Introduction: Don’t you want to stay strong? But you ask, “how”? Check out the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Church of Thyatira.

“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Rev 2:25).

1. Past tense (Rev 2:25) – “But that which ye have already…”

What do we (Church) have already?

* the precious redeeming blood of Jesus!

* the mighty cross of Christ

* the anointing and filling of the Holy Spirit

* the power of the Word of God

We have God’s AMAZING, AVAILABLE, ABOUNDING GRACE!

We have God’s PEACE that passes all understanding!!

We have got the LOVE of God shed abroad in our hearts!!!

We have the whole armor of God!!!!

2. Present tense (Rev 2:25,26) – “But that which ye have already… hold fast … And he that overcometh…”

The word for “hold fast” is κρατέω, (krat-eh’-o), which means to be strong, or to rule. Are you staying strong in your faith? Love? Patience? Praying? Soul winning?

3. Future tense (Rev 2:25) – “But that which ye have already hold fast…. till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”

It is not “if” Jesus is coming but “when” He is returning. It could be today!

Conclusion: What a great word! The message is clear.

Our focus is set.

Our goal is ahead.

Our mission is established.

Our passion is Jesus.

Our cry is victory!

Overcomers!!

Introduction: If a Christian really has faith should there be “works”? Let’s look at the book.

1. The book of James! (James 2:14-25) – * Dead Faith is without works

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? …Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:14-17).

The proof of real faith is lifestyle.

* Live Faith has works (James 2:18-21) – “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works…… But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?”

While we do not work to be saved, if we are born again then there should be some good works. Why? Because God is working in us and thru us proving we are His.

*Justified by Faith and Works (James 2:22-24) – “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

To be justified is to be pronounced righteous. But also to be declared justified means there will be evidence by God working in and thru the believer.

Introduction: Is God in control? How can you tell? But really the question remains, can He be trusted? While our text for today is placed in the middle of the tribulation from a technical interpretation, it stands as an undeniable truth.

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).

Several key words standout:

1. Kingdoms (Rev 11:15) – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”

The word “kingdom” is βασιλεία: (bas-il-i’-ah), which means sovereignty, or royal power. It has to do with kingship, authority and rule. 

Bottom line: Jesus Christ is ruling and overruling and will ever rule because He is God!

Next word:

2. Reign (Rev 11:15) – It has the same meaning as kingdom, which is rule.

A side note about sovereignty. While our God is in control, He allows us to have and make choices which have consequences whether good or bad. And at the same time, He can exercise His overruling control at any time. Herein lies the balance of our Christian life without minimizing the Power and Authority of Jesus Christ. 

Conclusion: Things are moving according to our Lord’s Will and decree. The kingdoms of this world (this includes kings, presidents, and rulers) are being allowed to fulfill the Word of God until Jesus comes again.

So my dear friend, worship Him, wait for Him, and witness while you wait and worship.

What about it?

1. Why this Rock is higher than I! (Psa 61:3) – “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Things get over our head quickly! Reach out…..reach up….grab a hold of the ROCK. Don’t let go.

2. When we feel overwhelmed we can reach up to the ROCK! (Psa 61:3) – “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Life is full of challenges. But there is no challenge too big for our Lord.

Conclusion: Don’t forget, Jesus said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matt 7:24-25).

Introduction: Do you need a personal revival? Certainly, our nation is in desperate need of revival. But remember it starts in individual hearts. But how can we experience a heaven-sent Holy Ghost revival?

1. Requesting – Prayer (2Chron 7:14 – to Israel but also NT principles for the Church- Acts 4:31) – “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

Without fervent prayer there will not be a revival! Will you pray the right way?

2. Releasing – Confession (1John 1:7-10) – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Without confession {admitting} of sin, wrongdoing, there will not be a revival! Will you confess?

3. Returning – to our 1st Love! (Rev 2:7) – “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Without returning to our first love, there will not be a revival. Will you return?

4. Renewing – Faith (Mark 11:22) – “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.”

Without faith in the God of the Bible there will not be a revival. Will you believe?

5. Remembering – the GOODNESS of God! (Rom 2:4) – “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

Without remembering the goodness of God there will not be a revival. Will you remember?

Introduction: How are Christians and diamonds alike?

Did you know a diamond is the hardest substance known? Only a diamond can scratch another diamond. A diamond has the ability to repel water. It’s like wax on a car. Also, a diamond refracts light, or slows it down. Diamonds can glow in the dark when they are illuminated by an ultraviolet light.

The old saying is true. “A girl loves the sound of a man’s voice when it has a ring in it!”

1. A carnal Christian is hard hearted.
2. A spirit-filled Christian repels offenses.
3. Once being in the presence of Jesus Christ, afterwards a Christian will glow.
4. Believers refract and reflect the light of Christ.
5. Christians can be used as a tool in the Master’s hand.

The word “afflicted” is עָנָה: (aw-naw’), which means to be bowed down or afflicted. It can have to do with humility. Our Lord knows how to humble us. “Astray” is the word שָׁגַג, : (shaw-gag’). It literally means to go astray, or to commit sin or error. Truthfully, at times we have a tendency to err. With the world, the flesh, and the devil pulling on believers, it can be very challenging to stay focused on Jesus.

2. Conviction can bring restoration! (Psa 119:67) – “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”

Did you notice the words “but now”? Praise the Lord! Where sin abounds grace does much more abound!

Introduction: Are you fulfilling your Mission? Really our Lord’s purpose! Jesus completed His task on earth. His unfinished intercessory work is proceeding onward in heaven. After examining His life, death, resurrection and promise to return, we too should be focused on our mission here on earth.

1. Jesus said, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38).

Clearly, Jesus declares His purpose for being born. It was simply to obey His Father’s Will. Are you determined to do the same? How about your Mission?

2. Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).

It is daytime right now. But soon it will be night. The Sun is sinking low. Time is running out. What we do thru the power of the Holy Spirit we need to do now. Are you focused? Do you need to make any changes in your life that may be hindering you from fulfilling your mission?

3. Jesus said, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).

When life is over, will you be able to say, “I have finished my work?” Mission accomplished.

Conclusion: After being crucified on a cross for our sins, and after being raised from the dead, Jesus promised to come again! “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

1. Lot’s Temptation! (2Pet 2:9) – “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.”

The word “temptation” is πειρασμός, (pi-ras-mos’). This word means an experiment, or a trial. Furthermore, the trial, can be a calamity, or affliction. Temptation is not a sin, but yielding to the temptation is a sin. Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13. God will make a way of escape.

2. Lot’s Deception! (2Pet 2:7,8) – “with the filthy conversation of the wicked…For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.”

The world’s talk and walk can wear you down! Pretty soon, over time, it begins to have a negative effect on us, and we do not even realize it. It’s a slow process. But the erosion can be both seen and felt.

3. Lot’s Vexation! (2Pet 2:7,8) – “delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.”

The word “vexed” in verse seven is καταπονέω,(kat-ap-on-eh’-o). By definition, it means to wear down. It results in exhaustion by suffering, or to wear out, to be overpowered, or even to oppress. To be oppressed can mean to be anxious or even distressed. The word “vexed” in verse eight is βασανίζω (bas-an-id’-zo), which means to torture. It has to do with buffeting as of waves.

4. Lot’s Salvation! (2Pet 2:7,9) – “And delivered just Lot…. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.”

The word “deliver” is ῥύομαι, (rhoo’-om-ahee). It means to draw to oneself, or to deliver. It also reveals a rescue, especially from danger or destruction. Praise the Lord for our Lord’s deliverance!

Introduction: I love Deuteronomy 29:29! Moses wrote, “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God.”

1. What is tomorrow going to bring? (James 4:14,15) – “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Could this be the reason Jesus said, in the Sermon on the Mount, these words: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matt 6:34).

Worrying about what is going to happen tomorrow cripples us to enjoy today. It takes away our “Peace of mind & Rest in our heart”! We simply have to trust Jesus. Why? Because “Secret things belong unto the Lord.”

2. Another “Secret that belongs unto the Lord” is when the BELIEVING will be LEAVING! (1Thess 4:16,-18) – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Can you “Capture the Rapture”? When is this greatly anticipated event going to occur? Only our Lord knows. “Secret things belong to Him”!

However, it will happen; therefore, we do not need to delay in preparing. Are you preparing for the snatching away of the saints only to be followed by the saints appearing before the Judgment Seat of Christ?