In this "Revelation" devotional, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff delves into one of the most pivotal images in the book: the scroll sealed with seven seals, introduced in Revelation chapter 5.

Pastor Mike explains that this scroll represents God’s perfect plan for history—His design to defeat evil, vindicate His people, and bring about the restoration of all creation. The dramatic tension arises when no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy to open it, until the announcement comes: the Lion of Judah has triumphed and is qualified. Yet when John turns, he sees not a conquering lion, but a Lamb looking as if it had been slain. This stunning revelation shows that Jesus is worthy not through force, but through His sacrificial death on the cross.

Join us for a powerful look at how the crucified Lamb holds the future in His hands, assuring us that history is not random, evil does not have the final word, and our hope is anchored in the One who alone is worthy to unfold God’s ultimate plan.

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In this "Revelation" devotional, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff examines one of the book's most striking images: Jesus portrayed with a sharp, double-edged sword coming from His mouth, found in Revelation 1 and later in Revelation 19.

Pastor Mike explains that this powerful symbol is not about physical violence, but about the piercing, unmasking power of God’s Word. Drawing a connection to Hebrews 4:12—which describes the Word of God as living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword—he clarifies that the sword represents divine truth, judgment, and the ultimate authority of Christ's speech. In a world where Roman swords enforced Caesar's will, Jesus conquers and reigns through His Word, which cuts to the heart, exposes evil, and brings justice.

This episode invites us to see Jesus in His full, resurrected glory and to understand the transformative, penetrating power of His truth in our lives and in the world.

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In this devotional from our "Revelation" series, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff addresses a beautiful and symbolic question: Why are the prayers of God’s people described as incense in heaven?

Looking at Revelation 5 and 8, Pastor Mike explores the imagery of golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. This powerful symbol, rooted in the temple worship of the Old Testament, elevates our understanding of prayer from mere communication to sacred communion. It assures us that our prayers—especially those lifted from places of suffering or persecution—are not forgotten or ignored. They are treasured by God, collected in His presence, and actively engaged with in heaven.

This short message is a profound encouragement: your prayers matter. They rise before God as a pleasing aroma, and He moves in response. Be reminded to pray with confidence, knowing that heaven is listening.

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In this "Revelation" devotional, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff explores a central and recurring image in the book: the throne. Appearing over 40 times, this is far more than a piece of furniture—it is the book's ultimate visual declaration of God's sovereign power and control.

Pastor Mike focuses on the powerful scenes in Revelation 4 and 5, where the throne is the focal point of heavenly worship and the slain Lamb, Jesus, is revealed as the only one worthy to unfold history. In a world—and a book—filled with chaos, beasts, and suffering, the throne stands as an unwavering symbol that God is seated, unthreatened, and utterly in command. This truth reshapes our perspective, making our fears and problems grow smaller in light of His supreme authority.

Join us for a deeply encouraging look at how the throne of God provides the ultimate assurance that He sees, He knows, and He will act at the right time, inviting us to live with confidence and worship.

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In this episode of our "Revelation" devotional series, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff tackles a key and often debated question: What is the Great Tribulation?

While the term itself points to a significant period of suffering and distress, Pastor Mike focuses on the theological and pastoral heart of the issue. He places the concept within the broader biblical theme that God’s people should expect seasons of hardship and refining, tracing this pattern from the Old Testament prophets to Jesus’ words in Matthew 24.

Rather than getting tangled in the debates over timing or specific eschatological frameworks, this discussion offers a crucial pastoral perspective: we must be prepared for difficulty, knowing that God does not abandon us in suffering. The ultimate promise of Revelation remains—struggle gives way to triumph, and God wins. This message is a call to patient endurance, trust, and hope, anchored in the assurance that for those in Christ, the story ends in victory.

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In this "Revelation" devotional, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff unpacks one of the most dramatic and often misunderstood sections of the book: the seven seals described in Revelation chapters 6-8.

Beginning with the powerful scene of the sealed scroll in God’s hand, Pastor Mike walks through the significance of each seal—from the four horsemen symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death, to the cries of the martyrs, cosmic upheaval, and the solemn silence of the seventh seal. While the imagery is intense and can feel unsettling, he emphasizes that this unfolding judgment is under the complete authority of the slain Lamb, Jesus Christ. The seals are not a puzzle to solve out of fear, but a revelation of God’s sovereign plan moving history toward final restoration and victory.

This message is a call to find hope and assurance in the One who holds the scroll, reminding us to live with perseverance and faith, trusting that God is in control even when the world seems undone.

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In this installment of our "Revelation" devotional series, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff tackles a commonly asked and culturally charged question: What happens at Armageddon? Is it a literal battlefield, a symbolic war, or something else entirely?

Pastor Mike turns to Revelation 16:16—the only verse in the Bible that mentions the word "Armageddon"—and explores its historical, geographical, and theological significance. While acknowledging the debate over a literal versus symbolic interpretation, he focuses on the undeniable and hopeful truth that Armageddon points toward: a final, decisive confrontation where God triumphs completely. This isn't a story of a close fight, but of a certain and overwhelming victory for Jesus.

Join us for a clarifying look at this often-misunderstood topic, and be encouraged to live with the confidence of those who already know how the story ends.

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In this devotional from our "Revelation" series, Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff addresses a direct and important question: Why is he so insistent that the Book of Revelation is encouraging?

While the book contains vivid imagery of hardship and judgment, Pastor Mike explains that its ultimate purpose is not to frighten us, but to ground us in hope. Revelation doesn’t end in chaos—it ends in glory. It doesn’t conclude with judgment, but with joy. Focusing on the breathtaking vision of restoration in Revelation 22, this message reminds us that God is a pursuing God who defeats evil, breaks the curse, and invites His people into a glorious future. The end of the story is our greatest encouragement: God wins, and if we are in Christ, we win with Him.

Join us for this uplifting look at why Revelation is, at its heart, a book of profound hope and assurance.

Don't Miss the Rest of the Series:
Watch the full "Revelation" Devotional series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDrtLuCNhew7-vYFAjG0kGaDHsWMdEtot

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More Revelation Series Resources: https://christchurchil.org/revelation