Bowls & Rebellion, 2

One of the worst offenses to God must be when people ignore Him even when His work is obvious. As the judgments of Revelation 16 progress, the text develops in an interesting direction. As we read about the fourth judgment though, we receive a glimpse into the response of those judged. It becomes obvious that God brings these awful judgments, but that doesn’t change people’s response. Instead of submitting to God, the people continue their blasphemy against God and refuse to repent and glorify Him. These responses don’t stop, for we read of similar responses after the fifth and seventh judgments. This may seem hard to fathom. How could someone who sees God’s obvious hand of judgment refuse to repent? However, before we look down on them, we should ask ourselves the same question. How do we respond when God confronts our sin? Do we get angry and defensive like the blasphemers in Revelation 16? This is the typical human response. Because we don’t like to look bad, the temptation to use anger, excuses, and defensiveness is real. When this temptation comes, we must humble ourselves, accept responsibility, and repent of our sin. This only happens when we rest in our advocate before the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 Jn 2:1). He took the punishment and wrath our sin deserves. So let’s be humble; let’s repent; let’s remember that we can never prove ourselves good enough. This is the best response to God’s obvious work and gives Him the most glory. –Pastor Rory

Sunday at Liberty

9AM: 1 John 2:28-3:10–Practicing Righteousness, 2

10AM: Pastor Rory–Bowls & Rebellion, 2–Revelation 16:1-21 (sermon notes)

11:45AM: Potluck

12:30PM: 2nd Quarter Church Family Meeting