Service Invocation:

God Almighty, you are our Higher Power. Grant us serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can and wisdom to know the difference. Strength to live one moment at a time, to enjoy one moment at a time and to accept hardship as the pathway to peace. Taking this sinful world as Jesus did not as I would have it. Trusting that He will make all things right as I surrender my will to Him, that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him in the next life, eternal life. Amen.

Opening Word & Reading for Worship:

On November 29, 2012, my life pivoted. That night, I drank my last alcoholic beverage. I was not just attending an outreach event—I was leading one, representing others while silently fighting my own battle. Our team hosted a Denim & Diamonds fundraiser in support of Juvenile Diabetes, a noble cause. Yet beneath the glitter and intention, we struggled to follow our own guidance: to abstain in solidarity.

As the event closed, I permitted myself a drink. Conviction followed—not loud, but steady. I was teaching discipline but quietly lacked it. That moment marked the beginning of a spiritual awakening. Not immediate. Not dramatic to everyone’s view and vantage point. But rooted in reflection. Five years sober, after I transferred duty stations, I found myself again facing temptation. This time, the stakes felt higher—not just sobriety, but identity. I was not sure who I was anymore.

It was then that I let Alcoholics Anonymous & Recovery for Life (Virginia) welcome me. In July of 2025 I was certified as a Ready Now Recovery Group Facilitator, now I engage Dolores County to announce to you,

“When you’re Ready We’re Ready.”

We are building a team locally for your delivery from life controlling issues. Ten years ago, it was there in a recovery community, holding my newborn grandson, that someone placed The Life Recovery Bible in my hands. Suddenly, I was not just looking for help with my temptation to return to vomit—I was searching the pages for help and hope in further deliverance. I was looking for inscription. Was my name written somewhere beyond this struggle? Could redemption also include record? Since then, a verse has come into focus.

📜 Verse in Focus: Revelation 2:17

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” — Revelation 2:17 (NIV)

This verse is part of the message to the church in Pergamum and is layered with metaphorical meaning.

🪨 The White Stone: Symbolism and Ancient Context

Several interpretations help unpack the mystery of the white stone:

Acquittal and Innocence: In ancient judicial systems, a white stone signified acquittal, while a black stone meant guilt. Receiving a white stone symbolizes being found worthy and free from condemnation (Brunstad Christian Church Media STI n.d.).¹
Token of Friendship: In Greek and Roman culture, white stones were exchanged as tokens of friendship or alliance. Kings would give half of a stone to trusted ambassadors, signifying favor and access. (Christian Questions n.d.).²
Symbol of Identity: The stone represents a personal and eternal relationship with Christ. It’s a mark of divine acceptance and spiritual transformation. (Christian Questions n.d.).²

🆕 The New Name: Divine Identity and Transformation

The “new name” written on the stone is deeply personal and spiritual:

Known Only to the Receiver: This name is a secret between God and the believer, symbolizing intimacy and uniqueness in their relationship (GotQuestions.org 2025).³

Reflects Spiritual Journey: The name may encapsulate the believer’s trials, victories, and transformation through faith. It’s a testimony of who they’ve become in Christ (Brunstad Christian Church Media STI n.d.).¹

New Creation: Echoing 2 Corinthians 5:17, the name signifies the believer’s rebirth and new identity in God’s eyes—not what they were, but what they’ve become (Brunstad Christian Church Media STI n.d.).¹

🔍 Theological Insights from Scholars

GotQuestions.org emphasizes the white stone as a symbol of victory and personal favor from Jesus.
Christian Questions links it to ancient customs and suggests the stone is symbolic of the Holy Spirit’s seal.
Active Christianity views the stone and name as the ultimate reward for faithfulness—a reflection of purity and perseverance.

This passage (Rev. 2:17) is a poetic promise: a hidden name, a divine token, and a whisper of eternity. It’s not just about being known—it’s about being known by God, in a way no one else can comprehend.

Sea Story: ✝️ Devotional Reflection: "Faithful in the Shadow of the Throne" Thirsty Thursday's

Prayer:

Lord thank you for soothing your wrath with the blood of Jesus Christ. Empower us to keep our minds pure that we might not sin against you. Your Holy Word declares that the pathway to hell is wide, and many are registered as citizens of the lake of fire. At that moment of Judgment, may we all hear our name called from the scroll during the mustering of the Saints as citizens heaven, whose names are permanently registered in your book of life. Amen. Let us rejoice with song unto the Lord Jesus Christ. Not because you have authority to tread on serpents and scorpions but rejoice that your names are written in heaven!

Book of Life: Registry by the Blood of Jesus Christ.

Sermon

Thesis: “I have written your name not by merit or lineage, but by surrender to My Son. For true citizenship in heaven begins not with your hands or heritage, but with My inscription on your soul.”

Introduction

The Christian has been delivered, sanctified, and commissioned to live out and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. True maturity in faith means surrendering fully to God’s will and living for His glory—this is a conviction worthy of our deepest commitment, even unto death. The blood of Jesus is considered imputed righteousness that positionally sets us up for permanent registry. Only the registered will enter heaven.

Twenty-seven Sacred Text addresses cover registry in the “Book of Life,” sometimes referred to as the “Book of the Living.” In this message series we only expounded upon five and today we close this series with the fifth location Rev. 21:27. Today’s message has two parts.

MAIN TEXT/TOPIC

Topics are Registry, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. Our Main text is Revelation 21:27 NLT.

🕯️ Part I: Theological Foundation – Citizens of Heaven vs. Cultural Drift

The Book of Life sermon series builds a strong biblical case for spiritual inscription over earthly affiliation. Each homily reinforces that the Book of Life is not metaphorical but eternal registry:

Homily 1: Ps. 87:6 – God registers the nations; spiritual citizenship begins with divine inscription.

Homily 2: Phil. 4:3 – Names in the Book of Life are tied to gospel labor and reconciliation.

Homily 3: Rev. 3:5 – Only Christ can blot out names; permanence is sealed by grace.

Homily 4: Rev. 20:15 – Those not recorded face eternal judgment; the Book of Life is final.

Today’s fifth homily, based on Revelation 21:27, will culminate this arc:

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation 21:27 (NIV)

This verse is a direct contrast to cultural expressions that trivialize the afterlife or flirt with spiritual impurity. This is where my critique of Beetlejuice and Halloween novelty culture fits in.

🎃 Part II: Cultural Survey – Beetlejuice & Occult Normalization

The Handbook for the Recently Deceased, inspired by the Beetlejuice film, is now sold as a novelty item filled with fake instructions on levitation, haunting, and “avoiding being summoned by the living”. While marketed as parody, it mimics occult manuals and spiritualist texts, which Scripture warns against:

Deuteronomy 18:10–12: [10] Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, [11] or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. [12] Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. (Deu 18:10-12 NIV)

Isaiah 8:19: [19] When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? (Isa 8:19 NIV)

The commercialization of such themes—especially around Halloween—blurs the line between entertainment and spiritual danger. It’s not just parody; it’s a cultural desensitization to necromancy and sorcery.4 I struggle to reconcile such occult. The opposite of praxis is apathy.

Our main text again,

“Nothing evil* will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty--but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.” (Rev 21:27 NLT)
*Or ceremonially unclean.

John wrote this about "the Lamb's Book of Life" where we have codified the ending of Rev. chapter 20:15 but at the beginning of chapter 21 we read:

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. [4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." [5] And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true." [6] And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. [Rev 21:3-6 NLT]

Revelation 3:5,

“All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.” (Rev 3:5 NLT)

Sermon Summary & Conclusion:

LaVar Burton Reading Rainbow Program PBS

In this series of sermons, I emphasized a survey in THE BOOK OF LIFE but there is much more that we can learn vicariously from the instructions to each of the seven churches. As LeVar Burton told me as a child, I tell you, it is a great book, "but you don't have to take my word for it". Read your Bible. Enhance the accurate practice of your beliefs by beginning with the end in mind. Read Revelation as it was written by John on the island of Patmos. Study the text firsthand to experience the full gospel of God.

It was in Revelation that I discovered the second death, the spiritual death in the lake of sulfur fire. When I heard the full gospel, my worldview changed profoundly. It was then that my theology changed from an eight-year-old view of heaven and hell to an adult thirty-year-old perspective. Reading the message for yourself empowers conviction by God leveling up accountability experienced like no other relationship. My first round of reading the book of Revelation God, permitted me to have an ear to hear,

"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation... [22] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" (Rev 3:14, 22 ESV)

This message to the church in Laodicea was where I recognized I was like that of “lukewarm” practice of my belief in God described in Rev. 3:16,

"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! [16] So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. (Rev 3:15-16 ESV)

It was then that I began to learn the fear of God, because the Holy Spirit and God’s local church helped me recognize that I was not on the path to eternal life but on a track toward eternal punishment. Furthermore, I accepted the rest of the message to Laodicea, which reads:

For you say, "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing," not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. [18] I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. [19] Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. [21] The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. [22] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" (Rev 3:17-22 ESV)

Next Message:

For our next Sermon I have another series of messages planned for about 5 sermons. I propose that there is a reason to postulate that believers may be in a major cultural drift and be critically unaware. Such as the idea from the Lord through John in Rev. 3:16 regarding lukewarm believers. “Praxis is the practice of becoming critically aware.”⁵ Have any of you lost your senses? Have you become numb to horrific events? Praxis is the practice of becoming critically aware. But have we drifted into complacency? Have we become critically unaware, numbed by repetition and noise?

Recent events indicate that some people in our communities have become critically unaware.6 And I don't just mean Charlie Kirk's death. As we approach more signs of seasonal changes to fall weather there is an American cultural celebration that has lost its meaning to some. Others never had a chance of critically assessing this festival. Have you considered the origins of this event now called Halloween?

In our next series message, I will lead us through the subject of Sanctification as we approach this common carnival. The series is titled: Hallo-wax: Waxing Toward Holiness in a Culture of Shadows. The series will not be an attack on Halloween festivities, but I will however touch on some detail within the history of Halloween. A presentation of Sanctification in framework of such themes as Citizens of Heaven Vs. Cultural Drift. Each homily builds on the concept of sanctification—God’s setting apart of His people—and contrasts it with cultural waning. The series moves from personal sanctification to communal holiness, culminating in the sanctuary of God’s eternal presence.

As always you get to choose what you believe, and I will share with you some of my beliefs. Yet, my persuasions are Holy Spirit-Driven not personal punch lines to bring me greater attention. I will however profess that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life. I will share the full gospel of God. If this persuades you to give up anything hindering communion with God then it is of God’s spirit not mine.7

Sermon Exhortation:

Protagonistic Spurs of Love! (See Heb. 10:24, See less about the shepherds GOAD chastisement/reproof Rev. 3:19).

“Only those whose names are in God's Book will enter heaven” (Rev. 21:27)

As we think about making changes in our life, we may find ourselves dwelling on defects in our character. Removing our defects may seem to be an overwhelming task, even though God has promised to do the work. Perhaps if we could just catch a glimpse of life beyond recovery from addiction [or sin], our hope would be revived. The apostle Paul wrote:

"and I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus returns" Phil. 1:6 (NLT)

There is hope for all of us, no matter how terrible our past or the problems we face today. Someday all our defects will be gone; all things will be made new; the thirst of our soul will be quenched by the Water of Life.

Sermon Altar Call to Action:

Invest time at the altar whether that be this community altar, your personal altar, your family altar at home. Ask God to remove character defects and empower you with His character. God is ready to change you. Are you open to the change that His presence demands?

At the altar thus sayeth the Lord,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Rev 3:20 (NIV)

Sermon Prayer & song:

Pass me not by Fanny J. Crosby and W.H. Doane; Melodies of Praise page 169.

Service Benediction:

"…May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other." Gen 31:49 (NIV)

Sources, Credits, Citations & Notes:

“Ann Steiner and Bjørn Nilsen ,” The 3rd extraordinary promise: Hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name, ActiveChristianity, BCC Media STI. Accessed September 20, 2025, https://activechristianity.org/the-3rd-extraordinary-promise-hidden-manna-a-white-stone-and-a-new-name.
“Christian Questions, Rick, Jonathan and Julie”, What is the “white stone” in Revelation 2:17 and what is its purpose? - Christian Questions Bible Podcast. Accessed September 20, 2025, https://christianquestions.com/bible-questions/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-white-stone-mentioned-in-revelation/
“GotQuestions.org and Got Question Ministries,” Why is God going to give us a white stone with a new name? | GotQuestions.org, last updated Aug 14,2025, accessed Sep 20,2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/white-stone-new-name.html.
Beetlejuice Movie Handbook for the Recently Deceased: The Afterlife – Halloween Gifts. Beetlejuice Journal & Handbook. Categorized as a novelty for movie fans but isn’t this the slippery slope God warns us about in scripture? Touching the grounds of sorcery occult works like speaking with the dead. I don’t like how some of the American Culture has taken a Harvest celebration and turned it into “Halloween.” I can’t help but consider Hallo-wax a much more appropriate venture for the Christian believer. Shouldn’t we be waxing more toward that which is holy? Instead of slowly removing and waning away from holiness. I struggle to reconcile such occult. The origin of harvest celebration in Celtic roots must be guarded from your belief system as a Christian believer too.
Noel Sanderson, “Practical Theology-501: Graduate Studies: Foundations for Academic Success,” (conference #4 lecture, Trinity Bible College and Graduate School, Ellendale, ND, September 18, 2025), hyperlinks accessed 9/21/2025.
Note: With more academic tone: Praxis demands engagement. Its opposite is not mere passivity, but heedlessness—a disengagement that blinds us to injustice and numbs our moral response.
Biblical foundation for the idea that while human messengers may speak truth, it is God’s Spirit alone who convicts, persuades, and transforms hearts. This is a deeply spiritual and theologically rich theme, and Scripture speaks powerfully to it.

Here’s a curated survey of key passages that affirm this truth:

🔥 The Spirit Convicts and Persuades

· John 16:8 — “And when He [the Holy Spirit] comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” → Jesus makes it clear: conviction is the Spirit’s work, not man's.

· Acts 2:37 — “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart…” → Peter preached, but the Spirit pierced their hearts. The transformation began with divine conviction¹.

· 1 Thessalonians 1:5 — “Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” → Paul acknowledges that it wasn’t eloquence but the Spirit that made the message effective².

🌱 Transformation Is God's Work

· Ezekiel 36:26–27 — “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you… I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees.” → God doesn’t just inform—He transforms from the inside out.

· 2 Corinthians 3:5–6 — “Not that we are competent in ourselves… but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers… for the Spirit gives life.” → Even the ability to minister is a gift; the Spirit gives life, not the letter.

· Romans 8:16 — “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” → Assurance and identity come from the Spirit’s inner testimony¹.

🙌 No Man Can Take Credit

· 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 — “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” → Human effort plays a role, but only God brings growth.

· Isaiah 55:11 — “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty…” → God’s Word accomplishes His purpose—not because of the speaker, but because of the Spirit behind it.

· Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” → Transformation and victory are Spirit-led, not man-made.

References to above study outline emphasizing God's Spirit persuades, convicts and transforms hearts.

Soli Deo Gloria | “Glory to God Alone”

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Book of Life | Citizens of Heaven | Only the Registered Enter Heaven by Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky