Revelations 4, ep. 82

Hi, I’m Sal Lopez Executive Director of Ozark Hunger Relief, I am doing this to hopefully find some sponsors (tax deductible donations) for an office in Prairie Grove, Ar. I have seen and fed many children who wander around here. I thought if I started a non-profit, the community would be happy to help. Nope! I’ve had nothing but suspicion, derision, denial, and was ripped off for everything I had, by another food pantry. They offered to help, then when I delivered everything, I had, then they told me to stay away from them, but subsequently asked me for more donations. It has been horribly depressing, but I will persevere and get this office open.
My vision is to be a community resource center, but the main goal is to feed hungry kids, whose parents are drug addicts, and/or alcoholics. I guess some are just poor. Anyway, I need help and will advertise for you, and have signs of acknowledgement for every donor, proportionate for the donation.
Anyway, this episode is on Revelation book 4
"Victory in the End: Hope from the Book of Revelation"
Revelation 1:1–8; Revelation 21:1–5
Theme: Jesus is victorious, and His people will share in that victory.

Introduction: Revelation Is a Message of Hope
Good morning, church. Today, we’re stepping into the final book of the Bible—Revelation. Some people are afraid of this book. It has strange images, mysterious beasts, and battles between good and evil. But Revelation is not meant to scare us—it’s meant to give us hope.

This is a message from Jesus Christ Himself. It was given to the apostle John while he was exiled on an island called Patmos. Jesus pulled back the curtain between heaven and earth and gave John a vision (a supernatural look) at what is to come.

Revelation reminds us that God is in control, even when the world looks dark. It tells us how the story ends—and Jesus wins.
1. Jesus Is the Risen King (Revelation 1:1–8)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come—the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8)

The first thing Revelation does is show us who Jesus really is now—not just the humble carpenter, not just the suffering Savior on the cross—but the Risen, Glorified King.

He is described as:

“The faithful witness” — He speaks truth, always.

“The firstborn from the dead” — He conquered death!

“The ruler of the kings of the earth” — All authority belongs to Him.

And who is this Jesus? He is not separate from God—He is God the Son, and He speaks with the full authority of Jehovah, the Father. And we learn throughout Revelation that the Holy Spirit is speaking to the churches (Rev. 2–3), guiding them, warning them, encouraging them.

The Triune God is fully present in Revelation:

Jehovah is the Almighty on the throne.

Jesus is the Lamb who was slain and is now King.

The Holy Spirit is the voice to the churches and the power behind the believers.
2. The World Will Get Dark Before the Dawn
Revelation does not hide the fact that things will get worse before they get better. There are battles. There is deception. There is judgment. There are symbols of evil: dragons, beasts, false prophets.

But don’t miss the point—evil does not win.

All these things are allowed for a time, but only under God’s permission. Jesus opens the seals. Jesus sends the angels. Jesus defeats Satan.

We’re told about a final battle, and then comes a final judgment. Those who reject God will face His justice. But those who belong to Jesus—those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life—will be saved and welcomed into eternal joy.

Let this truth comfort you: God doesn’t lose control, not for one second.

3. God Will Make All Things New (Revelation 21:1–5)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev. 21:1–3)

This is the climax (the highest point) of the book—and of all history. After the evil is judged, God doesn’t just take us up to heaven. He brings heaven to us.

There will be a new heaven and a new earth—not just a spiritual realm, but a real, physical, beautiful world made perfect.

God Himself will live with His people—no more separation.

No more death, no more crying, no more pain.

This is the eternal kingdom Jesus promised. This is what we are waiting for. And we get to be there—not because of our goodness—but because of His grace.

Revelation is not just about the future. It’s about how we live today.

1. Worship the King
Jesus is worthy of all honor. Don’t let the world distract you. Set your heart on the Lamb who was slain—and who now reigns forever.

2. Stay faithful
The early churches were warned not to compromise with sin or fear. The same is true for us. Stay pure. Stay true. Trust God even when it’s hard.

3. Listen to the Spirit
Over and over, Jesus says, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The Holy Spirit is still speaking—through Scripture, through prayer, and through conviction (a sense of right and wrong). Listen.

4. Look forward with hope
This world is not the end. Even if it gets worse before it gets better, we know the ending: Jesus returns. Evil is defeated. We reign with Him.

Conclusion: The Final Word Is Victory
Revelation doesn’t end in chaos. It ends in a wedding feast—God and His people together forever.

Jesus is coming soon. The Spirit and the Bride (the Church) say, “Come.” And until that day, we live in faith, we walk in love, and we speak the truth.

Don’t be afraid of Revelation. Be encouraged by it.

Jehovah reigns. Jesus is returning. The Holy Spirit is with us.

Amen. Until next week May God Bless You