As we get into our sermon series on Revelation, we focus on the crucified Jesus as our guide. In the first chapter, we see Jesus telling us “‘Do Not Be Afraid, I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades’” (Rev. 1:17-18).
This opening assurance reminds us that the second coming of Jesus is not a terrifying arrival of destruction, but rather a hopeful triumph of Love. The Jesus we read about in Revelation is the same Jesus who embodied self-sacrificial love for humanity through the cross. Just as Satan didn’t have the final word in Christ’s death, he won’t have the final word in this world. One day, Jesus will return and bring forth the restoration of creation and the fullness of God’s Kingdom.
To accompany the series, we’ve installed pieces from a few artists in the Gathering Area that depict the cruciform Jesus. Stop by to see them on the north wall, or check them out here!
(click to enlarge)
A Death Rehearsed by Payton Kerkau
Women at the Cross by Lila Diller
New Life Empty Tomb by Lila Diller
The Beautiful Mess by Daniel Bonnell
The Smile by Pam Taylor
Redeemer by Emily Morrison & Hannah Hiler
Untitled by Zach Cusick
Untitled by Pam Taylor
Untitled by Erik Swenson
