More About Jesus - Bob Shelton

The sermon explains that the Holy Spirit's restraining influence will cease at the rapture of the Church, allowing the rise of the Antichrist. It argues that the Spirit remains omnipresent to save souls during the Tribulation, citing the conversion of millions after the Church is gone. The speaker identifies the Antichrist as emerging from a revived ten-nation European confederacy, fulfilling prophecies in Daniel and Revelation. Historical attempts to unite Europe are presented as precursors to this final political entity. The message urges listeners to recognize these signs as evidence that Christ's return is imminent.

The sermon outlines three primary reasons for fulfilling the Great Commission found in Mark 16:15. First, believers go because it is a direct command from Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, rather than a suggestion. Second, the urgency stems from the spiritual condition of humanity, emphasizing that all people are sinners in need of salvation and cannot be saved without acknowledging their lost state. Third, the imminent return of Christ serves as a motivating factor, with the Holy Spirit currently acting as a restrainer of iniquity through the Church until the rapture occurs. The message contrasts biblical truth with modern trends that deny human sinfulness, urging listeners to preach the gospel to every creature before time runs out.

The sermon explores the geographical scope of Christian missions by analyzing Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It illustrates how the early church expanded its ministry beyond its local context through persecution and the scattering of believers, ultimately reaching global destinations like India and China. The narrative emphasizes that every believer's current location serves as their starting point for evangelism, mirroring the apostolic journey. By highlighting historical examples such as the Apostle Thomas, the message underscores the urgency and inevitability of spreading the gospel worldwide. The central call to action urges Christians to actively participate in this divine mandate without hesitation or limitation.

The sermon urges believers to actively engage in God's work immediately, drawing from the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21. It highlights three primary motivations for this urgency: obedience to Christ's command, the severe consequences of neglecting opportunities for evangelism, and the imminent return of Jesus. The speaker warns that failing to serve can result in being set aside by God and losing future rewards at the judgment seat of Christ, rather than losing salvation. Emphasizing the unpredictability of the Rapture and current global signs, the message calls every Christian to respond faithfully to their specific calling without delay.

The sermon contrasts the saving power of the gospel with the insufficiency of human religion, emphasizing that salvation comes through God reaching down to humanity rather than people reaching up. It highlights the historical reality of Jesus' virgin birth, vicarious death, and literal resurrection as the unique foundation of Christian faith. The speaker illustrates this truth through a personal missionary anecdote comparing Buddhist relics to the living Christ who conquered death. The message then returns to the parable in Matthew 21, defining the work of missions as reaching people with the gospel and teaching them to do the same. This process involves committing the unchanging content of the faith to faithful men who will disciple others and continue the cycle of evangelism.

The sermon emphasizes that every Christian serves as God's ambassador in the task of world evangelism, extending beyond just traveling to foreign fields. Drawing from Matthew 21 and Luke 14, it clarifies that the divine command is not merely to go, but to work by reaching people with the message of salvation. The speaker illustrates this through personal experiences in Vietnam, highlighting the necessity of learning local languages and utilizing various methods like medical ministry to effectively connect with others. The central argument asserts that cultural change is not the primary goal; rather, the focus remains on preaching the gospel so individuals may repent and trust in Jesus Christ. Ultimately, believers are urged to engage fully in this work, whether by going personally or supporting through prayer and provision, to ensure the message reaches every creature.

The sermon outlines four distinct ways Christians can participate in world evangelism: going in person, sending others by proxy, providing financial support, and praying for missionaries. It emphasizes that while not everyone is called to be a foreign missionary, every believer has a vital role to play through generous giving and intercession. The speaker strongly advocates for supporting missions through local churches rather than independent ministries, highlighting the biblical principle of liberality found in 2 Corinthians 8. Additionally, the message encourages immediate and heartfelt financial contributions, warning against selfish motives and urging believers to give while they are alive. Finally, it underscores the power of prayer as a means of traveling spiritually to the mission field, citing Ephesians 6 and Thessalonians 3 as biblical foundations for this support.

The sermon focuses on the personal responsibility of every believer to engage in world evangelism, using the parable of the two sons to illustrate that God addresses each individual directly. It distinguishes between those called to physically go to foreign fields and those who participate by proxy through financial support and prayer. The speaker emphasizes that while not everyone is called to be a foreign missionary, all Christians are commissioned to reach their immediate context or support those who do. A historical account of Dick Hillis and his supporter Roger Dahmer serves as a practical example of how individuals can fulfill the mission mandate from afar. The central message urges listeners to recognize their specific role in God's work rather than remaining passive observers.

The sermon distinguishes between the judgment seat of Christ for believers and the great white throne judgment for unbelievers, emphasizing that Christians are judged based on their works rather than their sins. It explains that while all sin is erased through Christ's sacrifice, believers will appear before Christ to receive rewards or suffer loss depending on the eternal value of their actions. The speaker outlines five specific crowns of reward corresponding to different aspects of faithful Christian living, such as self-denial and evangelism. These rewards are not earned by merit but are granted by God's grace to those who live by the Holy Spirit's power. Ultimately, the purpose of these rewards is to enable believers to cast their crowns at Jesus' feet in worship, acknowledging His sole worthiness.

The sermon examines the theological significance of the Book of Life and the Lamb's Book of Life, emphasizing that while all human names are initially recorded at conception, they are removed for those who die without faith in Christ. It clarifies that eternal security is guaranteed only upon accepting Jesus as Savior, ensuring one's name remains permanently inscribed. The preacher warns against the finality of the Great White Throne judgment and the Lake of Fire for unbelievers, contrasting this with God's desire for universal salvation. Through personal testimony and biblical exposition, the message urges listeners to respond immediately to the gospel before it is too late. Ultimately, the central call is to ensure one's name is found in the Lamb's Book of Life through genuine repentance and trust in Christ.

The sermon explores the theological significance of the Book of Life in relation to the Great White Throne Judgment and eternal destiny. It distinguishes between those whose names are blotted out due to unbelief and believers whose names are guaranteed retention through faith in Christ. The speaker emphasizes that salvation is entirely a result of God's grace rather than human merit or works. Viewers are urged to respond to this grace by accepting Jesus as Savior while there is still opportunity. The message concludes with an urgent call to repentance and trust in the Lamb's Book of Life for eternal security.

The sermon explores the theological significance of the Book of Life, arguing that while every human name is initially recorded there, it is removed upon death without faith in Christ. The speaker strongly opposes limited atonement, asserting that God's desire for salvation extends to all people rather than just a preselected elect. By analyzing key passages such as John 3:16 and Isaiah 53:6, the message emphasizes that Jesus died for the entire world and that God is not willing that any should perish. The preacher clarifies that true salvation requires recognizing one's sinfulness and repenting, rather than merely reciting a prayer without heart change. Ultimately, the sermon serves as an urgent invitation for all listeners to accept Christ's provision for their sins.

The sermon explores the theological concept of names being blotted out of the Book of Life, identifying two primary causes: accepting the mark of the beast during the tribulation and dying without faith in Christ. It addresses the dilemma of those who have never heard the gospel by citing Romans 1 and Psalm 19 to argue that general revelation through creation provides sufficient knowledge of God to hold humanity accountable. The preacher asserts that anyone who responds in faith to this natural revelation will receive further light until they understand the gospel. This perspective emphasizes that all people are without excuse for rejecting God, as His existence is clearly discernible in the world around them. The message serves as a sobering reminder of the urgency of sharing the gospel and the finality of eternal destiny.

The sermon distinguishes between the judgment seat of Christ for believers and the Great White Throne judgment for unbelievers, emphasizing that both involve a record of works. It explains that while believers are judged for rewards, unbelievers are judged for punishment based on their sins recorded in books. The central message highlights Jesus' atonement on the cross, which erases all sins for those who accept Him as Savior. The speaker introduces the Book of Life, noting that names can be blotted out, and urges listeners to trust in Christ to avoid eternal condemnation.

The sermon outlines Satan's desperate strategy to assemble the world's military forces in Israel during the end of the tribulation period. This gathering is designed to oppose Christ's second coming, but the effort proves futile against divine power. The speaker emphasizes that every nation will face God's wrath in the battle of Armageddon. The message shifts to the theological necessity of Christ's incarnation for human redemption. Finally, listeners are urged to exercise their free will and invite Jesus into their hearts as penitent sinners.

The sermon explores the role of Egypt in biblical prophecy, specifically identifying it as the 'king of the south' who leads a revolt against the Antichrist during the end times. Drawing primarily from Daniel chapter 11, the message outlines how the Antichrist, believed to be of Jewish descent, will initially gain power before facing opposition from Egypt, Russia, and nations in the east. The preacher emphasizes that while these opposing forces are anti-God, their rebellion ultimately fails as God's sovereign plan unfolds during the tribulation period. The narrative connects these events to judgments described in Revelation, highlighting the massive scale of the conflict involving armies from the east. The presentation concludes by inviting listeners to continue studying God's prophetic book to understand the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ over these earthly powers.

The sermon examines the role of Egypt in biblical prophecy, establishing that it will remain neutral during the end-times invasion of Israel by Gog's coalition. While other nations may lodge verbal protests, no human power will come to Israel's aid, leaving the nation militarily defenseless and relying solely on divine intervention. God responds with a catastrophic earthquake and internal chaos among the invading armies, destroying five-sixths of their forces in judgment. This event marks a pivotal moment where God alone defends His people before the rise of the Antichrist. The message concludes with an urgent call for listeners to prepare spiritually for the imminent rapture of the Church.

The sermon examines the prophetic significance of Egypt's absence from Ezekiel 38, contrasting it with the inclusion of other nations in a future confederacy against Israel. The speaker identifies Gog as a leader from Magog, linking ancient genealogies to modern Russia and its allies such as Iran, Iraq, Germany, and Turkey. By analyzing biblical text and historical footnotes, the preacher argues that these nations will unite militarily while Egypt remains outside this alliance. This exclusion highlights the unique geopolitical relationship between Egypt and Israel in end-times scenarios. The message concludes with an urgent call to spiritual readiness for the imminent return of Christ.

The sermon emphasizes the biblical doctrine of the imminent return of Christ to rapture His church—His sudden, unexpected coming at any moment, not contingent on specific prophetic events or human-determined dates. It critiques various eschatological views, including mid-tribulation, pre-wrath, and post-tribulation rapture positions, arguing that any delay or required sequence of events undermines the very essence of imminence. The preacher warns against the dangers of date-setting, citing historical failures like the 1988 and 2011 rapture predictions, which erode faith in Christ's sudden return. Instead, the message calls believers to live in holy anticipation, grounded in Scripture rather than speculative prophecy, and to purify themselves in light of Christ's imminent return, as taught in 1 John 3:2–3. The tone is pastoral and urgent, urging listeners to remain vigilant and faithful, anchored in the Word alone.

The sermon explores the nature of life during the millennial kingdom, emphasizing that while the era will be marked by peace, prosperity, and the absence of natural death, human beings born during this time will still possess free will and the capacity to reject Christ. Though they inherit the blood of Adam and live under perfect conditions, they must personally accept Jesus as Savior, just as believers do today, and those who persist in rebellion will face penal judgment, resulting in death not from natural causes but as a consequence of their defiance. The text highlights Isaiah 65:20 and Revelation 20 to illustrate that even after a thousand years of divine rule, some will reject Christ, culminating in a final revolt led by Satan against the heavenly city, which is swiftly destroyed by divine fire. This underscores the enduring reality that eternal life is not inherited through environment or lineage but requires a personal, faith-based response to Christ. The sermon concludes with a sobering call to repentance, reminding listeners that no amount of earthly perfection can substitute for a genuine, heart-felt surrender to Jesus.

The sermon centers on the millennial kingdom, a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth following the Tribulation, emphasizing that participation in the 'first resurrection' determines who will reign with Him. This resurrection occurs in multiple stages: the rapture of the church, the revival of the two witnesses (Elijah and Moses) during the Tribulation, and the glorification of Old Testament and tribulation martyrs at Christ's return to Earth. Those who partake in this resurrection—believers from all ages, including saved individuals who survive the Tribulation in mortal bodies—will be granted eternal life, immunity from the second death, and priestly roles in Christ's kingdom. The tone is hopeful and instructive, underscoring the biblical hope of bodily resurrection and divine justice, while preparing listeners for future eschatological questions about the fate of future generations and unbelievers at the millennium's end.

The sermon presents a detailed eschatological framework centered on the judgments following the Battle of Armageddon, emphasizing distinct destinies for key figures and groups. It highlights the immediate casting of the Antichrist and the False Prophet into the lake of fire—distinct from hell and reserved for those who have served Satan most profoundly—while all other unbelievers first go to hell before the resurrection of damnation and the final judgment at the great white throne. The sermon underscores the eternal nature of punishment, affirming that the lake of fire is a place of conscious, unending torment, where even Satan will join the Antichrist and False Prophet after the millennium, having endured a full thousand years of torment. It draws a clear distinction between hell, the bottomless pit, and the lake of fire, affirming their unique roles in God's final judgment. Ultimately, the message is a sobering call to repentance, urging listeners to accept Christ before it is too late, as the lake of fire was not prepared for humanity but for the devil and his angels.

This sermon confronts the modern secularization of Christmas, arguing that the holiday has been reduced to consumerism and mythic figures like Santa Claus, obscuring its true theological significance. It emphasizes that the birth of Jesus was not an isolated event but the beginning of a divine mission culminating in His death and resurrection, as evidenced by the prophetic themes woven throughout Scripture. The preacher calls for a return to a Christ-centered celebration that acknowledges the cross as the ultimate purpose of the manger, urging believers to view Christmas not as a cultural tradition but as a sacred remembrance of salvation through sacrifice. The tone is both pastoral and urgent, seeking to reorient the audience's focus from festive distractions to the profound reality of God's redemptive plan. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to personally embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior, making the true meaning of Christmas a transformative, life-changing encounter.

The sermon presents a profound reflection on the true meaning of Christmas, centered on the incarnation of Jesus Christ as the divine Savior, emphasizing that His birth was not merely a historical event but a redemptive act of God's love. Drawing from Luke 2, it highlights the varied responses of key figures—Mary, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, the wise men, and God the Father—each embodying different dimensions of worship, recognition, and anticipation of the Messiah. The message underscores that Christ's coming was necessary for atonement, as He alone could shed blood and die for the sins of humanity, fulfilling the divine requirement that 'without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.' The sermon calls listeners to recognize Jesus not as a cultural symbol but as the eternal Son of God who became flesh to bear the world's sin, inviting personal faith and surrender during this sacred season.

Scripture is complete, ending with John's Revelation in A.D. 96. Later writings like the Gnostic gospels contradict the Bible and cannot be inspired. Satan still challenges God's Word, but believers must trust Scripture's truth, read it with an open heart, and find salvation and purpose through Christ revealed in its pages.

Following the Great Tribulation, surviving Jews are gathered in the wilderness for judgment. Believing Jews (wise virgins) are spared and enter the Millennial Kingdom in mortal bodies, while unbelievers (foolish virgins) are cast into hell. This fulfills Matthew 24:40, illustrating God's righteous separation and preparation for His kingdom.

Matthew 24:40 refers not to the rapture, but Christ's return after the Great Tribulation. Believers are caught up in the rapture, while unbelievers remain on earth. At Armageddon, the armies of Satan will be destroyed and cast into hell, fulfilling Jesus' warning: "two in the field, one taken, one left."

During the Great Tribulation, the final three and a half years of Daniel's 70th week, believers will endure severe judgments. The 144,000 Jewish first fruits will be saved first, followed by multitudes of Gentiles. The gospel of the kingdom will spread globally, preparing hearts for Christ's Millennial reign.

The Olivet Discourse teaches that during the Great Tribulation, believers face persecution, yet salvation comes through faith in Christ, not endurance. Eternal life begins when Christ enters the heart. Those who endure tribulation may be spared physical death, but their eternal salvation rests solely on God's promise, not performance.

The 70th week of Daniel spans seven years: the first half is the "beginning of sorrows," the second the Great Tribulation. Antichrist stops temple sacrifices midweek, fulfilling the abomination of desolation. Believing Jews will flee, preach the gospel, and God will save multitudes from all nations.

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 24 aligns with Revelation 6: the first three-and-a-half years bring war, famine, and death, "the beginning of sorrows." The latter half becomes the Great Tribulation with severe persecution. Preparations in Israel for a future temple highlight prophecy's nearness, pointing ultimately to Christ's saving work.

Jesus' Olivet Discourse addresses the destruction of Jerusalem and His return to establish the Millennial Kingdom, not the rapture. Believers await His imminent coming to receive the church, while His visible return occurs after the tribulation. Signs pertain to His earthly return, not the church's gathering.

Jesus foretold Jerusalem's fall, fulfilled in A.D. 70, yet Scripture shows God is not finished with Israel. Daniel's 70th week—seven future years—awaits the rise of Antichrist after the church's rapture. The Olivet Discourse introduces these coming events and affirms God's continuing purposes for Israel.

True faith comes only from God's Word, not human effort or vague belief. Though we can't understand everything—God's nature, the virgin birth, or Christ bearing our sins—we trust Scripture. The Bible reveals salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection, calling every sinner to believe and be redeemed.

The Bible is God's complete revelation, finished in the first century. Later writings that oppose Scripture cannot be inspired. Though Satan still sows doubt, believers must hold to God's unchanging Word. Those who read it with sincerity find its truth, authority, and the way of salvation through Christ.

The Bible proclaims God's Word as absolute truth, affirming creation by His command and standing firm against modern doubts. Though many challenge Scripture, believers rest on its reliability. God's revelation centers on Christ's love, sacrifice, and saving grace, offering a steady anchor for faith in every age.

Psalm 130 calls believers to cry from the heart, confess sin, and trust God's forgiveness. Even Christians struggle with iniquity, but immediate confession restores fellowship. Waiting on the Lord builds patience and hope, assured that His mercy and redemption bring relief, guidance, and ultimate restoration, both personally and for Israel.

At salvation, every Christian receives the Holy Spirit, making their body God's temple. The Spirit comforts, teaches, and guides believers into truth. Daily reliance on Him ensures spiritual growth and effective service. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the supreme manifestation of new life and union with Christ.

The final miracle in John's Gospel reveals salvation and the Christian life. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on His disciples, giving them new life, guidance, and assurance. This act mirrors God's creative breath, marking the believer's indwelling by the Spirit and foreshadowing Pentecost's fuller empowerment.

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power over death and offering hope to believers. The miracle reveals God's glory, assures salvation for those in Christ, and comforts the sorrowful. Lazarus' restored life illustrates new life in Christ, freedom from sin, and God's compassion for human grief.

Jesus heals a man born blind, revealing God's power and purpose. The man progresses from seeing Jesus as a man, then a prophet, and ultimately as the Son of God. Despite opposition, his faith grows, illustrating the transformation from physical blindness to spiritual sight and recognition of Christ's divinity.

Jesus, seeing a man blind from birth, demonstrates His care and purpose. The disciples questioned sin as the cause, but Jesus explained the blindness was to manifest God's works. This miracle illustrates how physical blindness symbolizes spiritual need and highlights the transformative power of God in human lives.

Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 illustrates His compassion, divine knowledge, and power. Human limitations cannot hinder God's work. While disciples doubted, God provided abundantly. The miracle teaches reliance on God, His generous provision, and the freely offered gift of salvation to all who come to Him in faith.

Jesus, moved by compassion, fed the five thousand, showing His care for both physical and spiritual needs. Despite seeking rest, He identified with the crowd's hunger and provided abundantly. This miracle illustrates that Christ knows our needs today and invites everyone to turn to Him for help and salvation.

The healing at Bethesda shows our inability, the weight of sin, and Christ's restoring power. Some suffer for God's purposes, others through sin, yet only God can save. When a person admits their need and turns to Christ in faith, He brings the spiritual wholeness no one else can give.

John's third miracle highlights human inability and Christ's compassion. The man at Bethesda, helpless for 38 years and hindered by others, pictures our spiritual need. Jesus alone brings healing and new life, calling us from selfish striving to trust His grace shown supremely at the cross.

Christ's miracles draw people to believe in Him. The healing of the nobleman's son shows that God enters both joy and sorrow, calling us to trust Him not for signs but for who He is. True salvation comes when faith rests, not in ourselves, but in the sure Word of God.

In this sermon, Dr. Bob Shelton expounds Psalm 34, emphasizing that God alone saves, keeps, and satisfies His people. He reminds believers that salvation comes through Christ alone, that angels protect the faithful, and that no matter the troubles or dangers, God's promises remain sure and steadfast.

Dr. Bob Shelton's message on Psalm 1 highlights the believer's call to be separated from the world, saturated with the Word, and situated by the water of the Spirit. He underscores the importance of rest, reflection, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's daily walk.