Notes From the Pastor's Desk
September 20, 2026
John's Christ - My Christ
Read Rev. 1:1-18. The sweetest name known to man, the most precious name there is to mankind, the most powerful name that is known among men is the name Jesus. Even though the New Testament Book of Revelation reveals coming events, after chapter four, overall it is a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ's person and power.
I. The Christ John Knew
(v.4-8) John knew the Lord Jesus Christ personally. First, John knew Christ as the Present One for John said he “is.” Let some deny God is not existent when by our own experience we know He is. Secondly, he knew Christ as the Pre-existent One, as evidenced in John saying He “was.” Christ was before anything and anyone else. Thirdly, John adds He “is to come.” You can rest assured that Jesus is coming again one day (Jn. 14:1-6). The apostle also knew Jesus as “the faithful witness” — as one who can be relied on to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. In addition, He knew Christ as the “First Begotten from the Dead” — the first person to have risen from the dead. Christ to him was also the Alpha and the Omega. That speaks of completeness and certainty. Jesus was that and more.
II. The Christ John Heard
(v.9-11) When did John hear what he heard? It was on the Lord's Day. He was “in the Spirit” on the Lord's Day. The reason many people do not get much from church services is because they are not “in the Spirit.” John was in a special state of mind and spirit because of the doings of the Holy Spirit in his own personal life. Notice as well what John heard. He heard the voice of God “a great voice as of a trumpet.” It was the voice of Christ that seemed to come through a trumpet. The voice of Christ will clearly speak volumes to us if we will only listen to Him! Our problem is that we do not take time to listen to the Lord as we should each day.
III. The Christ John Saw
(v.12-18) When John heard the voice He turned and saw a vision of Christ. He sees Christ in the midst of the churches. Churches should give Christ His rightful place. First, consider Jesus' clothing. His clothing is not that of a priest, but that of a judge. “Girdle” refers to the dedication of His love — it is around his breast, near the heart. Secondly, think about Christ's appearance. His head and hair was white like wool (purity and eternity), His eyes were as a flame of fire (his penetration or knowledge). The feet of Jesus were as fine brass, speaking of His victory. Out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, both condemning and commending with it. His countenance was like the sun. The sum total of all His features and expressions can only be compared with the sun. The sun beautifies the world.
Let's do like John and fall as His feet as dead, standing amazed in His presence.