Smyrna – 7 Churches - Revelation 2:8-11

Multitudes in Heaven - Revelation 7

“If we minimize grace, the world sees no hope for salvation. If we minimize truth, the world sees no need for salvation.”  Randy Alcorn   There is a pause in Heaven as the Lamb halts the judgments of the Horsemen long enough to seal the promised tribes of Israel during the Tribulation.  The pause also allows John to glimpse the hordes of martyrs around the throne as a promise to us that Salvation does not end nor is it thwarted during the Tribulation.  The Tribulation is a time of judgment but not despair!  This pause before the seventh seal give us a clear look at the redemptive heart of God.  God love us and desires our salvation.  He made the promises in Eden – He gave the many prophecies of the Old Testament – He sent His only Son as the Lamb.  Sunday we will hear from the Lamb and see first hand of this great love. I will spend some time sharing Salvation from the Old Testament - New Testament - Tribulation - all the same!  We will also talk about the 144,000 and we will hear the promises of ‘no more tears’ but most of all we will spend our time worshipping the Lamb – the Redeemer – the Savior.  See you Sunday! Pastor Mike

The Beginning of the End - Revelation 6

The Book is opened by the Lamb and the Seals are broken one by one.  The first four are well known as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – so we will see them first.  Each one in turn unleashes the wickedness stored up and held back by God until this time.  We have seen some of each over the course of human history but now, in quick order, all of them released unrestrained.  The 5th Seal is a look at the Altar of God in Heaven where the souls of centuries of martyrs reside – all asking the same question: “How long O Lord?” As God began the account of Creation with “Heaven and Earth” in Genesis so will He turn to world and stars for the 6th Seal.  Earthly and Cosmic signs to instill terror among men whose time for judgment has come.  In all of this we are reminded that the Lamb who was ‘slain’ for us reigns over all these judgments – nothing is out of His control!  Jesus is our Rock - our Redemption – our Refuge.  Join me Sunday as we witness the open of the first six Seals and what they mean to us today.  Satan’s only tools are results of the sin in Eden while the seemingly insignificant Lamb was slain before the foundation of the World!  Who do you think will win?

Lamb at the Throne - Revelation 5

“Satan cannot rob you of Heaven or God’s promises but he will try to steal your joy!” Have you ever been by yourself to a place so beautiful that it was sad not to be able to share the moment with someone? John is witness in Heaven as the Angels sought anyone worthy to open the book sealed by the Father – and found none!  John wept for the loneliness of Heaven – then a growing chorus of voices brought in the only candidate qualified in the universe! Expecting the Lion of Judah – a man above men – greater than the angels – emperor of all creation – He was merely a little lamb.  This lamb was in fact already bearing the marks of a slain lamb – an offering at the altar.  Yet it was this Lamb who is worthy – redeemer of men – restorer of creation.  What a celebration!  I hope you will join us for Revelation 5 – it is truly exciting and a bit bizarre but God is good!  Most of my outside thoughts come from my favorite book on Heaven by Randy Alcorn – see you Sunday. Pastor Mike   PS tell your kids I also have a great quote from “The Sword in the Stone”

First Stop – Throne Room - Revelation 4

This is the first stop before we leap past the edge of time into the future!  God is about to show some amazing things – things that are ‘inexpressible’ as Paul was “was caught up into paradise. He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak.” 2 Cor 12:4 Sunday I want to take us as witnesses to a conversation of Heaven itself – God takes 2 chapters to demonstrate that what He is foretelling He has the power and right to accomplish.  God makes no unwarranted promises and issues no unfunded mandates – HE is able!  I hope that you will allow me the inadequacy of human speech as I try my best to take us before the very Throne of God and we eavesdrop Jehovah showing His credentials to judge the Earth. The second thing I hope to teach is the clear distinction between unimaginable and unbelievable.   Nothing God has said is unbelievable but much is unimaginable! “What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9 Many things in the chapters to come are unimaginable but none are unbelievable because of who has promised them.  See you Sunday as we begin this fantastic journey together. Pastor Mike

Laodicea – 7 Churches - Revelation 3:14-22

Revelation 3:19 (ESV): “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”   We have arrived at the final church in our study of the seven churches: Laodicea, the lukewarm church. Before we move to the throne room of heaven in Revelation 4, we pause to hear Jesus’ loving but serious words to His church. In this passage, we will see His faithfulness, His authority, and His gracious call to repent and return to Him sincerely. Together, we will consider the danger of spiritual lukewarmness while also admiring the deep love Christ has for His people and His desire for true fellowship with us. “Christ says, ‘Give me all. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want you.’” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.   Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there.   Pastor Denis Garijo