Revelation 21:1-8

Big Idea: God's ultimate plan is not destruction, but re-creation—making all things new and beautiful.

This is a key insight that changes everything: God's plan is renewal, not replacement. He's not looking to scrap everything and start over. He's looking to take what exists—what he declared "very good" in Genesis—and make it new again.

Revelation 21:1-8

Big Idea: God's ultimate plan is not destruction, but re-creation—making all things new and beautiful.

This is a key insight that changes everything: God's plan is renewal, not replacement. He's not looking to scrap everything and start over. He's looking to take what exists—what he declared "very good" in Genesis—and make it new again.

Point #1: God renovates creation rather than replacing it.

Revelation 21:1 NIV

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.What does this mean for us today?

Several things:

• First, the physical world matters to God.

• Second, our bodies matter

.• Third, social justice matters.

Point #2: The goal of all history is God dwelling with his people.

Revelation 21:2 NIV

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.Revelation 21:3 NIVAnd I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.Revelation 21:4 NIV‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Point #3: God renews what exists rather than creating something entirely different.

Revelation 21:5 NIV

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Point #4: God offers renewal as a gift, but the choice is ours.

Revelation 21:6 NIV

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Revelation 21:7 NIV

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Revelation 21:8 NIV

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

Point #5: The new creation vision transforms present living.

• Our Suffering Has Meaning
• Our Work Has Purpose
• Our Hope Is Certain

Final Challenge: What broken area of your life do you need to entrust to God's promise to make all things new?

Sermon Notes

You can add your own personal sermon notes along the way. When you're finished, you'll be able to email or download your notes.

Central Idea Today: The church is called to be faithful witnesses even when it leads to suffering—and God’s glory will be known. We live in a time of increasing cultural tensions around Christian witness. Our beliefs about truth, morality, and the gospel are increasingly at odds with the prevailing cultural narrative. Speaking biblical truth about marriage, sexuality, the sanctity of life, or the exclusivity of Christ can cost us relationships, opportunities, even employment. Many Christians are asking: How do we remain faithful witnesses in such an environment? This morning we turn to Revelation 11, which gives us perhaps the most vivid picture in all of Scripture of witness, suffering, and vindication. In this passage, John describes two witnesses who prophesy, suffer persecution, are killed, and then are vindicated by God through resurrection and ascension.

I. The Calling: Prophetic Witness (Revelation 11:1-6)

Let's begin by looking at verses 1-6, where we see that the church is called to prophetic witness in a hostile world.

I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. But excludethe outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.” If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

II. The Cost: Suffering and Death (Revelation 11:7-10)

Looking at verses 7-10, we see that faithful witness often leads to rejection and persecution.

Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.

III. The Vindication: Resurrection and Ascension (Revelation 11:11-13)

Verses 11-13 show us that God will vindicate his faithful witnesses for His glory.

But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on. At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

The Hope for Today

Here is the hope: God has ultimate victory From this passage, we learn four crucial truths for faithful witnesses:

1. Faithful Witness Will Be Costly

Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave isnot greater than the master.’ Since theypersecuted me, naturally they will persecuteyou. And if they had listened to me, theywould listen to you.

2. God's Protection Has Limits and Purposes

3. Truth May Be Rejected But Won't Be Defeated

4. Vindication May Be Delayed But Is Certain

What truth is God calling you to speakfaithfully, regardless of the cost?

Follow Along with the Message

Theodicy- the vindication of divine goodness and providence in view of the existence of evil

“Theology cannot always deliver. It cannot answer where the revelation does not.”- Marty, Martin E. “Introduction.” in A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. Thielicke, Helmut. 1959, 1962. Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Clarifying Evil in Scripture

1. Sin- falling short of the glory of God

Luke 6:45

2. Satan- the literal enemy of our souls

Genesis 3:1&5

Isaiah 14:12-15

John 8:44

3. Babylon- the literal and figurative anti-Christ kingdom

Systematic approach to the existence of evil

Since humanity sins in their hearts and minds, our enemy attempts to persuade us in rebellion against God’s reign. As more are persuaded, wickedness grows into a kingdom that is anti-Christ.

God and Evil

Ezekiel 36:26-27

Romans 8:2

Luke 10:18-19

1 John 4:4

Matthew 16:18

John 16:33

Evil still exists because:

1. People return to it

1 Peter 2:20

2. Satan is persistent

1 Peter 5:8

Evil Submits to God’s will

1. Evil is given boundaries

Job 1:12

Luke 22:31-32

Revelation 20:2-3

2. Evil advances the Will of God

Jeremiah 32:28-29

John 13:26-27

3. Evil reveals what is in the hearts of mankind

God’s edict against evil

Revelation 5

I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; 5 and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” 13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped

The “Problem” with Evil isn’t a problem for God

Evil is an ant at God’s picnic

Takeaways:

Don’t play with the anthill

Make ready the table

Follow Along with the Message

Psalm 91:1–2 NIV
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

1. Prayer: A Lifeline, Not a Tool

Psalm 91:15 NIV
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

Philippians 4:6–7 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Psalm 145:18 NLT

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

2. Treasuring the Moments We Have

Psalm 91:16 NIV
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Psalm 39:4 NIV
“Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

Ephesians 5:15–16 NIV
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil

3. The Sacred Art of Slowing Down

Psalm 91:1 NIV
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 46:10 NIV
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Matthew 11:28–29 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you.

Mark 1:35 NIV
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went up to a solitary place, where he prayed.

4. Sovereignty and Surrender

Psalm 91:3–4 NIV
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Isaiah 55:8–9 NIV
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 46:9–10 NIV
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

5. Everyone Has a Story

Psalm 91:11 NIV
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Galatians 6:2 NIV
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Isaiah 61:1 NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

Hebrews 13:2 NIV
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Psalm 91:14–16 NIV
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 46:1–2 NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever- present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea

Pray as if your life depends on it - because it does.

Love the people in your life like every day might be your last together - because it might be.
Surrender control to the One who actually has it.
And remember that in your darkest valley, you are surrounded by His presence and His people.

Psalm 23:4 NIV
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Philippians 4:7 NIV
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Follow Along with the Message

Revelation 1:4-6- John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The Letter to Ephesus- Revelation 2:1-7

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.

The Letter to Smyrna- Revelation 2:8-11

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Continue to study:

• Matthew 5:13-15

• Luke 12:11-12

• Luke 14:25-33

• Acts 5:40-42

• James 1:2-4

• Colossians 4:5-6

The Letter to Pergamum- Revelation 2:12-17

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

The Letter to Thyatira- Revelation 2:18-29

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this: ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

The Letter to Sardis- Revelation 3:1-6

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.

The Letter to Philadelphia- Revelation 3:7-13

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

The Letter to Laodicea- Revelation 3:14-22

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Follow Along with the Message

The Book of Revelation: “Hope in the Storm”
Revelation 1:1-2 - This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

“REVELATION” literally means “unveiling ”!
Knowing that JESUS WINS is our source of our HOPE !
Rev. 1:1b - which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John.
Rev. 1:1b-2 - He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
1) REVELATION BRINGS BLESSING
Revelation 1:3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

A blessing for the Reader
A blessing for the Hearers
A blessing for the Obedient
REVELATION OFFERS US GRACE & PEACE
Revelation 1:4-6 - This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. 6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
John’s desire is for everyone who reads this letter to filled with GRACE & PEACE.
2) THE FULL REVELATION OF GOD’S POWER
A. The power of God the Father
(v. 4) "the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come"
B. The power of the Holy Spirit
(v. 4b ) "The seven spirits who are before his throne"
C. The power of Jesus Christ
(v. 5a) "The faithful witness" … "The firstborn of the dead" … "The ruler of kings on earth"
3) REVELATION PROMISES HIS COMING

Revelation 1:7-8 - Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
A. The Certainty of His Coming (v. 7a)
Rev. 1:7a - "Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven"
Acts 1:9-11 - After saying this, he [Jesus] was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” NLT
Hebrews 12:11 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. NLT
B. The Visibility of His Coming
Rev. 1:7b - And everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him."
C. The Lord’s Declaration of Authority
Revelation 1:8 - “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” NLT
Throughout the Book of Revelation the main character is JESUS !

Sermon Notes Coming Soon!

Follow Along with the Message

Foundation Verse- Genesis 1:27 - "So God created mankind in his own image"

Segment 1: Personal Stories & Awakening

Acts 10:34-35- Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.

Galatians 3:26-28 - “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Segment 2: The Church's Challenge

James 2:1-9- ”My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.”

1 John 4:20 - If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?

Isaiah 1:17 -Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Segment 3: Spokane-Specific Realities

Jeremiah 29:7 - "And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile.”

Micah 6:8 - "O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Segment 4: Moving Forward Together

Romans 12:9-10 - "Love must be sincere...Honor one another above yourselves."

Ephesians 2:14-16 -For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21- This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.