The Wrath of the Lamb — Standing Before the Sovereign Judge
Revelation 6:9–17

This passage reveals the sobering reality of the coming judgment of Jesus Christ—the Lamb who was slain and now reigns as Judge. The martyrs cry out for justice, reminding us that faithfulness to Christ often leads to suffering. Yet God’s timing is perfect, His justice is certain, and His plan is unfolding exactly as He has ordained. When Christ returns, His judgment will be unmistakable, universal, and unavoidable. This text calls us to live faithfully now, trust God completely, and prepare for the day when no one can stand apart from His mercy.

Takeaways

• Faithfulness to Jesus will often lead to suffering, but it is never in vain.
• God’s justice is certain and will be executed perfectly in His timing.
• The return of Christ will be unmistakable and universally experienced.
• Apart from Christ, no one can stand before the wrath of God.

Application for this week
This week, live with eternal perspective. Remain faithful in your walk with Christ, even when it costs you. Trust God’s timing when you see injustice around you. And examine your heart—are you standing in Christ’s righteousness, or trusting in something that will not stand on that final day?

Devotional 1: Faithful Unto Death
2 Timothy 3:12, - Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Reflection: What does faithfulness look like for you right now?
Prayer: Lord, give me strength to remain faithful no matter the cost.

Devotional 2: Trusting God’s Timing
Romans 12:19, - Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God…
Reflection: Where are you tempted to take justice into your own hands?
Prayer: God, help me trust Your perfect justice and timing.

Devotional 3: The Coming King
Matthew 24:30, - Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man…
Reflection: Are you living as though Christ could return at any moment?
Prayer: Jesus, prepare my heart for Your return.

Devotional 4: Who Can Stand?
Revelation 6:17, - For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?
Reflection: What are you relying on to stand before God?
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that I stand only by Your righteousness.

Revelation 6:9–17
2 Timothy 3:12
Exodus 29:12
Leviticus 4:7; 17:11
Revelation 12:11
Psalm 94:1–2
Romans 12:19–20
Genesis 18:25
Isaiah 13:9–10
Joel 2–3
Matthew 24:29–30
Mark 13:24–37
Luke 21:25–28
Zechariah 14:4
Acts 10:34
James 2
Jeremiah 30:7
Daniel 9:24–27
Revelation 9:20–21
Revelation 16:11
Revelation 22:

May 3, 2026
The Wrath of the Lamb
Scripture: Revelation 6:9-17

What does it mean for the Lamb of God to bring wrath? In this powerful passage from Revelation 6:9–17, we encounter a sobering picture of God’s justice, the suffering of His people, and the certainty of Christ’s return. This message explores the cry of the martyrs, the perfect timing of God’s judgment, and the unmistakable signs of the end. You’ll be challenged to consider where you stand—trusting in Christ or standing on your own. This sermon will deepen your understanding of God’s holiness, awaken urgency in your faith, and call you to live ready for the day no one can escape.

KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 145:9

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.

CHRIST CONNECTION: Judah’s good kings led the people to God and away from sin. Yet
when they died, the people returned to their sinful ways. Jesus is our good King who died and rose again, and always leads us to God and away from sin.

STORY POINT: Judah’s good kings worshiped God.

AT HOME:

1. Why were the kings in our story considered good? Read Ps. 25:8-12
2. Josiah became king at eight years old and followed God's ways. What does this tell us about who can follow God and His ways? Read 1 Tim. 4:12
3. Why do you think the people returned to their sinful ways after each good king died? Read Ezek. 11:19

The book of Revelation often feels like stepping into the deep end of Scripture. Its vivid imagery and apocalyptic language can overwhelm us, so many either avoid it or reduce it to a future timeline we hope to escape.

But what if we’ve been looking at it too narrowly?

A Different Perspective on Revelation

Imagine a football game filmed from several cameras: one on the 50‑yard line, one high in the end zone, and one in a blimp overhead. Same game, same plays, same players—but different angles. Each perspective shows you something unique, even though the outcome never changes.

That’s how Revelation works.

Rather than a straight, chronological checklist of end-time events, John gives multiple “camera angles” on the same reality: God’s work in history from creation (Genesis 1–3), through Christ’s first coming (John 1:14; Galatians 4:4–5), to His return (Revelation 19:11–16; Revelation 21–22). The theological term for this is recapitulation—repeating and re‑viewing the same age from different perspectives.

The Throne Room and the Scrolls
Before the four horsemen appear, Revelation 4–5 gives us the control room of history.

God the Father is worshiped as Creator (Revelation 4:8–11).
Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, is the only One worthy to open the scroll sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1–7).
Four living creatures cry, “Holy, holy, holy” day and night (Revelation 4:8).
This isn’t just future; it’s a declaration of who reigns now (Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1:20–22). When Jesus opens the seals, He is exercising His authority over events that have characterized the entire age between His first and second coming.

The First Horseman: Deception’s White Horse
This rider has a bow but no arrows. He wears a crown and rides out conquering. Some have thought this is Jesus, but compared to Christ in Revelation 19:11–16, this rider looks more like a counterfeit—a picture of the spirit of antichrist, a deceiving power that has operated throughout history (1 John 2:18–19; 1 John 4:1–3).

Jesus warned:
The antichrist doesn’t show up as obviously evil. Deception usually looks good, sounds spiritual, and twists truth just enough to lead people away from Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13–15; 2 Timothy 4:3–4).

The Second Horseman: War’s Red Horse
Deception doesn’t remain abstract. It leads to hatred and conflict.

Jesus predicted that:
The 20th century alone testifies to this reality: world wars, genocides under Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot—tens of millions slaughtered. War isn’t limited to a final seven-year period; it has marked human history because people reject the Prince of Peace (James 4:1–2).

This red horse is God’s judgment through war—sometimes by direct action, sometimes by letting human evil run its course (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).

The Third Horseman: Famine’s Black Horse
“And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard… ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!’”
(Revelation 6:5–6)

A denarius was about a day’s wage (Matthew 20:2). A quart of wheat would barely feed one person. The picture is of inflation and scarcity: work all day, and you just survive.

Famine often follows war. Scripture frequently pairs sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts as judgments (Ezekiel 14:21; Lamentations 5:10).

History echoes this: famines in France, Finland, Ireland; and today, hundreds of millions undernourished while others live in abundance. The black horse reminds us that economic and food insecurity are not random—they’re part of a world under judgment.

The Fourth Horseman: Death’s Pale Horse
“And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.”
(Revelation 6:8)

This final rider gathers up the effects of the first three: war, famine, and now pestilence. History has seen:


Again, Revelation is not only about a future week on the calendar. It’s describing patterns that have marked the entire age between Christ’s comings, under His sovereign rule (Daniel 4:35; Psalm 103:19).

Why Would God Allow This?
These scenes are heavy. How can a loving God allow such suffering?

The Bible’s answer holds two truths together:

But Pastor Stu stressed a crucial distinction: God never pours His wrath on His children.

Those who trust in Christ are shielded from wrath because Jesus already bore it in our place:


Jesus Wins—and That Changes Everything
If you remember one line from Revelation, let it be this: Jesus wins.

He is already reigning (Ephesians 1:20–22; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28). The kingdom is both already and not yet (Luke 17:20–21; Hebrews 2:8–9). We still see the four horsemen ride, but we also see the gospel advancing, churches planted, lives transformed.

This should produce two responses:


Living Between the Comings
We live between Christ’s first coming and His return (Hebrews 9:26–28; Titus 2:11–13). In this in‑between time:


The same Jesus who opens the seals (Revelation 6:1) is the Lamb who was slain for our redemption (Revelation 5:6, 9) and the Lion of Judah who conquered (Revelation 5:5).

One day we will join the heavenly chorus:


Until that day, we live as kingdom people in a broken world, bearing witness to the truth that steadies us in every storm:

Jesus wins. And because we belong to Him, so do we.

Making a Difference In Southwest Jefferson County.

The Forge is a developing family resource initiative designed to serve and support families in Southwest Jefferson County by addressing real, identified needs in the community. Its goal is to become a trusted, accessible hub that connects people to practical help, meaningful relationships, and long-term support.

This survey is a critical step in understanding the real needs of the Southwest Jefferson County community and ensuring that future efforts are grounded in reality—not assumptions. It builds on prior research by confirming whether identified challenges truly reflect residents’ lived experiences, while also uncovering gaps in service awareness and barriers to seeking help. By gathering input from a broader audience, the survey provides meaningful data to guide decision-making, shape upcoming focus groups, and inform the development of The Forge as a relevant, trusted, and effective resource for families.

If you live in the Southwest Jeffereson County area, we encourage you to take the survey through the QR code or link below..

Faith Endures in a World Under Judgment
Revelation 6:1–8; Matthew 24:4–10

As the Lamb opens the first four seals, we see the Four Horsemen unleashed—bringing deception, war, famine, and death. These are not random events but divinely governed realities that have marked human history and will continue until Christ returns. God’s sovereignty is on full display, even in judgment. These realities are meant to awaken us—not to fear, but to faithfulness—calling us to endure, proclaim the gospel, and trust that Jesus ultimately wins.

Takeaways

• God is sovereign over both history and judgment
• The brokenness of our world is neither random nor outside His control
• Judgment is a warning meant to lead people to repentance
• Believers are called to endure, evangelize, and reflect Christ

This Week's Application
This week, don’t ignore the brokenness around you—see it rightly. Let it deepen your gratitude for Christ and fuel your urgency to share the gospel. You are not called to fear the future, but to live faithfully in it, knowing the end is already secured in Christ.

Devotal 1 - Guard Against Deception
Matthew 24:4–5 - And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray…'
Reflection Question: Where am I most vulnerable to believing what is false?
Prayer: Lord, anchor me in Your truth and protect me from deception.

Devotal 2 - Trust God in Chaos
Revelation 6:4 (ESV) - Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth…
Reflection Question: Do I trust God even when the world feels unstable?
Prayer: God, help me rest in Your control when life feels uncertain.

Devotal 3 - Depend on God in Need
Revelation 6:6 - A quart of wheat for a denarius…
Reflection Question: Where do I rely more on provision than on God?
Prayer: Father, teach me to depend on You daily for everything I need.

Devotal 4 - Live with Eternal Perspective
Revelation 6:8 - And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death…
Reflection Question Am I living in light of eternity or just the present?
Prayer: Jesus, remind me that this life is temporary and You are my hope.

Revelation 6:1–8
Revelation 4–5
Revelation 5:7
Revelation 13:1–10
Revelation 17:17
Revelation 19:15
Matthew 24:4–5
Matthew 24:10
Matthew 10:34
Lamentations 5:10

April 26, 2026
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Scripture: Revelation 6:1–8

What do the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse really represent—and why does it matter today? In this message from Revelation 6:1–8, we explore how deception, war, famine, and death are not just future events, but realities woven throughout human history under God’s sovereign control. Rather than causing fear, these truths are meant to awaken us—to repentance, to urgency, and to faithful living. Discover how understanding God’s judgment strengthens your faith, deepens your gratitude for Christ, and fuels your mission to bring the gospel to a broken world.

Family Sunday takes place on the last Sunday of every month, and it’s one of our favorite ways to worship together as a church family. On these Sundays, we invite our children to join us in the full worship service as we gather, learn, and grow side by side.

There will be no Kids Sunday School on Family Sunday; instead, children are welcome in service with their families. To help them stay engaged, we’ll provide activity bags for use during the service. Childcare will continue to be available for newborns through age three.

Family Sunday is a meaningful opportunity for our children to experience what it looks like to worship together across generations. They stand alongside us in worship, listen to the full sermon, practice taking notes, and learn how to engage with God’s Word. They also have the opportunity to learn about the beauty, value, and meaning of the sacrament of communion as we partake together.

Nehemiah 2:17–20 
Job once asked a question that has haunted every human being since: "If a man dies, will he live again?" It is one of the most profound inquiries of existence. God has placed eternity in our hearts, even if we cannot fully comprehend it (Ecclesiastes 3:11). That awareness — that death is not the final word — is written into our conscience. And yet, the Bible is honest: we suppress that truth. The wrath of God is revealed against all who do (Romans 1:18), because all of us have sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23).

Many assume heaven is earned by being "good enough" — comparing ourselves to others and coming out ahead. But God's standard is not other people. His standard is His own perfect holiness. Jesus made clear that sin runs far deeper than our actions — it begins in the heart (Matthew 5:28). God's law was given as a mirror, not a ladder. It shows us we can't make it on our own. We need a Savior.

Because God is not only loving but also perfectly just, He cannot look the other way at sin. A good judge must uphold the law. But here is the staggering news of the gospel: God did not remain passive. While we were still sinners — still His enemies — Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins, not because we loved Him first, but because He loved us (1 John 4:10).

Jesus Christ — fully God and fully man — lived in perfect obedience and willingly laid down His life. Not as a victim, but as a willing sacrifice: "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18). He died, was buried, and rose bodily from the dead three days later. And the salvation He won is received entirely as a gift — by grace, through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Repent and believe. He will receive you.

When God moves you, you have to move

Nehemiah looked at the broken walls of Jerusalem and didn't just grieve — he mobilized. He spoke in terms of we, let's, and us, bringing people together around a shared mission rather than pointing fingers (Nehemiah 2:17–18). The difference between a dream and an accomplishment is simple: the Holy Spirit inspires action. When God moves your heart, you have to do something about it.

When God moves you, He provides the resources to succeed

Nehemiah reminded the people of how God had already worked — even through an unbelieving king — and assured them He would continue to do so. God doesn't promise easy, but He does promise to be victorious through His people when they follow Him together. Scripture calls us not to neglect gathering, but to stir one another toward love and good works, especially as the day of His return draws near (Hebrews 10:24–25). Being part of a healthy, Bible-believing church isn't optional — we go farther together than we ever could alone.

When God moves you, He provides the encouragement to persevere

When God moves His people to do something meaningful, opposition follows. Nehemiah's critics mocked the work almost immediately — jeering, despising, and questioning (Nehemiah 2:19–20). But Nehemiah didn't flinch. He knew what God had called him to do, and he stood firm. The same will be true for us. Scripture is plain that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. That is not a possibility — it is a promise. If you step out in obedience, criticism will come. Examine it prayerfully. If it is honest, receive it. If it comes from opposition to what God is doing, don't let it stop you.

The walls around us are still broken. Our community needs what only Jesus can provide — restored lives, renewed hope, transformed hearts. God has called us here for a reason. Will you rise up and build?

Come to Christ. He will receive you. And your new life will bear abundant fruit to His glory (2 Corinthians 13:11, 14).

When God Moves You!
Nehemiah 2:17–20

This message reminds us that God not only calls people but also equips them for His purposes. Through the gospel, we see our deep need for salvation and God’s gracious provision through Jesus Christ. Like Nehemiah, when God moves our hearts, we are called to act in faith, trusting that He will provide the resources, the community, and the encouragement needed to persevere—even in the face of opposition.

Takeaways

• God’s standard is holiness—so we desperately need a Savior.
• Salvation is by grace through faith, producing real repentance and transformation.
• When God moves your heart, He calls you to action—not passivity.
• God provides both the resources and encouragement needed to fulfill His mission.

This Week's Application
This week, examine where God is stirring your heart. Are you responding in obedience, or holding back in fear? Trust that if God is calling you, He is already providing what you need. Step forward in faith, lean into the church community, and remain steadfast—even when opposition comes.

Devotional 1: The Need for a Savior
Scripture: Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Reflection Question:
Do I truly understand my need for God’s grace?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me see my sin clearly and my need for Your mercy deeply.

Devotional 2: Grace Through Faith
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Reflection Question:
Am I trusting in Christ alone, or my own efforts?
Prayer Prompt:
Father, thank You for the gift of salvation. Teach me to rest fully in Your grace.

Devotional 3: Called to Act
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:18 - And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ So they strengthened their hands for the good work.
Reflection Question:
Where is God calling me to take action?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, give me courage to step forward in obedience to Your call.

Devotional 4: Persevering Through Opposition
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25 - And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another…
Reflection Question:
Who is helping me stay encouraged and accountable?
Prayer Prompt:
God, surround me with believers who will strengthen and encourage my faith.

Nehemiah 2:17–20
Romans 1:18
Romans 3:23
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Matthew 5:28
Colossians 1:21
Romans 5:8–9
John 10:18
1 John 4:7–10
Ephesians 2:1–9
Acts 2:42–44
Hebrews 10:24–25
2 Timothy 3:12
2 Corinthians 13:11–14

April 19, 2026
When God Moves You!
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:17–20

What happens when God stirs your heart to move? This message explores both the gospel foundation of our faith and the call to action that follows. Through Nehemiah’s leadership, we see how God equips His people with the resources, community, and perseverance needed to accomplish His purposes. You’ll be challenged to examine your response to God’s calling, understand the reality of opposition, and step forward in faith. Whether you’re questioning your next step or hesitant to act, this sermon will encourage you to trust that when God moves you, He is already providing everything you need to follow Him faithfully.

Our first service in the new location will have a special Family Sunday feel, with everyone gathering together to celebrate. After the service, we’ll host an Open House where families can explore the new children's space, get comfortable, and help their children become familiar with their new church home.

Family Sunday takes place typically on the last Sunday of every month, and it’s one of our favorite ways to worship together as a church family. On these Sundays, we invite our children to join us in the full worship service as we gather, learn, and grow side by side.

There will be no Kids Sunday School on Family Sunday; instead, children are welcome in service with their families. To help them stay engaged, we’ll provide activity bags for use during the service. Childcare will continue to be available for newborns through age three.

Family Sunday is a meaningful opportunity for our children to experience what it looks like to worship together across generations. They stand alongside us in worship, listen to the full sermon, practice taking notes, and learn how to engage with God’s Word. They also have the opportunity to learn about the beauty, value, and meaning of the sacrament of communion as we partake together.

Revelation 5 presents a radically different vision—one where the world is not spiraling out of control but rests securely in the hands of a sovereign God who is simultaneously a Lion, a Lamb, and a King (Revelation 5:1–14; cf. Revelation 4:1–11). This isn’t wishful thinking or religious escapism. It’s the bedrock reality upon which everything else stands.

The scene opens with God the Father seated on His throne—a word that appears forty times in Revelation, earning it the nickname “the throne book” (Revelation 4–5). In His right hand, the hand of authority (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3), He holds a scroll sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1). This scroll contains the remainder of Revelation’s narrative: judgments and salvation, restoration and redemption (Revelation 6–22). It’s the blueprint of history’s consummation, God’s definite plan that will not fail (Isaiah 46:9–10).

But here’s where the drama intensifies.

Heaven’s Problem

A mighty angel proclaims with a megaphone voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (Revelation 5:2). The response is devastating. A universal search reveals that no one—not in heaven, on earth, or under the earth—possesses the merit to approach God and take the scroll (Revelation 5:3).

Not Abraham, not Moses, not Joshua or Caleb, not Elijah or Elisha, not Jeremiah, Ezekiel, or Daniel. Not James, Peter, or Paul. Not even the mightiest angel or archangel.

No one is worthy (Romans 3:10–12).

The Apostle John, witnessing this scene in his nineties after a lifetime of suffering for his faith (Revelation 1:9), begins to weep loudly (Revelation 5:4). He desperately wants to know what’s in the scroll, to understand how God’s plan will unfold. But heaven has a problem: no one can solve it.

Then comes the turn.

Behold the Lion… Who Is a Lamb

One of the elders tells John, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5).

Finally! The mighty Lion, the conquering King from David’s lineage, the Messiah who speaks of authority, power, and strength.

Lion of the tribe of Judah – a messianic title drawn from Genesis 49:8–10.
Root of David – another messianic title from Isaiah 11:1–10 and Jeremiah 23:5–6, tied to God’s promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12–16).
John looks up, expecting to see this fearsome warrior.

Instead, he sees a Lamb.

“Between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6).

Not just any lamb, but one bearing the permanent scars of sacrifice yet alive and victorious. This is the stunning paradox at the heart of Christianity: the Lion gets the victory through the actions of the Lamb.

This Lamb has seven horns (perfect power) and seven eyes (perfect knowledge)—representing the fullness of deity. Horns symbolize strength and kingly authority throughout Scripture (1 Samuel 2:10; Daniel 7:24), and eyes picture knowledge and wisdom (Zechariah 4:10). The seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth (Revelation 5:6; cf. Revelation 1:4; 4:5) point to the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Only God possesses these attributes: all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and present everywhere (omnipresent) (Psalm 139:1–12).

And here’s the breathtaking moment: Jesus walks forward and takes the scroll from the Father’s right hand (Revelation 5:7). He alone is sovereign. He alone has the right to rule over all creation (Colossians 1:15–20). No one else can even attempt this act.

The Lion-Lamb has conquered through sacrifice, and now He reigns (Philippians 2:8–11).

Three Reasons Jesus Is Worthy

The remainder of Revelation 5 gives us three compelling reasons why Jesus deserves our worship.

1. Jesus is the Lord of History
Past, present, and future rest in His hands (Revelation 5:1–5). He holds the scroll containing God’s plan for:

Judgment – seals, trumpets, bowls, and the lake of fire (Revelation 6–20).
Salvation – of Jews and Gentiles alike (Revelation 7:9–10; Romans 1:16).
Restoration – new heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem (Revelation 21–22).
Unlike the atheist professor’s bleak forecast, history has a purposeful destination. We’re not drifting toward annihilation; we’re moving toward consummation under Christ’s sovereign control (Ephesians 1:9–10, 20–22).

This is why Christians don’t sit on their hands saying, “It’s all going to burn.” Instead, we labor faithfully because Jesus reigns now (1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 28:18–20).

2. Jesus is the Lord of Victory
The Lamb is described as slain and standing (Revelation 5:6). The grammar points to ongoing, permanent reality:

His sacrifice is once-for-all and sufficient (Hebrews 9:12, 26–28; 10:10–14).
His resurrection is forever (Romans 6:9).

Jesus rose from the dead and will never die again (Luke 24:1–7; 1 Corinthians 15:20–23). He is the firstfruits of resurrection, which means those who trust in Him will share in that victory (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51–57).

Revelation later declares that Satan is conquered “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).

Here’s the simple truth that changes everything: Jesus wins. Not just barely—He wins big. He’s winning now (Psalm 2:6–12; Revelation 19:11–16).

3. Jesus is the Lord of Glory
The redeeming blood of the Lamb is no embarrassment in heaven. In fact, heaven can’t stop singing about it (Revelation 5:8–14). Our purpose, as the classic catechism says, is “to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever” (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 16:11).

The Symphony of Heaven
Three choirs erupt in worship, each growing larger but singing shorter songs—as if words become increasingly inadequate to capture the glory.

• The Saints’ Song

The twenty-four elders and four living creatures fall down before the Lamb with harps and golden bowls of incense—“which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8; cf. Psalm 141:2). They sing a new song:

Notice the missionary heart of the Lamb:

• The Angels’ Song

Next, myriads upon myriads and thousands of thousands of angels—millions and billions—join the song:


The first four (power, wealth, wisdom, might) belong to Him by nature (Romans 11:33–36). The last three (honor, glory, blessing) are what we can ascribe to Him.

“Blessing” here is eulogia—a “good word.” As long as we have breath, we can speak a good word about Jesus (Acts 1:8; Colossians 4:3–6).

• Creation’s Song

Finally, every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea joins in:

All creation, which now groans under bondage and corruption (Romans 8:18–22), will one day be set free and join in this universal doxology.

The four living creatures say, “Amen!” and the elders fall down and worship (Revelation 5:14).

What This Means for Us

We live in a world where people desperately search for meaning and purpose. The Humanist Manifesto boldly declares: “Man can hope only in himself, and if man is the only hope, then man must save himself.”

Good luck with that (Jeremiah 17:5–6).

The Christian message offers something radically different: our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Psalm 73:24–28; John 17:3). When we grasp this truth, everything changes. The worldview that led to despair is replaced with one that leads to abundant life (John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Even now, when we worship, we experience the aroma of heaven. It may seem inadequate—standing, raising hands, singing praises. In light of who Jesus is and what He’s done, even falling on our faces seems substandard (Revelation 7:11). But it’s all we can do as mortal creatures before an immortal, extravagant Creator.

And here’s the beautiful mystery: when we glorify Him, we experience joy unlike any other (Psalm 37:4; Philippians 4:4). In losing ourselves in worship of Him, we find the fullness of life we were created for.

The Lamb is on the throne (Revelation 22:1–3). Jesus reigns now (1 Corinthians 15:25). And one day:

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
(Philippians 2:10–11)

That’s not a future to fear—it’s a future to anticipate with hope.

It was a wonderful final service at our “little country church in the city.” The worship was rich, the kids’ Sunday school was full of joy, and God’s Word was proclaimed—clear and unfiltered.

We look forward with anticipation to all that God has in store at our new location. To Him be all glory, honor, and praise!

We’ll see you this Sunday at 10 AM:
6014 South Kipling Parkway, Littleton, CO 80127

If you’re available this Friday and/or Saturday at 9 AM, we’d love your help as we finish the last details—cleaning, organizing, and preparing everything for Sunday. Come when you can and stay as long as you’re able!

This will be our final Project Nehemiah update.

The Lion, the Lamb, and the World
Revelation 5:1–14

Revelation 5 shows us that history is not random and the future is not hopeless. God has a plan and Jesus alone is worthy to carry it out. Though He is the conquering Lion, He achieved victory as the slain Lamb. Because of His sacrifice, resurrection, and sovereignty, all of heaven worships Him. This passage reminds us that Jesus is Lord of history, Lord of victory, and Lord of glory. Therefore, the only proper response for believers is worship, trust, and surrender to the One who holds the future securely in His hands.

Takeaways:

• Jesus controls history — nothing is outside His sovereign plan.
• Jesus secured victory through His sacrifice on the cross.
• Jesus alone is worthy of our worship.
• Our lives should be marked by trust and worship because of who Christ is.

Living This Week:
If Jesus truly holds history, victory, and glory, then we do not live in fear or despair. We live in confidence. This week we worship not because life is easy, but because Christ is worthy. We trust Him because He reigns.

Devotional 1: Jesus Holds the Future
Revelation 5:5 - Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.
Reflection Question:
Where do you need to trust Jesus with your future?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me trust You with the parts of my life that feel uncertain.

Devotional 2: Victory Through the Lamb
Revelation 5:6 - And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain…
Reflection Question:
How does Jesus’ sacrifice change how you see your struggles?
Prayer Prompt:
Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice that secured my victory.

Devotional 3: Worthy of Worship
Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!
Reflection Question:
What does it look like for you to worship Jesus daily?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me live a life that reflects Your worth.

Devotional 4: The Worship of All Creation
Revelation 5:13 - To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!
Reflection Question:
How can you join heaven’s worship today?
Prayer Prompt:
God, teach me to worship You with my whole life.

Revelation 5:1–14
Genesis 49:9-10
Genesis 22:8
Exodus 12:5
Isaiah 53:7
John 1:29
John 21:15
1 Peter 2:5
Romans 8:21

April 12, 2026
Sermon Title: The Lion, the Lamb, and the World
Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

In Revelation 5 we see one of the most powerful worship scenes in Scripture. When no one is found worthy to open God’s scroll, Jesus appears as both the conquering Lion and the slain Lamb. This message explores why Jesus alone is worthy of our worship because He is Lord of history, Lord of victory, and Lord of glory. You will be encouraged to see that the world is not spinning out of control, but securely held in Christ’s hands. This sermon calls us to respond the same way heaven does — with trust, surrender, and wholehearted worship of the Lamb who reigns forever.

A Powerful and Practical Partnership

There’s something powerful about a community coming together to meet real, everyday needs—and that’s exactly what’s happening through the new partnership between The FORGE and Alpha & Omega Outfitters.

This thrift store is more than just a place to shop. It’s a space where generosity and dignity meet. Stocked with both gently used and new items, Alpha & Omega Outfitters will offer the local community access to quality goods at affordable prices. For families navigating financial challenges, it creates meaningful opportunities to shop at discounted rates, helping them provide for their households without added burden.

At the same time, there’s a shared excitement around what this store represents behind the scenes. Our community is helping supply the store with great products, fueling a cycle of giving that directly blesses others. Every item on the shelf tells a story of provision, care, and community investment.

Even more exciting is the store’s location—Theater 2 inside the Elvis Cinema! This unique setting not only creates an inviting and creative shopping experience, but also brings increased foot traffic into the current facility. As people come to shop, they’ll also get a glimpse into the future vision of Redemption Hills Church and the heart behind it all.
This partnership is about more than retail—it’s about restoration, support, and building a thriving community together.

KEY PASSAGE: Deuteronomy 13:4

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have a sin nature, but when Jesus returns, He will make us sinless like Him.

CHRIST CONNECTION: The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of their sin. We all
sin against God and deserve death, but God sent Jesus to die in our place. Because of Jesus, those who trust in Him will never be removed from God’s presence.

STORY POINT: God judged Israel’s sin, and Assyria destroyed the Northern Kingdom.

AT HOME:

1. What are the consequences of sin? Read Revelation 3:19-20
2. What is the discipline of God meant to lead us to do? Read Prov. 3:11-12
3. How does the Bible help us see our sin and repent of it? Read Heb. 4:12

When we think about Easter, images often come to mind: pastel colors, spring flowers, family gatherings, maybe even chocolate bunnies. But beneath the cultural trappings lies something far more profound—and far more unsettling.

Easter isn't mainly about seasonal renewal or family tradition. It’s about power. Raw, absolute, world‑shaking power over humanity’s greatest enemies: sin, death, and the wrath of God (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).

Which Jesus Do You Know?

When you think of Jesus, who exactly comes to mind?

For some, he’s a distant historical figure—real, but irrelevant.
For others, he’s a life “supplement”—a spiritual genie who comforts, blesses, and never confronts.
Muslims honor him as a great prophet.
Some Hindus fold him into their pantheon.
Cultural Christians treat him like an errand boy for comfort and success.
But none of these match the Jesus of Scripture.

The biblical Jesus—the one whose resurrection we celebrate at Easter—is powerful, authoritative, and unapologetically in charge. Not the soft, sentimental figure holding a lamb with a polite smile, but the God‑man who commands storms, casts out demons, exposes hypocrisy, and speaks with final authority about heaven and hell.

He said of himself:


And Scripture says of him:


How Jesus’ Ministry Begins: With a Showdown

Jesus’ public ministry begins not with a soft launch, but with a showdown.

After his baptism—when the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17)—Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

He resists perfectly, and finally says:


The devil leaves. Angels come and minister to him (Matthew 4:11). From that point on, Jesus walks in visible, unsettling power.

He confronts religious leaders:


He’s saying: Your religious performance won’t save you. Only a righteousness that comes from him will (Philippians 3:8–9; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

He challenges our deepest idol:


He warns of false assurance:


This is not a domesticated, optional Jesus. This is a King.

Authority Over Nature and the Supernatural

Jesus’ authority doesn’t stop with teaching. He commands creation itself.

In a violent storm, when the disciples think they’re going to die, Jesus gets up:


If you can command the weather, you created the weather (John 1:1–3; Colossians 1:16).

Moments later, he encounters demon‑possessed men:


Demons recognize him instantly. They know his authority. They shudder (James 2:19).

And the people’s response?


They don’t celebrate him. They fear him and want him gone.

The One We Should Actually Fear

When Jesus heals a paralyzed man and commands him to rise and walk, the crowds are shaken:


Real power is unnerving. It exposes how little control we actually have.

Jesus doesn’t dial this back. He intensifies it:


In other words: Don’t be most afraid of people who can only kill you. Be afraid of the One who has authority over your eternity.

He warns whole cities:


And when the Pharisees are offended, the disciples say:


Jesus is not running a PR campaign. He is proclaiming reality.

Love and Wrath Meet at the Cross

Our culture likes the idea of a loving God but rejects the idea of a wrathful God. Scripture doesn’t give us that option.

God’s wrath is not the opposite of his love; it flows from it (Romans 1:18). If you love what is good, you must hate what destroys it.

Think of holding a newborn child. The moment you feel that fierce love, you also know: if someone tried to harm this child, you would oppose them with everything in you. That wrath is born from love.

If God never exercised wrath, it would mean he never truly loved.

Want to know how seriously God takes sin? Look at the cross (Isaiah 53:4–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Want to know how deeply God loves you? Look at the cross (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9–10).

At Calvary, God’s wrath against sin and his love for sinners meet.

The Great Leveler: We’re All Guilty

Scripture levels the playing field:



No one gets in on good behavior. The best moral person you know stands before God the same way as the worst—utterly dependent on grace (Romans 3:23–24).

This offends our pride. We want to be the exception. But Jesus doesn’t leave room for that.

The Resurrection: God’s Public Verdict

Now we come to Easter.

Jesus doesn’t just die on the cross—he rises from the grave three days later (Matthew 28:5–6; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). The resurrection is God’s public verdict:

Jesus is who he said he is (Romans 1:4).
His payment for sin was accepted.
Death has been conquered.
He says:


And Scripture promises:


For everyone who trusts him, there is not one drop of wrath left. The Judge himself has borne the sentence.

Getting Off the Throne

So where does this leave us?

It confronts our deepest illusion: that we can be our own god.

Jesus says that to truly live, we must lose our lives to him:


To put it simply: We must get off the throne of our own lives.

You know, if you’re honest, how bad you are at being your own god. No one has lied to you, excused you, or hurt you more consistently than you have (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 1:21–25).

When you look in the mirror, you’re looking at a terrible king.

But because Jesus is risen, you don’t have to be king anymore. You can step down. You can say, “I’m done ruling my life. I want you to rule instead.”

That’s where transformation really begins (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 1:6). It’s usually two steps forward, one step back—but over time, by his grace, you move forward.

The Choice in Front of You

The resurrection is not just a story to admire. It’s a reality to which you must respond.

Jesus is risen. He is alive. He is available to you today:


Salvation is found in no one else:


So here is the choice:

Stay on your own throne—and carry the crushing weight of being your own god.
Or step down, bow to the risen Christ, and receive forgiveness, new life, and the leadership of a perfect King.
One path leads to life and joy (John 10:10; John 14:6). The other, no matter how polished it looks, leads to loss (Mark 8:36).

The throne of your life will not stay empty.

The risen Christ stands ready to take his rightful place.

Will you let him?

The Truth of the Resurrection
Matthew 4–15

This Easter message explores who Jesus really is according to Scripture, not culture. Walking through Matthew chapters 4–15, we see Jesus demonstrating authority over temptation, religion, money, nature, demons, disease, and even judgment itself. The resurrection stands as the ultimate proof that Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet, but the risen Messiah and King. Easter reminds us that Jesus calls us to step off the throne of our lives, trust Him as Savior, and experience the transforming work of His grace.

Takeaways
Jesus is not just a good teacher — He is the risen King.
The resurrection proves Jesus has authority over life and death.
Salvation comes through surrender, not self-righteousness.
True life begins when we step off our throne and trust Christ.

Application for this week
Easter reminds us that Jesus did not rise from the grave simply to be admired, but to be followed. The resurrection invites us to stop trying to rule our own lives and instead trust the One who defeated sin and death. This week, consider where you may still be trying to sit on the throne of your life and ask Jesus to lead you instead.

Devotional 1: The Authority of Jesus
Matthew 8:26 - And he said to them, 'Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?' Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Jesus demonstrates His authority even over creation. The same power that calmed the storm is the power we trust for our salvation.
Reflection Question:
Where do I struggle to trust Jesus’ authority in my life?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me trust Your authority over every area of my life.

Devotional 2: Serving One Master
Matthew 6:24 - No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.
Jesus reminds us that divided loyalty leads to spiritual instability. Following Him requires wholehearted devotion.
Reflection Question:
What competes with Jesus for first place in my heart?
Prayer Prompt:
Jesus, help me surrender anything that competes with You.

Devotional 3: Fear the Right Thing
Matthew 10:28 - And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…
Jesus redirects our fears toward what truly matters — our relationship with God.
Reflection Question:
What fears distract me from trusting God?
Prayer Prompt:
God, help me fear You rightly and trust You fully.

Devotional 4: The Invitation of the Resurrection
Romans connection implied / Easter theme
The resurrection proves Jesus is who He said He is and invites us into new life.
Reflection Question:
What would it look like for me to fully surrender leadership of my life to Jesus?
Prayer Prompt:
Jesus, I step off the throne of my life. Lead me and transform me.

Matthew 4:10-11
Matthew 5:20
Matthew 6:24
Matthew 7:23
Matthew 8:26
Matthew 8:29
Matthew 8:34
Matthew 9:8
Matthew 10:28
Matthew 11:24
Matthew 15:12

April 5, 2026
Sermon Title: The Truth of the Resurrection
Scripture: 

Christ is Risen!
Services at 9 AM and 11 AM

Matt Geiger (Https://Businessden.Com/Author/Matthew-Geiger/) @April 2, 2026

Stu Fuhlendorf s ideal church building comes with six movie theaters inside and a marquee out front.

Littleton's Redemption Hills Church, led by Fuhlendorf, paid $2.8 million Tuesday for its new lo­cation at 6004 S. Kipling Parkway. The 34,500-square-foot building, formerly home to Elvis Cinemas, is five times larger than the congregation's current building five minutes down the road.

"People who wouldn't step into a high church or a separate church environment will come into a building like this and they'll be much more comfortable," he said.

The theater closed in March 2023. Redemption Hills bought the building from local real estate in­vestor DoubleBay Partners.

Simultaneously, Redemption Hills sold its property at 7462 S. Everett St., a more traditional church building on 3.2 acres, for $1.7 million to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Both transactions closed just hours apart, according to Tom Mathews, broker with Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors.

"In my career, this is only the second time I've done it. And the first time, the closings were stag­gered by a day or two," he said.

Mathews helped Redemption Hills sell its old building and find the new one. He spent the better part of six years trying to do so. Two other prospective deals fell through.

 "It's a little bit like making a fine wine, and we were able to make it all come together," he said.

Redemption Hills was founded 13 years ago with just 30 people. Today it has 10 times that number.

"Our goal here is to create the resources to grow and then church plant. So, as opposed to becom­ing a mega church, what we want to do ... (is) create an underlying theological foundation that we can send people out and church plant," Fuhlendorf said.

The multimillion-dollar plans for the former movie theater are ambitious. The entire space will be renovated, carving out space for a coffee shop and thrift store. The church is creating a separate nonprofit to manage those, which also will provide community services like soup kitchens and job training.

Fuhlendorf said the church has been leasing the theater at no cost since November and already spent $100,000 to remediate damage caused by trespassers to the property while it was vacant.

That was a pretty big gamble, considering the congregation hadn't secured financing for the pur­chase and needed to rezone the former movie theater, which was not a certainty. Fuhlendorfhad to make his case to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners because the property falls within an unincorporated part of the county.

Fortunately, the church received unanimous approval last month.

"The financing, I had a general sense of how we could finance it. But it still was risky, and we just made the decision. We were burning the ships, baby," Fuhlendorf said.

The 63-year-old previously served as chief financial officer for various tech firms. At age 30, he took his first company public, EFTC Corp. out of Greeley. Fuhlendorf did that again, twice.

It was on the third one in 2006 that he became a Christian.

He said he was on the road in London to promote the IPO for his company Isilon Systems when his entourage passed by where Karl Marx formulated "The Communist Manifesto" in the city's Soho neighborhood.

"Marx might have been wrong about certain things, but he was right about religion. Religion is the opiate of the masses," he recalls one of his partners saying at the time.

Back then, the younger Fuhlendorf was a self-described alcoholic, gambler and womanizer, an "ar­guing atheist" whose bible was the Ayn Rand novel "Atlas Shrugged." But the comment prompted some reflection later that night which put him into a "pool of snot and tears," changing his life.

"I went back to the hotel room, and I'm sitting in this lambskin chair at the Savoy Hotel, and I started thinking about the conversation that we had in Soho. And all of a sudden, it hit me.

 "Yeah, the world's fallen. Yeah, the world's broken. The world's a damn mess. But ifit wasn't for Jesus, what would the world be like?" Fuhlendorf remembers thinking.

But while the seeds of his faith were planted in that moment, his behavior got worse. He was fired from the company the following year and "lost everything" afterward, he said. The next few years were for recovering and getting back on his feet. And by 2016, he had gotten his Master of Divinity degree from Denver Seminary and was working for Redemption Hills, where today he serves as se­nior pastor.

''You wait and see what happens in this church here," he said. "Honestly, you wait and see the kind of impact this church is going to have. It's going to be crazy."

On March 31st, we officially closed on both our former building and our new home on the very same day. We rejoice and are deeply humbled by the way God has faithfully led us to this point. We have clearly seen His hand at work, removing obstacles and making a way where there seemed to be none. As we look back at the doors God closed along the way, we trusted He had something just right for us — so we waited, prayed, and followed His leading. God has now brought us to the former Elvis Theater, and we are excited to serve our community and share the good news of the gospel with all who will hear. Lord, we thank You for Your guidance and provision. It all belongs to You.

Please see the schedule below for what the next few weeks will look like and which location we will be meeting at. We also need additional help for our final move April 13–15. If you are able to help, please sign up on the whiteboard in the church lobby.
Our FIRST Sunday at our new home will be April 19th at 10 AM!

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of one of the most significant weeks in human history. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds shouted “Hosanna!”—a cry that literally means “God save us” (Matthew 21:9). What they did not fully realize was that salvation was exactly what Jesus came to bring, though not in the way anyone expected.

To understand Holy Week, we must first look back.

The Ancient Pattern Revealed

To grasp the significance of these final days, we journey back to Egypt, where the Israelites awaited deliverance from slavery. God instituted the Passover and gave very specific instructions. On the tenth day of the month, each household was to select a lamb—unblemished, perfect, without defect (Exodus 12:3, 5–7). That lamb would then be kept for four days before being sacrificed.

Why four days? A quick inspection could reveal obvious flaws, but some defects only appear over time. This waiting period ensured the lamb was truly spotless. Its blood, placed on the doorposts, would protect the household from judgment (Exodus 12:7, 12–13).

This pattern was not accidental. It was prophetic.

Centuries later, John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching and declared:

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Not just another lamb—but the Lamb all the others pointed toward.

The Four-Day Inspection

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday riding on a donkey (Matthew 21:1–9; Zechariah 9:9), something remarkable began. He did not immediately go to the cross. Instead, He remained in Jerusalem for four days—teaching, debating, and being examined.

Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday.

Four days of scrutiny before His crucifixion on Friday.

Just as the Passover lambs were inspected, Jesus—the true Lamb of God—underwent His own inspection period (Exodus 12:3, 5–6). After entering the city and cleansing the temple (Matthew 21:12–17), He returned daily to teach. During this time, the religious leaders attempted to discredit Him publicly.

They tested His authority.
They tested His loyalty.
They tested His knowledge.
They tested His wisdom.

And each time, He was found perfect.

Testing His Authority

The religious leaders first confronted Jesus with a direct challenge:
“By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23).

Authority matters because it determines who has the right to direct our lives. We see this even today. We respect authority when we know someone has legitimate power. We question it when we think they do not.

Jesus responded with a question about John the Baptist’s authority (Matthew 21:24–25). The leaders found themselves trapped. If they affirmed John, they would validate Jesus. If they denied him, they would anger the crowd. So they refused to answer.

Jesus then told parables exposing their spiritual blindness. In one example, He described two sons—one who initially refused but later obeyed, and another who promised obedience but never followed through (Matthew 21:28–32).

His point was clear: those considered outsiders were entering God’s kingdom because they responded to truth, while the religious elite rejected it.

Testing His Allegiance

Next came a political trap disguised as a financial question:
“Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Matthew 22:17).

This was not really about taxes. It was about loyalty. Was Jesus aligned with Rome or with God’s kingdom?

Jesus responded with remarkable wisdom:

“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

In one sentence, He acknowledged earthly authority while affirming God’s ultimate authority. He demonstrated that earthly governments operate under God’s permission, but our ultimate allegiance belongs to Him.

Again, no fault was found.

Testing His Knowledge

Then the Sadducees approached. They denied the resurrection and tried to trap Jesus with a complicated hypothetical scenario (Matthew 22:23–28).

Their real question was simple: Does Jesus truly understand Scripture?

Jesus answered by correcting their misunderstanding:
“You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29).

He then quoted Exodus:
“I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob… God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Exodus 3:6; Matthew 22:32).

With this, Jesus demonstrated both His knowledge of Scripture and His authority to interpret it correctly. Once again, His perfection was evident.

Testing His Wisdom

Finally, a lawyer asked what seemed like a simple question:
“Which is the great commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36).

With over 600 laws in Jewish tradition, this was anything but simple.
Jesus answered:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37).

And then added:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39).

Then He explained:
“On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:40).

Why is this so important? Because love comes before law. When we truly love God, obedience becomes the natural response. Love transforms duty into devotion.

Turning the Tables

After answering every challenge, Jesus asked His own question:
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” (Matthew 22:42).

They answered correctly: “The Son of David.”

Jesus then quoted Psalm 110, showing that David called the Messiah Lord. How could the Messiah be both David’s son and David’s Lord?

The answer reveals the mystery of Christ: He is both fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14; Philippians 2:5–8; Colossians 2:9). Only someone both divine and human could mediate between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

No one could answer Him.

Matthew records:
“From that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore” (Matthew 22:46).

The inspection was complete.

The Verdict

For four days, Jesus was examined by the most educated religious leaders of His time. They tested His teaching, His character, His loyalty, and His understanding of Scripture.
They found no fault.

Just as the Passover lamb had to be without blemish (Exodus 12:5), Jesus was shown to be the perfect sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18–19).

Yet they crucified Him anyway.
Why?

Because redemption requires sacrifice. Scripture reminds us:
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).

The perfect Lamb had to be slain so His blood could cover us, just as the Passover blood protected Israel (1 Corinthians 5:7; Revelation 5:9).

Our Perfect Savior

As we enter Holy Week, we remember who Jesus truly is.

He is Emmanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
He is the Light of the World (John 8:12).
He is our Advocate and Intercessor (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25).

He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Because He was inspected and found perfect, His sacrifice was accepted. Revelation tells us it is the Lamb who was slain who alone is worthy (Revelation 5:6–10).

Salvation did not come through political power or military strength. It came through the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb.

And because of that, we can still say today:
Hosanna—God has saved us.

I believe our RHC families carry a deep desire to help their young children understand the gospel message. Jesus is the answer to everything our children will face in life now and for eternity. How can we help plant or water the seed, that the Holy Spirit will make grow?  Here are some book resources I found on the Village Church website that I think can help deepen that understanding for our young ones.

PRESCHOOL
Holy Week by Danielle Hitchen (Author), Jessica Blanchard
The Boy from the House of Bread by Andrew Wilson (Author), Arief Putra
Jesus Rose for Me by Jared Kennedy (Author), Trish Mahoney

ELEMENTARY KIDS 
The Garden, The Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton (Author), Catalina Echeverri
The Donkey who Carried a King by R.C. Sproul (Author), Chuck Groenink
The Friend who Forgives by Dan DeWitt (Author), Catalina Echeverri
The Promise: The Amazing Story of Our Long-Awaited Savior by Jason Helopoulos (Author),
Rommel Ruiz
Darkest Night Brightest Day: A Family Devotional for the Easter Season by Marty Machowski (Author), Phil Schorr
Goodbye to Goodbyes by Lauren Chandler (Author), Catalina Echeverri

Credits go to The Village Church for their suggested family resources.