Testimony of Jesus - Present Testimony - Part II
In this message, Stephen emphasizes the greatness of God and the importance of worshiping Him. He reflects on the Apostle John's experience on the island of Patmos, where he received a profound revelation of Jesus Christ amidst seven golden lampstands representing the churches. Stephen highlights that God desires to reveal Himself to His people, but often, the lack of vision and revelation stems from the people's hearts being distant from Him. He stresses the unity between Christ and the church, asserting that one cannot truly know the Lord without recognizing His body, the church. Stephen urges believers to seek a deeper understanding of Jesus, not just as the crucified one but also as the risen Lord in glory. He describes the attributes of Christ, including His righteousness, wisdom, and compassion, and emphasizes that our righteousness comes from Him. The message concludes with the assurance that Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades, signifying His victory over sin and death, and encourages believers to embrace the living Christ who empowers them for His purpose.
Outline of Main Points
- Worshiping God and His greatness
- Apostle John's revelation on Patmos
- God's desire to reveal Himself
- Unity of Christ and the church
- Need for a deeper understanding of Jesus
- Attributes of Christ: righteousness, wisdom, compassion
- Righteousness through Christ
- Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades
- Encouragement to embrace the living Christ
9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
