Dan Sullivan the Biblescribbler

There's a LOT going on here, and it's a good one. Revelation 13 sermon.

Communion was a meal together to celebrate and proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus. It was never meant to be weaponized or even...dare I say...institutionalized.

Here is my sermon on Revelation 10 and 11.

This is my sermon on Palm Sunday.

Here is my sermon on Revelation 8.

There's a lot going on in God's thrown room! Here is my sermon on Revelation 7.

This is my communion devotional from March 2026. I was deep in Passover research when this came up, so you get, as you should, a lot of Passover teaching in this short devo before communion.

I’m experimenting with the little short that’s reflection on some current events and some Bible verses that I have read.

In this episode, we dive into the cosmic "weirdness" of Revelation 12. While many get lost in "wild" end-times theories, we stay focused on the central truth: all Scripture points to Jesus. We explore the symbolic war between the Woman (Israel) and the Great Red Dragon, the significance of the "rod of iron," and why the devil’s only weapon—rebellion—is ultimately powerless against those who submit to God. By looking at the imagery of the stars, the dragon's tail, and the wilderness refuge, we discover that victory isn't won by pride or force, but by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.You can see more and a complete outline over at https://BibleScribbler.com

In this second installment of our Advent series, we move from the cradle to the cosmic throne room in Revelation 5. We examine the mystery of the seven-sealed scroll—a perfect, final draft of God’s plan that no one in all of creation is worthy to open. The tension of John’s weeping is broken by the arrival of the Lion of Judah, who surprisingly appears as a Slain Lamb. By weaving together the prophecies of Isaiah and Daniel with the humble birth of Jesus, this sermon highlights how Christ’s submission and sacrifice granted Him the ultimate authority to rule over every tribe, nation, and creature.If you want to see an outline or more, visit https://BibleScribbler.com

In this kickoff to our Advent series, we bridge the gap between 1st-century prophecy and 21st-century life. Using the imagery of video game "quest clues," we explore how Revelation 1 is packed with Old Testament references. We connect the "I AM" of Moses’ burning bush to the "Emmanuel" of Mary’s manger. This isn't just a book about the end of the world; it’s an apocalypse—a grand uncovering—of Jesus Christ. Discover how the God who was and is also promises to be the God who is to come, proving that His greatest desire is simply to be God with us - Emmanuel!

This was a communion devotional, but I cut it down a bit for your encouragement. Of all the times the Lord of Heaven could choose to come into the world, this might have been the worst! Or the best. Merry Christmas

The sermon expounds on the command in Ephesians 5:1 for believers to be imitators of God by actively choosing love and purity. This imitation begins with putting away destructive sins like bitterness, wrath, and malice (Ephesians 4:31) and replacing them with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness, modeled directly after Christ’s forgiveness toward us (Ephesians 4:32).Imitating God requires believers to walk in love as Christ did, offering themselves up in sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2). Furthermore, the sermon stresses that certain behaviors—sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness—must not even be named among saints (Ephesians 5:3). Special attention is given to covetousness, which is equated with idolatry because it involves deriving one’s identity from worldly possessions or desires rather than from God. The ultimate warning is that those who live a lifestyle defined by these sins have no inheritance in God’s kingdom. Therefore, because believers are light in the Lord, they must walk as children of light, allowing their transformed lives to become a clear, compelling testimony for Christ.

In my sermon on Ephesians 4, I contrasted the futile life of a "Gentile," which starts with a hard heart and leads to a darkened understanding, with our new life in Christ. I explained that we're not just improved versions of our old selves; we are a brand-new creation. The old me is dead and buried, and I have put on Christ himself. Because of this, I must live differently. This means speaking truth, handling anger in a godly way, working to provide for others, and building people up with my words, all while putting away bitterness and wrath.

After a little intro about Rosh Hashannah, I get to the sermon on Ephesians 4. Discover the incredible truth that God can do far more abundantly than we can ask or imagine, empowering us through the Holy Spirit. This sermon, based on Ephesians 3:20–4:7, urges believers to live a life worthy of their calling with humility, gentleness, and patience.The core mandate is to maintain the unity of the Spirit by focusing on the seven foundations we share: one Body, one Spirit, one Hope, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, and one God and Father. Learn how Christ's love enables us to bear with one another and keep the peace in the church.God's Boundless Power and the Call to Unity

The Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian church with all of the ooomph and passion that he can muster after Ephesians 1 and 2. He's fired up! This also gives is a great example of the things we want for people...the things we want to change in other people...are really just that they would know and experience Jesus.

This is one funny line I came across out of context. I share this for your own laughter, or for you to play upon entering the Cracker Barrel.

Of course. Here is a summary of the sermon:This sermon on Ephesians 3 explores the "mystery" of the gospel, which Paul reveals is God's plan to unite both Jews and Gentiles as equal heirs in Christ. I explain that Paul saw his ministry as a stewardship—being entrusted with God's immense grace to preach the "unsearchable riches" of Jesus to everyone. The Church's cosmic purpose is to serve as a living display of God's wisdom to the heavenly realms. All believers can approach God with boldness and confidence through faith. It's not based on our works y'all!

A. Biblical Context: Zechariah is one of the last three prophets of the Old Testament, along with Haggai and Malachi.B. Historical Setting:The sermon is set in the second year of King Darius.Zechariah is the grandson of Iddo, a priest who returned to Jerusalem with Nehemiah and Ezra after the 70-year Babylonian exile. This is roughly 80 years after their return.C. State of Jerusalem:The city, temple, and homes are in ruins from war and looting.The people have returned physically but have fallen back into the same sins (idol worship, oppressing the poor) that led to their exile.A. The Core Plea: The main message from God is, "Return to me... and I will return to you." This is a call for a spiritual and heartfelt return, not just a physical one.B. Warning and Hope:Warning: The people must change their ways to avoid a worse fate. They are reminded that their ancestors ignored the prophets, who were often persecuted.Hope: The last part of Zechariah offers a promise of what will happen when the people truly return to God.C. God's Promise of Restoration:God declares He is "exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion."He is angry with the nations (like Babylon) that went too far in punishing Israel.He promises to return to Jerusalem with mercy, ensuring the temple will be rebuilt and the city will "overflow with prosperity."A. Vision 1: The HorsesDescription: Zechariah sees different colored horses sent to patrol the earth.Meaning: They report that the earth is "at rest," signifying that God is in complete control, even if Jerusalem is in shambles.God's Response: When Zechariah despairs, God answers with "gracious and comforting words."B. Vision 2: The Four Horns and Four CraftsmenThe Horns: Represent all the nations of the world that scattered the people of Israel.The Craftsmen: Symbolize a force sent by God to punish those nations for their excessive cruelty.C. Vision 3: The Man with the Measuring LineDescription: A man measures Jerusalem.Meaning: Jerusalem will become so prosperous and populated that it will not need physical walls for protection.God's Protection: God Himself will be a "wall of fire" around the city, and His glory will be in its midst. This is a call for all exiles to return, as whoever harms them "touches the apple of his eye."D. Vision 4: Joshua the High PriestThe Scene: Joshua, the high priest, stands before God in filthy garments, with Satan accusing him.The Cleansing: God rebukes Satan and calls Joshua a "brand plucked from the fire." He commands that Joshua's filthy clothes (representing sin/iniquity) be replaced with clean ones.The Messianic Prophecy:God promises to bring His servant, the "Branch" (interpreted as Jesus).He speaks of a single, perfect stone with seven eyes, symbolizing omniscience.Through this, God will "remove the iniquity of this land in a single day."New Testament Connection (Hebrews 10): This single-day removal of sin is fulfilled by Jesus Christ's one-time sacrifice, which perfects God's people for all time.The Final Promise: A future of immense peace and prosperity, where everyone will invite their neighbor to sit "under his vine and under his fig tree."I. Introduction to ZechariahII. Zechariah's Message: A Call to Return (Chapters 1-3)III. The Visions of Zechariah

Recap of Last Week: Lord's Prayer context – God desires to give us good gifts, especially the Holy Spirit.Jesus's Teaching: God's ultimate gift is Himself, in the form of the Holy Spirit.Context: Jesus's final, crucial instructions before His departure.The Vine and Branches (John 15):Abide in Jesus; stay in His life and teachings.The world will hate those who follow Jesus, just as it hated Him (John 15:18-19, 25).Disciples' sorrow over Jesus leaving.Introduction of the Helper/Spirit of Truth (John 15:26-27; John 16:7-11):The Helper (Holy Spirit, Counselor, Guide) will be sent from the Father.He will bear witness about Jesus, and disciples will also bear witness.Purpose of the Helper's Coming:To keep believers from falling away, even amidst persecution and martyrdom.It's advantageous for Jesus to leave so the Helper can come.The Helper will convict the world concerning:Sin: Because they do not believe in Jesus.Righteousness: Because Jesus goes to the Father (Pharisees thought they were righteous but killed Jesus).Judgment: Because the ruler of this world (the devil) is judged (sin and death are broken by Jesus's resurrection).The Holy Spirit's Guidance and Submission (John 16:12-15):Will guide believers in all truth.Will not speak on His own authority, but what He hears (from the Father).Will declare future things and glorify Jesus.The Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is in a constant state of submission to each other.The Holy Spirit brings communication from God (Father and Son) to the believer.After Jesus's Ascension: Pentecost – Holy Spirit comes, church grows and disperses.Apollos in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-28):Eloquent man, knew scriptures, fervent in spirit.Taught accurately about Jesus but only knew John's baptism (repentance, not Holy Spirit).Priscilla and Aquila explained the way of God more accurately.Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7):Encounters believers who had not heard of the Holy Spirit.Baptized them in the name of Jesus.When Paul laid hands on them, they received the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, and prophesied.Definition: Teachings derived from a single verse or isolated instance in the Bible.Dangers:Can be out of context with the rest of Scripture.Example: "Second Work of Grace" (1860s, John Wesley): Idea that a second experience after belief leads to sanctification, based on instances like Ephesus and Samaria where the Holy Spirit came later.Legalism: Loves single-verse doctrines to create rules and steps for receiving the Holy Spirit (e.g., "eight steps").Pride: Promotes boasting about achieving certain spiritual experiences.Encouragement: Single-verse doctrines can foster humility and curiosity, prompting deeper study of the entire Bible.Truth Check: Any teaching from the Holy Spirit will not contradict Jesus's teachings, as the Holy Spirit speaks what He hears from Jesus.Paul's Letter to Ephesians: Addresses Christians who now have the Holy Spirit.Call to Unity (Ephesians 4:1-6):Walk worthy of your calling with humility, gentleness, patience, and love.Maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.Christian Maturity: To know Jesus and grow in Him."Filling" of the Holy Spirit:Not about gaining more of the Spirit (He has no quantity).About increasing the measure of our lives guided by the Holy Spirit's will over our own.Compared to a cup that keeps getting bigger each time it's refilled.Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:29-30):Live for God, grow, and thrive in the Spirit.Avoid corrupting talk and actions that give opportunity to the devil.You cannot lose the Holy Spirit, but you can grieve Him.Sealed for Redemption (Ephesians 4:30):When you believe, you are permanently sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption.This signifies a new creation; the old is gone (no need for works to achieve this).The Holy Spirit's primary work is to help us and bring unity, guiding us in Jesus's teachings.

I'm going to spend a few weeks talking about the Holy Spirit, so here is sermon number one, starting in Genesis 1:1.

This is my June 2025 sermon on Pentecost. I got insight for this sermon from the folks over at https://alephbeta.org/ and more. I spend a lot of time in Exodus so that you can really appreciate what happened in Acts 2. The Old Testament is like a bunch of barrels of gun powder, then the life of Jesus is the spark!

Elisha's death is the end of an era. Moses to Joshuah, David to Solomon, now Elijah to Elisha kind of ends with a little peep. There is a lot of interesting stuff all around it that the writers and the Holy Spirit put in there for us.

There has been a lot of talk lately about Trump being Jehu and "casting down Jezebel." Well wouldn't you know it, I'm just minding my own business and preaching through the kings, and this week and a half before the 2024 election, I'm preaching on Jehu. This is my most political sermon ever, and I hope it stays that way.

This is my sermon on the opening of 1 Kings. Ahab has died and his son has taken over. He doesn't last long. Elijah shows some of his power and some of his weakness in this chapter too.

Ahab was a sneaky guy. He leverage the weakness of Jehosophat a little and in the end it brought about his death.

This is my sermon on the first few kings after King Solomon died. Of course, you get a little communion devotional in this one before-hand.

As Jeroboam and Rehoboam figure out how they are going to be kings, they soon discover that they have to share a split kingdom. Ten tribes in the north, ruled by Jeroboam, continue on the trajectory set up by Solomon and his 700+ pagan temples.

With Solomon, the 'wisest' king of Israel out of the way, the stage is set for David's dynasty to live on...sort of. If only these guys could keep to the Lord's ways.

In this sermon, we finish off Solomon. It's pretty horrible how it ended for him, and I don't think we draw enough attention to it.

We can't talk about Solomon and the reign of kings without spending some time on Solomon's temple. There is a lot of cool stuff in here.

This is my sermon about how the Holy Spirit shows up in the Old Testament and what that means for the New Testament.

This is my sermon on Jesus' last words after He rose from the dead. It's the great commission!

This is my sermon from Easter Sunday and it was great.

Jesus' number one task in His life was forgiveness. Here's how it all happened and what that means for all of us.

This is my sermon about Palm Sunday and some of the wild prophecies that Jesus might have fullfilled from back in 586 BC.

This is my sermon on Jesus talking to God, Moses, and Elijah all at the same time!

This is my sermon about Jesus sending out the 72, the 12, and the US (you and me!)

This is my sermon on the name Jesus sometimes goes by: Son of Man. It's a good one!

This is my sermon on Jesus healing the servant of the Centurion, an 'official,' and a couple blind guys. I also talk about how these give us insight into how to pray and what Jesus does with us when we pray.

After Jesus talked to Nicodemus and the Pharisees, He went into Samaria to talk to the near-Gentiles.

This is my sermon about the Pharisees. I'm going through all of the people that Jesus met and interacted with. It's easy to think of them as the bad guys of the Bible, but that is way to simple.

This is my sermon on the 12 -- err 14 -- apostles.

Here is my sermon from Christmas 2023! God wants to be with us!

This is my sermon on Joseph and Mary for Advent, week 2. This is more a set up of what might have been on their mind when it was revealed to them that Mary was going to give birth to the Messiah.

This is my sermon on Zechariah and Elizabeth and the coming of John the Baptist.

This is my sermon on some of the key judges mentioned in the book of Judges. I didn't want to give a whole Sunday to Samson.

2 Samuel 13 Sermon by Dan Sullivan

This is my second week talking about David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12.

This is my first week of talking about David and Bathsheba from 2 Samuel 12