SERMONS

Revelation is a book designed by God to remove the mystery and supplant it with 'revealed' spiritual truth. It is a book to unite God's people and encourage them. So many miss out on divine blessings due to preconceived biases. May we each simply have an ear to hear what the Spirit has to say, as we ask the following five questions and listen to God answer them from the Scriptures :) Who are the ‘servants of God’ - who have been ‘sealed’ by God? Who are the ‘144,000’ - nominated by God? Who constitute the ‘great multitude’ - a people saved by God? Who are the survivors of the ‘Great Tribulation’ - sanctified by God? Who are those ‘in white robes’ - redeemed by the Lamb?

We are fascinated with origin stories. Even more so when it involves royalty; the British monarchy goes back nearly a millennium, and kings and queens of the British ascend one of the most historic thrones. But not the most historic. There is a King Whose origins are even older, reaching via King David, and Abraham, all the way to the first man (and beyond, into eternity). The first book of the New Testament reveals that this King is Jesus, and His taking His throne as the heir of David has implications for all of us.

Throughout history, and even in our time today, God’s people who are seeking to do God’s work are frequent targets of intense opposition. There is great opposition against the work of the Lord and against God’s people. This truth is clearly seen in Nehemiah 4:1–6 as we encounter a faithful yet small group of Jews led by Nehemiah, engaged in the important task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem while facing intense opposition. How will they respond to such hostility? And how should you, as a believer, respond to opposition when it comes your way? Nehemiah 4:1–6 presents three counteractive measures so that you can respond to opposition in a way that honours God.

This chapter 7 is an interlude between the judgements that have been occurring, since the fall of man, and the final judgement to come. During this time 'another angel comes up from the east having the seal of the living God' (v2) - and we learn that everyone without this 'seal' does not belong to God! Nor can they see Him or serve Him! Who is this 'angel' that 'seals' believers? Have you been sealed? What will happen to those who are left unsealed? This is an urgent message.

How can we behave towards one another in a way that is a blessing and gives glory to God? In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul teaches that there is a way more excellent than focusing on spiritual gifts. He explains that our speech, our spiritual gifts, and even our greatest sacrifices are nothing without love... divine love from the heart.

In part one we established that it is Christ who rides the 'white horse'. In this second part we go on to explore the devastation which follows as the next three horses ride. And the statement that some may find offensive, and that is that they serve to fulfil the mission of that first Rider. How can this be? Does not much evil result from their riding forth? How is this an expression of the 'wrath of the Lamb'? And what are we do learn from all that entails from this chapter 6 of Revelation? Take in a deep breathe, have your Bible open, and prepare yourself to receive what God would have you know - the truth about the history and the future of the world, no less.

In this sermon Pr. Sandro explores how God meets a discouraged leader with encouragement, assurance, and renewed confidence. After the defeat at Ai and the painful exposure of hidden sin, Joshua was discouraged. Yet God said: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” We see a pattern—failure followed by restoration. God reaffirms His presence, gives Joshua a new strategy, and entrusts him again with leadership. The message is clear: past failure doesn’t cancel God’s call. When we seek Him, He restores, recommissions, and reminds us that His mission continues.

The Lamb of God is orchestrating all history, which includes the suffering of His Church, that the Church be glorified in Him, and He in His Church! This is the central teaching of Revelation chapter 6. But who are the four horsemen then? And when will they ride out? Or have they set out already? And how is this going to affect our lives?