Revelation Begins: Christ Over Every Chapter of History

This study is based on the sermon titled Revelation Begins: Christ Over Every Chapter of History by Matthew Maher below.

In his sermon titled "Revelation Begins: Christ Over Every Chapter of History," Pastor Matthew Maher of the Landmark Church invites us into a deep exploration of the book of Revelation. He reminds us that Revelation, fundamentally, is centered on Jesus—His cross, His crown, and His coming—as highlighted in Revelation 1:1-2. This focus is crucial because it sets the tone for understanding the profound, often complex imagery of Revelation not as mere speculation, but as essential spiritual application. Pastor Matthew underscores this by pointing to the reassurance found in Revelation 1:3, where the blessing is pronounced upon those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy. This emphasizes the book’s practical impact on our lives, urging believers to live out its messages actively, not just study them passively.

Continuing the discourse, Pastor Matthew draws our attention to the idea of the throne above ruling over all earthly thrones (Revelation 1:4-5). This concept encapsulates the very essence of Christ's sovereignty throughout history. Revelation isn't merely a narrative of future events, but a testament to Jesus' continuous authority and grace that transcends time and circumstance. The imagery of Jesus coming with the clouds (Revelation 1:7) serves as a powerful reminder that His return is both a cosmic event and a personal certainty that will be universally acknowledged, echoing Zechariah 12:10. Pastor Matthew encourages us to see these visions not as distant fantasies but as immediate calls to faith and action—the reality of Christ's love and dominion, which calls us to live as a kingdom of priests, bringing God to others and pointing others to God.

Pastor Matthew concludes by reflecting on the profound descriptions of Jesus as "the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 1:8). This portrays Jesus not only as the creator and consummator of all things but as the author of each believer's story. Across every chapter of history and each page of our lives, Jesus remains central, urging us to trust Him with our present as He holds our beginning, middle, and end in His almighty hands. Through Revelation, He assures us that our lives are threads intricately woven into His great tapestry, and as we embrace our role as His witnesses, we engage with the world as a testament to His love and authority.