Radiant
The Stunning Glory of Resurrected Jesus
Matthew Levant
October 4th, 2020
Revelation 1:1-20
Jesus appears to the Apostle John in a vision and tells him to write the Book
of Revelation as a message to the churches. The astounding glory of the resurrected Jesus is
meant to ignite a fire of worship in our hearts, evidenced by love, trust, and obedience. Since the
number seven depicts completion, we know that these messages apply to all churches of all time.
Yes, churches are flawed and imperfect, but as we focus on Jesus through His Word, we will be
empowered to reflect His glory.
Perfect Theology and a Packed Schedule… But Empty on the Inside
Matthew Levant
October 11th, 2020
Revelation 2:1-7
Church:
Ephesus
Jesus praises the Church in Ephesus for nine specific good deeds and good
theology. However, Jesus has one complaint: they abandoned their first love. The gospel does
not produce joyless obedience or empty theological knowledge. Jesus has rescued us to enjoy
His presence! The solution? Remember. Repent. Return. May we never just “go through the
motions” as a church. May we be a church deeply enjoys our First Love.
You Ready for This?
Matthew Levant
October 18th, 2020
Revelation 2:8-11
Church:
Smyrna
Jesus does not call the church in Smyrna to repent for anything. Instead,
Jesus lets them know that intense suffering and persecution is coming. The only way the church
in Smyrna will thrive when afflicted is to see the glory of King Jesus. Jesus is bigger. He is better.
We need a big vision of Jesus in order to display His glory in the face of Satan’s onslaught. It is
better to die than live without Jesus. The victory is ours! Are you ready for this?
The Subtle Lies We Believe
Matthew Levant
October 25th, 2020
Revelation 2:12-17
Church:
Pergamum
The church in Pergamum was holding up well in the middle of a Satanic
stronghold, and yet, Jesus calls them out for tolerating false teaching. A church that radiates the
glory of God must be able to recognize the subtle lies of the Enemy. We must know who God is,
what He is like, and how to live in light of the gospel. Failure to do so will result in idolatry and
immorality. Jesus offers real joy and a satisfied soul.
The Loving and Correcting Church
Colton White
November 1st, 2020
Revelation 2:18-29
Church:
Thyatira
Jesus praises the church in Thyatira for works, love, faith, service, and
endurance. This is a good church! However, Jesus reminds them a healthy church both loves and
corrects. The church in Thyatira failed to correct a woman described as “Jezebel” who was
actively leading God’s people astray. We see the progression from the previous church to this
one: allowing false teaching (Pergamum) will result in people embracing a worldly lifestyle
(Thyatira). The glory of God is displayed when a local church loves and corrects church members.
Desperate for Revival
Matthew Levant
November 15th, 2020
Revelation 3:1-6
Church:
Sardis
The church in Sardis represents the natural conclusion of the previous two
churches: false teaching (Pergamum), leads people to embrace a worldly lifestyle (Thyatira), and
ends with a dead church (Sardis). The church in Sardis was well-known. They looked great on the
outside, but on the inside they were dead. Jesus calls the church to wake up! We are desperate
for revival. Jesus lays out how revival happens: Remember. Repent. Return. The result? God’s
glory will radiate as we walk in victory.
Taking it to the Enemy
Matthew Levant
November 22nd, 2020
Revelation 3:7-13
Church:
Philadelphia
The church in Philadelphia is inspiring! Just like the church in Smyrna, Jesus
does not call the church in Philadelphia to repent for anything. This church is not well-known like
Sardis; by all appearances the church in Philadelphia was small and meaningless. And yet, the
Spirit was at work through them. Jesus opened the door for them to advance the Kingdom and
see victory over Satan. Jesus supernaturally empowered the church in Philadelphia to be a worldchanger.
May we follow the example of Philadelphia and take it to the Enemy!
Toxic Comfort
Matthew Levant
November 29th, 2020
Revelation 3:14-22
Church:
Laodicea
The city of Laodicea was blessed with affluence; their financial abundance
created a self-sufficient attitude where they forgot their need for God. Jesus calls them to
recognize their deep need, repent, stop being lukewarm, and enjoy His presence once again. The
church in Laodicea sounds eerily similar to the church in America today: we tend to desire
comfort above all else. The American church is plagued with toxic comfort! May we repent of our
self-sufficiency and return to our First Love.
