It's The End

Who's Really In Control?

Sunday, November 15, 2026 · with Jason

Scripture

Revelation 1:1–8

1The revelation of  Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants  what must soon take place.  He made it known by sending his angel  to his servant John,  2who testified to the word of God and to the testimony  of Jesus Christ,  whatever he saw.  3Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy,  and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep  what is written in it, because the time is near.

4John: To the seven churches in Asia. Grace and peace  to you from  the one who is, who was, and who is to come,  and from the seven spirits , before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness,  the firstborn from the dead  and the ruler of the kings of the earth. 

To him who loves us and has set us free  from our sins by his blood,  6and made us a kingdom,  priests , to his God and Father #— #to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

7Look, he is coming with the clouds,

and every eye will see him,

even those who pierced him.

And all the tribesof the earth,

will mourn over him.,,

So it is to be. Amen.

8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,”  says the Lord God, “the one who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Big Idea

Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. Our hope begins and ends with Him.

Sermon Outline

1

Revelation is about revealing Jesus, not hiding information

Revelation is about revealing , not hiding

Supporting Scripture: Revelation 1:1–3

1The revelation of  Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants  what must soon take place.  He made it known by sending his angel  to his servant John,  2who testified to the word of God and to the testimony  of Jesus Christ,  whatever he saw.  3Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy,  and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep  what is written in it, because the time is near.

WHAT KIND OF BOOK IS REVELATION? Revelation belongs to a type of writing called apocalyptic literature. That word can sound intimidating, but it simply means “to reveal” or “to uncover.” Apocalyptic writing uses strong images and symbols to show spiritual truth, especially during times when God’s people are suffering or under pressure. When life feels confusing or frightening, apocalyptic literature pulls back the curtain and reminds believers that God is still in control, even when it does not look that way on the surface. Revelation is also prophecy, which means it speaks God’s truth with authority and calls people to respond. And it is a letter, written to real churches facing real challenges. This matters because it helps us avoid common mistakes. Revelation is not a book meant to predict headlines or decode world events. It is not meant only for scholars or experts. It was written to ordinary believers who needed hope, courage, and endurance. “Apocalyptic Literature Reveals God’s Perspective” • Uses symbolism and imagery • Rooted in Old Testament language • Written during suffering • Meant to encourage faithfulness
2

Revelation Was Written to Strengthen Suffering Churches

Supporting Scripture: Revelation 1:9

9I, John, your brother and partner in the affliction,  kingdom,  and endurance  that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 

John is not writing from comfort. He is writing from exile. He is suffering because of his faith, and so are the churches he is writing to. Revelation was written to believers who were pressured to compromise, stay quiet, or walk away from their faith. It was written to remind them that following Jesus is worth it, even when it is hard. This changes how we read the book. Revelation is not written to satisfy curiosity about the future. It is written to strengthen faith in the present.
3

The First Thing Revelation Shows Us Is Jesus

Supporting Scripture: Revelation 1:12–16

12Then I turned to see whose voice  it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands,  13and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, , dressed in a robe  and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest.  14The hair of his head was white as wool #— #white as snow  #— #and his eyes like a fiery flame.  15His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace,  and his voice like the sound of cascading  waters.  16He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth,  and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. 

Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man… His head and hair were white like wool, white as snow, and his eyes like a fiery flame; his feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters… His face was shining like the sun at full strength. This image is powerful and overwhelming. Jesus is not presented as weak or distant. He is alive, victorious, and glorious. He stands among the lampstands, which represent the churches. That means Jesus is present with His people, even when they are suffering.

Scripture

Revelation 1:5–6

5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness,  the firstborn from the dead  and the ruler of the kings of the earth. 

To him who loves us and has set us free  from our sins by his blood,  6and made us a kingdom,  priests , to his God and Father #— #to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

Scripture

Revelation 1:8

8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,”  says the Lord God, “the one who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Where it lands

Revelation is not meant to scare God’s people. It is meant to steady them. When the world feels uncertain, Jesus is still on the throne. When following Him is costly, faithfulness still matters. And when history feels out of control, God is still writing the story. That is why Revelation matters.

Take-Home Questions

Questions to talk through with your family this week.

  1. What comes to mind when you hear the word Revelation? Why do you think that is?
  2. Why does God promise a blessing for those who read and obey this book (v. 3)?
  3. What does it mean that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega?
  4. How does believing Jesus is in control affect how you handle stress, fear, or uncertainty?
  5. What’s one area of life you need to surrender to Jesus’ rule this week?