November 24th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"The Present King of Past and Future: Our Source of Eternal Gratitude" (Revelation 1:4b-8)

Lectionary Readings — Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost — November 24, 2024

2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18); Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37

---

Call to Worship (based on Revelation 1:4b-8)

Leader: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come,

People: And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead.

Leader: To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,

People: Who has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father.

Leader: Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.

People: He is the Alpha and the Omega, who was and is and is to come.

Leader: In this season of thanksgiving, we praise the One who gives us all good gifts,

People: The Almighty, who provides for us from generation to generation.

Leader: From him all blessings flow, past, present, and future,

People: To him be glory and power for ever and ever!

All: Amen.

---

Opening Prayer (based on John 18:33-37)

Loving God, Ruler of all creation,

We come before you today, mindful of how your kingdom differs from the kingdoms of this world. Like Pilate, we sometimes struggle to understand the nature of your reign - a kingdom not built on force or might, but on truth and love.

Lord Jesus, you stood before earthly powers with dignity and purpose, declaring that your kingdom is not of this world. Help us to grasp this profound truth: that your dominion transcends political borders, that your crown is one of thorns, and that your power is made perfect in sacrifice.

In a world that often seeks authority through force, remind us that we serve a King who came not to be served, but to serve. Give us the courage to bear witness to your truth, even when it challenges the powers that be. Let us be your ambassadors of peace in a world of conflict.

Grant us wisdom to recognize your kingdom breaking into our daily lives - in acts of mercy, in moments of forgiveness, in the pursuit of justice, and in the love we show to our neighbors.

May we, your church, reflect the values of your kingdom: humility instead of pride, service instead of dominance, truth instead of expedience. Help us to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to you, our eternal King.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who reigns in truth and love, Amen.

---

Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "The Present King of Past and Future: Our Source of Eternal Gratitude" (Revelation 1:4b-8)

Introduction:

• Setting: The Sunday before Thanksgiving - a time when we reflect on God's provisions

• Context: John's vision comes during a time of persecution, yet begins with hope

• Theme: Our gratitude flows from knowing who Christ is - past, present, and future

I. The PRESENCE of Our Eternal God (v. 4b)

A. The Timeless Nature of God

• "who is" - Present reality

• "who was" - Historical faithfulness

• "who is to come" - Future promise

B. Application for Thanksgiving:

• God's consistent presence through all seasons

• Gratitude for His unchanging nature

II. The POWER of Christ's Victory (v. 5-6)

A. Christ's Threefold Identity

B. Christ's Transforming Love

C. Thanksgiving Application:

• Gratitude for spiritual freedom

• Thankfulness for our royal priesthood identity

III. The PROMISE of His Return (v. 7)

A. The Visible Return

B. The Response to His Return

C. Thanksgiving Connection:

• Grateful anticipation of His return

• Thanks for future hope

IV. The PROCLAMATION of His Deity (v. 8)

A. Divine Titles

B. Divine Authority

C. Thanksgiving Impact:

• Gratitude for His complete sovereignty

• Thanks for His all-sufficient nature

Conclusion:

Summary of Gratitude Themes

1. Thankful for His eternal presence

2. Grateful for His victorious power

3. Hopeful for His promised return

4. Worship for His divine nature

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers