The End is All About Jesus

The Revelation of Jesus

Revelation 1:1-8

The Main Point: The book of Revelation is all about Jesus.

• We learn something about the book: The Revelation from Jesus Christ (1:1-2)
  • Revelation is God’s Word.
  • Revelation includes symbolic visions. (Dan 2:28-29, 45b)
  • Revelation includes historical realities.
• We learn something about the reader: The Revelation of Blessing to the Church of Jesus Christ (1:3-4a)
  • God’s people will be blessed by the book of Revelation.
  • God’s people should read the book of Revelation.
  • God’s people should obey the book of Revelation.
  • God’s people should study the book of Revelation.
• We learn something about God: The Revelation about Jesus Christ (1:4b-8)
  • Greeting from God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. (vv4b-5a)
    • Our God is the eternal Father. (Ex 3:14)
    • Our God is the all-powerful Holy Spirit. (Isa 11:2)
    • Our God is the Davidic king, Jesus Christ. (Ps 89:27-29, 36)
  • Glory to Jesus Christ (vv5b-6)
    • God’s people are loved by Jesus Christ. (Rom 8:37)
    • God’s people are saved by Jesus Christ.
    • God’s people are servants of Jesus Christ.
    • God’s people glorify Jesus Christ.
  • Declaration of Jesus Christ (vv7-8)
    • Jesus is coming. (v7; Dan 7:13-14; Zech 12:10; Mt 24:30)
    • God is in control. (v8)

Next week’s sermon: The Vision of Jesus (Revelation 1:9-20)

Most of us were never taught how to read the Bible. We were just told to read it. And when you figure it out on your own, you end up with a faith built on verses taken out of context, personal feelings dressed up as Scripture, and a Bible that somehow always agrees with you.

In today's conversation, we break down the difference between devotional reading and proper interpretation — and why learning to read the Bible correctly changes everything about your faith.

Key Topics Covered

• The difference between devotional reading and biblical interpretation
• Why context, genre, and author intent matter
• How to approach different types of writing in the Bible
• How proper Bible reading always leads you back to Jesus

Key Scriptures Referenced

• 2 Timothy 2:15 — Correctly handling the word of truth
• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — All Scripture is God-breathed
• Luke 24:44–46 — Jesus opening the whole Bible to His disciples
• Nehemiah 8:8 — Reading with understanding and meaning

Key Takeaways

• The Bible was not written to you — it was written for you. That distinction matters.
• A text without context becomes a pretext.
• The Bible contains many genres — narrative, poetry, prophecy, letters, wisdom literature — and each one reads differently.
• Meaning doesn't change. Application does.
• Random verse-picking produces a fortune cookie faith — sweet for a moment, no real substance.
• The goal of Bible reading isn't to find yourself in every story. It's to find Jesus.

Reflection Questions

• When you open your Bible, are you reading to hear from God — or to hear from yourself?
• Has a verse ever meant something personal to you that turned out to be taken out of context? How did that shape your faith?
• What would change if you started reading whole books of the Bible instead of single verses?
• How do you balance personal encounter with Scripture and proper understanding of it?

Want to Go Deeper?

• According to Plan — Graeme Goldsworthy
• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth — Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart
• The Jesus Storybook Bible — Sally Lloyd-Jones (a great reminder that every story whispers His name)

Rooted

What is the Gospel?

Most people have an answer — but is it the complete one? In this episode, we walk through what the Gospel actually is, what it isn't, and why every piece of the definition matters.

Key Scriptures

• Romans 1:16
• 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
• Ephesians 2:8–9
• Romans 10:9–10
• Acts 5:31

What We Cover

• The three most common counterfeits — and why they fall short
• The four pillars of a complete Gospel: God, Humanity, Christ, and Response
• Why the Gospel is an announcement first — not an instruction
• How a false Gospel produces exhaustion, and the real one produces transformation

Discussion Questions

• Could you define the Gospel clearly to someone who's never heard it?
• Which counterfeit Gospel do you think is most common in the church today?
• What does it mean to respond to the Gospel — not just agree with it?

Pastor's Steve’s Book Recommendation

What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert

Gilbert builds his case around four core subjects — God, man, Christ, and a response — drawing from Paul's presentation in Romans and the sermons throughout Acts.It's a short, accessible read that goes deep where it counts.

Pick it up on Amazon

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