Imprint Community Church

"The Millennium" in Revelation 20 is perhaps the most hotly contested passage in the book. But if we can look past the bluster of theological debate, we find that the image of the 1,000-year reign of Christ with his saints fits nicely within the book of Revelation, and is totally consistent with the book's messages and exhortations. Is the Millennium a future golden age where Jesus rules on the earth? Is it a picture of the current age before Jesus returns? Listen to Pastor Kyle expound on the themes and encouragements in this important chapter.

Following the beautiful image of the marriage supper of the Lamb, John's vision zips back in time to show us another depiction of Christ's return in judgment. The "battle scene" at the end of history reveals Jesus Christ in undeniable power, zealous for the honor of his name, and swift to claim full victory. This vision of the Lord should fill Christians with reverence and worship.

The judgment of Babylon is followed by a glorious portrayal of exuberant worship in heaven, as the Church of Jesus gathers at a banqueting table for the "marriage supper of the Lamb." This scene provides powerful encouragement to weary Christians, and a poignant picture of God's abundant grace in the gospel.

Guest preacher Mike Christ unpacks Paul's teaching in Romans 7 about our new identity in Jesus Christ, and how having "died to the law" frees us into a whole new kind of being and living in union with Christ.

Revelation 18 portrays the destruction of Babylon, the great kingdom of man that opposes God and persecutes his people. In Babylon's depravity, Babylon's destruction, and Babylon's danger, Christians receive powerful encouragement - and pointed warnings - to remain faithful to Jesus Christ in this godless age.

In a new vision, John is introduced to a beautiful woman sitting on a scarlet beast - Babylon the Prostitute. The sharp imagery of this vision portrays the real, ever-present temptations of idolatry, greed, and immorality in "the city of man." God's people are called to discernment and endurance in the face of these Satanic seductions.

Revelation 15-16 provide a sobering picture of God's final wrathful judgment upon a rebellious world. Borrowing heavily from the Exodus story and the plagues God sent upon Egypt, John conveys two undeniable realities: God delivers his people, and God destroys his enemies.

Chapter 14 concludes the cycle begun in Chapter 12, as the Lamb gathers his saints to himself and executes inescapable justice upon the wicked. This vivid chapter, juxtaposing full salvation against final judgment, is a sobering call to Christians to persevere in their faith.

John' vision introduces the Dragon's two primary agents in his war against the Church, in the form of two fearsome beasts who arise from the sea and the earth. These beasts represent Satan's primary tools in his effort to destroy, disrupt, and divide the people of God. Awareness of these dangers calls for endurance, faith, and wisdom on the part of God's people in this treacherous age.

Chapter 12 of Revelation begins the second major division of the book, in which Christ's battle with the Dragon is depicted. The cosmic drama of redemption is portrayed in the style of mythology, with vivid characters and an epic drama unfolding in the stars. Yet these grand images reveal tangible and true realities concerning the life of the Church in this broken world, awaiting the return of Christ.

Pastor Kyle concludes the summer series "Words of Life" by looking at some exhortations from Paul in 2 Corinthians, about the ministry of gospel proclamation God has entrusted to us. These principles will help equip Christians with the confidence and faith it will take to steward the gospel of the kingdom, and to point others faithfully toward the Savior of the world.

Guest speaker Mike Roach explores the famous story of Zacchaeus, a hated tax collector who was transformed by an encounter with Jesus. The grace of God in his life, and Jesus' declaration that he has come "seek and to save the lost," can arm us with compassion toward sinners around us, and challenge us to reach out in love with gospel hope.

In Acts 17, Paul delivers a shrewd and bold gospel message to the philosophers and thought leaders in Athens. In his message, we can see strategies and principles that can help us approach evangelistic conversations with unbelievers in our lives, and that remind us of the powerful grace of God in the gospel.

When a rich man asks Jesus how he can enter the Kingdom, he is disappointed by Jesus' message concerning the cost of following him. This conversation reveals the pitfalls of self-righteousness, idolatry, and the accumulation of wealth as barriers to receiving the Kingdom. Christians today need to be aware of these dangers for our own hearts, and seek to bring the gospel to bear on these idolatries in those we hope to reach for Christ.

When the disciples try to keep children from getting in the way of Jesus' ministry, the Lord has a word of rebuke for his disciples, and a warm welcome for youngsters to draw near to him. In our efforts to proclaim the gospel of grace, we must not forget the children in our churches and neighborhoods as those who need to receive Jesus in faith, and who are invited to come to him.

In Acts 8, God sends an evangelist named Philip to the chariot of a government official from Ethiopia, a man who had been made a eunuch. In this gospel conversation, we see powerful and practicable insights that Christians can employ in approaching unbelievers with the good news about Jesus.

This conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman highlights the profound grace of God in the gospel, and provides us with insights that will help us engage compassionately and courageously with unbelievers around us.

Dr. Smith considers the long patience of God with his people, and the powerlessness that comes from their lack of repentance.

Through the prophet Hosea, God gives his people a vivid portrayal of his covenant faithfulness, even in light of their rebellion and idolatry. In this message Dr. Kevin Smith reflects on the love of God and calls the church to sincere worship and faithfulness to him.

Revelation 11 introduces us to two witnesses, who have a powerful ministry of the word, but are strongly opposed by the world and the devil. A symbolic picture of the church on earth, these witnesses provide us with powerful descriptions of our calling in the world and God's unswerving commitment to save his people.