1. Jesus’ Crescendo Revelation 22.12-21 Ascension Sunday | May 8, 2016 Unless otherwise noted, all images were accessed on 5 May 2016 at www.bing.com www.bing.com The Narrative of the Season of the Gospel The days are coming (Advent) when God’s Glory will appear (Christmas & Epiphany) and out of the midst of pain (Lent & Holy Week) we will sing a new song! (Easter & Pentecost)

2. Revelation 22.12-21 An epilogue & crescendo to the Bible Text is a theological bookend with 1.1-6…bring closure to the message to the seven churches Text is final “proleptic glimpse” (Gorman) into the Jesus- centered future that is now & not yet: A.The essence of Jesus as all in all (  vv12-13 B.The essence of ethics – those who choose Jesus vs. those who seek substitutes, vv14-15 C.The call & response of Christ and the church, vv16-17 A’. The exhortation to simple faithfulness, vv18-19 B’. The exhortation to the , vv20-21

3. At the end of the day… Revelation calls us to the Kingdom of God A kingdom that makes the incarnation forever – God’s promise is perpetual perceptible presence. A kingdom that sees at the end of history not utter desolation and escape, but the removal of all that prevents creation from flourishing. A kingdom that invites us not to some private spirituality, but to a robust public discipleship that speaks into every sphere of life. A modern Orthodox Icon of the Parousia

4. The Return of Jesus and His Now/Not Yet Kingdom asks some questions of us…. If we confess Christ is coming soon (v12), and the Spirit pleads for the bride to come (v17), what will it take for us to pray, “Maranatha” (Come, Lord Jesus, v20), and well, mean it? What are we doing in our lives to embrace the return of Jesus? Where are we embracing cheap substitutes? How are we telling the simple story of Jesus in and through our lives?

5. One More Thing…