Overview of Revelation

I posted this in February 2011 and thought it was worth reposting.

People don't read or study Revelation as much as other books of the Bible, because they don't understand or they are fearful of what it says. Revelation is the only place in the Bible that blesses those who read it; "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." - Rev. 1:3  Do you want to be blessed?  Then read it.

Why does God say this? I think it's because He wants us to know the ending, be aware of what's going to happen so we're not afraid, and we can stand firm when the Anti-Christ come and tries to deceive us. He wants us to be steadfast in our Christian walk, have sound doctrine, and be separated from false teachings.

Revelation has 3 sets of 7 (denotes divine completeness) Judgements - Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls. I will explain as much as I can - or that is humanly possible (only God knows what it all really means).

Theme -The Revelation book theme is in verse 19: "Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things."

Author - Revelation was written by the Apostle John while he was in exile on Island of Patmos.

Chapter 1 - Things you have seen.
1:1 - tells us that this book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ and is from God to Jesus to the Angel and then to John and then to us. (Revelation means to unveil.)
1:11 - the angel told John to write in a book what he sees and send it to the 7 churches.
1:13 - Jesus was in the middle of the lampstands (churches) to protect them.
Chapter 2-3 - Things which are (message to the churches).
Chapter 4-22 - Things which shall take place after these things.
Chapter 5 - The Lamb (Jesus) is the only one worthy to break the seal of the scrolls. God couldn't open it. God had a plan. He had given the right to man to rule the earth. Jesus took human form and came to earth. He is the only perfect man and has overcome the devil so He had to be the one to open the scrolls.
Chapter 6 - Starts the 7 Judgements - 6 seals are broken. John sees what the future holds.
1st seal - one on a white horse with bow, crown given to him, went our conquering
2nd seal - one on a red horse to take peace from earth, and that men should slay one another, had a great sword.
3rd seal - one on a black horse with a pair of scales (sounds like famine to follow)
4th seal - one on ashen horse named Death and Hades followed him, he was given authority to kill with sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts.
(These horsemen are usually referred to as the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse)
5th seal - John saw those killed during the tribulation
6th seal - was a great earthquake, sun became black, moon became like blood, stars fell, sky was split apart, mountains and islands moved from their places.
6:17 - "great day of wrath has come..."
Chapter 7 - 144,000 sealed - these are Jews from the 12 tribes of Israel that are sealed during the Great Tribulation.
Chapter 8 - There was silence in heaven for 1/2 hour. Worship stopped. God's wrath is coming!
7th seal - 7 angels with 7 trumpets
1st angel - sounded his trumpet and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, they were thrown to earth, 1/3 of earth burned up, 1/3 of trees burned up and all green grass burned up.
2nd angel - sounded his trumpet and something like a great mountain burning with fire thrown into sea, 1/3 of sea became blood, 1/3 of the creatures in the sea died, 1/3 of ships destroyed.
3rd angel - sounded his trumpet and a great star called Wormwood fell from heaven burning like a torch, 1/3 fell on rivers and streams making with waters become wormwood, men died from the water which was made bitter.
4th angel - sounded his trumpet and 1/3 of the sun and 1/3 of the moon and 1/3 of the stars were darkened so 1/3 of the day and night were darkened.
Then an eagle with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the 3 angels who are about to sound!"
Chapter 9 -
5th angel - sounded his trumpet and a star from heaven fell to earth with key to bottomless pit (the Abyss - confinement of supernatural beings, the earth was safe as long as pit was locked) which opened, smoke went up like a furnace, sun and sir were darkened. Out of the pit came locust as big as horses and power was given them as scorpions. They could only hurt men who didn't have the seal of God. They could not kill anyone, only torment them for 5 months.
1st WOE is past, 2 more to come.
6th angel - sounded his trumpet and told to release 4 angels who are bound at the river Euphrates. They were released to kill 1/3 of mankind. 200 million horsemen with fire, smoke, and brimstone coming out of their mouths and killed 1/3 of mankind. The rest of mankind did not repent.
Chapter 10 - Another strong angel with a little book told John to eat the book and that it would make his stomach bitter (could be because the contents were so awful and terrible)
Chapter 11 - 2 witnesses given authority to prophesy 1260 days (Some believe that is Elijah is one of the witnesses - Malachi 4:1-5 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord").
The Beast will come out of the Abyss and attack them and kill them, their bodies lie in street for 3 1/2 days, God will give them breath and they go to heaven. At that hour a great earthquake - 1/10th of the city fell. 7,000 killed and the rest were terrified and gave glory to God (They gave God respect or acknowledge, but the Bible didn't say they repented).
2nd WOE is past, 3rd WOE is coming quickly.
7th angel - This starts the 3rd WOE - "Thou hast begun to reign". Nations were enraged, God's wrath has come, time for the dead to be judged, saints to be rewarded, time to destroy those who destroy the earth. The temple of God opened, Ark of Covenant appeared, flashes of lightning, thunder, earthquake, and a great hailstorm.
Chapter 12 - Signs in heaven - woman, which is Israel, red dragon, which is Satan (Rev. 20:2). War in heaven, Michael and angels with dragon and his angels. Dragon thrown down from heaven (he could not go back and forth from heaven to earth as he was able to do) to the earth and sea, because Satan will have great wrath for he has only a short time.
Chapter 13 -
1st beast, which is the Anti-Christ, given power and authority by the dragon to perform signs. God gave him that power for 42 months.
2nd beast, which is False Prophet (Rev. 19:20), makes earth worship the 1st beast (Anti-Christ), can perform great signs also, deceives the earth, makes image of 1st beast and makes earth worship him, gives breath to the image and causes many to worship the image or be killed, makes all on the earth take the mark of the beast (666) - if they did not, they can't buy or sell.
Chapter 14 - this chapter could be an overview of the bowls or 7th trumpet. The 144,000 now in heaven.
another angel - "Fear God His judgment has come"
2nd angel - "Fallen is Babylon the great"
3rd angel - "Whoever takes mark will be tormented..."
4th angel - "...hour to reap has come." Son of Man on a cloud swung His sickle and earth was reaped.
5th angel - also had a sharp sickle
6th angel - had power over fire, came out from the altar and called out, "Put in you sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth,..." He swung his sickle and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God.
Blood from wine press came out up to horses' bridles for 200 miles.
Chapter 15 - 7 angels with 7 plagues with them the wrath of God is finished, victory over beast, they cam out of temple, 7 angels given 7 bowls full of wrath of God.
Chapter 16 -
1st bowl poured on earth became loathsome and malignant sore upon men with mark of beast
2nd bowl poured into sea, became blood, every living thing died
3rd bowl poured into rivers and springs, became blood of the saints and prophets
4th bowl poured upon sun and scorched men with fire, they refused to repent
5th bowl poured upon throne of beast, his kingdom darkened/gnawed their tongues with pain, they blasphemed God and refused to repent
6th bowl poured upon Euphrates River, it dried up, gathered kings for Armageddon
7th bowl poured upon the air, voice said, "It is done."
Lightning, thunder, great earthquake, city split, cities of nations fell, Babylon remembered by God for His wrath, hailstones, men blasphemed God.
Chapter 17 - Woman (Babylon) sitting on scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names with 7 heads and 10 horns, drunk with blood of saints and witnesses. Beast - 7 head = 7 kings goes to destruction, 10 horns = 10 kings receive authority for 1 hour, was war against the Lamb, but Lamb will overcome them.
Chapter 18 - Fall of Babylon
Chapter 19 - Jesus is coming! Multitude in heaven rejoices, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the Marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride (church/believers) has made herself ready."  Lord comes on white horse who judges and wages war, armies in heaven follow Him. Beast and False Prophet seized and thrown into lake of fire, rest were killed and birds ate their flesh which is the Great Supper of God. 
Chapter 20 - Angel with key to abyss, bound dragon (Satan) for 1,000 years, threw him into abyss so he couldn't deceive the nations until 1,000 was complete, then he will be released for a short time.
1st resurrection - those who did not receive the mark - verse 4.
After 1,000 reign the unbelievers will be brought to life which is the 2nd resurrection. After 1,000 year reign, Satan released, then thrown in lake of fire with false prophet.
Great White Throne Judgment - dead judged if name not written in Book of Life thrown into Lake of Fire.
Chapter 21 - New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem.
John saw New Jerusalem -
12 gates - names of the 12 tribes written on them
12 foundations stones - names of 12 apostles
1500 miles - length, width, height
Wall - 72 yards
City - gold, adorned with precious stones
Streets - pure gold
No temple - Lord God and Lamb are it's temple.
So sun or moon, - glory of God will illumine it, it's lamp is the Lamb.
Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be there.
Chapter 22 - River of life coming from throne of God and Lamb, Tree of Life no longer any curse, no longer night, throne of God and Lamb shall be in it, they shall reign forever.
22:7 - "Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
22:19 - "If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book".
22:12 - "Behold I am coming quickly, my reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done."

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Hopefully you will be encouraged and informed by reading what God has revealed to me.  I have studied Revelation several times, but am not a Bible scholar.  These are my thoughts and my current beliefs and understanding of the Bible. I welcome any constructive thoughts or criticisms you may have.

Life After Death

Part I - Hell

What is Hell?

Hell is the place of final judgment created for the devil, his angles, and all who die without making peace with God.  It is described as the Lake of Fire and a place of utter darkness.

What does the Bible say about Hell? 

Jesus talked about Hell more than the joy of Heaven. 

Jesus said “those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned”. (John 5:29)  Hell is a horrible place - a place of “darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 5:12, 22:13, 25:30), a place “where the fire never goes out” (Mark 9:43). 

The Bible says Hell is a place of choice.  “For God so love the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)  If you haven’t chosen to follow Christ, you have chosen to go the Hell.  It’s that simple.

People are stubborn and independent and ignore how their long-term choices will affect them.  People are too busy worrying about their day to day lives than of their life after death.  They say, “God is too loving to send people to Hell”, “I have plenty of time, I want to enjoy life”, or “I’m a good person.  I’m not a murder or thief”.   

Appearances can be deceiving.  People don’t look like they deserve Hell.  They are not evil like Hitler and serial killers.  (Romans 3:1-18) – talks about the wickedness of good people.  If people don’t acknowledge their sin and believe in Jesus Christ, the day will come when they will stand before the final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) and see themselves as they really are.  The final judgment will be done by Jesus Christ Himself.  He will be completely fair and not show favoritism – (Romans 2:11).  We only die once and then there are no more chances - (Hebrews 9:27).

Today more than ever before we see more frequent devastation all over the world with more wars, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunami waves, floods, etc.  Jesus talked about the signs of the end of the age. (Matthew 24:3-8) - “…..You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.  Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

Don’t wait too long.  Your time may be running out.  We do not know the hour when the Lord will return.  “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” – (Luke 1:40)

God has the right to expect us to make Him Lord and give Him thanks – He did die for us, you know.  We are full of pride, full of ourselves, and full of our own lives and the pursuit of happiness.  (Romans 1:18) – The wrath of God is on the human race.  When people refuse to believe, they are counting on themselves not God. 

The Bible warns sinners about Hell and should motivate believers to do all they can do to reach people with the gospel.  It shows us how terrible sin is in the sight of a holy God. 

God has proven His love in many ways.  He sent His son, Jesus to die on the cross for our salvation – (John 3:16).  Listen to Him and put your trust in Him.  Listen to His warnings before it’s too late.

Part II - Heaven

What is Heaven?

Heaven is the dwelling place of God.  God is everywhere, but His dwelling place is heaven, the location of His throne, a place where He accepts our worship and hears our prayers.  Heaven is a place where death doesn’t end - a place where the soul lives on.  When believers die, they will be immediately in the presence of Christ.  Not all will enjoy the glories of heaven - only those who have faith in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Heaven is referred to as the “heavenly Jerusalem” - (Hebrews 12:22)  From scripture we think of it in three ways - where faithful spirits of the dead now live, a satellite city from which believers commute to earth during the millennial age, and the new city which will ultimately rest upon “a new earth” (Revelation 21:2).  From the book “Portraits of Eternity

In Revelation 21 John saw heaven glowing with God’s glory with 12 jeweled foundations, pearly gates, golden streets, and a crystal river.  He gave its measurements - the city was laid out in a square, 15,000 miles long and wide, it’s length, breadth, and height were equal, a beautiful place with no worries, no pain, no heartache, no tears, no more death, no sorrow, no sin - only happiness.  It will be a place where we all will worship and serve Him.  It’s a place where all believers will reign with Christ for all eternity.

WOW!  What a place!  I hope I will see you there.

How can you get to heaven?  

Admit that you are a sinner, confess your sins, repent, and believe that Jesus was born, died on the cross to pay the debt for your sins, and was raised by God on the 3^rd day.

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” - (Matthew 18:3).  “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” - (John 14:6). “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” - (John 3:3).

(Luke 13:5) – “… unless you repent, you too will all perish”.

Once we believe and put our faith and trust in Him, God will not condemn us.  “There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” - (Romans 8:1).   “Through Him everyone who believes is justified … - (Acts 13:39).  Through His love and grace we are saved.  He will protect and provide for us.  We are His and we are a part of His family.  He is saving a place for us in heaven.    

He has rewards awaiting us in Heaven for our faithful service.  We will receive a crown of life.  “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” - (Revelation 2:10). We will receive a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), an incorruptible crown (1 Cor.9:25), a crown of rejoicing (1 Thess. 2:19), a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:24). We will receive a new body. – (1 Corin. 15:42-49).  

Make certain that Heaven will be your eternal home.

Walk to Emmaus

My Walk to Emmaus weekend 

Last weekend I participated in Walk to Emmaus. What a wonderful and amazing weekend!  I made some new Christian friends, felt a closeness to God more ever before, and my faith was definitely strengthened.

The Walk to Emmaus is a retreat and spiritual renewal program which is used to strengthen the local church through developing of Christians to be better disciples and leaders.  The walk is the retelling the resurrection story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35.   

An Emmaus weekend is experienced through worship, Holy Communion, support of caring Christian communities, and many other expressions of God’s love.  It consists of small group discussions, common meals, singing, worship, and sharing of lives.  After the three-day walk together, we leave to start our “Fourth Day”, which is every day after the weekend - emphasizing participation in  church, community, and support groups for mutual encouragement, guidance, and accountability.

We learned in order to have a relationship with God we need to live a life of piety, study, and action for balance. 

• We should live a life of piety.  It’s not a life that become Pious, but instead it’s a life giving our hearts to God - to live in total connection with Him.  You will get out of a relationship just what you put into it.  Some characteristics of a good relationship are: Time, Resources, Attention, Learning, Commitment, and Honesty.  Our relationship with God influences our relationships with all others.  A friend knows all about you and loves you just the same.  Lip service will not build a relationship.  
• We need to study scripture - to acquire knowledge.  We need to grow to reach full development or maturity.  Romans 12:2 Paul said that “we are transformed through the renewal of our minds.”  We grow through study by knowing the good news that God freely gives grace to everyone in Christ Jesus.  Studying scripture helps know the heart and will of God.  It helps know you are a child of God equipped with special gifts to be used for His purposes.
• We need to have action - People see God in us through Christian Action.  If we are faithful, we will get out and do something.  Christ has no hands but yours.  Remind yourself that God is with you.  Listen how and what He might be calling you to do.  John 13:14-15 - "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you."

I highly recommend going to Walk to Emmaus for a weekend retreat.  They are held all over the US.  It was the most moving and memorable retreat I have ever participated in.  My life has been changed forever!

God Came Down

Sunday service was awesome and the message was great as usual.  Today our children’s minister, Petie gave the message and I want to share it with you.

God Came Down -

Jesus is the most central figure and the most controversial man talked about in history.  He accomplished much in the 33 years of his life and only 3 years doing his ministry.

We all agree that He was a man.  He was like you and me - a baby, a teenage, had an occupation as a carpenter and experienced everything we experience.

Jesus is at the top of two lists.
     1.      He was a great man - the way He treated people by helping and healing.
     2.     He was the greatest teacher of all time.

So what’s the big deal?  He was not just a great man and great teacher. 
He is GOD!

 

John 1:1-14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning….”  (V14)“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

God coming down to us is unique and happens in no other religion.  He has a relationship with us and understands us, because as a man, He went through everything we go through. 

Jesus Himself said He was God.

John 14:6-7 - “Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you knew me, you would know my Father as well.  From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 10:33 – “I and the Father are one.”

Even the demons knew He was God.

Luke 4:31 – “Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!  But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ.”

People worshiped Him.

Matt 21:9 - “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!’ “  (Hosanna means ‘God you are here.’)

His actions showed He was God.

He turned water into wine, fed the 5,000, healed many people by his touch alone, walked on water, raised the dead – pretty good evidence that He is God.

So what do we did with Jesus?

Some Christians are only “Buffet Christians”.  We pick and choose what we want to do for Jesus – like we choose what to eat at a buffet.  We will feed the hungry, clothed the needy, but will not preach the gospel as Jesus commands.  We don’t want to offend anyone so we don’t tell them about Jesus.  Isn’t it a greater offensive to not tell someone they are going to hell?  We are more concerned about their earthly life than their eternal life.  When He comes again, the only thing that will matter is what we did with Jesus.  Either Jesus was a liar, a crazy man or He is Lord.

Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ “

Do you know Jesus? Do you have a relationship with Him?  Is He Lord of your life?  Do you put your trust in Him?  Do you share Him with others?  Do you seek His will?  Do you spend time with Him in His word regularly?   

If you are not sure, get on your knees and admit that you are a sinner, confess your sins, believe that Jesus is the Christ who went to the Cross for you, taking your guilt upon Himself and enduring God's judgment in your place.  Then believe that Christ rose from the dead on the 3rd day, conquering sin and death, and that He ascended to the Father in heaven to reign as Lord.  But don't stop there!  Find a church and fellowship with other Christians where you will find encouragement.  Spend time in reading the Word, praying and listening to God so you will grow in your faith.

Prayer for the Salvation of the Lost

A dear friend gave me a book called "Prayers That Avail Much" by Germaine Copeland.  In this book she uses scripture and puts into the form of prayers.  The prayers are broken down into different needs one may need to pray, such as -  prayers of salvation; overcoming depression, discouragement, worry, etc.; concerns of single, divorced, and the widowed; marriage, wives, husbands, home, etc.  You get the picture.  If there is a need, there is a scripture and prayer for it. God likes for us to pray His words back to Him.  I will share one of these prayers with you.

Prayer for the Salvation of the Lost

      Father, it is written in Your Word, "First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men" - 1 Tim. 2:1
      Therefore, Father, we bring the lost of the world this day - every man, woman, and child from here to the farthest corner of the earth - before You.  As we intercede, we use our faith, believing that thousands this day have the opportunity to make Jesus their Lord.
      Father, we know that Satan would prevent these from hearing truth, if possible.  We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods.  We use God's mighty weapons to knock down the devil's strongholds.  With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God.  With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas and teach them to obey Christ.
      We ask the Lord of the harvest to thrust the perfect laborers across these lives this day to share the good news of the Gospel in a special way so that they will listen and understand it.  We believe that they will not be able to resist the wooing of the Holy Spirit, for You, Father, bring them to repentance by Your goodness and love.
      We confess that they shall see who have never been told of Jesus.  They shall understand who have never heard of Jesus.  And they shall come out of the snare of the devil who has held them captive.  They shall open their eyes and turn from darkness to light - from the power of Satan to You, God!
      In Jesus' name amen.

Scripture References

 1 Timothy 2:1,2                    

 2 Corinthians 10:3-5           

 Matthew 9:38
 Romans 2:4
 Romans 15:21
 2 Timothy 2:26

My Original Poems

 

 

 

Walking In The Light  

        (Taken from 1 John 1)

 

When walking with Him I walk in the light.

In God there is no darkness.

For Jesus’ blood does purify me from sin,

with Him I have forgiveness.

 

He’s with me each and every day

and His commands I try hard to keep.

He is always faithful and just.

He makes my joy complete.

 

The message I’ve heard from the beginning

to love one another.

I have passed from death to life,

because I love my brother.

 

What I will be in heaven

has not yet been made known,

but I know someday I’ll be with Him

as He sits on His heavenly throne.

 

God has given me eternal life

and this life is in His Son,

For my faith in Jesus Christ will carry me through

and the battle together He and I have won.

                                                                    --- by Linda Vittitow

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     Forgive Me

Forgive my selfishness,

always wanting my own way.

May I yield only to your will

each and everyday.

Forgive my impatience,

wanting everything right now!

May I learn to wait for your timing

for you know when and how.

Forgive all my desires

to have more than I really need.

May I always give to others

and not be full of greed.

Help me strive to be worthy

all through my life,

So that my name will be written

in the Book of Life.

                     Amen

                                              --- by Linda Vittitow

________________________________

My Heavenly Father  

He gives me instructions

that teach me right from wrong.

He’s always there beside me

to make my family and me strong.

He cares for me when I disappoint Him,

which is every single day.

He picks me up when I fall

and helps me along the way.

I make mistakes sometimes

and don’t do His will,

but He has always been beside me

and He is with me still.

He answers all my prayers,

but first I have to pray.

He has a good ear for listening

to whatever I have to say.

He’s no stranger to me

For I know who He really is.

He alone knows all of my weaknesses,

but still he makes me His.

Someday I’ll be with him in heaven

and see Him face to face.

I’ll thank Him personally for forgiveness

He gave me by His saving grace.

                                             --- by Linda Vittitow

Easter Message & Original Poem

The Greatest Event of All Times!

What is it?  It’s the first Easter!  What is Easter?  It isn’t Easter bunnies or Easter eggs.  Springtime and eggs were used as fertility celebrations throughout history.  We Christians do have Easter eggs hunts and give Easter baskets to our children on Easter morning, but view the Easter egg as a symbol of joy and celebration of new life and resurrection.  

Easter is about Jesus’ resurrection on the third day after his crucifixion.   It is the single most important event of the Christian faith.  We celebrate this glorious day each year remembering the suffering he went through and his willingness to die on the cross to pay the debt of all those who would believe and trust in Him.  Just as Jesus rose from the dead to new life and ascended into Heaven, we Christians believe we too will rise from the dead to receive new life after death and ascend into Heaven. 

Jesus’ resurrection has changed the world. 

There are at least 12 different appearances of Christ in the resurrection accounts in scripture.  They were physical, tangible experiences with Christ eating, speaking and allowing himself to be touched.  Jesus' resurrected body was no longer subject to the same laws of nature.  He could transcend locked doors, and yet he could still be touched and he could eat.

The tomb was sealed with a large stone so Jesus could not get out.  On the third day the stone was rolled away miracleously so that everyone could see that he was risen.  He was able to walk through walls in his resurrected body.  John 20:19 – “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be eith you!’ ”

Before Jesus ascended into heaven he gave the Great Commission, telling his followers to go and make disciples of all nations.  Matthew 28:19  -“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
 

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  

1 Peter 1:3
”Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... “

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He Is Risen

 (Taken from 1 Corinthians 15)

If we hold firm to the word

   By the gospel we are saved.

Jesus died on the cross for us,

        And with His blood for us He paid.

He was buried. On the third day was raised.

He appeared to many, some have fallen asleep.

He sent His Holy Spirit to be with us

   To comfort, guide, and for us to keep,

Till He comes again in clouds with power

   That we might see His great glory.

We must continue to tell others

Of the wonderful story.

How He loved us so much

          And paid the ultimate price for our sins.

Someday He’ll come back to get us.

   In heaven together we will enter in.

So stand firm. Let nothing move you.

Do His work and your labor will not be in vain.

He will always stand by you

And in you, He will remain.

For by His love He has set us free

From life’s worldly prisons.

For HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

       INDEED, HE IS RISEN!

                                 -- by Linda Vittitow

What is Worship?

At church Sunday my pastor, Randy had another wonderful message.  It was on worship.  As always he makes me think and search myself.  I want to share some of his thoughts with you.

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Worship is not just on Sunday morning -

We think worship is coming together on Sunday morning with other believers to praise God.  It is that, but much more.  When we leave the church, we then should scatter for action.  Do we leave church saying, “Let’s go out and worship.”  If Monday – Saturday were spent focusing our attention on God, our worship on Sunday morning would be much more meaningful.  The worship service is a big part of worshiping God – preaching, giving, baptizing, communion, praying together, reading scripture, music, and singing.  We need to make it a priority to come together to worship.  However, worship is where we put our focus and attention of what is important to us. 

Every thing is from, through and for God and we are to live as living sacrifices. 

Romans 11:36 -“For from him and through him and to him are all things.” 

Romans 12:1 -“I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”

We all worship something.  What or where is the # 1 thing you give most of your attention?  Where we spend most of our time, money and energy is worship.  Is it shopping, TV, golf, sports, sports events, hobbies, food, our children?  If we focus on these things more and put them before than God, that’s idolatry.   

Romans 1:25 “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.”

God wants our worship -

We take a good thing and make it an idol.  What are your idols that compete with God?  Who makes the decisions for you?  Who sets your schedule?  Where or who does your approval come from?  Who gets your first fruits?  Do you tithe?  What do we long for or desire?  What’s your god? 

Exodus 20:3-5a “You shall have no other gods before me.  You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them…”

Worship is – offering our life to God and doing specific acts of adoration and praise.

Biblical principles for corporate worship -

God centered – We don’t have to feel good about everything that happens at the service.  It's not about us.
Gospel focused – It should always be about the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Seeker sensible – Be respectful to other people.  Maybe they are not use to coming to church.

Unselfish – It’s not what I want all the time.  It probably ministers to someone else.

Missionial – It should bring the message of Christ in some way.

Why is worship so important?

It is a commandment and we’re made for it.  We become like what we worship. 

If we love money we become greedy.

If we love power we become corrupt.

If we love religion we become religious and self-righteous.

If we love Jesus we become like Christ.  Anything else is idolatry.

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”         

What false gods are you seeking instead of the one true God?  What consumes your thoughts, time, energy, and emotions?  Is it God Himself, or is it some idol which leaves you with nothing to give to the Lord?  We all have idols today.  I hope this has helped you identify your idols.  I know it opened my eyes.

Psalm 23

I ran across this a while ago and thought you might enjoy it.  It explains Psalm 23 very well.

The Lord is my Shepherd = That’s Relationship

I shall not be in want = That’s Supply

He makes me to lie down in green pastures = That’s Rest

He leads me beside the still waters = That’s Refreshment

He restores my soul = That’s Healing

He guides me in the paths of righteousness = That’s Guidance

For His name sake = That’s Purpose

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That’s Testing

I will fear no evil = That’s Protection

For You are with me = That’s Faithfulness

Your rod and your staff they comfort me = That’s Discipline

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies = That’s Hope

You anoint my head with oil = That’s Consecration

My cup overflows = That’s Abundance

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life – That’s Blessings

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That’s Security

Forever = That’s Eternity

Plan of Salvation - How to be born again.

Are you going to heaven when you die?  It’s not how good you are or if you go to church, or how much money you give to charity.  In John 3:3 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again”.

To be born again means to receive salvation, to believe and trust in the name of Jesus Christ.  When we do that, we bury the old life of sin and begin anew.

There is only one way to heaven. 

John 10:29b – Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.”

John 14:6-7a - Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well.” 

If you are unsure of your relationship with Jesus, take you Bible some place quiet where you can be alone.  Ask God to speak to you and to reveal Himself to you.  Take time to listen as you read the words.  Know that God created you and is always with you.  He decides what is right and wrong because He is holy, perfect, and pure.  God has authority over your life.  He watches over and provides for you.

His simple plan:

Acknowledge God as Creator of everything, and accept our humble position in God’s creation.  Revelation 4:11 – “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Admit to yourself and God that you are a sinner.  You have ignored God and wanted to do your own thing leaving God out completely.    

Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death.” (because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death – eternal separation from God in Hell)

Romans 5:12 – “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death come to all men, because all sinned.” (that one man was Adam)

1 John 1:10 – “If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.”

Confess your sins (try to name them specifically – don’t forget pride and self-righteousness).  

Psalm 139:23-34 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”.

1 John 1:8-10 – “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives”.

Romans 10:9 – “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”.

Repent 

Luke 13:5 – Jesus said: “I tell you, no!  but unless you repent, you too will all perish”.

Acts 17:30 – “…. He commands all people everywhere to repent.”  (repent means a change of mind that agrees with God you are a sinner and agrees with what Jesus did for us on the cross)

Acts 20:21 – “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”

Believe that Christ went to the cross for you, taking your guilt upon Himself and enduring God’s judgment in your place.  He took God’s judgment of our sins on Himself.  This means that God has pardoned and cleared you from any guilt.  

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.

Romans 10:13 – “for, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 5:24 – “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life”.

A Sinner’s Prayer

If you realize you are a sinner, right now lift your head to God in prayer.

“Oh God, I know I am a sinner.  I believe Jesus died on the cross as a substitute for my sins.  I believe His death, burial, and resurrection were for me.  I want to receive Him as my Savior.  Thank you for the forgiveness of my sins – the gift of salvation.  Amen.”

It can’t be that simple.

It’s hard to believe it’s that simple, but it is.  Don’t trust your feelings.  They change.  Stand on God’s promises.  They never change.  After you are saved you should be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus as a public testimony of your salvation, and then unite with a Bible-believing church.  Other Christians will be there for you with encouragement and will pray for you as you walk closer with God.  Remember - don’t judge other Christians, because they are not perfect.  If they were, they wouldn’t need to go to church.  Only God and Jesus are perfect.

Then there are three things to practice daily for spiritual growth:

          Pray – you talk with God

          Read your Bible – God will speak to you

          Witness – you talk for God telling others about Him