Revelation 22:18-21

1. When I study church history, which is my area of expertise, I observe that while generalizations are difficult, certain key events have significantly renewed and reformed Christianity. In the 12th century, the Waldensians endeavoured to spread the gospel. The 14th century saw John Wycliffe and Jan Hus ignite the spark of the Reformation. William Tyndale, in the 15th century, made significant efforts to translate the Bible from its original languages into English. The 16th century witnessed the Reformation, followed by the Anglican and Baptist movements in the 17th century. The 18th century brought forth the Methodist and Revival movements, while the 19th century was marked by the Great Awakening and Holiness movements. The 20th century experienced the rise of the Pentecostal movement. Each of these movements eventually contributed to the formation of their respective denominational backgrounds. What about the late 20th and 21st centuries? Theologians argue that revival and reformation movements have ceased. Today, new denominations are not typically formed by revival movements. Instead, when two or three churches disagree with their former denomination, they often establish their own denomination.

2. While studying, I discovered why there have been numerous church movements over the centuries and what they teach us. These movements were often sparked by one individual’s response to God. Reformations and revival movements began with someone striving to follow and respond to God’s calling. This person sought to nurture the church as a community of believers. However, today, many people no longer view the church as a community of believers. In certain countries, the church has become merely a cultural institution and a place for teaching. Why is this? Why has the church become just a cultural entity in the world? Through today’s sermon, I aim to reflect on the true meaning of the church and our identity before God.

Revelation 22:18–21 (NRSV)

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

3. There are several ways to read and approach the Bible, but the most common methods are doctrinal reading and perspectival reading. Doctrinal reading involves seeking to find or establish specific doctrines within the Bible. In contrast, perspectival reading is about gaining a broader perspective from the Bible’s teachings.

4. Let me give you an example. I picked verses from Revelation. When we read the book of Revelation using a doctrinal approach, we seek to understand when and what will happen in the end times. This leads to the establishment of doctrines such as Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, or Amillennialism. Indeed, Revelation provides the basis for these doctrines, and scholars and pastors have their own evidence to support their views. However, the book of Revelation offers more than just doctrine. If we focus solely on doctrinal reading, we miss the broader picture and the full plan of God as revealed to John.

5. Let’s approach the book of Revelation with a perspectival reading. But what is perspective? According to AI, perspective can be defined in three categories:

         1.     Visual perspective

         2.     Mental viewpoint

         3.     Contextual understanding

These definitions highlight that perspective encompasses sight or seeing, thinking, and the situation or circumstance.

6. In fact, contextual understanding can encompass the first two perspectives because we rely on our senses and thoughts to engage with our circumstances. Consider the first-century Greco-Roman world, particularly when John received and wrote the Revelation. What was the status and position of Christians in society? Were they able to believe in Jesus freely? How did they preserve and maintain their faith and church system? Let us talk about the first question.

Romans 1:1 NRSV

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

Philemon 1 (NKJV)

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer,

7. When we read Paul’s letters, we often notice that he introduces himself by mentioning his identity, consistently referring to himself as a “bondservant of Jesus.” Without considering the context or background, we might simply think that Paul is exceptionally humble, as he always presents himself as a servant of God. Indeed, Paul was humble before God. However, historical manuscripts reveal that the term “slave” was very common in the first-century Greco-Roman period, with about 80% of the population being slaves or servants, and only 20% belonging to the non-slave group. This context implies that being a slave was considered a typical status in that society. Therefore, when Paul identifies himself as a slave of Christ, he is not claiming to be a special person of God, but rather aligning himself with the common people of God because of Jesus Christ.

8. Nowadays, racism is a hot topic, and we strive to avoid it, but it was commonplace in the first century. Society was divided between Roman citizens and non-Roman citizens, and the Jews made distinctions between Jews and Gentiles. When Paul referred to himself as a slave, identifying with common people, it signified that he abandoned any special status he might have had because of Jesus. This meant that he did not regard his own merits in favor of advancing God’s kingdom.

Philippians 3:13 AMP

I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

9. If they were slaves, it meant they were not Roman citizens. Non-citizens could not enjoy any benefits from Rome and were unable to avoid persecution. This highlights the reality of the persecution faced by Christians. Indeed, there were significant persecutions between AD 60 and AD 110. Christians found it extremely challenging to maintain their faith; they could not think about their status, nor could they build churches. It was during this period that Paul and John wrote their letters and the book of Revelation.

10. When you read any study Bible, you’ll find that the introduction to each letter often states that its primary purpose is to encourage the churches. The main aim of these letters, including Revelation, was not to establish doctrines such as the Providence of God or election, but to provide encouragement for those enduring severe persecution. Due to this persecution, many people abandoned their faith. For those individuals, would it have made sense to teach doctrine or commandments? Can we truly accept and internalize doctrine when we are facing great trials and temptations?

11. Several months ago, I watched a documentary about the catacombs near Syria. The term “underground church” originates from this community, where many catacombs were found near Turkey and Syria due to persecution. Once people entered the catacombs, they could not leave for at least six months or more, unable to see any sunlight. This led to depression and anxiety, and some even committed suicide. Their lives were far from easy because of their faith in Jesus. However, they sought to encourage one another not through emotional sharing, but through Jesus Christ. Their focus was not on emotions but on the real hope in Christ, continually encouraging each other with the promise that Jesus would return soon.

Revelation 1:1 NLT

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John,

Revelation 4:1 NASB 2020

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.”

Revelation 21:1–2 LBP

Then I saw a new earth (with no oceans!) and a new sky, for the present earth and sky had disappeared. And I, John, saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven. It was a glorious sight, beautiful as a bride at her wedding.

12. When they heard that John received the Revelation from Jesus, they were greatly encouraged, knowing that Jesus had not forgotten them. Although their circumstances had made it difficult for them to feel His presence, they found renewed hope in the assurance that Jesus was with them. Persecution could no longer destroy their spirit, and no tribulation could undermine their faith because of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:37–39 NRSV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

13. Where can we find our encouragement? Where is our hope? It is in Christ. Where do we gain perspective on our lives? It is in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Doctrinal reading helps us understand the Bible, while perspectival reading guides us in applying it to our lives. Faith, therefore, involves both hearing and applying the Word of God. Let us encourage one another. By listening to others and being present for them, we can offer support. When we hold someone’s hand in their time of need, even without sharing doctrine, they will be encouraged and more open to hearing our stories. Let us be the church for the sake of God’s kingdom. God is our Hope, and in Him, there is life.