In late May, I began 202 days of journaling through the 404 verses of the final book of the Bible, Revelation. To go along with my personal study and preparation to preach through this book in 2013, I’m trying to tweet something from every verse. Today I finished chapter 7. Here’s a compilation of my tweets followed by the reference.
Revelation 1 | Revelation 2 | Revelation 3 | Revelation 4 | Revelation 5 | Revelation 6
God’s at work restraining judgment in this world. (Revelation 7:1)
God sets apart all ends to line up with His glorious purposes. (Revelation 7:2)
In some cases, God’s restraint is due to His faithful people. (Revelation 7:3)
God’s work to preserve a people is pictured in complete perfection. (Revelation 7:4-8)
God’s saving work is vast and extensive, displaying His awesome work. (Revelation 7:9)
Salvation is entirely God’s work from start to finish. (Revelation 7:10)
At the sight of God, even angels recognize their smallness before Him. (Revelation 7:11)
God will be perfectly praised for all of eternity. (Revelation 7:12)
God’s people are marked by their purity and perseverance. (Revelation 7:13)
What purifies God’s people is the blood of Jesus Himself. (Revelation 7:14)
God’s people are eternally before Him, eternally protected by Him. (Revelation 7:15)
God will perfectly provide and care for His people in eternity. (Revelation 7:16)
God’s work for His people is secure in our shepherd: The Lamb. (Revelation 7:17)
Archibald G. Brown on the Gospel
“The Gospel is a fact, therefore, tell it simply; it is a joyful fact, therefore tell it cheerfully; it is an entrusted fact, therefore tell it faithfully; it is a fact of infinite moment, therefore tell it earnestly; it is a fact about a Person, therefore preach Christ.” – Archibald G. Brown, successor to Charles Spurgeon
(quoted on p.70 in Iain Murray’s biography of Archibald G. Brown
Tweets from Revelation 6
In late May, I began 202 days of journaling through the 404 verses of the final book of the Bible, Revelation. To go along with my personal study and preparation to preach through this book in 2013, I’m trying to tweet something from every verse. Today I finished chapter 6. Here’s a compilation of my tweets followed by the reference.
Revelation 1 | Revelation 2 | Revelation 3 | Revelation 4 | Revelation 5
The Lamb opens the seals and we are told what will happen. (Revelation 6:1)
With seal one, a rider comes to conquer. (Revelation 6:2)
Another seal opened…another word — “Come” (Revelation 6:3)
A sign of God’s judgment: no peace on earth & people kill one another. (Revelation 6:4)
One day, Jesus will exercise perfect judgment on the earth. (Revelation 6:5)
Our money & pleasures will be exposed in God’s judgment. (Revelation 6:6)
More expressions of judgment are revealed from heaven. (Revelation 6:7)
With judgment comes death and many expressions of it. (Revelation 6:8)
Judgment reveals those who are faithful witnesses to God and His Word. (Revelation 6:9)
Faithful servants of God long to see God right wrongs. (Revelation 6:10)
In regards to martyrs, God has a number to bring to completion. (Revelation 6:11)
Judgment will unravel and expose the wickedness of creation. (Revelation 6:12)
When God judges the world, we will clearly see His actions. (Revelation 6:13)
In judgment, what seems secure is peeled before an awesome God. (Revelation 6:14)
All the seemingly powerful in this world will one day see their true condition before God. (Revelation 6:15)
The true condition of all before God should be fearing Him. (Revelation 6:16)
On God’s day of wrath, none can stand before Him in themselves. (Revelation 6:17)
Sabbatical
Today begins a 3 week (4 Sunday) sabbatical that Crestview has graciously given me. Having been in full time work here since 2000 and the regular preaching pastor since the fall of 2004, God has blessed me with a great church and people that are eager for His Word. We’ve seen such amazing evidences of God’s grace over these years. It really is humbling to be a part of.
About a year ago, I asked our elders what it might look like for me to get some extended time out of the pulpit for rest, refreshment and study. What emerged from those discussions was a priority to care for my wife, who selflessly serves our 3 children week in and week out, as well as cares for me. We are attending a retreat devoted to pastors and their marriages. That begins today.
Part of my time off includes rest with my family. We are picking up my mother and going to Florida for part of our time. My children have never been to a beach, so we are quite excited for some good R & R there.
Finally, I’ll wrap up my time at Southern Seminary in Louisville, working on some church stuff, including finalizing some work on the Hebrews series, getting out in front of a series on the book of Revelation in 2013 as well as other vision, planning and thoughts related to Crestview. I’m hoping to read some books that are a little out of my normal group as well.
Blogging might be hit and miss. I will continue to update my Tweets Through Revelation Series, so there might be a post in that regard as well as different applications I’m getting our thoughts that stand out.
If you have read this post, I’m guessing you have some degree of care for my world. Would you pray for me right now. Pray that my time in each of these things would be well spent. Pray my time would not just be physically restful, but a spiritual rest as well, drinking deeply in the truth of the Gospel and finding comfort in my soul.
Thanks.
Tweets from Revelation 5
In late May, I began 202 days of journaling through the 404 verses of the final book of the Bible, Revelation. To go along with my personal study and preparation to preach through this book in 2013, I’m trying to tweet something from every verse. Today I finished chapter 5. Here’s a compilation of my tweets followed by the reference.
Revelation 1 | Revelation 2 | Revelation 3 | Revelation 4
The future of all things rests squarely in the hands of our Sovereign God. (Revelation 5:1)
The message from God is that man, in himself, is not worthy to stand before God. (Revelation 5:2)
There’s no other Savior in heaven, on earth or under the earth except for Jesus. (Revelation 5:3)
The exclusivity of Christ should grip the entirety of our being. (Revelation 5:4)
There’s no need to fear the future…Jesus is a worthy Savior. (Revelation 5:5)
Jesus is a perfect Lamb, slain for the sins of those who trust in Him. (Revelation 5:6)
Jesus is the only One who can rightly relate to God the Father in and of Himself. (Revelation 5:7)
Seeing the relation between God the Father and God the Son should provoke deep worship in all. (Revelation 5:8)
A new song: Jesus is worthy because He’s accomplished salvation for all kinds of people. (Revelation 5:9)
All kinds of people are made acceptable to God through Christ and will reign with Him forever. (Revelation 5:10)
Jesus’ praise in heaven is loud…because He’s worthy of everything. (Revelation 5:11)
Jesus is radiant in His perfect work and worthy of all we can give. (Revelation 5:12)
One day, every created being will give Jesus the praise due Him. (Revelation 5:13)
Heaven’s witness is “Jesus is blessed” and they worship accordingly. (Revelation 5:14)
My Grandpa Auxier
This morning is the Memorial Service for my Grandpa, Gene Auxier. He’s one of the most faithful men I had the privilege of knowing in my life. Since my father was a pastor and I pastor, I didn’t get to hear him preach that often, but can still remember his fervency in the pulpit in those times I did.
The best I can piece together his story, God called him out of working on the railroad to preach and minister. In my conversations with him, he remembered a simpler time. He didn’t grow up with a lot of luxury. His parents were farmers (at least Grandpa could remember slaughtering the pig and putting it up for the winter). Even growing up, I can remember being intrigued by his simple way of living.
In these last few years, he was diagnosed and battled leukemia. I had the opportunity to visit with him a little over a week ago and his faith was firm to the end. He would often remind me that God was in control and the best was yet to come.
I’m grateful that now his faith is sight. The fight is over and in Christ, He knows the firstfruits of eternal life. I hope today is a day that brings glory to the Savior who made all of this possible.
Weekend Recap – Consider Jesus
My 7/8/12AM sermon from Hebrews 12:3-4 was entitled Consider Jesus. In this sermon, we were built and further equipped in running our race of endurance by considering Jesus and His suffering. One part of this was encouragement: so that we don’t grow weary or fainthearted. And, the other part involved focusing us in our present circumstances, helping us keep our circumstances in perspective. Today, if you’re weary, fainthearted or just stumbling in running the race of endurance, consider Jesus and find hope for your perseverance.
Tweets from Revelation 4
In late May, I began 202 days of journaling through the 404 verses of the final book of the Bible, Revelation. To go along with my personal study and preparation to preach through this book in 2013, I’m trying to tweet something from every verse. Today I finished chapter 4. Here’s a compilation of my tweets followed by the reference.
Revelation 1 | Revelation 2 | Revelation 3
John’s revelation was open, concerning the future and rooted in exalting Christ. (Revelation 4:1)
Heaven will be a place where Jesus reigns unequivocally. (Revelation 4:2)
Jesus is glorious in majesty and splendor as the exalted Lord of glory. (Revelation 4:3)
Jesus is definitely King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 4:4)
Jesus’ supremacy means He has the power and right to judge at His disposal. (Revelation 4:5)
The rule and reign of Jesus is resplendent and glorious. (Revelation 4:6)
Even creatures around Jesus’ throne are pointing to His majesty. (Revelation 4:7)
Forever we will marvel at the eternal holiness of Jesus. (Revelation 4:8)
The appropriate response of worship to Jesus is to give Him glory, honor and thanks. (Revelation 4:9)
Worshipping Jesus means not only outward allegiance, but laying down “our rights” for His supremacy. (Revelation 4:10)
Because Jesus created all things, He has Creator rights to be worshipped. (Revelation 4:11)
The Queen Mother (Happy Birthday, Mommy)
As some of you may know, I’m at my Mom’s house in Southern Illinois this week to celebrate my Mom’s birthday (Today, July 3rd). I’ve posted a couple of times a tribute I wrote to my Mom on Mother’s Day, posting a picture of her being a queen (2007 & 2011). There’s lots that could be said about my Mom and what she means to me and my siblings. Here’s a couple of things…
1) Her Strength – when my father passed away tragically in 1998, I remember walking into my Mom’s house after driving all night and having her collapse in my arms. Those days of planning the funeral made me a man who had to be strong for my family, but I learned so much from my Mom’s strength in those days. Then, this year, after my Mom’s tireless service to her own father and his passing, I was reminded of her strength again. We know in many of our families that Mom holds much together. It is certainly true for us. Thanks, Mom, for being so strong.
2) Her Love – Never have I doubted my Mom’s love for me. Everything from being hard on me as a teenager to make right choices to calling me a few weeks ago to confess a way she might have wronged me when I was 14, my mother constantly showers me with love through her selfless life. She gives herself so much for our family and it’s hard for me to imagine life without her.
3) Her Faith – Growing up with both my grandfathers being pastors and then having a father who was a pastor, I have quite a heritage, but this also exists in my Mom’s life. When a SS teacher was needed, she learned how to teach in the youth department. When an organist was needed, she used her piano skills to learn how to play organ. She continues to live what she believes and this was even highlighted again as I interacted with Mom’s co-workers. Her faith continues to inspire me.
So, today, July 3, my Mom turns 65 years on this planet. These 65 years are a gift from God so that through her strength, love and faith, I might be pointed back to the God who blessed me with such a mother. Love you, Mom, and I’m praising God for you today.
Weekend Recap – Marathon
My 7/1/12AM sermon from Hebrews 12:1-2 entitled The Race of Endurance is now online. While there are many directions one could go in this rich passage, I tried to woodenly stick with the main idea which is running the race (of the Christian life) with endurance. I saw the text unfold three helps for running that race of endurance more effectively.
We run in Christian community. The cloud of witnesses surrounding us aren’t there watching us run as mere spectators. They are there to provide a clear witness through their lives that running with perseverance is worth it in light of who God is.
We are also to run unconstrained. We let go of whatever would hinder our enduring. Certainly sin can keep us from running well since it clings closely and hinders our stride. But there are other weights and burdens that can keep us from running the race with endurance as well.
Finally, and most important, we run focused on Christ. He’s the aim. He’s made the race even possible for dead ones like you and me. He’s trailblazed this race before, running His own race to the cross with joy, treating all the shame as a small thing compared to honoring His Father. His ruling at God’s right hand now, makes this race all the more thrilling.
You might need to get your head in the game and run. But today, be encouraged and equipped in God’s Word: He’s given you all that you need for life and godliness, all you need to run well.
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