Mike Novotny - Revelation: When The World Hates You

May 7, 2025 | S26:E19

Time of Grace teaches tough topics in an approachable and relatable way, making the Bible clear and understandable for those who need encouragement in their walks of faith and for those who don’t yet know Jesus at all.

#TrustGod #RelationshipwithGod #SeekGod #Revelation #Faithfulness #Persecution #Christianity #Sacrifice #Religion #Culture #inActive #EndTimes #Courage #Boldness #KingdomofGod #MikeNovotny

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Time Of Grace With Mike Novotny | Mike Novotny - Revelation: When The World Hates You | May 7, 2025

♪ ♪
00:00:07.920 --> 00:00:19.731
>> so, here's a big question.
00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:24.203
>> so, here's a big question. how much you personally
00:00:24.269 --> 00:00:25.938
How much you personally suffer for the name of jesus?
00:00:26.004 --> 00:00:32.344
I wish i didn't have
00:00:32.444 --> 00:00:32.978
I wish i didn't have to ask that question.
00:00:33.045 --> 00:00:34.379
To ask that question. i wish that everyone
00:00:34.446 --> 00:00:35.047
I wish that everyone in this world would love jesus
00:00:35.114 --> 00:00:37.116
In this world would love jesus and prioritize jesus,
00:00:37.182 --> 00:00:38.484
And prioritize jesus, and trust jesus,
00:00:38.550 --> 00:00:39.318
And trust jesus, and follow jesus.
00:00:39.384 --> 00:00:40.385
And follow jesus. but in a world
00:00:40.452 --> 00:00:41.453
But in a world where not everyone does,
00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:42.588
The question,
00:00:42.688 --> 00:00:44.189
The question, wherever you live on earth
00:00:44.256 --> 00:00:45.157
Wherever you live on earth and whenever you live in history
00:00:45.224 --> 00:00:46.358
And whenever you live in history has always been relevant,
00:00:46.425 --> 00:00:47.659
Has always been relevant, how much would you
00:00:47.726 --> 00:00:49.294
How much would you personally suffer?
00:00:49.361 --> 00:00:50.262
Personally suffer? what price would you
00:00:50.329 --> 00:00:50.963
What price would you personally pay to be
00:00:51.029 --> 00:00:53.398
Personally pay to be absolutely faithful to jesus?
00:00:53.465 --> 00:00:58.504
Absolutely faithful to jesus? throughout the centuries,
00:00:58.570 --> 00:00:59.404
Throughout the centuries, whether you lived
00:00:59.471 --> 00:01:00.305
Whether you lived back in ancient times
00:01:00.372 --> 00:01:01.206
Back in ancient times or modern times,
00:01:01.273 --> 00:01:02.141
Or modern times, whether you live here
00:01:02.207 --> 00:01:03.609
Whether you live here in modern american culture
00:01:03.675 --> 00:01:04.743
In modern american culture or in some other culture.
00:01:04.810 --> 00:01:05.944
Or in some other culture. there's always been some price
00:01:06.011 --> 00:01:08.780
There's always been some price on a scale of persecution
00:01:08.847 --> 00:01:10.349
On a scale of persecution whether it was a social price,
00:01:10.415 --> 00:01:12.518
Whether it was a social price, or a relational price,
00:01:12.584 --> 00:01:14.453
Or a relational price, or a professional price,
00:01:14.520 --> 00:01:15.554
Or a professional price, or an economic price,
00:01:15.621 --> 00:01:16.321
Or an economic price, or even a physical,
00:01:16.388 --> 00:01:17.823
Or even a physical, or end your life
00:01:17.890 --> 00:01:18.524
Or end your life kind of price.
00:01:18.590 --> 00:01:19.224
Kind of price. there's always been a cost
00:01:19.291 --> 00:01:21.193
There's always been a cost of being absolutely
00:01:21.260 --> 00:01:22.060
Of being absolutely faithful to christ.
00:01:22.127 --> 00:01:26.999
Faithful to christ. like, if we could time machine
00:01:27.065 --> 00:01:27.966
Like, if we could time machine back to the year 300 ad,
00:01:28.033 --> 00:01:30.068
Back to the year 300 ad, in city of rome,
00:01:30.135 --> 00:01:32.471
In city of rome, where the roman emperor
00:01:32.538 --> 00:01:33.238
Where the roman emperor is demanding that
00:01:33.305 --> 00:01:34.339
Is demanding that everyone burn incense
00:01:34.406 --> 00:01:35.807
Everyone burn incense and acknowledge
00:01:35.874 --> 00:01:36.542
And acknowledge him as lord and god.
00:01:36.608 --> 00:01:39.912
Him as lord and god. and the christians
00:01:39.978 --> 00:01:40.379
And the christians who worshiped jesus
00:01:40.445 --> 00:01:41.146
Who worshiped jesus as their lord and god said,
00:01:41.213 --> 00:01:42.414
As their lord and god said, "we can't."
00:01:42.481 --> 00:01:43.682
"we can't." do you know what the price
00:01:43.749 --> 00:01:44.416
Do you know what the price was in those days?
00:01:44.483 --> 00:01:46.852
Was in those days? the colosseum.
00:01:46.919 --> 00:01:49.288
The colosseum. have you ever
00:01:49.354 --> 00:01:49.922
Have you ever thought about that?
00:01:49.988 --> 00:01:50.689
Thought about that? there were christians who
00:01:50.756 --> 00:01:51.490
There were christians who simply for saying,
00:01:51.557 --> 00:01:52.891
Simply for saying, "i believe that
00:01:52.958 --> 00:01:53.559
"i believe that there is only one god,"
00:01:53.625 --> 00:01:54.426
There is only one god," were strapped alive to posts
00:01:54.493 --> 00:01:57.930
Were strapped alive to posts while tens of thousands
00:01:57.996 --> 00:01:59.431
While tens of thousands of people cried for their blood
00:01:59.498 --> 00:02:02.134
Of people cried for their blood and death as starved beasts
00:02:02.201 --> 00:02:04.469
And death as starved beasts would slowly or quickly
00:02:04.536 --> 00:02:05.704
Would slowly or quickly tear them apart.
00:02:05.771 --> 00:02:08.941
Tear them apart. imagine the courage
00:02:09.007 --> 00:02:09.841
Imagine the courage it must have taken
00:02:09.908 --> 00:02:10.642
It must have taken to not cut a corner
00:02:10.709 --> 00:02:11.777
To not cut a corner and burn a little incense
00:02:11.843 --> 00:02:13.779
And burn a little incense and compromise your faith.
00:02:13.845 --> 00:02:17.749
And compromise your faith. or think of the early 1900's
00:02:17.816 --> 00:02:19.284
Or think of the early 1900's in the soviet union
00:02:19.351 --> 00:02:20.485
In the soviet union where the atheist,
00:02:20.552 --> 00:02:22.287
Where the atheist, joseph stalin,
00:02:22.354 --> 00:02:22.988
Joseph stalin, was trying to purge,
00:02:23.055 --> 00:02:24.056
Was trying to purge, not many gods,
00:02:24.122 --> 00:02:24.790
Not many gods, but any god from
00:02:24.856 --> 00:02:26.725
But any god from his atheistic empire.
00:02:26.792 --> 00:02:28.393
His atheistic empire. stalin who it's said
00:02:28.460 --> 00:02:29.962
Stalin who it's said arrested and murdered
00:02:30.028 --> 00:02:31.396
Arrested and murdered over 100,000 men like me
00:02:31.463 --> 00:02:34.633
Over 100,000 men like me who believed in jesus
00:02:34.700 --> 00:02:35.434
Who believed in jesus and proclaimed the word of god.
00:02:35.500 --> 00:02:37.102
And proclaimed the word of god. can you imagine if confessing
00:02:37.169 --> 00:02:40.539
Can you imagine if confessing jesus would have
00:02:40.606 --> 00:02:41.807
Jesus would have meant your arrest,
00:02:41.873 --> 00:02:43.809
Meant your arrest, slave labor for the rest
00:02:43.875 --> 00:02:44.910
Slave labor for the rest of your life, if not torture,
00:02:44.977 --> 00:02:47.112
Of your life, if not torture, or instant death?
00:02:47.179 --> 00:02:50.816
Or instant death? or think if you're
00:02:50.882 --> 00:02:51.516
Or think if you're in my country
00:02:51.583 --> 00:02:53.952
In my country where a hundred years ago
00:02:54.019 --> 00:02:54.653
Where a hundred years ago when certain parts of
00:02:54.720 --> 00:02:55.454
When certain parts of the south to stand up
00:02:55.520 --> 00:02:56.521
The south to stand up to bigotry and racism
00:02:56.588 --> 00:02:59.057
To bigotry and racism would have meant that
00:02:59.124 --> 00:02:59.891
Would have meant that the bigots with badges
00:02:59.958 --> 00:03:01.827
The bigots with badges would unleash the dogs
00:03:01.893 --> 00:03:03.428
Would unleash the dogs and the fire hoses
00:03:03.495 --> 00:03:05.063
And the fire hoses where simply saying that,
00:03:05.130 --> 00:03:07.232
Where simply saying that, "god loves all people
00:03:07.299 --> 00:03:08.200
"god loves all people of any color,"
00:03:08.267 --> 00:03:08.967
Of any color," would have cost you
00:03:09.034 --> 00:03:10.435
Would have cost you professionally, societally,
00:03:10.502 --> 00:03:12.037
Professionally, societally, maybe in your own family.
00:03:12.104 --> 00:03:13.238
Maybe in your own family. the persecution would have come
00:03:13.305 --> 00:03:14.239
The persecution would have come from the powers that be
00:03:14.306 --> 00:03:15.774
From the powers that be from some of
00:03:15.841 --> 00:03:16.174
From some of the churches themselves.
00:03:16.241 --> 00:03:19.511
The churches themselves. standing with jesus
00:03:19.578 --> 00:03:20.212
Standing with jesus would have come
00:03:20.279 --> 00:03:21.446
Would have come at a great personal cost.
00:03:21.513 --> 00:03:25.684
At a great personal cost. and sadly, that cost
00:03:25.751 --> 00:03:26.685
And sadly, that cost isn't just a back then thing,
00:03:26.752 --> 00:03:29.688
Isn't just a back then thing, it's happening right now.
00:03:29.755 --> 00:03:31.023
It's happening right now. did you know that last year,
00:03:31.089 --> 00:03:32.791
Did you know that last year, i think it's every 14 minutes,
00:03:32.858 --> 00:03:34.059
I think it's every 14 minutes, a christian was murdered
00:03:34.126 --> 00:03:35.861
A christian was murdered and martyred simply for
00:03:35.927 --> 00:03:38.997
And martyred simply for holding to that message?
00:03:39.064 --> 00:03:41.767
Holding to that message? in north korea,
00:03:41.833 --> 00:03:42.501
In north korea, to be a christian
00:03:42.567 --> 00:03:43.368
To be a christian is an almost instant
00:03:43.435 --> 00:03:44.202
Is an almost instant death sentence.
00:03:44.269 --> 00:03:45.237
Death sentence. in parts of northern nigeria,
00:03:45.304 --> 00:03:47.806
In parts of northern nigeria, to be bold about jesus
00:03:47.873 --> 00:03:48.940
To be bold about jesus might mean that militants
00:03:49.007 --> 00:03:51.109
Might mean that militants murder the men in your family,
00:03:51.176 --> 00:03:52.611
Murder the men in your family, kidnap, rape, and force
00:03:52.678 --> 00:03:54.413
Kidnap, rape, and force your sisters and daughters
00:03:54.479 --> 00:03:56.815
Your sisters and daughters into marriages they don't
00:03:56.882 --> 00:03:57.616
Into marriages they don't want to be a part of.
00:03:57.683 --> 00:03:58.884
Want to be a part of. there -- to stand up
00:03:58.950 --> 00:03:59.718
There -- to stand up to the cartels of much
00:03:59.785 --> 00:04:01.320
To the cartels of much of latin america
00:04:01.386 --> 00:04:02.454
Of latin america might cost you your hands,
00:04:02.521 --> 00:04:03.622
Might cost you your hands, your head, your life.
00:04:03.689 --> 00:04:05.891
Your head, your life. to be faithful to jesus
00:04:05.957 --> 00:04:07.259
To be faithful to jesus in many countries
00:04:07.326 --> 00:04:08.627
In many countries here in the 21st century
00:04:08.694 --> 00:04:09.695
Here in the 21st century could cost you everything.
00:04:09.761 --> 00:04:15.200
Could cost you everything. but what about here and now?
00:04:15.267 --> 00:04:18.170
But what about here and now? if you're like me and you live
00:04:18.236 --> 00:04:19.404
If you're like me and you live in 21st century america,
00:04:19.471 --> 00:04:20.672
In 21st century america, what will faithfulness
00:04:20.739 --> 00:04:22.407
What will faithfulness to jesus cost you?
00:04:22.474 --> 00:04:26.311
To jesus cost you? now, to be clear,
00:04:26.378 --> 00:04:27.579
Now, to be clear, on the scale of persecution,
00:04:27.646 --> 00:04:30.248
On the scale of persecution, none of us in 2020s america
00:04:30.315 --> 00:04:31.983
None of us in 2020s america can throw a pity party
00:04:32.050 --> 00:04:33.585
Can throw a pity party as the persecuted.
00:04:33.652 --> 00:04:35.620
As the persecuted. google it and you will find out
00:04:35.687 --> 00:04:36.922
Google it and you will find out that this is one of the safer
00:04:36.988 --> 00:04:37.789
That this is one of the safer places on planet earth
00:04:37.856 --> 00:04:39.324
Places on planet earth for christians to live.
00:04:39.391 --> 00:04:40.692
For christians to live. but it does not mean
00:04:40.759 --> 00:04:42.194
But it does not mean that there isn't a cost
00:04:42.260 --> 00:04:43.428
That there isn't a cost that many of us will have
00:04:43.495 --> 00:04:44.229
That many of us will have to pay to be absolutely
00:04:44.296 --> 00:04:46.565
To pay to be absolutely faithful to the teachings
00:04:46.631 --> 00:04:47.666
Faithful to the teachings of jesus and to the words
00:04:47.733 --> 00:04:49.768
Of jesus and to the words of the bible.
00:04:49.835 --> 00:04:50.569
Of the bible. it might not be a mortal cost
00:04:50.635 --> 00:04:52.170
It might not be a mortal cost or a physical assault cost.
00:04:52.237 --> 00:04:53.939
Or a physical assault cost. but for many of you,
00:04:54.005 --> 00:04:56.274
But for many of you, there will be
00:04:56.341 --> 00:04:56.775
There will be a professional cost,
00:04:56.842 --> 00:04:59.578
A professional cost, a financial cost,
00:04:59.644 --> 00:05:02.080
A financial cost, a family and friends
00:05:02.147 --> 00:05:03.482
A family and friends relationship cost,
00:05:03.548 --> 00:05:05.784
Relationship cost, a popularity cost.
00:05:05.851 --> 00:05:09.588
A popularity cost. so, my question is,
00:05:09.654 --> 00:05:10.155
So, my question is, how much is jesus worth to you
00:05:10.222 --> 00:05:13.258
How much is jesus worth to you and how much would you
00:05:13.325 --> 00:05:13.959
And how much would you give up to suffer for him?
00:05:14.025 --> 00:05:18.563
Give up to suffer for him? i think the time has come
00:05:18.630 --> 00:05:19.331
I think the time has come in modern america
00:05:19.398 --> 00:05:20.432
In modern america where no matter how small
00:05:20.499 --> 00:05:23.235
Where no matter how small the gesture of a simple like,
00:05:23.301 --> 00:05:28.907
The gesture of a simple like, no matter how gentle the tone,
00:05:28.974 --> 00:05:29.674
No matter how gentle the tone, or respectful the conversation,
00:05:29.741 --> 00:05:33.211
Or respectful the conversation, i think the time has now come
00:05:33.278 --> 00:05:34.946
I think the time has now come where those who stand with
00:05:35.013 --> 00:05:37.315
Where those who stand with the words of this book
00:05:37.382 --> 00:05:39.851
The words of this book will have to pay a price.
00:05:39.918 --> 00:05:45.323
Will have to pay a price. that if you're out there
00:05:45.390 --> 00:05:45.924
That if you're out there with your friends and family
00:05:45.991 --> 00:05:47.092
With your friends and family at your jobs
00:05:47.159 --> 00:05:48.059
At your jobs and in your schools,
00:05:48.126 --> 00:05:48.994
And in your schools, if you simply repeat
00:05:49.060 --> 00:05:50.162
If you simply repeat what jesus said about
00:05:50.228 --> 00:05:50.996
What jesus said about gender in matthew 19,
00:05:51.062 --> 00:05:54.266
Gender in matthew 19, mainly that
00:05:54.332 --> 00:05:54.766
Mainly that "god is the one who decides
00:05:54.833 --> 00:05:55.901
"god is the one who decides whether we are male or female
00:05:55.967 --> 00:05:57.335
Whether we are male or female by the bodies he gives us.
00:05:57.402 --> 00:05:59.704
By the bodies he gives us. it's not something we decide
00:05:59.771 --> 00:06:00.505
It's not something we decide out of our own self-perception."
00:06:00.572 --> 00:06:02.674
Out of our own self-perception." if you simply say that,
00:06:02.741 --> 00:06:03.608
If you simply say that, even if it's gentle
00:06:03.675 --> 00:06:04.476
Even if it's gentle and patient, and kind,
00:06:04.543 --> 00:06:07.746
And patient, and kind, it will cost you.
00:06:07.813 --> 00:06:11.183
It will cost you. and so, back to my question,
00:06:11.249 --> 00:06:11.950
And so, back to my question, what price would you
00:06:12.017 --> 00:06:13.652
What price would you pay for jesus?
00:06:13.718 --> 00:06:17.923
Pay for jesus? if you knew the professor
00:06:17.989 --> 00:06:18.590
If you knew the professor would roll his eyes
00:06:18.657 --> 00:06:20.959
Would roll his eyes and not recommend
00:06:21.026 --> 00:06:21.893
And not recommend you for the job,
00:06:21.960 --> 00:06:24.095
You for the job, if you knew everyone
00:06:24.162 --> 00:06:25.730
If you knew everyone would side-eye you
00:06:25.797 --> 00:06:26.598
Would side-eye you and say things behind your back,
00:06:26.665 --> 00:06:29.501
And say things behind your back, if there was a societal cost,
00:06:29.568 --> 00:06:30.635
If there was a societal cost, a professional cost,
00:06:30.702 --> 00:06:31.770
A professional cost, a financial cost,
00:06:31.837 --> 00:06:32.904
A financial cost, if doors closed for you
00:06:32.971 --> 00:06:35.607
If doors closed for you while your bible remained open,
00:06:35.674 --> 00:06:36.808
While your bible remained open, would you do it?
00:06:36.875 --> 00:06:39.911
Would you do it? if the price was high,
00:06:39.978 --> 00:06:40.679
If the price was high, would you pay it?
00:06:40.745 --> 00:06:47.152
Would you pay it? now, these are
00:06:47.219 --> 00:06:47.519
Now, these are the heavy questions
00:06:47.586 --> 00:06:48.854
The heavy questions that the book of revelation
00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:50.055
That the book of revelation was written to help us answer.
00:06:50.121 --> 00:06:53.658
Was written to help us answer. today, i want to dive
00:06:53.725 --> 00:06:54.893
Today, i want to dive into this book.
00:06:54.960 --> 00:06:55.627
Into this book. i want to cover a whole
00:06:55.694 --> 00:06:57.028
I want to cover a whole chapter and half because
00:06:57.095 --> 00:06:58.230
Chapter and half because right in the middle of
00:06:58.296 --> 00:06:59.097
Right in the middle of the book of revelation
00:06:59.164 --> 00:06:59.631
The book of revelation are two really
00:06:59.698 --> 00:07:00.765
Are two really important teachings.
00:07:00.832 --> 00:07:02.167
Important teachings. one, the insane cost
00:07:02.234 --> 00:07:04.202
One, the insane cost that many christians,
00:07:04.269 --> 00:07:05.337
That many christians, maybe you and me,
00:07:05.403 --> 00:07:06.271
Maybe you and me, will have to pay
00:07:06.338 --> 00:07:06.905
Will have to pay to be faithful to jesus,
00:07:06.972 --> 00:07:09.741
To be faithful to jesus, and the absolutely worth it
00:07:09.808 --> 00:07:11.376
And the absolutely worth it and worthy reward
00:07:11.443 --> 00:07:14.179
And worthy reward for those christians who do.
00:07:14.246 --> 00:07:17.849
For those christians who do. in a world where we will always
00:07:17.916 --> 00:07:19.251
In a world where we will always be tempted to compromise
00:07:19.317 --> 00:07:20.552
Be tempted to compromise to sell out
00:07:20.619 --> 00:07:21.419
To sell out and to cut
00:07:21.486 --> 00:07:22.287
And to cut theological corners,
00:07:22.354 --> 00:07:23.121
Theological corners, today is going to remind us,
00:07:23.188 --> 00:07:24.122
Today is going to remind us, that's real.
00:07:24.189 --> 00:07:24.956
That's real. it's bad,
00:07:25.023 --> 00:07:26.191
It's bad, and for you it might get worse,
00:07:26.258 --> 00:07:28.793
And for you it might get worse, but if you could just see
00:07:28.860 --> 00:07:30.762
But if you could just see what's coming for
00:07:30.829 --> 00:07:31.463
What's coming for the faithful people of god.
00:07:31.530 --> 00:07:34.933
The faithful people of god. those two things i want
00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:35.534
Those two things i want to teach you today
00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:36.101
To teach you today as we jump into the book
00:07:36.167 --> 00:07:37.936
As we jump into the book of revelation in chapter 13.
00:07:38.003 --> 00:07:41.806
Of revelation in chapter 13. in revelation 13,
00:07:41.873 --> 00:07:43.108
In revelation 13, we meet these two beasts,
00:07:43.174 --> 00:07:44.910
We meet these two beasts, the beast out of the sea
00:07:44.976 --> 00:07:46.344
The beast out of the sea and the beast of the earth.
00:07:46.411 --> 00:07:48.280
And the beast of the earth. and if the depictions
00:07:48.346 --> 00:07:48.947
And if the depictions that we typed into ai are
00:07:49.014 --> 00:07:50.348
That we typed into ai are anything close to correct,
00:07:50.415 --> 00:07:51.516
Anything close to correct, they looked a little
00:07:51.583 --> 00:07:52.551
They looked a little bit like this.
00:07:52.617 --> 00:07:56.454
Bit like this. the first beast in the first
00:07:56.521 --> 00:07:57.622
The first beast in the first part of chapter 13
00:07:57.689 --> 00:07:59.291
Part of chapter 13 is described as a beast
00:07:59.357 --> 00:08:00.792
Is described as a beast with many heads,
00:08:00.859 --> 00:08:02.294
With many heads, many horns,
00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:03.028
Many horns, and crowns on its head.
00:08:03.094 --> 00:08:04.296
And crowns on its head. it resembles a leopard
00:08:04.362 --> 00:08:06.364
It resembles a leopard as the feet of a bear
00:08:06.431 --> 00:08:07.899
As the feet of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion.
00:08:07.966 --> 00:08:09.534
And a mouth like that of a lion. it has immense power,
00:08:09.601 --> 00:08:11.303
It has immense power, and it persecutes
00:08:11.369 --> 00:08:13.038
And it persecutes the faithful people of god.
00:08:13.104 --> 00:08:16.808
The faithful people of god. most people follow the beast.
00:08:16.875 --> 00:08:19.110
Most people follow the beast. it's so powerful
00:08:19.177 --> 00:08:19.744
It's so powerful they say things like,
00:08:19.811 --> 00:08:20.345
They say things like, "who is like the beast
00:08:20.412 --> 00:08:21.513
"who is like the beast and who can wage
00:08:21.580 --> 00:08:22.614
And who can wage war against it?"
00:08:22.681 --> 00:08:24.449
War against it?" the bible is honest enough
00:08:24.516 --> 00:08:25.550
The bible is honest enough to say that this beast will
00:08:25.617 --> 00:08:27.085
To say that this beast will lead people into captivity
00:08:27.152 --> 00:08:28.520
Lead people into captivity and kill some people
00:08:28.587 --> 00:08:29.454
And kill some people with the sword.
00:08:29.521 --> 00:08:31.723
With the sword. it says in verse 10,
00:08:31.790 --> 00:08:32.791
It says in verse 10, this calls for patient
00:08:32.857 --> 00:08:33.825
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness
00:08:33.892 --> 00:08:35.160
Endurance and faithfulness on the part of god's people.
00:08:35.226 --> 00:08:40.165
On the part of god's people. now, like much of revelation,
00:08:40.231 --> 00:08:40.999
Now, like much of revelation, you might see that picture
00:08:41.066 --> 00:08:43.068
You might see that picture or read those passages
00:08:43.134 --> 00:08:43.768
Or read those passages and say, "what?
00:08:43.835 --> 00:08:48.940
And say, "what? what does that mean?"
00:08:49.007 --> 00:08:51.977
What does that mean?" it's the right question to ask.
00:08:52.043 --> 00:08:53.945
It's the right question to ask. based on some of the details
00:08:54.012 --> 00:08:54.913
Based on some of the details of the description,
00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:56.014
Of the description, especially the part
00:08:56.081 --> 00:08:56.748
Especially the part that this beast resembles
00:08:56.815 --> 00:08:57.882
That this beast resembles a leopard, a bear, and a lion,
00:08:57.949 --> 00:09:02.287
A leopard, a bear, and a lion, many people think that
00:09:02.354 --> 00:09:02.954
Many people think that this beast represents
00:09:03.021 --> 00:09:04.756
This beast represents political power that turns
00:09:04.823 --> 00:09:06.591
Political power that turns against the faithful
00:09:06.658 --> 00:09:07.492
Against the faithful people of god.
00:09:07.559 --> 00:09:10.528
People of god. here's where that
00:09:10.595 --> 00:09:11.096
Here's where that interpretation comes from.
00:09:11.162 --> 00:09:11.896
Interpretation comes from. in the old testament
00:09:11.963 --> 00:09:13.131
In the old testament prophecy of daniel 7,
00:09:13.198 --> 00:09:15.467
Prophecy of daniel 7, daniel prophesied about
00:09:15.533 --> 00:09:16.568
Daniel prophesied about coming political kingdom
00:09:16.635 --> 00:09:17.802
Coming political kingdom like the babylonians,
00:09:17.869 --> 00:09:19.471
Like the babylonians, and the persians,
00:09:19.537 --> 00:09:20.772
And the persians, and the greeks,
00:09:20.839 --> 00:09:21.439
And the greeks, and the romans.
00:09:21.506 --> 00:09:22.374
And the romans. and how does he describe
00:09:22.440 --> 00:09:23.208
And how does he describe those various kingdoms?
00:09:23.274 --> 00:09:24.109
Those various kingdoms? he describes them like
00:09:24.175 --> 00:09:24.643
He describes them like a leopard, a bear, and a lion.
00:09:24.709 --> 00:09:30.281
A leopard, a bear, and a lion. those are separate
00:09:30.348 --> 00:09:30.782
Those are separate unique kingdoms.
00:09:30.849 --> 00:09:31.549
Unique kingdoms. but here in
00:09:31.616 --> 00:09:31.950
But here in the book of revelation,
00:09:32.017 --> 00:09:32.751
The book of revelation, all the descriptions
00:09:32.817 --> 00:09:33.985
All the descriptions are put together
00:09:34.052 --> 00:09:34.386
Are put together to indicate not one singular,
00:09:34.452 --> 00:09:36.721
To indicate not one singular, you know, the u.s. government,
00:09:36.788 --> 00:09:37.422
You know, the u.s. government, or the chinese government,
00:09:37.489 --> 00:09:38.456
Or the chinese government, or the russians,
00:09:38.523 --> 00:09:39.290
Or the russians, of the iranians.
00:09:39.357 --> 00:09:39.924
Of the iranians. but whatever political power
00:09:39.991 --> 00:09:41.893
But whatever political power in whatever form makes
00:09:41.960 --> 00:09:43.962
In whatever form makes the faithful people of god
00:09:44.029 --> 00:09:45.163
The faithful people of god pay for their faithfulness,
00:09:45.230 --> 00:09:46.698
Pay for their faithfulness, that's the beast that
00:09:46.765 --> 00:09:47.899
That's the beast that comes out of the sea.
00:09:47.966 --> 00:09:48.800
Comes out of the sea. it's fierce.
00:09:48.867 --> 00:09:49.634
It's fierce. it's savage.
00:09:49.701 --> 00:09:50.902
It's savage. and the price
00:09:50.969 --> 00:09:51.503
And the price that governing officials
00:09:51.569 --> 00:09:52.671
That governing officials can make you pay is high.
00:09:52.737 --> 00:09:55.407
Can make you pay is high. you start thinking --
00:09:55.473 --> 00:09:55.907
You start thinking -- you think of any examples
00:09:55.974 --> 00:09:57.108
You think of any examples where the political leaders
00:09:57.175 --> 00:09:58.810
Where the political leaders have persecuted
00:09:58.877 --> 00:09:59.277
Have persecuted the people of god.
00:09:59.344 --> 00:10:03.948
The people of god. i think of pharaoh
00:10:04.015 --> 00:10:04.883
I think of pharaoh in the old testament,
00:10:04.949 --> 00:10:07.352
In the old testament, he's the one who makes the laws.
00:10:07.419 --> 00:10:08.520
He's the one who makes the laws. it's his army who enforces them
00:10:08.586 --> 00:10:10.221
It's his army who enforces them and that he persecutes moses
00:10:10.288 --> 00:10:11.723
And that he persecutes moses and the people of israel,
00:10:11.790 --> 00:10:12.757
And the people of israel, commands them to kill
00:10:12.824 --> 00:10:13.425
Commands them to kill their baby boys.
00:10:13.491 --> 00:10:14.225
Their baby boys. that's the beast
00:10:14.292 --> 00:10:15.193
That's the beast that comes out of the sea.
00:10:15.260 --> 00:10:17.462
That comes out of the sea. or, think of jesus.
00:10:17.529 --> 00:10:19.698
Or, think of jesus. jesus -- do you remember
00:10:19.764 --> 00:10:20.598
Jesus -- do you remember the apostle's creed
00:10:20.665 --> 00:10:21.199
The apostle's creed who was crucified
00:10:21.266 --> 00:10:21.866
Who was crucified under pontius pilate,
00:10:21.933 --> 00:10:25.670
Under pontius pilate, who was the roman governor.
00:10:25.737 --> 00:10:27.806
Who was the roman governor. it wasn't some, like,
00:10:27.872 --> 00:10:28.306
It wasn't some, like, random neighbor that jesus
00:10:28.373 --> 00:10:29.441
Random neighbor that jesus had that put him on the cross,
00:10:29.507 --> 00:10:30.608
Had that put him on the cross, but the official roman soldiers
00:10:30.675 --> 00:10:32.477
But the official roman soldiers under the direction and decrees
00:10:32.544 --> 00:10:34.546
Under the direction and decrees of the local roman government.
00:10:34.612 --> 00:10:36.281
Of the local roman government. the cross itself
00:10:36.347 --> 00:10:37.015
The cross itself is an example of the beast
00:10:37.082 --> 00:10:38.817
Is an example of the beast that comes out of the sea.
00:10:38.883 --> 00:10:40.351
That comes out of the sea. whenever the government passes
00:10:40.418 --> 00:10:41.419
Whenever the government passes a law that makes it difficult
00:10:41.486 --> 00:10:43.488
A law that makes it difficult to be faithful,
00:10:43.555 --> 00:10:44.389
To be faithful, they make you pay some
00:10:44.456 --> 00:10:45.890
They make you pay some societal or financial price
00:10:45.957 --> 00:10:47.726
Societal or financial price for being all in for jesus.
00:10:47.792 --> 00:10:49.294
For being all in for jesus. that's the beast
00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:50.295
That's the beast that comes out of the sea.
00:10:50.361 --> 00:10:55.100
That comes out of the sea. and then there's
00:10:55.166 --> 00:10:55.467
And then there's the other beast.
00:10:55.533 --> 00:10:57.669
The other beast. in the second half
00:10:57.736 --> 00:10:58.236
In the second half of revelation 13
00:10:58.303 --> 00:10:59.604
Of revelation 13 we read that this beast
00:10:59.671 --> 00:11:00.605
We read that this beast comes out of the earth
00:11:00.672 --> 00:11:01.806
Comes out of the earth and that it has some
00:11:01.873 --> 00:11:03.174
And that it has some characteristics that make us
00:11:03.241 --> 00:11:04.075
Characteristics that make us think of, quote, "a lamb,"
00:11:04.142 --> 00:11:08.646
Think of, quote, "a lamb," which normally is a trigger word
00:11:08.713 --> 00:11:09.814
Which normally is a trigger word to make us think of jesus,
00:11:09.881 --> 00:11:10.715
To make us think of jesus, the lamb of god.
00:11:10.782 --> 00:11:12.517
The lamb of god. verse 13, that beast
00:11:12.584 --> 00:11:13.685
Verse 13, that beast performed great signs
00:11:13.752 --> 00:11:15.787
Performed great signs and miracles even
00:11:15.854 --> 00:11:16.221
And miracles even causing fire to come
00:11:16.287 --> 00:11:17.122
Causing fire to come down from heaven.
00:11:17.188 --> 00:11:18.156
Down from heaven. it seems to have
00:11:18.223 --> 00:11:18.656
It seems to have some supernatural,
00:11:18.723 --> 00:11:19.624
Some supernatural, miraculous power
00:11:19.691 --> 00:11:20.358
Miraculous power to make you think that
00:11:20.425 --> 00:11:21.493
To make you think that it's connected somehow to god.
00:11:21.559 --> 00:11:23.027
It's connected somehow to god. and yet, in the chapter,
00:11:23.094 --> 00:11:24.496
And yet, in the chapter, instead of loving god's people,
00:11:24.562 --> 00:11:25.997
Instead of loving god's people, this beast opposes god's people.
00:11:26.064 --> 00:11:31.536
This beast opposes god's people. which makes you ask,
00:11:31.603 --> 00:11:32.303
Which makes you ask, "well, what does that mean?"
00:11:32.370 --> 00:11:36.941
"well, what does that mean?" many scholars and interpreters
00:11:37.008 --> 00:11:38.209
Many scholars and interpreters think that because of
00:11:38.276 --> 00:11:38.877
Think that because of the description that
00:11:38.943 --> 00:11:39.511
The description that it was like a lamb
00:11:39.577 --> 00:11:40.979
It was like a lamb that it seemed to have some
00:11:41.045 --> 00:11:41.913
That it seemed to have some miraculous spiritual connection,
00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:44.215
Miraculous spiritual connection, this beast is what happens
00:11:44.282 --> 00:11:45.517
This beast is what happens when the church itself
00:11:45.583 --> 00:11:48.486
When the church itself turns on the faithful
00:11:48.553 --> 00:11:49.420
Turns on the faithful people of god.
00:11:49.487 --> 00:11:52.223
People of god. when the religious leaders
00:11:52.290 --> 00:11:53.525
When the religious leaders who you think would be
00:11:53.591 --> 00:11:54.292
Who you think would be so close to god are
00:11:54.359 --> 00:11:55.894
So close to god are actually turning
00:11:55.960 --> 00:11:56.294
Actually turning against the word of god,
00:11:56.361 --> 00:11:58.163
Against the word of god, when they have somehow
00:11:58.229 --> 00:11:58.830
When they have somehow compromised likely
00:11:58.897 --> 00:12:00.765
Compromised likely to maintain some political
00:12:00.832 --> 00:12:02.233
To maintain some political influence and power,
00:12:02.300 --> 00:12:03.902
Influence and power, and now, those who stand
00:12:03.968 --> 00:12:04.669
And now, those who stand firm in their faith are
00:12:04.736 --> 00:12:05.537
Firm in their faith are persecuted and judged
00:12:05.603 --> 00:12:07.739
Persecuted and judged simply for their faithfulness.
00:12:07.806 --> 00:12:11.209
Simply for their faithfulness. can you think of any historical
00:12:11.276 --> 00:12:12.377
Can you think of any historical examples where that's happened?
00:12:12.443 --> 00:12:16.281
Examples where that's happened? like the old testament prophets
00:12:16.347 --> 00:12:17.649
Like the old testament prophets who proclaimed success
00:12:17.715 --> 00:12:19.551
Who proclaimed success and blessing.
00:12:19.617 --> 00:12:20.084
And blessing. even though the people
00:12:20.151 --> 00:12:20.752
Even though the people were worshipping idols,
00:12:20.819 --> 00:12:21.753
Were worshipping idols, the faithful prophets were
00:12:21.820 --> 00:12:22.787
The faithful prophets were often persecuted and killed
00:12:22.854 --> 00:12:24.355
Often persecuted and killed for their faithfulness.
00:12:24.422 --> 00:12:26.791
For their faithfulness. do you remember
00:12:26.858 --> 00:12:27.358
Do you remember in front of pontius pilate,
00:12:27.425 --> 00:12:28.426
In front of pontius pilate, who was crying,
00:12:28.493 --> 00:12:29.227
Who was crying, "crucify him, crucify him,"
00:12:29.294 --> 00:12:32.897
"crucify him, crucify him," not the pagans,
00:12:32.964 --> 00:12:33.364
Not the pagans, but the religious leaders,
00:12:33.431 --> 00:12:35.900
But the religious leaders, the church was literally
00:12:35.967 --> 00:12:37.235
The church was literally crying for the death of god?
00:12:37.302 --> 00:12:40.705
Crying for the death of god? whenever you would think,
00:12:40.772 --> 00:12:41.472
Whenever you would think, "well, the pastors, the priests,
00:12:41.539 --> 00:12:42.774
"well, the pastors, the priests, the people in the robes,
00:12:42.841 --> 00:12:43.708
The people in the robes, the ones who have the steeples,
00:12:43.775 --> 00:12:44.776
The ones who have the steeples, in the worship times,
00:12:44.843 --> 00:12:45.677
In the worship times, the people who pray,"
00:12:45.743 --> 00:12:46.177
The people who pray," you would think
00:12:46.244 --> 00:12:47.011
You would think they would be pro-god,
00:12:47.078 --> 00:12:48.446
They would be pro-god, but actually, sometimes
00:12:48.513 --> 00:12:50.081
But actually, sometimes they turn into the beast
00:12:50.148 --> 00:12:51.249
They turn into the beast that actually persecutes
00:12:51.316 --> 00:12:52.217
That actually persecutes the real people of god.
00:12:52.283 --> 00:12:56.221
The real people of god. in fact, this is
00:12:56.287 --> 00:12:56.721
In fact, this is the curious section
00:12:56.788 --> 00:12:57.388
The curious section where we read
00:12:57.455 --> 00:12:59.490
Where we read that this beast, quote,
00:12:59.557 --> 00:13:01.559
That this beast, quote, "forced all people to receive
00:13:01.626 --> 00:13:03.328
"forced all people to receive a mark on their right hands
00:13:03.394 --> 00:13:05.997
A mark on their right hands and on their foreheads
00:13:06.064 --> 00:13:08.666
And on their foreheads so that they couldn't
00:13:08.733 --> 00:13:09.901
So that they couldn't have success unless
00:13:09.968 --> 00:13:11.135
Have success unless they had the mark
00:13:11.202 --> 00:13:13.338
They had the mark which is the name of the beast
00:13:13.404 --> 00:13:14.472
Which is the name of the beast or the number of its name."
00:13:14.539 --> 00:13:17.308
Or the number of its name." that number is 666.
00:13:17.375 --> 00:13:23.615
That number is 666. and you would say, "uh.
00:13:23.681 --> 00:13:26.885
And you would say, "uh. the mark of the --
00:13:26.951 --> 00:13:28.319
The mark of the -- what does that mean?"
00:13:28.386 --> 00:13:29.954
What does that mean?" good question.
00:13:30.021 --> 00:13:30.788
Good question. don't get it twisted.
00:13:30.855 --> 00:13:31.890
Don't get it twisted. every time there's some big
00:13:31.956 --> 00:13:32.757
Every time there's some big new technology invented,
00:13:32.824 --> 00:13:34.225
New technology invented, some, like conservative
00:13:34.292 --> 00:13:35.293
Some, like conservative christian people freak out.
00:13:35.360 --> 00:13:36.261
Christian people freak out. and say, "it's the mark
00:13:36.327 --> 00:13:37.228
And say, "it's the mark of the beast.
00:13:37.295 --> 00:13:37.962
Of the beast. they're making us
00:13:38.029 --> 00:13:38.496
They're making us get a vaccine.
00:13:38.563 --> 00:13:39.530
Get a vaccine. it's the mark of the," --
00:13:39.597 --> 00:13:40.431
It's the mark of the," -- the credit card,
00:13:40.498 --> 00:13:41.032
The credit card, they used to say,
00:13:41.099 --> 00:13:41.900
They used to say, "it's the mark of the beast."
00:13:41.966 --> 00:13:43.401
"it's the mark of the beast." no, no, no, no.
00:13:43.468 --> 00:13:45.003
No, no, no, no. that could not have applied
00:13:45.069 --> 00:13:45.970
That could not have applied to 1st century christians,
00:13:46.037 --> 00:13:46.971
To 1st century christians, long before
00:13:47.038 --> 00:13:47.438
Long before the covid vaccine, okay?
00:13:47.505 --> 00:13:49.240
The covid vaccine, okay? the mark of the beast is not
00:13:49.307 --> 00:13:50.174
The mark of the beast is not some technological advance.
00:13:50.241 --> 00:13:52.310
Some technological advance. the mark of the beast
00:13:52.377 --> 00:13:52.944
The mark of the beast on the hand and the head
00:13:53.011 --> 00:13:55.480
On the hand and the head is simply a way of saying
00:13:55.546 --> 00:13:57.482
Is simply a way of saying that you believe and behave
00:13:57.548 --> 00:14:02.153
That you believe and behave in unbiblical ways.
00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:04.856
In unbiblical ways. that the works of your hands
00:14:04.923 --> 00:14:06.624
That the works of your hands and the thoughts
00:14:06.691 --> 00:14:07.058
And the thoughts and beliefs of your head,
00:14:07.125 --> 00:14:08.026
And beliefs of your head, instead of lining up
00:14:08.092 --> 00:14:09.327
Instead of lining up with the bible have deviated,
00:14:09.394 --> 00:14:11.029
With the bible have deviated, you've been marked
00:14:11.095 --> 00:14:12.230
You've been marked by the values of this world
00:14:12.297 --> 00:14:13.965
By the values of this world which is the mark of the beast.
00:14:14.032 --> 00:14:16.034
Which is the mark of the beast. in the bible,
00:14:16.100 --> 00:14:16.401
In the bible, every single person
00:14:16.467 --> 00:14:17.101
Every single person has one of two marks.
00:14:17.168 --> 00:14:18.336
Has one of two marks. they're either marked by god,
00:14:18.403 --> 00:14:20.805
They're either marked by god, his beliefs and behaviors,
00:14:20.872 --> 00:14:21.906
His beliefs and behaviors, or they're marked by the world,
00:14:21.973 --> 00:14:23.141
Or they're marked by the world, the mark of the beast.
00:14:23.207 --> 00:14:24.342
The mark of the beast. and sometimes, to be
00:14:24.409 --> 00:14:25.677
And sometimes, to be successful in the world,
00:14:25.743 --> 00:14:26.778
Successful in the world, you need the mark of the world.
00:14:26.844 --> 00:14:30.481
You need the mark of the world. you with me so far?
00:14:30.548 --> 00:14:31.883
You with me so far? you ask, "well,
00:14:31.950 --> 00:14:32.483
You ask, "well, why is it called 666?"
00:14:32.550 --> 00:14:35.720
Why is it called 666?" it's a really
00:14:35.787 --> 00:14:36.120
It's a really difficult question.
00:14:36.187 --> 00:14:38.990
Difficult question. i think because in
00:14:39.057 --> 00:14:40.224
I think because in the book of revelation
00:14:40.291 --> 00:14:40.959
The book of revelation the number seven is often
00:14:41.025 --> 00:14:43.594
The number seven is often representative of god,
00:14:43.661 --> 00:14:46.497
Representative of god, but the number six falls
00:14:46.564 --> 00:14:48.633
But the number six falls just short of what god wants.
00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:52.904
Just short of what god wants. alright so,
00:14:52.971 --> 00:14:53.271
Alright so, think about our world.
00:14:53.338 --> 00:14:54.038
Think about our world. it talks about truth
00:14:54.105 --> 00:14:55.006
It talks about truth all the time, right?
00:14:55.073 --> 00:14:55.840
All the time, right? my truth, your truth.
00:14:55.907 --> 00:14:57.275
My truth, your truth. we're all seeking truth.
00:14:57.342 --> 00:14:58.743
We're all seeking truth. but does the world's
00:14:58.810 --> 00:14:59.744
But does the world's definition of truth
00:14:59.811 --> 00:15:00.211
Definition of truth reach the truth that's
00:15:00.278 --> 00:15:02.046
Reach the truth that's the way god defines it?
00:15:02.113 --> 00:15:02.714
The way god defines it? no, it falls short.
00:15:02.780 --> 00:15:03.614
No, it falls short. instead of seven like god,
00:15:03.681 --> 00:15:05.383
Instead of seven like god, it falls short and it's six.
00:15:05.450 --> 00:15:07.185
It falls short and it's six. we talk about love all the time.
00:15:07.251 --> 00:15:09.187
We talk about love all the time. how often does modern
00:15:09.253 --> 00:15:10.054
How often does modern culture use the word.
00:15:10.121 --> 00:15:11.422
Culture use the word. but is culture's
00:15:11.489 --> 00:15:11.956
But is culture's definition of love,
00:15:12.023 --> 00:15:12.757
Definition of love, does it reach the god's
00:15:12.824 --> 00:15:14.125
Does it reach the god's definition of love
00:15:14.192 --> 00:15:14.926
Definition of love as we find in the bible?
00:15:14.993 --> 00:15:16.227
As we find in the bible? no, it falls short.
00:15:16.294 --> 00:15:17.862
No, it falls short. we talk about justice a lot,
00:15:17.929 --> 00:15:18.930
We talk about justice a lot, but is the justice
00:15:18.997 --> 00:15:20.465
But is the justice of modern america
00:15:20.531 --> 00:15:21.165
Of modern america the same as biblical justice?
00:15:21.232 --> 00:15:22.567
The same as biblical justice? no, so it sounds very spiritual,
00:15:22.633 --> 00:15:25.436
No, so it sounds very spiritual, but instead of being 777
00:15:25.503 --> 00:15:27.605
But instead of being 777 like god is, it's 666.
00:15:27.672 --> 00:15:29.741
Like god is, it's 666. it falls short of the truth
00:15:29.807 --> 00:15:31.142
It falls short of the truth because it doesn't have
00:15:31.209 --> 00:15:31.743
Because it doesn't have the mark of god.
00:15:31.809 --> 00:15:33.344
The mark of god. it's compromised
00:15:33.411 --> 00:15:34.245
It's compromised and fallen short on how
00:15:34.312 --> 00:15:35.346
And fallen short on how god wants us to believe
00:15:35.413 --> 00:15:36.714
God wants us to believe and how god wants us to behave.
00:15:36.781 --> 00:15:39.217
And how god wants us to behave. and revelation 13 is saying
00:15:39.283 --> 00:15:40.118
And revelation 13 is saying that if you don't have the mark,
00:15:40.184 --> 00:15:41.486
That if you don't have the mark, if you don't embrace
00:15:41.552 --> 00:15:42.754
If you don't embrace the values of the culture
00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:43.855
The values of the culture and society the beast
00:15:43.921 --> 00:15:45.456
And society the beast will bite and there will be
00:15:45.523 --> 00:15:47.959
Will bite and there will be a price that you must pay.
00:15:48.026 --> 00:15:56.034
A price that you must pay. so, back to my question.
00:15:56.100 --> 00:15:59.470
So, back to my question. what price would you pay?
00:15:59.537 --> 00:16:03.875
What price would you pay? if you're at school,
00:16:03.941 --> 00:16:04.642
If you're at school, and the teacher is
00:16:04.709 --> 00:16:06.811
And the teacher is repeating the values of
00:16:06.878 --> 00:16:07.745
Repeating the values of this world that fall short
00:16:07.812 --> 00:16:09.013
This world that fall short of the value of god,
00:16:09.080 --> 00:16:10.281
Of the value of god, what do you do?
00:16:10.348 --> 00:16:14.852
What do you do? when you're not in church
00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:15.720
When you're not in church on a sunday morning,
00:16:15.787 --> 00:16:16.220
On a sunday morning, but you're outnumbered
00:16:16.287 --> 00:16:17.288
But you're outnumbered by friends on a friday night,
00:16:17.355 --> 00:16:20.024
By friends on a friday night, and you know you could either
00:16:20.091 --> 00:16:22.994
And you know you could either be quiet and hide your faith
00:16:23.061 --> 00:16:24.395
Be quiet and hide your faith or you could respectfully
00:16:24.462 --> 00:16:26.597
Or you could respectfully express it?
00:16:26.664 --> 00:16:29.734
Express it? what do you do when --
00:16:29.801 --> 00:16:31.936
What do you do when -- when you know that
00:16:32.003 --> 00:16:32.470
When you know that if you said it
00:16:32.537 --> 00:16:33.538
If you said it or if you stood up to it,
00:16:33.604 --> 00:16:34.439
Or if you stood up to it, it would cost you?
00:16:34.505 --> 00:16:37.842
It would cost you? maybe you study for so long
00:16:37.909 --> 00:16:38.910
Maybe you study for so long to get to this point
00:16:38.976 --> 00:16:39.544
To get to this point in your career, but,
00:16:39.610 --> 00:16:40.611
In your career, but, you know, if i don't do
00:16:40.678 --> 00:16:43.114
You know, if i don't do what the company wants,
00:16:43.181 --> 00:16:43.848
What the company wants, if i don't agree
00:16:43.915 --> 00:16:44.615
If i don't agree with what everyone says.
00:16:44.682 --> 00:16:48.753
With what everyone says. or if in some strange situation,
00:16:48.820 --> 00:16:50.621
Or if in some strange situation, you're are like many christians
00:16:50.688 --> 00:16:51.556
You're are like many christians before us.
00:16:51.622 --> 00:16:52.757
Before us. like there is a physical cost.
00:16:52.824 --> 00:16:54.759
Like there is a physical cost. there were fists
00:16:54.826 --> 00:16:55.493
There were fists and prison involved.
00:16:55.560 --> 00:16:58.329
And prison involved. what price would you pay?
00:16:58.396 --> 00:17:03.668
What price would you pay? before our church moved
00:17:03.734 --> 00:17:04.969
Before our church moved to this location --
00:17:05.036 --> 00:17:07.238
To this location -- some of you long time members
00:17:07.305 --> 00:17:08.139
Some of you long time members might remember this.
00:17:08.206 --> 00:17:09.040
Might remember this. we were less than
00:17:09.107 --> 00:17:10.108
We were less than a mile from here
00:17:10.174 --> 00:17:10.708
A mile from here on franklin street.
00:17:10.775 --> 00:17:12.777
On franklin street. and in the lobby,
00:17:12.844 --> 00:17:13.911
And in the lobby, our church members,
00:17:13.978 --> 00:17:14.912
Our church members, this was before i got here,
00:17:14.979 --> 00:17:15.646
This was before i got here, had put up a number
00:17:15.713 --> 00:17:16.280
Had put up a number of bible passages
00:17:16.347 --> 00:17:17.782
Of bible passages on different walls
00:17:17.849 --> 00:17:18.483
On different walls of the building.
00:17:18.549 --> 00:17:20.051
Of the building. before you walked in the church,
00:17:20.118 --> 00:17:20.852
Before you walked in the church, i think, there was a passage
00:17:20.918 --> 00:17:21.752
I think, there was a passage about, you know, praising god
00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:22.620
About, you know, praising god for his faithfulness.
00:17:22.687 --> 00:17:24.355
For his faithfulness. but as you walked out of church,
00:17:24.422 --> 00:17:25.790
But as you walked out of church, there was just one main exit
00:17:25.857 --> 00:17:27.225
There was just one main exit door that you could go through.
00:17:27.291 --> 00:17:28.159
Door that you could go through. there was a quote,
00:17:28.226 --> 00:17:29.393
There was a quote, a bible quote on the wall
00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:30.495
A bible quote on the wall just before you left.
00:17:30.561 --> 00:17:31.229
Just before you left. it was the last thing you saw
00:17:31.295 --> 00:17:32.363
It was the last thing you saw before you left our property.
00:17:32.430 --> 00:17:34.365
Before you left our property. i wonder if any of you long time
00:17:34.432 --> 00:17:35.399
I wonder if any of you long time members remember what it said.
00:17:35.466 --> 00:17:40.071
Members remember what it said. it was a quote
00:17:40.138 --> 00:17:40.605
It was a quote from jesus that said,
00:17:40.671 --> 00:17:43.941
From jesus that said, "if the world hates you,
00:17:44.008 --> 00:17:47.778
"if the world hates you, it hated me first."
00:17:47.845 --> 00:17:54.118
It hated me first." how warm, and fuzzy,
00:17:54.185 --> 00:17:55.486
How warm, and fuzzy, and positive,
00:17:55.553 --> 00:17:56.053
And positive, and encouraging is that.
00:17:56.120 --> 00:17:56.988
[laughter]
00:17:57.255 --> 00:17:58.222
Right?
00:17:59.190 --> 00:17:59.323
Right? like, as you walk out
00:17:59.390 --> 00:18:00.424
Like, as you walk out into the world,
00:18:00.491 --> 00:18:01.392
Into the world, where the beasts are big
00:18:01.459 --> 00:18:02.827
Where the beasts are big and they bite
00:18:02.894 --> 00:18:03.794
And they bite just remember this,
00:18:03.861 --> 00:18:05.696
Just remember this, if jesus christ costs you,
00:18:05.763 --> 00:18:08.132
If jesus christ costs you, you're not the first.
00:18:08.199 --> 00:18:09.200
You're not the first. jesus said, "a student
00:18:09.267 --> 00:18:10.034
Jesus said, "a student is not above his teacher.
00:18:10.101 --> 00:18:11.636
Is not above his teacher. and those who faithfully
00:18:11.702 --> 00:18:12.904
And those who faithfully follow me and refuse
00:18:12.970 --> 00:18:14.539
Follow me and refuse to compromise their faith,
00:18:14.605 --> 00:18:15.473
To compromise their faith, there will be a price to pay."
00:18:15.540 --> 00:18:17.642
There will be a price to pay." i want you to decide
00:18:17.708 --> 00:18:18.543
I want you to decide in your heart right now,
00:18:18.609 --> 00:18:19.510
In your heart right now, what price would you pay?
00:18:19.577 --> 00:18:26.384
What price would you pay? but maybe before you
00:18:26.450 --> 00:18:26.884
But maybe before you answer that question,
00:18:26.951 --> 00:18:29.053
Answer that question, i should read to you
00:18:29.120 --> 00:18:29.687
I should read to you the last part of our
00:18:29.754 --> 00:18:31.689
The last part of our bible study for today.
00:18:31.756 --> 00:18:34.625
Bible study for today. revelation 13 is brutally honest
00:18:34.692 --> 00:18:36.394
Revelation 13 is brutally honest about the cost of following
00:18:36.460 --> 00:18:37.795
About the cost of following jesus christ.
00:18:37.862 --> 00:18:38.596
Jesus christ. but then, afterwards, john,
00:18:38.663 --> 00:18:40.464
But then, afterwards, john, who receives this revelation
00:18:40.531 --> 00:18:41.732
Who receives this revelation gets this little glimpse of --
00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:43.568
Gets this little glimpse of -- to what's happening in heaven,
00:18:43.634 --> 00:18:44.869
To what's happening in heaven, like, the people who were
00:18:44.936 --> 00:18:45.803
Like, the people who were murdered, beheaded, persecuted
00:18:45.870 --> 00:18:48.206
Murdered, beheaded, persecuted for their faith, like,
00:18:48.272 --> 00:18:49.040
For their faith, like, looking back,
00:18:49.106 --> 00:18:50.041
Looking back, what do they think?
00:18:50.107 --> 00:18:50.875
What do they think? john gets this little
00:18:50.942 --> 00:18:52.376
John gets this little five verse snippet
00:18:52.443 --> 00:18:54.111
Five verse snippet of what's happening
00:18:54.178 --> 00:18:54.679
Of what's happening right now in heaven.
00:18:54.745 --> 00:18:56.013
Revelation 14:1,
00:18:56.113 --> 00:18:58.216
Revelation 14:1, john says, "then i looked,
00:18:58.282 --> 00:18:59.817
John says, "then i looked, and there before me
00:18:59.884 --> 00:19:00.785
And there before me was the lamb,
00:19:00.851 --> 00:19:02.019
Was the lamb, standing on mount zion,
00:19:02.086 --> 00:19:03.621
Standing on mount zion, and with him 144,000
00:19:03.688 --> 00:19:05.723
And with him 144,000 who had his name
00:19:05.790 --> 00:19:07.024
Who had his name and his father's name
00:19:07.091 --> 00:19:08.926
And his father's name written on their foreheads."
00:19:08.993 --> 00:19:10.995
Written on their foreheads." john says, "and i heard
00:19:11.062 --> 00:19:11.596
John says, "and i heard a sound from heaven
00:19:11.662 --> 00:19:13.197
A sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters
00:19:13.264 --> 00:19:14.699
Like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder.
00:19:14.765 --> 00:19:16.734
And like a loud peal of thunder. the sound i heard was like that
00:19:16.801 --> 00:19:17.835
The sound i heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.
00:19:17.902 --> 00:19:19.437
Of harpists playing their harps. and they sang a new song before
00:19:19.503 --> 00:19:21.839
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four
00:19:21.906 --> 00:19:23.808
The throne and before the four living creatures and the elders.
00:19:23.874 --> 00:19:26.043
Living creatures and the elders. no one could learn the song
00:19:26.110 --> 00:19:27.211
No one could learn the song except the 144,000
00:19:27.278 --> 00:19:29.313
Except the 144,000 who had been redeemed
00:19:29.380 --> 00:19:30.748
Who had been redeemed from the earth.
00:19:30.815 --> 00:19:31.816
From the earth. these are those who did not
00:19:31.882 --> 00:19:32.817
These are those who did not defile themselves with women,
00:19:32.883 --> 00:19:34.252
Defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins."
00:19:34.318 --> 00:19:35.886
For they remained virgins." "they follow the lamb
00:19:35.953 --> 00:19:36.487
"they follow the lamb wherever he goes."
00:19:36.554 --> 00:19:37.688
Wherever he goes." they're all in for jesus.
00:19:37.755 --> 00:19:38.756
They're all in for jesus. "they were purchased
00:19:38.823 --> 00:19:40.157
"they were purchased from among mankind
00:19:40.224 --> 00:19:41.092
From among mankind and offered as firstfruits
00:19:41.158 --> 00:19:42.293
And offered as firstfruits to god and the lamb.
00:19:42.360 --> 00:19:43.894
To god and the lamb. no lie was found in their
00:19:43.961 --> 00:19:45.396
No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless."
00:19:45.463 --> 00:19:48.733
I know it's a lot of bible
00:19:48.833 --> 00:19:50.101
And i know your brain is tired,
00:19:50.201 --> 00:19:51.068
And i know your brain is tired, so grab your pen.
00:19:51.135 --> 00:19:52.336
So grab your pen. let's write down the big idea.
00:19:52.403 --> 00:19:54.405
Let's write down the big idea. these chapters in revelation
00:19:54.472 --> 00:19:54.972
These chapters in revelation are trying to teach us
00:19:55.039 --> 00:19:55.606
Are trying to teach us this simple truth that
00:19:55.673 --> 00:19:56.574
This simple truth that despite the beasts,
00:19:56.641 --> 00:20:00.778
Despite the beasts, christians are blessed.
00:20:00.845 --> 00:20:04.849
Christians are blessed. even if the government
00:20:04.915 --> 00:20:05.783
Even if the government turns on you,
00:20:05.850 --> 00:20:06.851
Turns on you, even if people who claim to be
00:20:06.917 --> 00:20:08.219
Even if people who claim to be so christian call you
00:20:08.286 --> 00:20:09.754
So christian call you the one with the problem,
00:20:09.820 --> 00:20:11.255
The one with the problem, despite the beasts, christians,
00:20:11.322 --> 00:20:14.025
Despite the beasts, christians, faithful christians,
00:20:14.091 --> 00:20:15.593
Faithful christians, are blessed.
00:20:15.660 --> 00:20:19.397
Are blessed. now, while you have
00:20:19.463 --> 00:20:19.897
Now, while you have a pen in hand,
00:20:19.964 --> 00:20:20.631
A pen in hand, do me a favor.
00:20:20.698 --> 00:20:24.268
Do me a favor. i want you to give yourself
00:20:24.335 --> 00:20:25.136
I want you to give yourself a mark today on your hand,
00:20:25.202 --> 00:20:28.839
A mark today on your hand, just two simple lines.
00:20:28.906 --> 00:20:32.710
Just two simple lines. i want you to draw a cross.
00:20:32.777 --> 00:20:38.082
I want you to draw a cross. this reminder of the lamb of god
00:20:38.149 --> 00:20:39.517
This reminder of the lamb of god who laid down his life
00:20:39.583 --> 00:20:40.551
Who laid down his life to love you and make you
00:20:40.618 --> 00:20:41.619
To love you and make you blameless in the sight of god.
00:20:41.686 --> 00:20:45.723
Blameless in the sight of god. and as you see that today,
00:20:45.790 --> 00:20:46.824
And as you see that today, i want you to remember
00:20:46.891 --> 00:20:47.591
I want you to remember what all of your behavior
00:20:47.658 --> 00:20:49.927
What all of your behavior is dedicated to,
00:20:49.994 --> 00:20:50.761
Is dedicated to, to following jesus wherever
00:20:50.828 --> 00:20:52.463
To following jesus wherever he goes no matter what.
00:20:52.530 --> 00:20:54.765
He goes no matter what. to believing that,
00:20:54.832 --> 00:20:55.266
To believing that, "if he did this for me,
00:20:55.333 --> 00:20:57.768
"if he did this for me, how could i not
00:20:57.835 --> 00:20:58.336
How could i not do this for him."
00:20:58.402 --> 00:21:01.706
Do this for him." now, i want you to turn
00:21:01.772 --> 00:21:02.440
Now, i want you to turn to your neighbor right now
00:21:02.506 --> 00:21:03.307
To your neighbor right now in church on their forehead...
00:21:03.374 --> 00:21:04.608
[laughter]
00:21:05.209 --> 00:21:09.947
I was kidding.
00:21:10.147 --> 00:21:10.514
I was kidding. don't really do it.
00:21:10.581 --> 00:21:11.549
[laughing]
00:21:11.816 --> 00:21:16.120
But i hope you
00:21:17.521 --> 00:21:17.988
But i hope you believe that.
00:21:18.055 --> 00:21:20.691
Believe that. i hope that your thoughts
00:21:20.758 --> 00:21:21.625
I hope that your thoughts are fixed on jesus.
00:21:21.692 --> 00:21:22.626
Are fixed on jesus. i hope your hands are
00:21:22.693 --> 00:21:24.095
I hope your hands are committed to jesus.
00:21:24.161 --> 00:21:25.296
Committed to jesus. i hope your heart trusts jesus.
00:21:25.363 --> 00:21:26.731
I hope your heart trusts jesus. he has never promised
00:21:26.797 --> 00:21:28.566
He has never promised that it will be a wide road
00:21:28.632 --> 00:21:30.501
That it will be a wide road and a smooth one to walk,
00:21:30.568 --> 00:21:31.235
And a smooth one to walk, but he does promise
00:21:31.302 --> 00:21:32.570
But he does promise that it will be worth it.
00:21:32.636 --> 00:21:38.275
That it will be worth it. now, maybe it's easy to be
00:21:38.342 --> 00:21:39.076
Now, maybe it's easy to be bold and to make the mark
00:21:39.143 --> 00:21:41.979
Bold and to make the mark when you're here among
00:21:42.046 --> 00:21:43.948
When you're here among many people who
00:21:44.014 --> 00:21:44.548
Many people who believe in the bible.
00:21:44.615 --> 00:21:45.549
Believe in the bible. but you're about to leave
00:21:45.616 --> 00:21:47.785
But you're about to leave into this world
00:21:47.852 --> 00:21:48.452
Into this world with these fierce beasts
00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:50.087
With these fierce beasts and they will bite you.
00:21:50.154 --> 00:21:52.723
And they will bite you. they will test you.
00:21:52.790 --> 00:21:55.059
They will test you. they will lead you
00:21:55.126 --> 00:21:55.593
They will lead you into temptation.
00:21:55.659 --> 00:21:56.827
Into temptation. and when that moment comes
00:21:56.894 --> 00:21:59.096
And when that moment comes just close your eyes
00:21:59.163 --> 00:21:59.630
Just close your eyes and think about jesus
00:21:59.697 --> 00:22:02.767
And think about jesus who is not far, far way.
00:22:02.833 --> 00:22:03.934
Who is not far, far way. he said, "i will be
00:22:04.001 --> 00:22:04.869
He said, "i will be with you always."
00:22:04.935 --> 00:22:08.205
With you always." do not be ashamed
00:22:08.272 --> 00:22:08.873
Do not be ashamed of a single thing that
00:22:08.939 --> 00:22:09.940
Of a single thing that jesus said.
00:22:10.007 --> 00:22:12.777
Jesus said. instead, remember what jesus
00:22:12.843 --> 00:22:13.744
Instead, remember what jesus said at the very start
00:22:13.811 --> 00:22:15.079
Said at the very start of the book of revelation
00:22:15.146 --> 00:22:15.813
Of the book of revelation where he pleaded
00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.614
Where he pleaded with his church, "be faithful
00:22:16.680 --> 00:22:19.216
With his church, "be faithful to the point of death
00:22:19.283 --> 00:22:22.453
To the point of death and i will give you
00:22:22.520 --> 00:22:23.053
And i will give you the crown of life."
00:22:23.120 --> 00:22:28.025
The crown of life." let's pray.
00:22:28.092 --> 00:22:34.532
Let's pray. oh god, it's so easy for pastors
00:22:34.598 --> 00:22:36.100
Oh god, it's so easy for pastors to talk big on sunday.
00:22:36.167 --> 00:22:41.071
To talk big on sunday. there's little cost, in fact,
00:22:41.138 --> 00:22:43.841
There's little cost, in fact, there's some christians
00:22:43.908 --> 00:22:44.975
There's some christians who are here today who'll
00:22:45.042 --> 00:22:46.577
Who are here today who'll probably pat me on the back
00:22:46.644 --> 00:22:47.445
Probably pat me on the back in the lobby and thank me
00:22:47.511 --> 00:22:48.779
In the lobby and thank me for my courage,
00:22:48.846 --> 00:22:49.447
For my courage, but this isn't the test.
00:22:49.513 --> 00:22:53.117
But this isn't the test. the test is outside
00:22:53.184 --> 00:22:54.485
The test is outside of this building
00:22:54.552 --> 00:22:56.654
Of this building when we are outnumbered
00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.922
When we are outnumbered and when we just instinctually
00:22:57.988 --> 00:22:59.623
And when we just instinctually know that there is a cost.
00:22:59.690 --> 00:23:00.624
Know that there is a cost. i pray for courage.
00:23:00.691 --> 00:23:03.694
I pray for courage. help us, as you say,
00:23:03.761 --> 00:23:04.695
Help us, as you say, to not be afraid,
00:23:04.762 --> 00:23:06.030
To not be afraid, but to stand firm
00:23:06.096 --> 00:23:06.697
But to stand firm and be courageous.
00:23:06.764 --> 00:23:09.567
And be courageous. like john the baptist
00:23:09.633 --> 00:23:10.734
Like john the baptist when he confronted the church,
00:23:10.801 --> 00:23:12.303
When he confronted the church, when he confronted herod even
00:23:12.369 --> 00:23:13.103
When he confronted herod even though it cost him his head.
00:23:13.170 --> 00:23:16.106
Though it cost him his head. like jesus when he
00:23:16.173 --> 00:23:16.907
Like jesus when he confronted pilate
00:23:16.974 --> 00:23:17.775
Confronted pilate and his version of truth
00:23:17.842 --> 00:23:19.410
And the pharisees
00:23:19.510 --> 00:23:20.077
For their hypocrisy
00:23:20.144 --> 00:23:21.479
Even though it cost
00:23:21.545 --> 00:23:21.979
Him his life.
00:23:22.046 --> 00:23:24.548
Like isaiah who confronted
00:23:24.615 --> 00:23:25.850
Old testament israel and judah
00:23:25.916 --> 00:23:27.451
Even though they sawed
00:23:27.518 --> 00:23:28.018
Him in two.
00:23:28.085 --> 00:23:28.853
Like daniel
00:23:28.919 --> 00:23:29.753
Who remained faithful
00:23:29.820 --> 00:23:30.721
Even though they threw
00:23:30.788 --> 00:23:31.355
Him into the lion's den.
00:23:31.422 --> 00:23:32.990
Like those three faithful
00:23:33.057 --> 00:23:34.058
Young men who were tossed
00:23:34.124 --> 00:23:34.992
Into the flames
00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:35.993
'cause they wouldn't
00:23:36.060 --> 00:23:36.727
Bow down to the throne
00:23:36.794 --> 00:23:38.529
And the idol of nebuchadnezzar.
00:23:38.596 --> 00:23:39.830
God, we want to be
00:23:39.897 --> 00:23:40.631
The newest version of christians
00:23:40.698 --> 00:23:42.533
Who think so much of you
00:23:42.600 --> 00:23:45.302
And are so moved by your love
00:23:45.369 --> 00:23:46.504
That we would give up anything.
00:23:46.570 --> 00:23:50.074
Like the martyrs of
00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:50.908
The early centuries who said,
00:23:50.975 --> 00:23:52.309
"you can take my money,
00:23:52.376 --> 00:23:53.110
And you can take my life,
00:23:53.177 --> 00:23:54.411
But you will not take my jesus.
00:23:54.478 --> 00:23:55.679
He's worth infinitely
00:23:55.746 --> 00:23:56.647
More to me."
00:23:56.714 --> 00:23:58.949
God, shake us of thin skin.
00:23:59.016 --> 00:24:02.419
Help us to be courageous.
00:24:02.486 --> 00:24:03.220
And in the process, god,
00:24:03.287 --> 00:24:04.388
Help us never, never,
00:24:04.455 --> 00:24:05.089
Ever to forget about love.
00:24:05.155 --> 00:24:08.526
Help us to stand up
00:24:08.592 --> 00:24:09.193
For the truth,
00:24:09.260 --> 00:24:09.727
But to do it in love.
00:24:09.793 --> 00:24:12.463
Help us never stand
00:24:12.530 --> 00:24:13.364
On a street corner
00:24:13.430 --> 00:24:14.265
And crassly drop bible bombs.
00:24:14.331 --> 00:24:17.468
No, help us to speak the truth
00:24:17.535 --> 00:24:18.869
But do it with gentleness
00:24:18.936 --> 00:24:20.170
And respect,
00:24:20.237 --> 00:24:21.138
Like your word says.
00:24:21.205 --> 00:24:23.140
God, i pray this not
00:24:23.207 --> 00:24:24.375
Just for myself.
00:24:24.441 --> 00:24:24.975
I pray this especially,
00:24:25.042 --> 00:24:25.643
For the next generation
00:24:25.709 --> 00:24:28.712
Who has just been raised
00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.747
In a culture that's beastly,
00:24:29.813 --> 00:24:33.951
That has taught them from
00:24:34.018 --> 00:24:35.019
Their youngest ages
00:24:35.085 --> 00:24:35.753
That love is acceptance.
00:24:35.819 --> 00:24:38.455
But that's not what you say.
00:24:38.522 --> 00:24:39.757
I pray for own
00:24:39.823 --> 00:24:40.524
Teenage daughters,
00:24:40.591 --> 00:24:42.159
I pray for every
00:24:42.226 --> 00:24:42.660
College student.
00:24:42.726 --> 00:24:44.528
I pray for every young person
00:24:44.595 --> 00:24:45.462
Growing up in modern america,
00:24:45.529 --> 00:24:46.864
God, help them to believe
00:24:46.931 --> 00:24:49.967
That if you died for them,
00:24:50.034 --> 00:24:51.001
You must be worth it.
00:24:51.068 --> 00:24:53.671
And when that moment comes,
00:24:53.737 --> 00:24:54.638
If even they're the only one,
00:24:54.705 --> 00:24:55.439
Help them to believe
00:24:55.506 --> 00:24:57.141
That to lose something
00:24:57.207 --> 00:24:58.208
They cannot keep is so worth it
00:24:58.275 --> 00:25:01.145
Because you have given something
00:25:01.211 --> 00:25:02.246
That can't be taken away.
00:25:02.313 --> 00:25:05.516
We're going to need your help
00:25:05.583 --> 00:25:06.317
When that moment comes, god,
00:25:06.383 --> 00:25:07.318
So give us your spirit,
00:25:07.384 --> 00:25:08.752
Give us your strength,
00:25:08.819 --> 00:25:10.054
And fill us with your love.
00:25:10.120 --> 00:25:12.423
We pray all these things
00:25:12.489 --> 00:25:13.057
In the name of jesus,
00:25:13.123 --> 00:25:13.691
The lamb of god
00:25:13.757 --> 00:25:14.458
Who took away the sins
00:25:14.525 --> 00:25:15.092
Of the world, our sins included.
00:25:15.159 --> 00:25:17.928
And all of god's
00:25:17.995 --> 00:25:18.529
Faithful people say, "amen."
00:25:18.596 --> 00:25:20.264
>> important reminder
00:25:22.967 --> 00:25:23.801
>> important reminder from pastor mike
00:25:23.867 --> 00:25:24.635
From pastor mike that the world isn't
00:25:24.702 --> 00:25:25.402
That the world isn't going to accept
00:25:25.469 --> 00:25:26.203
Going to accept the message about jesus
00:25:26.270 --> 00:25:27.304
The message about jesus or how to live to please god,
00:25:27.371 --> 00:25:29.039
Or how to live to please god, but god is faithful
00:25:29.106 --> 00:25:30.040
But god is faithful and will help us all the days
00:25:30.107 --> 00:25:31.208
And will help us all the days of our lives.
00:25:31.275 --> 00:25:32.209
Of our lives. i've got more great news
00:25:32.276 --> 00:25:33.210
I've got more great news for you.
00:25:33.277 --> 00:25:33.978
For you. thanks to some generous
00:25:34.044 --> 00:25:34.878
Thanks to some generous friends of the ministry,
00:25:34.945 --> 00:25:35.946
Friends of the ministry, we have a $125,000
00:25:36.013 --> 00:25:38.282
We have a $125,000 challenge grant this month.
00:25:38.349 --> 00:25:39.717
Challenge grant this month. that means your gift will go
00:25:39.783 --> 00:25:41.018
That means your gift will go twice as far to help people
00:25:41.085 --> 00:25:42.519
Twice as far to help people discover that everything
00:25:42.586 --> 00:25:43.721
Discover that everything they need is found in jesus.
00:25:43.787 --> 00:25:45.589
They need is found in jesus. to make your impact,
00:25:45.656 --> 00:25:46.757
To make your impact, give to our challenge
00:25:46.824 --> 00:25:47.591
Give to our challenge grant today.
00:25:47.658 --> 00:25:48.525
Grant today. and when you give,
00:25:48.592 --> 00:25:49.360
And when you give, we want to send you
00:25:49.426 --> 00:25:50.060
We want to send you this new book.
00:25:50.127 --> 00:25:50.828
This new book. here's a little more about it.
00:25:50.894 --> 00:25:51.695
>> the world looks like
00:25:53.597 --> 00:25:54.131
It's falling apart.
00:25:54.231 --> 00:25:56.700
It seems like satan has
00:25:56.800 --> 00:25:57.868
The upper hand and you may
00:25:57.968 --> 00:26:00.104
Even wonder if jesus can really
00:26:00.204 --> 00:26:02.139
Pull out the victory.
00:26:02.239 --> 00:26:03.874
Revelation may seem like
00:26:03.974 --> 00:26:04.975
A strange book with
00:26:05.075 --> 00:26:06.343
A confusing message,
00:26:06.443 --> 00:26:07.678
But god has
00:26:07.778 --> 00:26:08.545
A very simple purpose,
00:26:08.646 --> 00:26:10.781
To fill you with hope.
00:26:10.881 --> 00:26:12.349
In mike novotny's new book,
00:26:12.449 --> 00:26:14.318
You'll discover how to let go
00:26:14.418 --> 00:26:15.786
Of fear and instead live
00:26:15.886 --> 00:26:17.721
With the confidence that god
00:26:17.821 --> 00:26:19.823
Has already won.
00:26:19.923 --> 00:26:21.025
“jesus wins!”
00:26:21.125 --> 00:26:21.725
Is our way of thanking you
00:26:21.825 --> 00:26:23.293
For helping us show more people
00:26:23.394 --> 00:26:24.862
The confidence we have through
00:26:24.962 --> 00:26:26.263
Christ's sure victory.
00:26:26.363 --> 00:26:27.631
Request yours today
00:26:27.731 --> 00:26:28.666
By calling 800-661-3311,
00:26:28.766 --> 00:26:32.736
Visiting timeofgrace.org
00:26:32.836 --> 00:26:34.605
Or writing us at
00:26:34.705 --> 00:26:35.773
P.o. box 301
00:26:35.873 --> 00:26:37.908
Milwaukee, wisconsin 53201.
00:26:38.008 --> 00:26:40.678
♪ ♪
00:26:41.011 --> 00:26:42.279
>> time of grace
00:26:52.322 --> 00:26:52.956
Doesn't end here.
00:26:53.057 --> 00:26:54.124
Visit timeofgrace.org
00:26:54.224 --> 00:26:55.793
And explore
00:26:55.893 --> 00:26:56.527
Encouraging resources
00:26:56.627 --> 00:26:58.028
Or sign up for our daily email
00:26:58.128 --> 00:26:59.296
And have everything delivered
00:26:59.396 --> 00:27:00.297
Right to your inbox, like our
00:27:00.397 --> 00:27:01.899
Grace moments devotions,
00:27:01.999 --> 00:27:05.169
Blog, and podcasts.
00:27:05.269 --> 00:27:07.771
Follow us on social media
00:27:07.871 --> 00:27:09.273
Where you'll find a supportive
00:27:09.373 --> 00:27:10.340
Christian community.
00:27:10.441 --> 00:27:11.775
Do you need prayer?
00:27:11.875 --> 00:27:12.843
Contact us and let us know
00:27:12.943 --> 00:27:14.111
What's on your heart.
00:27:14.211 --> 00:27:15.045
Thank you so much
00:27:15.145 --> 00:27:15.846
For your support.
00:27:15.946 --> 00:27:16.547
>> see you next week
00:27:17.481 --> 00:27:18.215
On time of grace.
00:27:18.282 --> 00:27:19.049

Mike Novotny - Revelation: When The World Hates You

May 7, 2025 | S26:E19

Closed captions

Share