The following is the first part of a series by Mark Driscoll on the letters of Jesus to several of the early churches, as transcribed by John. A powerful message that gives insight into the relationship of Jesus and John, and how to understand the book of Revelation. The following is an audio link to the sermon. Below is a video of the sermon, too.In Christ.

http://download.marshill.com/files/2012/04/15/20120415_the-revelation-of-jesus_sd_audio.mp3

Revelation 1:1-8

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

This is a powerful sermon on several topics: what it means to suffer as a Christian; how  to focus  on the church and Christ, rather than one or the  other or the big moi; importance of allowing Christ to be strong  for us, instead of us struggling in trials; and, the importance of  giving.

Pastor Mark preaches at the church in Smyrna on Jesus' words-still applicable today-to the church in Smyrna from Revelation 2. Today, Turkey is the least churched nation; still, Jesus tells the church in Smyrna to be encouraged and to endure what he endured (tribulation, poverty, slander, suffering, even death), but not to fear. Pray for Christians and churches where persecution still continues.

John Ortberg of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church reflects on what it means for his congregation to live in Christ as Louis Zamperini did.

http://mppc.org/media/sermons/120129_jortberg.mp3