“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” (Revelation 2:10, NIV)

As we continue on from last week, we are again reminded that that Jesus is sovereign even in suffering. The letter to Smyrna calls believers to endure persecution, knowing the battle is temporary but the victory is eternal. Worship can highlight giving thanks for Christ’s sovereignty, his victory over death, and the hope of eternal life, while also offering songs of trust and courage for today’s trials.

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“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! (Revelation 2:9, NIV)

This sermon reminds us that Jesus is sovereign even in suffering. The letter to Smyrna calls believers to endure persecution, knowing the battle is temporary but the victory is eternal. Worship can highlight Christ’s sovereignty, his victory over death, and the hope of eternal life, while also offering songs of trust and courage for today’s trials.

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“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first…” (Revelation 2:4, NIV)

This sermon is a continuation from last week and continues to emphasize Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus: though they were energetic in service, patient in suffering, and orthodox in belief, they had abandoned their first love of Jesus and one another. We’ll explore how love for Christ must be the foundation of all service, endurance, and doctrine. Worship should focus on returning to our first love in Christ, repentance, and renewal of devotion.

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“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first…” (Revelation 2:4, NIV)

This sermon emphasizes Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus: though they were energetic in service, patient in suffering, and orthodox in belief, they had abandoned their first love of Jesus and one another. We’ll explore how love for Christ must be the foundation of all service, endurance, and doctrine. Worship should focus on returning to our first love in Christ, repentance, and renewal of devotion.

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This sermon introduces our sermon series for the next 8 weeks on Revelation Chapters 2-3, letters to seven churches from Jesus. The introduction frames Revelation not as a codebook for predicting the future but as the unveiling of Jesus Christ. Rather than focusing on fear or speculation, John’s vision reminds us that Jesus is Lord, even in the midst of persecution and chaos. The message points us to hope, worship, and faithful discipleship in the present. This is seen in the letters to the church.

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Philemon explores Paul’s heartfelt appeal to Philemon, asking him to receive Onesimus no longer as a runaway slave but as a brother in Christ. It challenges us to see reconciliation as costly, transformative, and rooted in the gospel’s power to make the “useless” useful again.

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In Luke 14:7–14, Jesus challenges our natural desire for recognition and repayment. True greatness in the Kingdom is not about status, but humility—choosing the low seat and opening our lives to those who cannot repay us. This passage calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s radical hospitality, where blessing is not measured by earthly honour but by the reward of heaven.

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Connect with Us!
www.opengatechurch.ca
Facebook: @theopengatechurch
Instagram: @theopengatechurch