The Promise in the Pressure | Pastor Chris Appleton

Preached at The Power of the Promise Conference, “The Promise in the Pressure” is a message about trusting what God said even when what you see looks nothing like the promise.

Acts 1:8 gave the church the promise. Acts 8:1 brought the pressure. But the pressure became the sending mechanism that carried the Gospel into Judea and Samaria.

Through the early church, Abraham, Lazarus, and the picture of the water tower, this message reminds us that pressure does not mean the promise has died. Your calling, vision, His power, the harvest, and His purpose are still alive.

God never asked you to resurrect His promise. He asked you to believe Him enough to roll away the stone.

The Lord Is There | Revelation 21–22

After walking Scripture by Scripture through the Book of Revelation, we arrive at the final two chapters and the destination toward which the entire Bible has been moving.

The story began in a garden with God dwelling with humanity. Sin brought separation, death, pain, and the curse. But Revelation 21–22 shows us what Jesus has been accomplishing through redemption: He is bringing His people home.

In this final message of our Revelation series, Pastor Chris Appleton walks through the New Heaven and New Earth, the New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ, the River of Life, the return of the Tree of Life, and the incredible promise that “there shall be no more curse.”

No more death.
No more sorrow.
No more crying.
No more pain.
No more night.
No more separation.

And greater than the streets of gold, the gates of pearl, or the beauty of the city is this promise:

“And they shall see his face.” — Revelation 22:4

From Eden to the Tabernacle, from the Temple to Jesus, from the Cross to the Church, the entire story has been about the presence of God dwelling with His people.

And Revelation ends with one final invitation:

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.”

Jesus responds:

“Surely I come quickly.”

And the Church answers:

“Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

The Bible began with God and humanity together, and it ends the same way.

The Lord Is There | Revelation 21–22
Pastor Chris Appleton
Living Word Arizona

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We Bring the Kingdom.

The Final Enemy | Revelation 20

What happens when Satan is bound for 1,000 years? Why is he released one final time? Who are Gog and Magog? And what does Revelation 20 reveal about the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ?

In this message, Pastor Chris Appleton continues Scripture by Scripture through Revelation, unpacking one of the most powerful chapters in the book.

Revelation 20 pulls back the curtain on the spiritual battle behind the natural world. We see Satan bound, Christ reigning, the saints raised, Gog and Magog gathered for one final rebellion, the Great White Throne, the Book of Life, and ultimately the destruction of death itself.

The Millennium reveals the perfection of Christ’s rule. Satan’s final release exposes the condition of the unredeemed heart. And the final judgment reminds us that Jesus leaves no enemy standing.

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
1 Corinthians 15:26

The serpent loses.
The rebellion ends.
The grave is defeated.
Death itself is destroyed.

And Jesus Christ reigns.

The Final Enemy | Revelation 20
Pastor Chris Appleton
Living Word Arizona

Reach. Teach. Mend. Send.
We Bring the Kingdom.

The Four Hallelujahs | Revelation 19

There are only four Hallelujahs recorded in the entire New Testament—and every one of them is found in Revelation 19.

Why does Heaven wait until the very end of the Bible to sing "Hallelujah"? What is so significant about this moment that all of Heaven erupts in praise?

In this verse-by-verse study, Pastor Chris Appleton continues our journey through the book of Revelation by unveiling one of its most breathtaking chapters. From the Marriage Supper of the Lamb to the return of Jesus Christ on a white horse, Revelation 19 reveals the triumphant King who is worthy of all worship.

Discover the progression of Heaven's praise through The Four Hallelujahs:

• The Hallelujah of Salvation

• The Hallelujah of Deliverance

• The Hallelujah of Surrender

• The Hallelujah of Victory

You'll also explore:

• The powerful contrast between Hosanna and Hallelujah.

• Why Jesus first rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and returns riding a white horse.

• The prophetic fulfillment of Scripture from Daniel and Zechariah.

• The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the preparation of the Bride.

• The significance of Christ's many crowns, His robe dipped in blood, and His title: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Most importantly, this message reminds us that Revelation is not primarily about prophecy—it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

If you've walked through seasons of hardship, pruning, or refining, this message will encourage you to lift your voice in praise. The same God who saves, delivers, transforms, and reigns is still worthy of your Hallelujah today.

Key Scripture: Revelation 19

Series: Scripture by Scripture Through Revelation

Living Word Arizona
Reach. Teach. Mend. Send.
We Bring the Kingdom.

Everything Built Without Christ Comes Down | Revelation 18

In Revelation 18, we witness the dramatic fall of Babylon—a symbol of every kingdom, culture, and system built apart from God. What the world believed was untouchable is brought down in a single hour, reminding us that anything built without Christ will ultimately fail.

But this chapter is about much more than the judgment of Babylon. It is a powerful revelation of Jesus Christ.

In this message, Pastor Chris Appleton walks verse by verse through Revelation 18, revealing Jesus as:

• The Judge of every false kingdom.
• The Good Shepherd calling His people out of compromise.
• The True Treasure who values souls above earthly wealth.
• The Defender who remembers every injustice and every martyr.
• The Bridegroom preparing His Bride for an everlasting Kingdom.

You'll discover how Babylon represents more than a future city—it reveals a worldview that says, "We don't need God." In contrast, Jesus is building a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Whether you're studying Bible prophecy, growing in your understanding of Revelation, or simply wanting to know Jesus more deeply, this message will challenge you to examine what you're building your life upon.

Key Scripture: Revelation 18

Big Idea: Everything built without Christ eventually comes down.

Thank you for listening to the Be Encouraged Podcast with Pastor Chris Appleton. If this message encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope in God's Word.

Living Word Arizona
Reach. Teach. Mend. Send.
We Bring the Kingdom.

What if the greatest danger to the Church isn't persecution—but deception?

In this verse-by-verse study of Revelation 17, Pastor Chris Appleton uncovers the identity of the Counterfeit Bride—Babylon. This chapter isn't merely about a future world system; it's a warning against every false religion, worldly influence, and counterfeit kingdom that competes for our devotion to Christ.

Together we'll explore:

• The mystery of Babylon and what she represents.
• The woman riding the Beast and the deception of worldly power.
• The contrast between Babylon's golden cup and Christ's cup of redemption.
• The Beast, the ten kings, and the final rebellion against the Lamb.
• Why Jesus is revealed as Lord of lords and King of kings.
• The difference between the counterfeit bride and the true Bride of Christ.

More than a study of prophecy, Revelation 17 is a call to examine our hearts. Will we be seduced by the spirit of Babylon, or will we remain called, chosen, and faithful to the Lamb?

Whether you're new to the book of Revelation or have studied it for years, this message will challenge you to recognize the counterfeit, cling to the truth, and prepare for the return of Jesus Christ.

Living Word Arizona
Reach. Teach. Mend. Send.
We Bring the Kingdom.

Revelation 16 is one of the most sobering chapters in the Bible, revealing the seven bowls of God’s wrath and the final collapse of every kingdom that opposes Jesus Christ.

In this message, Pastor Chris Appleton walks through the entire chapter, explaining the connection between the bowls of Revelation and the plagues of Egypt, the meaning of the three unclean spirits like frogs, the gathering at Armageddon, and Heaven’s declaration: “It is done.”

This sermon also answers one of the most important theological questions in Scripture:

How can the same Jesus who stretched out His hands on the Cross also pour out judgment upon the earth?

The Cross reveals the depth of God’s mercy.
The bowls reveal the depth of His holiness.

The same King who judges sin is the King who first took our judgment upon Himself. At Calvary, Jesus bore the wrath we deserved, made peace between us and God, defeated sin and death, and opened the way for us to receive an unshakable Kingdom.

Revelation 16 is not simply a message about destruction. It is the revelation of the King who makes all things right.

Living Word Arizona
Reach. Teach. Mend. Send.
We Bring the Kingdom.

🎙️ THE CROSSOVER | Revelation 14–15

As we continue our verse-by-verse journey through the Book of Revelation, we arrive at a breathtaking transition point in God's redemptive story. The harvest has come. The Song of Moses echoes through Heaven. The Temple of Testimony is opened. The angels prepare the bowls. And while the earth braces for judgment, Heaven erupts in worship.

In this powerful message, Pastor Chris Appleton explores the deep connections between Exodus and Revelation, showing how the God who delivered Israel through the sea is the same God bringing history to its appointed conclusion. Discover the significance of the heavenly harvest, the Sea of Glass mingled with fire, the Song of Moses and the Lamb, and the covenant faithfulness of God revealed throughout Scripture.

More than a message about future events, The Crossover reveals a God who keeps His promises, finishes what He starts, and leads His people from one season into another. If you've ever found yourself standing between what was and what is yet to come, this message will encourage your faith and remind you that God is still guiding His people through every transition.

Because every great move of God has a crossover moment.

Living Word Arizona
Reach. Teach. Mend. Send.
We Bring The Kingdom.