The Vision of Jesus

Revelation 1:9-20

The Main Point: In Revelation, we encounter Jesus so that we will worship Jesus.

• John heard the voice of Jesus. (vv9-11)
  • Rev 2:9-10; Ezek 2:2; 3:12; Jn 4:24; Ex 19:16
  • The book of Revelation is God’s word to a suffering people.
• John saw the appearance of Jesus. (vv12-16)
  • Ex 25:37-38; Dan 7:9-10, 13-14; 10:4-6
  • The book of Revelation promises God’s glorious presence among an exiled people.
• John received a commission from Jesus. (vv17-20)
  • Dan 10:7-9, 10, 12

The book of Revelation shows God’s grace to a sinful people.

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

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear the real thing.

Rooted

"What Is the Bible Actually About?"

Episode Summary

Pastor Steve and I have a conversation to answer one of the most foundational questions any believer can ask: What is the Bible actually about?

The answer is both simple and profound. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible isn’t an instruction manual or a collection of hero stories — it’s one unified story with one thread running through every page: Jesus Christ.

In this conversation, we explore how to read Scripture, why the Old Testament makes more sense than it can feel at times, what covenant and kingdom actually mean, and how false gospels become dangerous not by what they add — but by what they leave out.

Key Topics Covered

• The Bible as one unified story, not a collection of disconnected books
• Why Jesus is the thread running from Genesis to Revelation
• What "covenant" and "kingdom" mean — and why they matter for reading Scripture
• How to approach the Old Testament without getting lost
• Why false gospels are dangerous for what they omit
• What it means to read the Bible looking for Jesus, not just advice

Key Scripture References

• Luke 24:27 — Jesus opening the Scriptures on the road to Emmaus
• John 5:39 — "These are the Scriptures that testify about me."
• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — All Scripture is God-breathed

Resources Mentioned

• 📖 According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible — Graeme Goldsworthy: https://a.co/d/0621ltt2
• 📖 Kingdom Through Covenant — Peter Gentry & Stephen Wellum: https://a.co/d/02q3wH6H
• 📖 The Jesus Storybook Bible — Sally Lloyd-Jones (great for kids and adults alike): https://a.co/d/0ca6CezL

Reflection Question

When you open your Bible, are you looking for advice — or are you looking for Jesus?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who's been struggling to put the Bible together. Every conversation on Rooted exists to help you see Scripture more clearly and Jesus more fully.

In this episode of Rooted, Pastor Steve and Joe walk through the historical evidence behind the Bible. They discuss why the New Testament is actually the most well-attested document from the ancient world and how discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the careful transmission of the Old Testament.

Rather than avoiding difficult questions, this conversation encourages thoughtful investigation. Christianity is rooted in real history, and the evidence surrounding the Bible invites confidence rather than fear.

The Bible is not fragile. It has been examined, challenged, and studied for centuries and it still stands.

Pastor Steve’s Recommended Resources

For those who want to explore this topic more deeply, here are several helpful books:

• Why Trust the Bible? — Greg Gilbert https://a.co/d/08inYpMq
• Can I Trust the Bible? — R.C. Sproul https://a.co/d/0h5tbgQi
• A Survey of the New Testament — Robert H. Gundry https://a.co/d/04VCct7t
• Encountering the New Testament — Walter A. Elwell & Robert W. Yarbrough https://a.co/d/02XYRwTg
• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth — Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart https://a.co/d/09f0J37P

In this first episode of Rooted, Pastor Steve and I explore the roots and modern practice of Lent, and what it should mean to us all.

We’ve created a “Beginner’s Guide to Lent Fasting” resource including simple fast options, weekly rhythms, and reflection questions.

If you’ve never observed Lent before, this is designed to help you start small, biblically, and without spiritual performance.

View it below.

LENT BEGINNER RESOURCE PACK

A Simple Guide for First-Time Observers

1. What Is Fasting?

Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (or something meaningful) for a spiritual purpose. It does not earn grace or favor from God. It creates space to hunger for Him.

• Matthew 6:16–18

• Joel 2:12–13

• Isaiah 58

• Matthew 4:1–4

2. Beginner Fast Options

• Option 1: One-Meal Fast – Skip one meal once per week and use that time for prayer and

Scripture.

• Option 2: Sunrise-to-Sunset Fast – Fast during the day and break with a simple dinner.

• Option 3: Media / Comfort Fast – Abstain from social media, streaming, sugar, or coffee.

• Option 4: Partial (Daniel-Style) Fast – Simple foods only; no desserts, alcohol, or luxury

Foods.

3. How To Break a Fast

Do not binge or overeat. Break your fast slowly with something simple (eggs, broth, avocado etc.). Thank God and reflect on what you learned during the fast.

4. Weekly Lent Rhythm

• Daily: 5–10 minutes in Scripture and one short prayer of repentance.

• Weekly: One intentional fast and one extended prayer time.

• Sunday: Feast and celebrate the grace of Christ. (with healthy, whole foods)

5. Reflection Questions

• What do I run to for comfort besides Jesus?

• What surfaces in my heart when I’m hungry?

• Where am I spiritually distracted?

• What does deeper repentance look like?

• How can this prepare me to celebrate the resurrection?

Beginner’s Lent Prayer Sample

Lord, teach me to hunger rightly. Strip away distraction. Expose what competes for my love. Let this season make me desperate for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Medical & Wisdom Note

If you are pregnant, diabetic, underweight, have eating disorders, or medical concerns, consult a physician before fasting from food. Fasting is meant to draw you to Christ, not harm your body.

Book Recommendations from the episode:

“The Obesity Code” Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss (Why Intermittent Fasting Is the Key to Controlling Your Weight) by Jason Fung, MD

https://a.co/d/06NaCeNP

This next Amazon link is for the cookbook companion for “The Obesity Code”. It is invaluable when providing options for clean eating that don't sacrifice flavor or variety.

“The Obesity Code Cookbook” Recipes to Help You Manage Insulin, Lose Weight, and Improve Your Health (The Wellness Code)

https://a.co/d/09DrW6cG

“Counterfeit Gods”: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Timothy Keller

https://a.co/d/05k5BXli

“The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen

https://a.co/d/01VkZllf

All About Jesus

The Christian Life is All About Jesus

Romans 13:1-14

The Main Point: The Christian life is all about Jesus.

• The Christian life involves Christlike respect. (vv1-7; Rom 1:16)
  • Obey earthly leaders. (vv1-5; Dan 2:21a; Jer 27:5-6; Acts 24:16)
  • Pay earthly obligations. (vv6-7; 1 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Pet 2:13-17, 21-23; Mt 22:21b)
• The Christian life involves Christlike love. (vv8-10; Mt 5:17; Jn 10:11; 1 Jn 3:16; Jn 13:34-35; 1 Jn 4:7-11)
• The Christian life involves Christlike holiness. (vv11-14; 1 Jn 1:5; 3:5; Col 1:13-14; Mt 5:14-16)

Next week’s sermon: The Revelation of Jesus (Revelation 1:1-8)