will.

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[1] David L. Mathewson, A Companion to the Book of Revelation, Cascade Companions (Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2020), 114–115.

Sermon Summary

Revelation 19:11-21

Pastor Dave Hentschel

Revelation 19:12-21 presents a vivid and triumphant vision of Christ as the conquering King, followed by the dramatic defeat of His enemies. This passage marks a climactic moment in John’s apocalyptic narrative, where the power of Christ is displayed with ultimate authority over all who oppose Him.

Part 1: The Vision of the Conquering King (Revelation 19:12-16)

The imagery in verses 12-16 captures the majestic and overwhelming presence of Christ. His eyes are described as “like a flame of fire,” symbolizing His perfect knowledge and righteous judgment. He wears many crowns, signifying His supreme authority over all earthly and spiritual realms. This King is not only sovereign but also a warrior, leading the armies of heaven in spotless white garments.

A unique element of this vision is the name written on Him that no one knows but Himself (v.12). This mysterious detail highlights the transcendent nature of Christ, whose identity surpasses human understanding. His name, “The Word of God,” reveals His role as the divine agent of both creation and judgment (v.13), reflecting John 1:1-3.

From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which He strikes down the nations, emphasizing the power of His word to bring both salvation and judgment. He treads the “winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty,” a potent image of divine justice. His robe and thigh are inscribed with the title “King of kings and Lord of lords” (v.16), underscoring His unmatched sovereignty.

Part 2: The Defeat of the King’s Enemies (Revelation 19:17-21)

In the second half of this passage, we witness the gathering of the enemies of God and their utter defeat. An angel calls out to the birds, inviting them to feast on the flesh of those who oppose Christ (v.17-18). This grotesque image emphasizes the completeness of their destruction and the inevitability of divine judgment.

The beast and the kings of the earth, along with their armies, gather to wage war against the King and His heavenly host. However, there is no prolonged battle. The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire, a place of eternal punishment (v.20). The remaining enemies are slain by the sword from the mouth of Christ, and the birds gorge on their flesh (v.21). This swift and decisive victory demonstrates the absolute power of Christ over all evil.

The Preterist Interpretation

From a preterist perspective, this vision of Christ’s victory symbolizes the judgment upon Jerusalem and Nero’s collapse in power, and the downfall of oppressive systems that persecuted the infant church. The beast, often identified with the Nero of Roman Empire, and the false prophet, representing corrupt religious leadership, the high priesthood of Jerusalem, are depicted as being overthrown by Christ’s sovereign authority. The invitation to the birds to feast on the defeated enemies signifies the finality of God’s judgment against these forces.

This passage would have been a source of hope for John’s first-century audience, reminding them that despite the overwhelming power of political rulers, Jesus Christ reigns supreme and will bring ultimate justice. The sword from His mouth represents the power of His word to overcome any human authority, offering reassurance that God’s purposes will prevail in history.

The Futurist Interpretation

In the futurist interpretation, Revelation 19:12-21 depicts a literal future event at the end of the age when Christ returns in glory to defeat the forces of evil and establish His millennial reign. The conquering King is Jesus at His second coming, leading the armies of heaven to overthrow the Antichrist (the beast), the false prophet, and their followers. The battle represents the final conflict between good and evil, culminating in Christ’s decisive victory. The beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire, symbolizing their eternal punishment, while the rest of their armies are destroyed by the word of Christ. This interpretation emphasizes the hope of Christ’s ultimate triumph and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

The Eclectic Interpretation

The eclectic interpretation of Revelation 19:12-21 combines elements from various interpretive approaches, viewing the passage as both a past event and a future event and a symbolic portrayal of ongoing spiritual realities. Christ is seen as the triumphant King who will return at the end of history to defeat evil definitively, but His victory also represents the continual triumph of good over evil throughout time. The beast and the false prophet symbolize not only past enemies of God, but also future figures of ultimate opposition to God but also recurring manifestations of oppressive political and religious systems. This interpretation encourages believers to see Christ’s victory as both a present spiritual reality and a future hope, calling them to persevere in faith amid worldly opposition, knowing that Christ will ultimately prevail.

Conclusion

Revelation 19:12-21 invites us to see Christ not just as a suffering servant but as the conquering King who brings justice and triumph. Whether understood as a literal future event or a symbolic depiction of God’s historical intervention, this passage calls believers to trust in Christ’s ultimate victory and to live in the confidence that evil will be defeated by His righteous power.

Sermon Summary

Pastor Dave Hentschel

Revelation 17:1–19:10

Revelation 17–19 invites readers into a profound theological drama, symbolizing the collapse of one city and the rise of another. In Augustine’s book, The City of God, he sets up a contract between the doomed city of man with the enduring city of God. Augustine masterfully articulates the struggle between these two cities: one rooted in self-love and rebellion, the other in the love of God and submission to His rule. In Revelation, these two cities are personified in Babylon and the New Jerusalem, framed within the judgments of God upon Jerusalem (as Babylon) and Rome (as the Beast).

1. The Harlot and the Beast (Revelation 17:1-18)

John begins by describing a woman—“the great prostitute who is seated on many waters” (17:1, ESV)—adorned in opulence, drunk with the blood of the saints. The Harlot represents apostate Jerusalem, seduced by power and entangled with Rome, depicted as the scarlet Beast with seven heads and ten horns. Jerusalem’s spiritual adultery, often highlighted in the prophets (e.g., Ezekiel 16), culminates here as she aligns herself with Rome, rejecting her covenant with God.

8 Reasons to Consider the Preterist View of Babylon as Jerusalem

The preterist interpretation of Revelation suggests that Babylon represents apostate Jerusalem, destroyed in AD 70, while the Beast symbolizes imperial Rome. Here are key reasons why some find this view compelling:

1. Babylon is “The Great City,” Like Jerusalem
   Revelation 11:8 identifies “the great city” as the place where Jesus was crucified—Jerusalem. Revelation’s consistent use of this term suggests Babylon symbolizes Jerusalem.
2. Temple and Priesthood Imagery
   The Harlot’s attire (Rev 17:4) mirrors the high priest’s garments in Exodus 28, including her forehead inscription. This detail aligns with Jerusalem’s identity as the city of the Temple.
3. Harlotry as Covenant Betrayal
   The Old Testament often depicts Jerusalem as a harlot when she breaks covenant with God (e.g., Hosea, Isaiah 1:21). This imagery ties the Harlot of Revelation to apostate Jerusalem.
4. Jesus’ Words Against First-Century Israel
   Jesus frequently rebukes first-century Israel as “worse than harlots” (Matt 21:32) and an “evil and adulterous generation” (Matt 12:39). These descriptions align with Revelation’s portrayal of Babylon.
5. Jerusalem’s History of Persecution
   Babylon is described as killing prophets and saints (Rev 17:6; 18:20). Historically, Jerusalem persecuted the prophets, and Jesus declared that their blood would be charged against that generation (Matt 23:37; Luke 11:50).
6. Revelation’s Time Frame References
   John emphasizes events that “must soon take place” (Rev 1:1) and Jesus’ imminent return (Rev 1:7). Preterists interpret this as referring to Jerusalem’s judgment in AD 70.
7. The Connection to the Crucifixion
   Revelation 1:7 speaks of judgment on “those who pierced Him,” referring to Jerusalem’s leaders, consistent with Jesus’ predictions of judgment on His generation (Matt 24).
8. Contrast Between Old and New Jerusalem
   Revelation contrasts the Old Jerusalem’s alliance with the Beast (Rev 17:3) with the New Jerusalem, the Lamb’s bride (Rev 21:9). This dichotomy underscores Jerusalem’s role as Babylon in judgment.

In this view, Babylon represents first-century Jerusalem, condemned for covenant unfaithfulness and judged through Rome. As NT Wright observes, Jesus reinterprets traditional Jewish expectations of judgment on the nations to focus on unrepentant Israel. This theme echoes the great prophets and climaxes with the vision of the New Jerusalem, the true city of God.

For further exploration, Kenneth Gentry’s The Divorce of Israel offers a deep dive into this interpretation.

Who is the Beast? 

The Beast, symbolizing imperial Rome, carries the Harlot. Rome’s political dominance and persecution of the early church place it at odds with God’s kingdom. Yet the Beast itself is unstable.

Here’s the record of the first six Roman emperors.

• Julius Caesar
• Caesar Augustus
• Tiberias
• Caligula
• Claudius
• Nero

Five have fallen, and one is. Nero’s name just happens to add up to 666. Revelation 17:16 tells of a paradox: “the ten horns… will hate the prostitute,” indicating the eventual betrayal of Jerusalem by Rome, fulfilled historically in the destruction of the city in AD 70.

In Augustine’s framework, the Harlot embodies the earthly city’s fleeting splendor, built on human pride and rebellion. Her adornment signifies worldly allure, but her destiny—consumed by fire—demonstrates the futility of a life divorced from God. The Beast’s rise and fall remind us that even the mightiest human empires are subordinate to divine sovereignty. Augustine writes, “The earthly city shall not be everlasting; for when it is transferred to its final punishment, it shall no longer be a city.”

Revelation 17 thus reveals God’s judgment on both the Harlot and the Beast. Jerusalem’s spiritual adultery is exposed, and Rome’s hubris is curbed. Together, they exemplify the transient nature of the city of man.

2. The Lament of Babylon (Revelation 18:1-24)

In Revelation 18, the focus shifts to the lament over fallen Babylon, evoking images of economic collapse and social ruin. Babylon, here representing Jerusalem, is judged for her unfaithfulness, having become a “dwelling place for demons” and a participant in the world’s corruption (18:2-3).

Merchants and kings mourn Babylon’s destruction. This imagery underscores the interconnectedness of spiritual apostasy and worldly systems. Jerusalem, instead of serving as a beacon of covenantal faithfulness, aligned itself with Rome’s oppressive power and idolatry. Her fall is inevitable and just: “For her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (18:5).

The lament echoes the prophetic judgments against ancient cities like Tyre (Ezekiel 27) and Babylon (Isaiah 13, Jeremiah 50–51), emphasizing that no city, regardless of its prestige, can withstand God’s righteous judgment. Augustine describes this as the downfall of the city of man, a society consumed by self-love and materialism: “Two loves have made two cities: love of self, even to the contempt of God, made the earthly city; love of God, even to the contempt of self, made the heavenly city.”

This section challenges modern readers to evaluate where their ultimate allegiance lies. Are we, like Babylon, seduced by wealth, comfort, and worldly power? Or do we seek the enduring kingdom of God, whose foundation is righteousness and justice? The call to “come out of her, my people” (18:4) reminds us that participation in the city of man carries spiritual consequences.

3. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:1-10)

Contrasting the destruction of Babylon is the glorious celebration of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The transition from lament to worship signals the vindication of God’s people and the ultimate triumph of the city of God.

The multitude in heaven rejoices, proclaiming, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just” (19:1-2). The destruction of Babylon is not merely punitive; it is redemptive, paving the way for the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.

At the heart of this celebration is the union of Christ and His bride, the church. The bride is described as wearing “fine linen, bright and pure,” symbolizing the righteous deeds of the saints (19:8). In Augustine’s theology, the city of God is a community of believers whose citizenship is in heaven. The Marriage Supper represents the culmination of history, where Christ gathers His people in eternal communion.

The invitation to the Marriage Supper stands in stark contrast to the judgment of Babylon. While the earthly city meets its end, the heavenly city experiences eternal joy. Augustine reflects on this duality: “There is no other city, eternal in the heavens, save the city of God, whose Founder and Ruler is Christ, and whose participation in His eternal reign shall be their glory.”

The Marriage Supper also provides a picture of hope for believers enduring persecution. Just as the early church faced hostility from both Jerusalem and Rome, today’s church may find itself at odds with worldly powers. Revelation 19 assures us that God’s justice prevails, and His covenant promises will be fulfilled.

Revelation 17–19 encapsulates the cosmic drama of judgment and redemption. The Harlot and the Beast illustrate the transient, self-destructive nature of the city of man. The lament of Babylon exposes the futility of a life built on worldly pride and materialism. Finally, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb celebrates the enduring victory of the city of God, whose citizens are called to love and serve their King.

Augustine’s insights into the two cities help us interpret this passage not merely as ancient history but as a timeless spiritual reality. As he wrote, “The earthly city, which shall not be everlasting, is doomed to eternal punishment; the other, which is eternal, is destined for glory, everlasting.”

In a world still seduced by Babylon’s allure, the call of Revelation 18:4—“Come out of her, my people”—resounds with urgency. May we, as citizens of the heavenly city, fix our eyes on Christ, the Bridegroom, and eagerly await the day when we, too, shall celebrate at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

The Wrath of God

Many ask, “Why is there so much injustice in the world?” Skeptics say, “If God is good, why does he allow human trafficking, or persecution, or suffering?” The truth is, sometimes people commit horrible acts and the think they will get away with it.

This is the subject of Revelation 16, a passage which offers an answer to the question of injustice. Why does God appear to allow evil to go unpunished? Revelation 16 tells us he won’t. One day, justice will be served. Do you want justice for anything today? The good news we find in Revelation 16 is this: God’s wrath was poured out on the cross and if you know Jesus the blood of the lamb covers you. But there is also a warning of bad news: if you don’t know Jesus, one day you will experience God’s wrath for your sin.

The Song of the Righteous

So, first, John shows us the song of the righteous. Multiple times in the book of Revelation, the saints are portrayed as breaking out in worship as God’s justice comes to the world. Now, his justice will come in full with the bowls. As a reminder, there have been 3 Sets of Judgments in Revelation. First, the SEALS. Second, the TRUMPETS. Finally, the BOWLS. The intensity progresses through each set of judgments. Some scholars have called this PROGRESSIVE PARALLELISM. The views argues that the book of Revelation is meant to be divided into seven recapitulations of the era between Christ’s passion and the introduction of the “age to come.”[1]

I tend to believe the language is symbolic for actual events but the bowls point to an intensification at the end of the age. Only the bowl judgments impact the whole world. The bowls are about God righting injustice in this world. The symbols find their background in the ten plagues of Exodus. They tell us about a purification, a new exodus, that must happen before the entrance of the new heavens and new earth.

How should we respond to God’s justice and wrath? Perhaps you read a passage like this and you think, “God is cruel. God is unfair. This is not the God I believe in.” But is he just? Remember, these judgments are poured out on those who did not worship God, and those who persecuted the church, those who rebelled against their Creator. Is he JUST in his judgment? John pauses and shows us the response of the righteous. The altar, where the martyrs sit, breaks forth in worship:

And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” (Revelation 16:7, ESV)

The response of the righteous is WORSHIP. They sing of God’s glory and justice. They affirm God’s just actions. This verse mirrors what happens in Revelation 6:9-10 where we see the martyrs crying out from below the altar. What was their plea? “How long until you avenge our blood?!” Here, in Revelation 16, God’s justice is done.

The War of The Wicked

The bowls are a warning. God is patient, God is kind. And yet, even when he extends a measure of grace the wicked go to war with him. Now the fourth bowl.

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. (Revelation 16:8-9a, ESV)

Friends, that is a heck of sun burn. No manner of SPF will protect you from the scorching heat of God’s judgment and wrath. This bowl may have it’s background in the Greco-Roman world of John’s time. In Greco-Roman mythology, the god Apollo was worshipped as the god of healing and the god of the sun. There was also a god of the sea, Neptune. John is showing that neither Neptune nor Apollo can heal if the true God wounds. These false gods cannot save them! So much of Revelation is a battle between worship of the true God and the false god. Who will you worship?

Again, God’s desire is that more people repent and worship him. He is holding back the full extent of his wrath, he is holding it back for repentance. But the wicked do not see God’s mercy and forbearance; instead they curse his name. And then we get the indictment:

They did not repent and give him glory. (Revelation 16:9b, ESV)

Wow. This is a window into the human heart … and it is so sad.

Now, you might say, if God sent fire on me, I might curse him to! If God allows suffering in my life, I don’t run to him for help, I curse him with disdain. Notice, though, that verse 9 points to the posture of their heart. They did not give him glory. Again, this is all about who they will worship. They are with beast! They are marked by him! They will not give their lives to God, they will not repent, they curse and blame God.

Friends, have you considered that when suffering comes in your life, it might be an act of God’s mercy? Suffering exposes our need for God. God allows it so we can come to end of ourselves and trust him! It’s been famously said, “God’s address is at the end of our rope.”

Or consider, when we are confronted with our sin, why do we not repent? Has someone ever pointed out a sin to you? What was your response? Often it is defensiveness. Blame shifting. Self justification. Blaming God. Friends, I say this in love; we do not repent because it makes us look bad. It makes us look like we are not perfect. God’s judgment in the bowls is an act of mercy at the end—a final call to repentance. And yet, at the end of time, even when people see Jesus in all his glory some will not turn to him.

The Completion of Justice

Now the seventh bowl is poured out. Similar to the seventh seal and the seventh trumpet, this seems like and intensification at the end. But this goes even further. I think it points completion at the end. Justice is done!

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” (Revelation 16:17, ESV)

It is done! This is the culmination of all the judgments. God has been holding back his full wrath. Yet, here all the wrath that has been stored up is being poured out on the earth! Notice that the bowl is being poured pout into the air—it is a direct assault on Satan, “The Prince if the Power of the Air.” As this happens what do we see?

And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. (Revelation 16:18, ESV)

This is a similar, repeated scene from the previous judgments. However, this time is seems like the final earthquake. The empire of the beast crumbles. We’ll see in Revelation 17-18 that before the empire falls and Jesus returns, all the people of the earth will lament the fall of their earthly empire.

It Is Finished

How should we respond to God’s justice? With worship. If you are experiencing pain and suffering from injustice be of good cheer. Justice will be done no matter how long it takes.

What do we do with Revelation 16? Let me speak to two groups right now.

First, if you are not a Christian … Revelation 16 is a warning. God wrath has been storing up against you for your sins. But God is patient. God is kind. He wants you to repent, place your trust in his son. Come under his protecting covering. But if you refuse, your deeds and rebellion with not escape God’s justice and wrath. Friends, I don’t want the bowls for you! The message of Revelation 16 is this: REPENT!

Second, if you are a Christian …  your deeds and rebellion have not escaped God’s wrath. They were paid for at the foot of the cross. The wrath of Revelation 16 is NOT for you, but it is a challenge: you must call others to repentance so they can escape this final justice. Does your heart break for those in rebellion? I pray that it does.

In the end, Revelation 16 is a reminder that God is purifying this world to make something brand new. A new heavens, a new earth. When Jesus comes, he will bring his final kingdom. On the cross at his first coming, Jesus cried out, “It is finished!” His blood overs our sins. That is good news! His works saves us from the wrath of God. It has saved us from the bowls! When he returns at his second coming, he will say, “It is done!” This is good news church! God’s wrath will be done. Injustice has met its end! The new world is here!

Until that time we pray … Come Lord Jesus.

[1] https://salvationbygrace.org/current-qa/progressive-parallelism/