Grace Church Swansboro

Passage: Philippians 1:9-11 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and […]

Though the world’s rulers unite against Christ, the Lamb will conquer them and His called, chosen, and faithful people will share in His victory. I. The Intimidating Rise of Beastly Power – 17:7-13. II. The Eventual Fall of Beastly Power – 17:15-18. See also Proverbs 14:12 III. The Certain Victory of the Lamb and His […]

We must recognize and resist the seductive power of Babylon the Great, the world system that opposes Christ. I. The Development of Babylon the Great. See also Gen. 9:1; Gen 11:4 II. The Description of Babylon the Great. III. The Danger of Babylon the Great. See also 1 John 2:16-17; Luke 12:15; Mark 8:36 Application […]

Look forward and prepare for the final Day when God destroys all wickedness, vindicates all justice, and makes the great declaration, “It is done!” I. The Declaration of the Judgment Complete – 16:17b. See also Isaiah 45:23 II. The Destruction of Judgment Applied – 16:17a, 18-20. See also Hebrews 12:28 III. The Defiance of Judgment […]

Armageddon is not the triumph of evil, but the final, futile rage of the nations gathered against the Lordship of Christ. I. The Darkness of the Nations’ Rage – 16:12-14. See also 2 Thess 2:9-12 II. The Answer to the Nations’ Rage – 16:15. See also Titus 2:11-14 III. The Gathering of the Nations’ Rage […]

The unconverted human heart curses God and clings to sin even under the fiercest judgment. I. The Wicked’s Response to Judgment #1 = Blasphemy. See also Exodus 20:7; Romans 8:7 II. The Wicked’s Response to Judgment #2 = Lack of Repentance. See also Ezekiel 36:26-27; Jeremiah 31:33 Application    

See God’s judgment from heaven’s perspective. God’s holiness demands that evil be righteously punished by pouring out His cup of wrath. I. Final Judgment Poured Out – 16:1-4. II. Final Judgment Explained and Affirmed – 16:5-7. Application    

Avoid error by interpreting unclear or symbolic passages in light of the clear teaching passages in Scripture. I. The Day of the Lord. See also 1 Thess. 4:16; John 5:28-29; 2 Peter 3:10, 13 II. Revelation 16. Application “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be […]

Take God’s holiness seriously by repenting of your sin and trusting in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation! I. The Sanctuary Opened – 15:5-7. See also Exodus 38:21, 31:18 II. The Priests Come Forth – 15:6-7. III. The Sanctuary Closed – 15:8. Application Take God’s holiness seriously! “For the wages of sin is death, but […]

Embrace your victory in the righteous judgment of your God. I. The Glorious Scene in Heaven – 15:1-2. See also Psalm 33:1-3 II. The Glorious Song of Heaven – 15:3-4. See also Exodus 15:11; Jeremiah 10:7; Psalm 86:9, 145:17-20 Application    

Jesus Christ fully accomplished our salvation by His life, death, and resurrection on our behalf, and everything necessary for our inclusion in His salvation is granted to us freely through the gospel. I. Christ = See also Isaiah 9:6-7 II. Died = See also Genesis 3:15; Psalm 22:16-17; Isaiah 53:8-9 III. For His enemies! = […]

Make every effort to grow in God’s grace by daily meeting with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. I. Growing in grace is a command – 2 Peter 3:18. See also 2 Peter 1:5 II. Growing in grace is through the Word – Matt. 4:4. See also Psalm 1:1-2; Col. 3:16 Application “The […]

Anchor your hope in God’s steadfast faithfulness in Christ, and trust Him to provide all you need to walk in humble obedience. I. God’s grace for the lowly (vv. 26-30). II. God’s Impossible Promise: The Holy Son of God (vv. 31-37). III. Mary’s faith: humble, trusting obedience (vv. 34-38).    

Faith waits. Christ is Coming. And that changes everything! I. Simeon was an ordinary man (v. 25). II. Simeon was a godly man (v. 25). III. Simeon was a waiting man (v. 25). IV. The Unique promise given to Simeon (v. 26). V. God’s Promise to Simeon is fulfilled as he sees Salvation (vv. 28-30). […]

The shepherds serve as a great example of the truth that God prioritizes the lowly. I. Shepherds in the Field – 2:8. II. Angels in the Sky – 2:9-14. III. Shepherds in Bethlehem – 2:15-20. Application See also: Isaiah 57:15, 61:1; Matthew 5:3; James 2:5; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

God calls us to trust and obey Him even when His purposes are hard to understand, because in Jesus He has come to be with us and to save us. I. Joseph’s Dilemma – 1:18-19. See also Micah 6:8; Deuteronomy 22:23-24 II. Joseph’s Dream – 1:20-23. See also Galatians 4:4 III. Joseph’s Determination – 1:24-25. […]

True gratitude does not flow from striving for a positive mental attitude. It flows from a Spirit-produced confidence that God is in control and He is good in every circumstance. I. True Gratitude is a Command to Faith. See also Col. 3:16-17; Phil. 4:6-7 II. True Gratitude is a Fruit of Faith. See also Psalm […]

At the appointed time, Christ, the Son of Man, will harvest the earth—gathering His people into safety and casting the wicked into the winepress of God’s wrath. I. The Wheat Harvest – 14:14-16. See also Matt. 24:30; Mark 4:29; Matt. 24:31 II. The Grape Harvest – 14:17-20. “The love that saves is the same holiness […]

The world is divided by loyalty — those who are loyal to the world face eternal judgment, and those loyal to Christ receive eternal life. I. The Danger of Loyalty to the Beast – 14:9-11. See also Matt. 6:24, 25:46, 18:9 “Eternal punishment is as necessary as eternal salvation. Heaven will forever demonstrate God’s grace; […]

Because He loves us, the Lord silences our accuser, removes our guilt, and clothes us in the righteousness of Christ. I. The Accuser of the Brethren – 3:1. II. The Justifier of the Brethren – 3:2-5. “In Joshua we behold the believer, silent under guilt, and in the Angel we see Christ, who not only […]

Judgment is coming on Babylon, every worldly system that exalts itself against God, so flee to Zion, the city of God, and find hope for this life and the life to come. I. Babylon the Great. See also Gen. 11:1-9 II. Babylon the Fallen. See also Isaiah 21:9 III. Babylon the Symbol. Application    

Hear the angel’s command to fear, glorify, and worship the Creator before His coming judgment. I. The Target of the Angelic Gospel – 14:6. II. The Command of the Angelic Gospel – 14:7. See also Eccl. 12:13 Application    

Be refreshed by this vision of the Lamb standing in victory on Mount Zion, surrounded by the thunderous worship of His redeemed! I. Standing in Victory – 14:1. See also Heb. 12:22-24 II. Surrounded by Thunderous Worship – 14:2-3. See also Rev. 19:6, 5:9; Zeph. 3:17 III. Satisfied with the Redeemed – 14:4-5. See also […]

I. The Antichrist of Revelation. See also Rev. 14:1; Deut. 6:8; Rev. 19:20; Rev. 20:10 II. The Antichrist outside Revelation. See also 1 John 2:18; 2 Thess 2:1-12 “This man is not merely a pre-eminently godless individual, but … in him the humanity hostile to God comes to a definitive, eschatological revelation.… The figure of […]

Live every day looking to Christ through the Word and you will not fall for the deceit of beastly religion. I. Beastly religion is an arm of the state – vv. 11-12. See also 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Matt. 7:15 II. Beastly religion includes signs and wonders – vv. 13-15. See also Deut. 13:1-3; Matt. 24:24; […]

Endure in faith even though the dragon wages war against the church by raising up beastly political powers. I. The Beast from the Sea – 13:1-2. See also Rev. 17:15; Daniel 7:1-8; Rev. 12:3 II. Characteristics of the Beast – 13:3-8. See also Dan. 7:21-22 III. Victory over the Beast – 13:9-10. See also Col. […]

We can both enter into heaven’s rejoicing and patiently endure this world’s opposition because Christ is risen and reigning over this world for His church! I. Heaven Rejoices because of the Accuser’s Eviction – 12:7-12a. See also John 12:31 II. Earth Suffers because of the Accuser’s Eviction – 12:12b-17. See also 1 John 5:2-4 Application […]

We conquer the evil one by entering into Christ’s victory, by speaking of Christ’s victory, and by prioritizing Christ’s victory. I. Conquer the Evil One by Entering Christ’s Victory. See also Col. 2:13-15; Rom 8:1 II. Conquer the Evil One by Speaking Christ’s Victory. See also Acts 4:20 III. Conquer the Evil One by Prioritizing […]

I. The Church Gathers to Proclaim Christ. See also Acts 2:42 II. The Church Scatters to Proclaim Christ. See also Mark 16:15 Application    

The birth of God’s kingdom takes place in the midst of great danger, but it is safe in the male child who rules the nations! I. The Greatest Labor – vv. 1-2. See also Gen. 37:9-10, 3:15; Micah 4:10 II. The Greatest Danger – vv. 3-4. III. The Greatest Birth – vv. 5-6. See also […]

The seventh trumpet points us to the time when God’s kingdom comes in full and is celebrated by singing His praise in His glorious presence. I. The Kingdom in the Lord’s Timing – v. 15. See also Rev. 10:7; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; Isaiah 9:6-7 II. The Kingdom in the Lord’s Songs – vv. 16-18. See […]

As Christ’s church, we are fully equipped to walk through gospel opposition through the knowledge of our eternal reward. I. God’s Witnesses are Fully Equipped – vv. 3-6. See also Jeremiah 5:14, 23:29 II. God’s Witnesses will Face Opposition – vv. 7-10. III. God’s Witnesses will Find Vindication – vv. 11-13. Application 1) The church […]

Main Point: Church, you are known and kept secure by God, but you should expect rejection, hostility, and suffering from this world. I. Security in a Measured Temple – 11:1. See also 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:16; Rev. 3:12 II. Vulnerability in a Trampled Court – 11:2. See also Rev. 21:2-3; Rev. 21:9-10 Application: 

In a world rushing toward judgment, God calls His church to boldly proclaim His gospel message that is both sweet with hope and bitter with judgment. I. The Messenger’s Glory – 10:1-4. II. The Messenger’s Oath – 10:5-7. III. The Messenger’s Scroll – 10:8-11. “When you digest the gospel and its great truths begin to […]

No amount of suffering is sufficient to produce repentance apart from divine grace. I. Dead Men Under Judgment – 9:13-19. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 “These horses of death wield death through the hellish deceit that pours forth from their mouths, hot, smoky, and rancid smelling as sulphur.” – Dennis Johnson II. Dead Men Unrepentant […]

These locusts serve as a warning: God’s temporal judgments call us to repent before the final judgment comes. I. The Tyrant and the Terror of the Locusts. See also Luke 10:18; Ephesians 6:12 II. The Target and the Torment of the Locusts. See also John 10:9; Ephesians 2:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Acts 26:18 “Here are […]

Sermon: Luke 22:14-23, From Passover to Lord’s Supper Main Point: Jesus transformed the Passover meal into The Lord’s Supper, showing himself to be the true Passover Lamb. I. From Passover to Jesus – 22:14-18 See also Exodus 6:6-7 II. From Passover to Lord’s Supper – 22:19-23. See also 1 Corinthians 10:16 Application: 1. Rejoice in […]

Sermon: Revelation 8:6-12, Echos of Exodus Be thankful for God’s judgment. Through it He calls the world to repentance and reminds His people that this world is not our home. Echo #1, The First Trumpet Judgment.see also Exodus 9:22-24; Isaiah 28:1-3 Echo #2, The Second Trumpet Judgment. Echo #3, The Third Trumpet Judgment.see also Jeremiah […]

Sermon: Nehemiah 3:1-32, Lessons in the Lord’s Work 3 Lessons in Faithfully Serving the Lord Lesson 1: The Lord’s work is not only for spiritual leaders, but for ordinary Christians (v. 1-3; 1 Thess. 1:3, 8) Lesson 2: The Lord’s work is worthy of great personal sacrifice (v. 8, 14, 32; Matt. 16:24) Lesson 3: […]

Sermon: Revelation 7:13-17, Coming Out of the Great Tribulation When is the great tribulation, and who are the ones coming out of it? I. When is the “Great Tribulation”? – v. 14 See also Revelation 1:9; 1 John 2:18; 1 Cor. 10:11 II. Who are “the ones coming out of the Great Tribulation? – vv. […]

Sermon: Revelation 7:4-12, The 144,000 of IsraelMain Point: Who are the 144,000? I.The Narration of the 144,000 – 7:4-8. See also Revelation 14:1 II.The Vision of the 144,000 – 7:9-17. “Those marked as God’s treasure by the seal of his name are securedand sheltered from his burning wrath to come. They are the people of […]

Sermon delivered by Jonathan Hood Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:49-64 O Great God (35) Christ, the Sure and Steady Anchor (406) Sermon: Luke 8:4–15, A Parable of Kingdom Reception “When you come to Christ, bring your ears with you, ears to hear, so that hearing, you might understand; understanding, you might remember; remembering, you might practice; […]

Sermon: Revelation 6:12-17, The Seal of JudgmentThe day of judgment is a just and fearful thing, so give all diligence to being sure you are ready. I.Heed the Fearful Symbols of Judgment – 6:12-14. See also Nahum 1:5; Ezekiel 32:7-8, 38:20b; Isaiah 34:4; Matthew 24:29 II.Flee the Fearful Reality of Judgment – 6:15-17. See also […]

Main Point: Prioritize and proclaim Jesus, and rest in God’s sovereignty over your life. I. The Cause of the Martyrs – v. 9. See also Romans 12:1 “When God calls a man, he bids him come and die.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer II. The Cry of the Martyrs – v. 10. See also Psalm 94:1-5 II. […]

Sermon: Revelation 6:3-8 – Seals 2-4, No Peace, No Bread, No Breath Through these seals we are introduced to God’s righteous judgment, so repent and rest in His grace in Christ our Savior & Lord.  I. Overview of the Seals, Trumpets, & Bowls. II. The Last Three Horses: Bright Red, Black, and Pale. See also […]

Sermon: Revelation 6:1-2, The Lamb and the White Horse Jesus is risen and reigning on His throne to perfectly judge evil and establish a righteous earth for His redeemed people. I. The Lamb on His Throne – 6:1. See also Acts 2:32-36; Eph. 1:20-23;  II. The Lamb on His Horse – 6:2. See also Rev. […]

Sermon: Revelation 5:10, A Kingdom of Priests As a believer in Christ, own your dual identity. In Him, you have both a kingly authority and a priestly role in His kingdom.  I. The Priesthood of the Believer. See also Heb. 10:1; Col 2:17; Heb 10:14; 1 Tim 2:5 II. Our Reign with Christ. See also […]

Main Point: Jesus, the prophesied Lion of Judah and Lamb of God, is worthy to reign over all and be worshiped by all! I. The Lamb is Worthy to Rule – 5:7. See also Matt. 28:18-20; Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 2:8 II. The Lamb is Worthy of Worship – 5:8-14 See also Psalm 95:6 “The Bible […]

I.What is this scroll? – 5:1 See also Hebrews 1:1-2 II.Who is worthy to open it? – 5:2-6 See also Genesis 49:9-10; Daniel 7:13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “This Lion-Lamb is not only at the center of heaven; He is the centerof heaven. All heaven is focused on Him, All the worshipers surroundHim and look to […]

I. In What Sense is Jesus a Father? See also Heb. 2:10-13; Eph. 1:3-4 II. The Everlasting Nature of Jesus’ Fatherhood “He was so from everlasting; for regeneration and faith don’t make men children, but make them appear to be so; God’s elect are children previous to the Spirit’s work upon them…..adoption is an act […]