Sermon by Rev. Ian Sanderson Uniting Church In Australia Visiting Pastor Snowmass Chapel Sunday, January 10, 2016 To make sense of Revelation, the reader needs to be mindful of the circumstances in which it was written. Revelation is “a strange mixture of visions, symbolism, cryptic numbers, apocalyptic jargon and Old Testament allusions. John attempts in words to describe the indescribable... We are in the realm of poet, painter and composer, not historian or scientist.” [William Neil, One Volume Bible Commentary]. Historical Background – Roman Empire came close to disintegration mid first century AD. Attempting to unify it, emperor worship was mandated by Vespasian [69-79AD]. Emperor worship resulted in empire-wide persecution of Christians. Persecution maxed under Vespasian’s son Domitian in last decade, 1st century. Around 95AD, John, a Christian leader associated with seven churches close to Ephesus, imprisoned on Patmos island, had a vision of Jesus wanting to communicate a message to those congregations warning against “compromising with evil” . Ultimate showdown between the forces of good and evil “would soon happen”, so “hang in there. God is in control. Those who keep the faith will be vindicated when this happens.” Christians in every generation can rightly ask if any of his criticisms apply to us. Obviously Second Coming didn’t’ happen “soon” [his words], but in Ch. 3v20 we find one of the loveliest word pictures of Jesus “ knocking on the door “ of human hearts, seeking admission. Seeking, not demanding. Door” to faith surely has “doorknob” on the inside!!. Focus scripture “ BEHOLD I [Jesus] STAND AT THE DOOR KNOCKING”. Preacher relates an experience of himself “door knocking”. Jewish scholar remarked that no prophet or Rabbi could ever conceive that God actually goes out in quest of sinful humankind who has turned away from him. Yet Christians believe our God actually came amongst us to bring us into fellowship with him. Knocks on the “door” not demanding, but seeking entry. May God give us grace to “open and let him enter”. Hymn words “Come let us sing of a wonderful love”! Two more scriptures cited by preacher. The first Luke 24:28. Jesus on the Emmaus road unrecognised and as they neared home acting as if he were not coming with them, but accepting their invitation to “abide with me, fast falls the eventide”, to use the words of a well-known hymn. Then another linked scripture. Jesus addressing disciples after sharing Parable of the Sower with the multitude – Mark 4:24 , “Take heed what you hear for the measure you give will be the measure you receive.” i.e. To get something “out of” worship one needs to put something of oneself into it. He related story of Cyril, man who opened his heart and negotiated the final barrier to faith – a life changing event for him. May Jesus come into every heart”!
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