The Plowman

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An exposition of Revelation 20:11-15. This message by pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist church on Sunday morning, November 9, 2008.

Introduction:
It was agonizing. I had to just sit there. That big clock on the wall kept ticking. I heard every click as the minute hand inched its way toward the top of the hour. I was sweating. My throat was dry. It seemed it was getting hard to breath. And he just kept me waiting. I started to leave but that wouldn’t help. That would only mean more trouble. I was in enough trouble as it was. It was not my first offense. And you know what they say, “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.” I had thrown the rock and now I must face the music. But how long would Mr. Layton keep me waiting? There is only so much a third-grader can take! There is something about the knowledge that you’ve been “caught.” You’re guilty. You know it. The authorities know it. Everyone knows it. And you are waiting for the day of reckoning. It is a sobering thing. The problem is so many seem to think they’ve gotten away with it. They are not concerned because as far as they can tell no one has the “goods on them.” So they continue to live a life free of worry or fear. Talk of a cosmic judge before whom they must give an account of their life is a fairytale, something for children and simple-minded folk to fear but not them. But even a casual walk through the Scripture reveals there is coming a day of reckoning. Judgment Day will come. Deny it all you like. Scoff if you will. But the facts will not change. One day every man, woman, boy and girl will stand before the Creator of the universe and give an account for their life. I know this is not a popular subject. I understand people don’t want to hear it, they would prefer to hear something more “practical.” But I would suggest that if it is true there is a day of reckoning then there is nothing more practical than for you to hear about it and prepare for it.

The people of God were oppressed and persecuted. The government of Rome had mandated the worship of the Roman Emperor as god. Because they refused to acknowledge Caesar as lord – Christians lost their jobs, had their home confiscated, their possessions taken from them, they were imprisoned, tortured and executed. They cried out, “How long O Sovereign Lord before you do something?” Rome was marching on. The Church was being destroyed. “How long?” John, the beloved apostle, was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day when he was given a vision of things to come. He was told to write what he heard and saw and send it to the churches. Thus we have the book of Revelation. Its purpose was to encourage and inspire. It was meant to bring hope and courage to a struggling people. Through its vivid images and fantastic pictures it reveals God’s working in history. It puts forth the victorious Lamb of God who has conquered. It tells of the epic struggle between the church and the dragon (who is Satan or the devil). And it boldly sets forth God’s sovereign rule over all of history. History is marching toward its predetermined end. Satan will be destroyed. The kingdoms of this earth will fail. The people of God will persevere. And the Kingdom of God will be established. Chapter 19 tells of the return of Christ. Chapter 20 tells of the defeat of Satan. And then 2 we come to this scene of Divine Judgment. Our text this morning is found in the 20th chapter of the Revelation beginning with verse 11.

Text: Revelation 20:11-15
When you read the New Testament a clear pattern reveals itself. There talk is of “this age” and “the age to come.” What is also clear is that the thing that separates these 2 ages is the return of Christ. And when He comes – judgment is carried out – Mt 13:36-43; 25:31-46 Here we have John’s description of that judgment. John with an economy of words sets forth a clear and succinct statement of that judgment. Every word carries weight. It is a simple yet sobering message. As we work our way through this text we will discover that…

Thesis: The vision of Revelation 20:11-15 warns of the certainty, the severity and the personal nature of God’s final judgment.

God’s judgment is certain, severe and personal. I want to quickly point out three things.

I. This text is a sobering reminder that we all will stand before the Sovereign Judge of all the earth and give an account. (20:11)

This is an awesome sight. It is intended to make your knees buckle. This is the God before we will stand and give an account. You can’t laugh it off. You can’t ignore it. It is certain and it is personal – you will give an account.

II. God’s sovereign judgment will be holy, righteous and true. (20:12-13)

Let this scene soak in. “I saw the dead…standing before the throne…” “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them…”

Do you get this picture? The dead – what dead? All those who’ve walked the planet! All of those who’ve lived since the curse was placed on humanity in the Garden. They have been raised to life and given new bodies to face the judgment. They all stand before that “great white throne” to give an account.

Did you notice that phrase in verse 13 – “and they were judged, each one of them according to what they had done.”

One day we’ll all stand before God and give an account. His judgment will be holy, right and true. And there is one other thing…

III. God’s sovereign judgment will be final and irrevocable. (20:14-15)

These are sobering words. They do not need any amplification or explanation.

So what have we learned? Christ is coming again. When He comes there will be a day of reckoning. We will stand before Him to give an account for our lives. What is patently clear is that, left to ourselves, we are in big trouble. Why? Because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And the wages of our sin is death. No exceptions.

What you must understand is this – your sin must be dealt with. You are left with a choice. You can hold onto your sin and thus face God on your own and you pay the price for your rebellion or you take your sin to the cross of Christ. Either you will pay or Christ will pay. One way or the other your sin will be dealt with. You did note didn’t you there was more than 1 book? In addition to the book that contains your thoughts and actions – there was the book of life.

Those cast into the lake of fire are those whose names were not found in that book. How do you get your name in the book of life? Your repent of your sin and you trust in Christ and Him alone. Christ died in order to bring us to God. The just for the unjust. His righteousness laid to our account. Our sin placed on Him. To be “in Christ” is to be pure and spotless in God’s sight. Rather than a lake of fire there awaits the redeemed a new Heaven and a new Earth. A life of glory, peace and grace in the presence of God himself.

There is a day of reckoning. We will stand before the judge of all the earth and give an account. His judgment will be holy, right and just. And His judgment is final and irrevocable.

Are you prepared for that day?

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An exposition of Revelation 20:1-10. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered a Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 2, 2008.

Introduction:
We are all fascinated, to one degree or another, with the future. We long to peer into the future and find some fascinating tidbit. What if we did know the future? How would it affect the way we live? Would we try to alter the future? Can the future be altered? I think it is fun to go back and read things written in the 30s and 40s about life in the “distant” future. Much to their surprise we’re not all riding around in “space cars” or commuting to the moon. Yet in other ways we are doing far more than they could have ever imagined. Speculation about the future is as old as man. Seers have long prophesied about future events. Some of those prophecies are vague enough as to be interpreted so many different ways we are bound to find at least 1 fulfillment. Others are now laughable for how far off they proved to be. Still we search for some clue, some insight into what the future holds. Of course as the people of God we are not “afraid” of prophecy. God has revealed future events. God spoke through the prophets of old and foretold, in great detail, of the coming of Messiah. We are told about his birth even naming the city in which he was to be born. There were prophecies concerning his life, his ministry and even his death. And of course there are prophecies concerning his return. It seems there is no end to the writing of books and conferences charting and detailing God’s program for the end of the age. The problem is no everyone agrees. Good and godly people interpret these passages differently.

This morning in our trek through the book of Revelation we come to a pivotal text. Revelation chapter 20 is a dividing line in biblical interpretation. This is the text that speaks of the millennium. In this text we find the only reference to a “millennium” in Scripture. Jesus did not say anything about it. Paul did not say a word about it. Nor Peter or any of the other apostles – other than John and then only in Revelation 20:2-7. That does not, at all, suggest this is not an important subject. It does not belittle its place in the discussion of our Lord’s return. It does however demand that we think carefully before we construct our view of the millennium and its application to the church and the kingdom of God.

John the beloved was the bishop of Ephesus. He was a pastor who dearly loved his flock. A pastor who was concerned about their spiritual and emotional well being. He wrote to encourage and inspire. This meant something to them. It is addressed to the churches of Asia Minor. It said something to them in their context as well as speaking to the future. I’m convinced that…

Thesis: A proper understanding of the Kingdom of God provides hope for the future and courage for today.

When reading the New Testament you keep finding language that speaks of this age and the age to come. You read of a future Kingdom and yet it is clear that Christ reigns now. Thus you find a tension between the Kingdom now and the Kingdom not yet. We have the hope of a glorious future with Christ and yet in another sense we are seated with Christ now in heavenly places. We are assured of future glory and we find boldness and confidence to live today.

As we work our way through this text I want to point out three things. Three things that spoke to those persecuted believers in first century Asia Minor and continue to speak to us today.

I. Frightened believers find courage in the knowledge that Satan is bound. (20:1-3)

What is the context? Rome is marching on. Growing in strength, power and influence. Rome stands squarely in contrast to the Kingdom of God. Caesar is worshiped as god while the church of the Lord Jesus is on the verge of annihilation. The saints are crying out, “How long O sovereign Lord before you do something?” Frightened, confused and struggling to understand they gather for the reading of this letter from their beloved bishop. The message throughout is that the Lamb has conquered and you will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony.

We have to ask is this 20:1-3 literal or symbolic? Can a “spirit being” be bound by a chain and a room? Clearly this is symbolic. By the way symbolic doesn’t mean he isn’t bound! Rather it is a matter of how or in what way is he bound. Let’s begin our consideration by asking why he is bound. Our text says “so that he might not deceive the nations any longer.” So that he cannot blind them to the reality of Christ and the things of God. He is bound to allow for the spreading of the gospel and the revelation of God. Now when did that happen?

Look at Matthew 12:28-29 – (same word “binds”)
Luke 10:17-19 – “I saw Satan fall…”
John 12:31-32
Colossians 2:15
Hebrews 2:14-15
1 John 3:8

Satan is bound by the work of Christ and the cross. He is bound through the preaching of the gospel. Prior to Christ’s coming and the cross the good news was limited to Israel with a few exceptions. And even then not all Israel believed. But since the cross the gospel is worldwide and people from every nation, language and tongue have been birth into the Kingdom.

What about the millennium? What about the 1000 years? Again context. Is the key literal? The chain? If everything surrounding it is symbolic why would we demand the reference to 1000 be literal? 10 is the number of completion. And this multiple of 10 speaks of the time of fulfillment set by the Father between the 1st and 2nd advents. Yes you did understand me – I think we are living in the millennium! Can you see how this would have been encouraging and inspiring for the church in their condition? But let’s keep going.

II. Threatened believers find hope in the knowledge that to die is again. (20:4- 6)

What of those who have been martyred? What of those who’ve paid the ultimate price for their devotion to Christ? “I saw thrones.” Of the 47 uses of “thrones” found in Revelation all except those dealing with Satan and the beast are in heaven. Who are they who occupy these thrones?

20:4 – those who had been beheaded (Roman form of execution) and who refused the mark of the beast. These are those who die in Christ.

This is the “first resurrection”?

1 Corinthians 15:20-23
The contrast in this passage is between the 1st resurrection and the second death.
Note 20:6 & 20:14 – second death = eternal judgment. The contrast is between saved and unsaved, believers and unbelievers.

Can you see how this would encourage and inspire? Rome thought they killed the troublemakers. They thought the put an end to their power and influence. They just exalted them to a truer life, a glorious reign with Christ! Frightened saint take heart Satan is bound. Threatened believer find courage death is gain. There is one other thing I want to point out.

III. Oppressed believers find peace in the knowledge that Satan’s doom is sure. (20:7-10)

When the time of completion is come Satan will be loosed for a “short season” (20:3 “for a little while). He will again deceive the nations. Gog and Magog are from Ezekiel 38- 39 and represent evil forced bent on destroying the people of God. The nations gather to make war on the Lamb. They come from the 4 corners of the earth and they number is like the sand of the sea.

During this time there will be an intense activity on the part of Satan. There will be the appearance of the antichrist, man of lawlessness. There will be a great apostasy or falling away. Concerted worldwide persecution of the Church. The Church will be preserved by the return of the Lord Jesus.

The devil, the red dragon – the power behind the beast and his prophet will then be cast into the lake of fire and be tormented day and night forever and ever.

That is the message of this book. Take heart you frightened, threatened oppressed and dearly loved children. Satan is bound. Death is gain. And Satan’s doom is sure. And soon I’m coming to bring you home.

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An exposition of Revelation 19:1-21. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 26, 2008.

Introduction:
The old man sat whittling on the front porch of his broken down old family home when a stranger opened the rusty gate and made his way toward the porch. “Say old timer, what do reckon this place is worth?” The old man never looked up. “Well sir, that all depends.” “Depends on what?” came the response. “It depends on whether you’re from the county tax office or if you’re fixing to buy!” Perspective is everything. When I was a kid I remember those days when I spent the afternoon pacing the floor of my room. Dad had been away but he was due to return that afternoon. Mom was excited. Her day was spent in eager anticipation. She welcomed the return of her groom. My day was spent in dread of the return of my judge. You see there were things I was to have done before he returned. I hadn’t bothered to do any of them and he was coming back and I would have to give an account. The same event was producing two very different responses. One of delight and one of dread. Perspective is everything. The Bible is clear one day the heavens will open and the Lord Jesus will descend with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God will sound. An unimaginable delight to some. A moment of shear terror for others. Perspective is everything. Our text this morning is found in the 19th chapter of the Revelation.

Text: Revelation 19:1-21
We’ve been given a preview of the bowls of wrath that final judgment to be poured out on the nations. John is in the process in chapters 17-19 of detailing that judgment. In 17 and 18 we are reminded that His judgment is just and that he will judge all rebellion, unbelief and idolatry. No one is “getting away” with anything. Those who’ve sold their souls in order to profit from this world’s system will taste His bitter wrath. The nations will gather against the Lamb but will experience utter defeat and total destruction. Now in chapter 19 the scene shifts from earth to heaven. Here we catch another glimpse of heavenly glory. In the process we are going to discover that…

Thesis: Revelation 19 reveals both the glory and the terror of our Lord’s second coming.
It is not a subject you hear with the frequency of which we used to hear it. In times past sermons on the second coming were commonplace. I remember when Paul Cooke was pastoring here how often we sang, “Jesus is Coming Again.”

Coming again, coming again!
May be morning, may be noon,
May be evening and May be soon!
Coming again, coming again!
O what a wonderful day it will be-
Jesus is coming again!
Or “What If It Were Today?”
Jesus is coming to earth again; what if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign; what if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride, all the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide; what if it were today?

Refrain
Glory, glory! Joy to my heart ’twill bring.
Glory, glory! When we shall crown Him King.
Glory, glory! Haste to prepare the way;
Glory, glory! Jesus will come some day.

That is our hope as the people of God. That is what we long for. That is what we anticipate with great eagerness. But not everyone can sing, “joy to my heart ‘twill bring” for some it will be a terrible moment. The sight of the Warrior King with eyes of flames and a robe dipped in blood will signal their destruction. Perspective is everything.

I want to point out two things from our text.

1. For the people of God, the return of the Lord Jesus is history’s climactic moment. (19:1-10)
   With the opening verses of chapter 19 the scene shifts from earth to heaven. We again hear the loud voice of a great multitude crying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just…” The word Hallelujah is the transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning, “praise God” or “praise the Lord.” It is used only 4 times in the New Testament all of them in the opening verses of Revelation chapter 19. It is a phrase used often in the Old Testament particularly in the Psalms. What are they praising God for? There are at least 4 things I want to point out.
   A. They are praising Him because salvation is complete (19:1).
   B. They are also praising God because justice has been provided (19:2).
   C. Closely tied to that is the fact that rebellion has been brought to an end (19:3).
   D. Further He is to be praised because of His sovereign control of all things (19:4-6).
   The Lord God almighty reigns not just in a future millennial kingdom but right now! God is to be praised because salvation belongs to him, because justice has been provided, because rebellion has been brought to an end and because He reigns. All of that leads to the focus of this chapter beginning in verse 7 – “the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” This was the message of the Lord of the Church to those struggling saints in first century Asia Minor and to us today. In the midst of our heartache and care we are to look to the sky in joyous anticipation to that day when the trumpet will sound. We are to eagerly anticipate the return of our blessed Savior. Oh what a day that will be! Are you ready for it? But it will not be a joyous occasion for everyone and that is the focus beginning with verse 11.
2. For the ungodly the return of the Lord Jesus is a time of solemn reckoning. (19:11-21)
   “Then I saw heaven open.” We heard those same words back in chapter 4. Then it was to let John in now it is to let the Lord Jesus out. Do you get the picture? It is not a comforting one unless of course you are on His team! This is not a comforting picture rather it is a disturbing image and it is meant to be. This is not a “feel good” passage. This is a stand in awe passage. Jesus is coming again. The great hope of the people of the God is the return of our beloved. We eagerly anticipate His return as the climax of history. But for those who reject the message of the gospel it is a time of solemn reckoning. A day of judgment and destruction. Jesus is coming again – what if it were today? Would it be a day of joy or of mourning? A day of life or of death? Perspective is everything.

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An exposition of Revelation 17:1-18:24. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 19, 2008

Introduction:
I like to think of myself as a pretty nice guy. I think I’m fairly compassionate and understanding. I think it is good and right to take a stand for the “little guy”. To speak up when others are wronged and to fight for what is just. I feel for those who hurt and don’t like to see others humiliated. But I will have to admit that I haven taken pleasure in seeing the arrogant stumble. I have been known to laugh when the “know-it-all” is revealed as a “know-nothing.” And truthfully I’ve gotten down right giddy when the wicked have been served their just deserts! I know we are in church and we’re all supposed to act sanctified and spiritual but I just being honest. When I’m watching a   movie and the bad guy who has gotten away with murder throughout the whole movie finally gets caught – I take great pleasure in that. And the more vile, more corrupt and more arrogant the villain – the louder I want to cheer. Even in our “fallenness” we retain enough of the image and likeness of God that we rejoice in the triumph of good and cheer the defeat of evil. As we move into chapters 17 and 18 of the Revelation we are approaching “shout’n ground.” We’ve been introduced to the Red Dragon, the beast, the false prophet and now the great prostitute. In these chapters we hear of  and then in chapter 19 the Lord Jesus splits the clouds astride a white stallion and brings an end to this world system and ushers in eternity. When those struggling believers in Asia Minor, groaning under the weight of persecution, heard of the destruction of the “great city” I don’t think they turned to one another and said, “Well now that’s interesting.” I think they stood to their feet and cheered. Our text this morning is found in chapters 17 and 18 of the Revelation.

Text: Revelation 17:1-18:24
The original recipients of this letter where struggling to survive. Because they refused to compromise their faith their jobs were taken from them. Their possessions were confiscated. They were tortured and tormented. And many were martyred. To remain true to Christ and resists the powers that be cost them dearly. Don’t misunderstand – they struggled with their faith. After all they were men and women of flesh and bone. They were frail children of dust even as we – yet they stood firm. But don’t forget the prayer of the saints under the altar – “How long O Sovereign Lord, holy and true before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Rev 6:10) Living for God, remaining faithful and true seemed only to make things worse while unrighteousness seemed to go on its merry way. Rome grew even more powerful. Caesar seemed embolden in his lust for blood. “How long O Sovereign Lord?” Even their beloved bishop – John the apostle whom Jesus loved – was not immune from Caesar’s wrath. John was exiled to Patmos and forced to live far from family and cherished friends. What possible good could come from his harsh imprisonment? How did his removal serve God’s kingdom? John was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day when he heard a voice behind him. He turned and there stood the risen Lord. “John, write what you see and hear.” And so for the last 1900 years the Lord of the church has inspired and encouraged believers in every age to withstand the wrath of the dragon and his beast in full assurance that the Lamb has conquered and the King is coming. As we work our way through the confusing and complicated images of our text we are going to discover that…

Thesis: The visions of chapters 17 & 18 vividly remind us that God will justly judge all rebellion, unbelief and idolatry and only those who are safe in Christ will escape His holy wrath.

Chapters 17-19 are a “fleshing out” of the 6th and 7th bowls of wrath. As happens throughout Revelation John gives an overview of what is to come and then comes back and fills in the details. Remember with the pouring out of His wrath through the bowls God’s wrath is finished. There is nothing to be added to them. They will bring an end to the age.

Let me draw three lessons from our text one from chapter 17 and two from chapter 18.

1. God sovereignly proclaims His righteous judgment on the corrupt, wicked, and immoral world system. (17:1-18)
   I remind you I think we get into trouble when we try to narrowly define who the characters in this drama represent. We know the Lamb. We know the red dragon. Those are made clear. When it comes to the beast, his prophet and this great prostitute – it’s not so clear. I think a great case can be made throughout for Nero, Domitian and the Roman Empire. But I don’t know that it satisfies everything. Marvelous cases have been made through the centuries identifying them with various tyrants both secular and religious and their cities/empires. I think that is the point! I think it is vague for a reason. As John made clear in his other letters the spirit of antichrist was alive and well in the first century. Believers have always battled these same forces in their various incarnations and will continue to do so until the Lord Jesus comes again. The message is the same in every generation – the kingdoms of this world will all come to an end. God will not be mocked. What you sow that you will also reap. Wickedness will be vanquished and righteousness will prevail. What is clear is that the woman represents a dominate world power – many waters = people, nations and languages. Also note 17:18, “the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth. 7 kings are identified with her and an 8th will come but will be one of the 7. Is this Rome with 7 emperors and the 8th being Domitian who was considered by many a new Nero? Is this a reference to the great kingdoms of the earth beginning with Egypt up through Rome and then the final kingdom that of the antichrist? I don’t know! Both can make a good case. Both answer many questions but do not answer all questions. Whatever the ultimate answer may be what is clear is there is an unholy alliance between the great prostitute, the beast and the kings of the earth. They will gather against the Lamb but will be soundly defeated for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Further note the beast and the kings of the earth will turn on the prostitute and destroy her. And it is God who put it in their minds and heart to do it. Again the point is the kingdoms of the earth will fall. God sovereignly proclaims His just and righteous judgment of the corrupt, wicked and immoral world system.
2. God’s righteous judgment brings ruin to the great powers behind the world system and to those who sell their souls to profit by its influence. (18:1-19, 21-24)
   18:1-3 contains this grand pronouncement of doom and destruction. These verses outline the reasons for judgment which is basically “she” is the embodiment of every vile thing (18:2). And second, her great influence over the kings and merchants of the earth (18:3). The whole world has been corrupted by her influence. We find again the bitter fruit of Romans 1 with those who have traded the truth for a lie. In verse 4 we find a call for the people of God to flee any involvement with the woman or her ways least they be caught up in her destruction. Note the magnitude of her judgment 18:5-8. Remember these are the details related to the 6th and 7th bowls of wrath. With the destruction of the world system comes the pain of those who hitched their wagon to her star – 18:9-19. The kings of the earth – 18:9-10 The merchants of the earth – 18:11-17 The shipmasters/sailors – 18:18-19 Did you note anything in particular about their response? There is no repentance only sorrow for loss. 18:21-24 = the finality and totality of this judgment.
3. God’s righteous judgment elicits the praise of the redeemed. (18:20)
   How does heaven respond to God’s judgment? How do those struggling believers in Asia Minor react? How should we react to the announcement of God’s judgment of the wicked? “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her.” It is a call to celebrate. The word used for rejoice is used repeatedly in Luke 15 and the story of the prodigal son – meaning to make merry or celebrate. The world always opposes Christ, the gospel and the Church. It is not just the terrorists or extremists it is the whole system of the world weaving its threads of hatred and animosity into the fabric of society against anything Christian. That doesn’t mean we are to cower in fear or give up. On the contrary we are to stand our ground assured of the triumph of the Lamb and the certainty of God’s just judgment.