Nurture a sacred vision of Jesus

Topics: Jesus, sacred vision, presence, holiness, uplifting

Jesus is always present!

* The Lord's presence reassures us of victory!

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash (Revelation 1:12, 13).
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching

them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18b-20).

II. Jesus is majestic and holy!

* The Lord's holiness inspires reverential fear!

His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:14, 15).
In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man (Revelation 1:16, 17a).

III. Jesus is uplifting and alive!

* The Lord's lovingkindness calms unhealthy fears!

And He placed His right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades" (Revelation 1:17b, 18).
A bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, "Get up, and do not be afraid" (Matthew 17:5b-7).
"Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches" (Revelation 1:19, 20).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, February 18^th, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"Nurture a sacred vision of Jesus"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Having a biblical view of our Lord Jesus Christ is vital to overcoming the deceptions of our adversary. Discuss ways that your Life Group can foster a more complete picture of Jesus.

Getting Started:

What is your personal understanding and spiritual vision of Jesus like?
How does "fixing our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-3) give us the perseverance to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil?

Discussing Truths:

How often do you sit quietly and intently listen to God?
What does the faithful presence of our Lord Jesus do to inspire you in overcoming challenges in life?
How do you think this sacred vision of our glorified Lord Jesus encouraged John in the midst of extreme persecution?
Why is it impressive that our Lord Jesus holds the seven stars in His right hand and that Domitian's dead son was deified and put on a coin sitting on a globe with seven stars surrounding him?
What is the difference between a "healthy fear of the Lord" (Psalm 19:9; 111:10; Proverbs 8:13; 10:27; 14:26) and an "unhealthy fear" of circumstances (do not be afraid is an oft repeated comment)?
How does Jesus' majesty and awesome holiness impact your devotion and worship?
Mercy Me song "I can only imagine" asks what kind of response we would have in meeting Jesus: what does John's response indicate?

Now What? Application:

Allow the Lord's lovingkindness to calm your fears and your anxiety by prayer with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6, 7).
Use God's Word, a sharp two-edged sword, to nurture your sacred vision of Jesus!