Testimony of Jesus - Reality of the Testimony
In his message, Stephen reflects on Revelation 12, emphasizing the struggles faced by the Church, depicted as a woman in pain, while a red dragon symbolizes Satan's opposition. He highlights the Church's heavenly calling amidst tribulations, both external and internal, leading to a period of confusion and suffering. Despite these challenges, Stephen reassures that God has a purpose in these trials, aiming to bring forth the reality of the testimony of Jesus, represented by a male child. This testimony is crucial, as it signifies the Church's role in overcoming Satan's accusations through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Stephen stresses the importance of declaring one's faith, even in the face of persecution, and the necessity of loving not one's life, which leads to true victory. He concludes by affirming that the testimony of Jesus is powerful, capable of overthrowing the enemy and paving the way for Christ's return. The message calls for believers to embrace their identity as overcomers, relying on God's strength and grace.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to Revelation 12 and its significance
- The Church as the woman in pain
- External and internal struggles faced by the Church
- God's purpose in trials and tribulations
- The male child as the reality of the testimony of Jesus
- Overcoming Satan through the blood of the Lamb
- The importance of declaring one's faith
- Victory through loving not one's life
- The testimony of Jesus as a powerful force against the enemy
- Call to embrace the identity of overcomers
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
