In February 1861, Abraham Lincoln’s said farewell to the town where he lived, Springfield, Illinois, as he was about to become the President of the US. His speech was filled with emotion, gratitude, and a desire for his people’s blessing as he faced the unknown. In a similar, but much more profound way, Jesus gave a final message to his church in a vision to the Apostle John, which John wrote down called the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ words are weighty and filled with blessing, not only for the ancient churches, but for every church—including yours—across time. It begins with Revelation 1:1-8, which celebrates these blessings—where they come from, who receives them, what they’re like, and how we can open our lives to receive all Christ has for us.

At the eastern tip of Long Island, there’s an iconic lighthouse, a steadfast symbol of a time past when ships sailed the dangerous waters of the Atlantic. When you stand next to it or even inside it at the top, it’s not hard to picture the storm battered lighthouse keepers—the men responsible for shining the light when sailors depended on it most. Like a keeper in the storm, the Apostle John found hope while exiled on Patmos, surrounded by the storms of persecution and uncertainty. In that isolation, John wrote down his shining vision of Jesus: radiant, glorious, walking among his church. John realized the churches weren’t abandoned, but held safely by Christ, the true Lord—present, active, and commanding history itself. Revelation 1:9-20 contains four statements that describe our Lord of the Church.

Those who aspire to play guitar, know that the learning process means enduring sore fingers and raw skin, but after enough practice, callouses form—making the pain fade and the music flow. Yet, those same callouses that strengthen a guitarist’s skill can eventually dull sensitivity to touch and feeling. In life, there’s a similar risk: we work hard to build spiritual resilience, but sometimes what makes us tough can make us insensitive, less tender to others and even to God. Jesus addressed this danger in Revelation 2:1-7, which contains his words of encouragement, correction, and promise for callous Christians.

The human search for significance can leave people exhausted as they strive to meet overwhelming expectations. Many pour themselves into raising children, trying to provide the perfect upbringing, while guilt and fear whisper that every failure means defeat. Others seek approval at work, in relationships, or online, believing their value depends on constantly measuring up. That pressure—whether as a parent, employee, friend, or student—can drain every ounce of energy and hope. These lies corrupt our minds and hearts, but Jesus offers good news to those running on empty. In Revelation 2:12-17, Jesus spoke to the drained church with words of encouragement, correction, and promise. His love assures us that our worth comes not from our performance, but from his grace, which refreshes exhausted souls.

Serious runners know the agony of hitting “the wall,” when pain and exhaustion threaten to overwhelm any hope of finishing the race. Life is similar—everyone faces suffering, and often it feels endless, lonely, and unbearable. Physical, emotional, or spiritual anguish can leave the finish line of relief feeling impossibly far away. In a broken world marred by rebellion, disease, and loss, Christians are not spared from hardship; sometimes, our struggles mirror marathoners pressing on through intense pain. In Revelation 2:8-11, Christ spoke words of encouragement and promise to the suffering church, assuring them—and us—that he is present in our darkest moments and his love, comfort, and hope are greater than any affliction.

The 1980s were marked by optimism, technological progress, and memorable music, yet the era also witnessed tragic events. One of those tragedies, the Chernobyl nuclear plant meltdown, serves as a lasting example of what happens when important warnings are dismissed: tolerance of preventable danger can have devastating consequences. In life and faith, not all tolerance is good; sometimes, what we allow to persist can quietly undermine what matters most. In Revelation 2:18-29, Jesus addressed the tolerant church—affirming the good, but warning of the perils of tolerating sin and false teaching. Christ’s words bring encouragement, correction, and promise to all churches, urging us to discern between commendable patience and damaging negligence. Good tolerance builds community; bad tolerance can erode faith.

In 2006, the Chicago Tribune ran a quirky story about “Flat Dave”—a cardboard cutout that attended family gatherings, celebrated birthdays, and became a local celebrity, even as the real Dave lived three hours away. While the community embraced Flat Dave and his reputation grew, the truth remained: he wasn’t really present, and he wasn’t alive. That funny headline offers a somber parallel to Jesus’ words in Revelation 3:1-6: “You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” Churches and believers can be active, well-known, and admired, but still lack true spiritual life—a reality far weightier than cardboard imitation. Jesus speaks with both correction and grace, offering encouragement and promise to those who feel spiritually lifeless. True life is found in Christ alone; his words invite every church and every Christian to wake up, repent, and receive the fullness he offers.

While the Liberty Bell may be one of the most well-known symbols Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the keystone hanging over it may have more historical significance. That precise stone, placed at arch’s apex, holds the entire structure together. It was so important in many of the buildings of the city that the state of Pennsylvania became known as the Keystone State. The state held the union together, much in the same way the stones hold buildings together. In the Christian faith, Jesus is that keystone—the one who holds the church, our lives, and even the universe together. In Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus made it clear that real faithfulness isn’t sinless perfection; it’s holding fast to him as our keystone, keeping his word and never denying his name.

Vacationers sometimes find welcoming bowls of fruit at their rental—only to discover, especially if they take a bite, that the fruit is plastic. Outwardly beautiful, inviting, and seemingly satisfying, fake fruit lacks substance and has no power to nourish or refresh. Plastic fruit is fruitless, not fruitful. That common experience offers a timely lesson for Christians and churches: it’s possible to look rich, successful, and spiritually productive while actually lacking genuine fruit beneath the surface. Jesus wants more for us than a hollow, fruitless life. In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus spoke words of encouragement, correction, and promise to churches that appear prosperous but desperately need his perspective and presence.

Heaven is one of humanity’s greatest mysteries and most heartfelt questions: “What happens after we die?” While Scripture gives only a glimpse, that glimpse offers a breathtaking vision of the church in Heaven—a worship service beyond anything found on Earth, filled with overflowing love, unity, and transformed joy. The future for believers isn’t just heaven, but a new Heavens and a New Earth, a world where all that is good endures without the pain of sin. And when we gather for worship in this final church, people from every nation will join to proclaim Christ’s glory, echoing what happens in churches today but perfected forever. In Revelation 7:9-12, Jesus reveals five aspects of heavenly worship and gives the church on Earth five instructions based on this vision. Church life now finds meaning in its heavenly destination—worshipping Jesus together, forever.