“The Ultimate Freedom”
Pastor Terry Wilcox
Revelation 1:4-8
In America, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4 because:
Abigail Adams (1744-1818), was the wife of John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States of America, and the mother of the 6th President, John Quincy Adams.
A letter from Abigail Adams – November 5, 1775:
A patriot without religion in my estimation is as great a paradox as an honest Man without the fear of God. Is it possible that he whom no moral obligations bind, can have any real Good Will towards Men? Can he be a patriot who, by an openly vicious conduct, is undermining the very bonds of Society?… The Scriptures tell us “righteousness exalteth a Nation.”
A letter to John Adams – June 20, 1776:
I feel no anxiety at the large armament designed against us. The remarkable interpositions of heaven in our favor cannot be too gratefully acknowledged. He who fed the Israelites in the wilderness, who clothes the lilies of the field, and who feeds the young ravens when they cry, will not forsake a people engaged in so right a cause, if we remember His loving kindness.
Revelation 1:4-8
- Revelation 1:4 – Asia, 1st-century Roman province, new
John connects grace and peace as from God.
grace =
peace =
Exodus 3:14
“Yahweh” = .
- Revelation 1:4 – Seven Spirits = John’s expression of .
Dr. Earl Palmer – “There are seven churches that are to receive this letter, and I find it impressive that the Holy Spirit, who is the creator of the church and the sustainer of the church, should be identified in a way that highlights His ministry alongside and within the seven struggling churches of Asia Minor.”
Description of Jesus
- Revelation 1:4 – Giver of grace and peace.
- Revelation 1:5 – The faithful witness
Revelation 3:14
In Old Testament “amen” in reference to God = .
In Old Testament “amen” in reference to people = having .
- Revelation 1:5 – “first born.”
In Biblical times, the firstborn inherited…
Genesis 2:17
Genesis 3:4
Jesus was first to defeat death.
Romans 10:9
- Revelation 1:5 – Jesus ruler over all.
Isaiah 41:10
- Revelation 1:5 – The ultimate freedom.
Personal Notes: