The Center of Everything

Everything is in beautiful order with God's throne as the center

• On the Throne

• Before the Throne

• Around the Throne

• From the Throne

• Toward the Throne

Laodicea: Lukewarm in Luxury

The malady of trusting in worldliness robs us of the vitality of trusting in Jesus.

• Condition

• Cause

• Cure

• Commitment

Philadelphia: Little Power, Big News

Because of the absolute power and grace of Jesus, he gives his faithful church:

• Invitation

• Validation

• Preservation

• Transformation

Sardis: Reputation vs. Reality

• A good name is bad news

• A fundamental change must occur

• Only good news has power for a new name

Thyatira: Exceeding Growth & Excessive Tolerance

• Progress, not perfection, is commended

• Tolerance of sin is to be called out

• Belief in the gospel is absolutely sufficient and satisfying

Pergamum: Tenacity and Negligence in the Hood

• Tenacity for the gospel amid overt opposition is commended

• Negligence of holiness amid covert immorality needs repentance

• Result of repentance is a life beyond comprehension

Smyrna: White-Knuckled & Fearless

How does Christ’s true church flourish amidst an unjust and hostile culture?

• Don’t be surprised by the trouble

• Don’t be fooled by appearances

• Don’t be afraid because of who’s with you

• You won’t be disappointed by what you have

Ephesus: The Steadfast & Smug

• The authority and humility of Jesus is essential

• A love for being right can lead to doing wrong

• Our motivation is the double-edged grace of Jesus

What You See Is Who You Get

• We see the reality of who and where we are

• We see the realization of who is with us

• We see what we really have in Christ

First We Worship

• God’s character is the beginning of everything

• God’s actions flow from his character

• Full-hearted, all-of-life worship is our proper response

Seeing is Being Blessed

• The Purpose: genuine and effective encouragement to Christians in a chaotic world.

• The Style: To show and make known (signify) all that must take place.

• The Approach: Recapping the seen and unseen realities of Christ’s triumph

• The Point: The triumph of Jesus guarantees the triumph of his church