Series: The Radical Call of Jesus
Message: Radical Warning
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 103:13–18.

Read: Revelation 8:2-11:18 (Message). Note 1–3 insights or questions that arise from the paraphrase.

Reflect: Last week when I preached on the seven seals, I shared this illustration to bring this half of the book together. In case you did not have a chance to hear the sermon, I thought it would be a good challenge and illustration to bring this week in line with the last two. 

Since I have not had any in a long time, as I am on a gluten-free diet, the best illustration would be a delightful three-layered strawberry cream cake. This cake is divided into seven slices. Each slice represents a different period of time, from the time of John right through to the current time. The first slice is the 1st century, the second slice is the 2nd and 3rd centuries etc. Are you with me? Can you visualize this? Now just go with me on journey.

Layer 1 of this is the vanilla sponge. (Sponge is the word the British use for "cake.") The seven churches. Jesus has a radical call for each of them. They have to proclaim the Gospel against all odds, and as they grow weaker, Jesus makes the sponge stronger. [Church]

Layer 2 of this cake is Cornish dairy cream mingled with fresh strawberries. The Seals. So fitting, right? All that flavor sealed in the cream. Those are the faithful . . . those who made radical choices at every age to follow Jesus, heavy consequences at times—lives were lost—but the Gospel was proclaimed to all the world. [Christians]

Layer 3 of this cake is thin sponge with icing and a gigantic candle on top. This icing is pure butter and sugar. It gives you a instant heart attack. Just like a loud trumpet right next to your ear. You like that connection? [Community]

So when you cut a slice from this cake? Any era you pick—what you see is the radical call of Jesus for the (layer 1) Church, for (layer 2) Christians, for the (layer 3) Community. You hear Jesus promise to help when He asks His people to repent and conquer - Church. You know that He will nudge hard and send the Holy Spirit to seal you as you settle into truth - Christians. You know that He will warn you with severe judgments to encourage you to change your path - Community. That there is still time today. Yet time is also short. 
The Kingdom of God covers all of that. It affects all of that.

Recalibrate: ​​​Which is most in need of a warning today: Church, Christians, or Community?

Respond: Pray for wisdom. 

Research: Create a timeline chart comparing Daniel’s prophecies with Revelation 11.