Message Video & Notes

Be Like a Mother - Never Give Up
Revelation 1:1-20

The verses for this week were written by John the Apostle. He was one of the 12 original disciples of Jesus. He is now an elderly man and he has been arrested and placed on a prison Island called Patmos. It is here that he had a vision of Jesus Christ risen and alive. Jesus gave John a revelation to write down for all to read, including us.

While the book of Revelation has many messages, one of the main messages is not to give up. The reason we do not give up following Jesus is because Jesus is alive, He has all authority, and He will return and set up His eternal Kingdom.

The key is to remember John's position: he is in jail on a prison island and is separated from friends and fellow Christians. That is definitely a discouraging situation and a situation in which we could give up.

Since this past Sunday we used mothers as an example of not giving up: let's look at 3 characteristics of a good mother.

1. A good mother suffers for the right reasons.

2. A good mother maintains godly habits.

3. A good mother places her hope In the risen Jesus alone.

A good mother suffers for the right reasons.

• Key Concept: When you suffer ask yourself if you are suffering for the right reason.

• Key Verse: 1 Peter 4:15-16 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

• Community Group Application: We are never alone when we suffer for the right reasons - we are part of and supported by the church and our community group.

A good mother maintains godly habits.

• Key Concept: Can not hear from God if you are not in place spiritually and physically where that can happen.

• Key Verse: Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

• Community Group Application: Take the growth track steps and establish godly habits in your life

A good mother places her hope In the risen Jesus alone.

• Key Concept: True hope comes from knowing that Jesus is alive and at work and will return.

• Key Verse: Revelation 21:4-5 ‘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.” 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.”

• Community Group Application: We all need an encounter with God.