Do you get as excited as I do when you read Revelation? What a sight it must have been for John. What a challenge it must have been for him to put the scene of the Throne Room of God into words. I thank God that they were!

Family Recap for January 18, 2010

Meditation verse for these next few weeks come from what is known as “The Bridge.” This week we are looking at the penalty of sin through Rom 6:23 (NIV) ”For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Yesterday we continued our study of the Throne Room of God in heaven. As if what John saw in Chapter 4 of Revelation wasn’t enough to blow our minds, he continues in chapter 5 by pointing out two critical things not previously mentioned.

First there is the scroll that is held in the right hand (place of power/authority) of the one who sits on the throne (God). It is closed and sealed and only one who has power, authority and is worthy can open it. It is the scroll that hold the future of the world and its redemption. Should it not be opened all of creation would be left in its fallen state.

A call goes out for someone/anyone to step forward to open the scroll. No one answers the call even though it rang out throughout all of creation. Not even Satan himself is worthy to open the scroll. The thought of that scroll remaining closed, causes John to cry/weep/wail in deepest agony. All is lost unless it is opened. Then one of the elders calls out to John, look John, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, a descendent of David – he can open the scroll. But when John turns to look, he doesn’t see a ferocious Lion ready to pounce upon all that is evil and restore all to good. No, John sees a blood stained Lamb standing ready to take the scroll. The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. He alone is worthy to take the scroll and break its seals.

All of heaven and earth prepare to sing a song of praise as creations redemption is about to take place. The promise made all the way back in Gen 3:15 is about to be fulfilled in its totality. The Lamb, the redeemer is about to open the scroll.

Yesterday we saw that in the book of Ruth, that for someone to buy back the family land, to redeem the land, that person had to meet three requirements: Had to be related, a kinsman; they had to have paid the price and finally they had to be willing to redeem the land. We saw yesterday that Jesus, the Lamb, meets all three of those requirements and is thus qualified, able and willing to redeem the land.

From here on we will see Jesus (the subject of this book) as he goes about clearing the land of all evil and illegal squatters that have taken up residence in His land. What we will begin to see from here on, is the disaster that awaits those who are unprepared. Those who ignore the Lamb. I hope that does not speak of you.

Something to chew on

Focus – Yesterday I suggested that the prayers in the bowl (insence) could be prayers that have been uttered for 1000’s of years. “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” What does that do for you and what we call “The Lord’s Prayer?”

What’s goin’ On?

Thank you – Diaper Drive – We collected several packages of diapers and other items that were will now be delivered to a crisis pregnancy center. You have been and will be a blessing.

New – Young At Hearts – Tomorrow, Tuesday at 1 Pm Come and invite others to join us. It’s a great time of fellowship and the refreshments are out of this world.

Reminder – Wednesdays

9:30 am Ladies Bible study (repeated Thursday 6:30 pm)

4:00 pm After school Community Center activities

5:15 pm Evening meal will be served

5:30 pm BRICK Class for students in grades 6-8

6:30 pm Kids Club

Jr and Sr Youth Groups meet in the Youth Center

“ALPHA” – A Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith”

Repeat – “ALPHA” - We have just begun so there is still time to get in on the ground floor of this very informative and discussion oriented class. We meet Wed nights at 6:30 pm. Come have dinner with us then join us. This weeks lesson focuses on the question “Who is Jesus?” How would you answer that question to a non Christian?

Repeat – CLASS 101 – There is still time to make your reservation for this class. It will be held on Saturday morning from 8 until noon. An excellent class to find discover more about the chapel and its ministry. Reservations are needed to ensure adequate materials. Call or reply.

Repeat – SUPER BOWL SUNDAY – Sunday, Feb 7^th, the youth will be sponsoring a Super Bowl party in the Youth center. Festivities get under way at 4:30 pm. It’s a great time of fun and perhaps made even more so with the Vikings?????

Repeat– Walkers! – Mike and Jan are walking each Mon, Wed, and Fri from 11-noon. Why drive all the way to the Mall or risk frost bite, come and join them.

Repeat – “Prayer Chain” - Lori Bergholm is in the process of redoing our prayer chain, both the one by email and the phone. If you would like to be a part of the prayer chain, fill out the tear off portion of the bulletin and place it in the “response box” at the church.

Repeat– “Children’s Ministry” - We are currently looking for persons would have a heart for children and would be willing to help out in one of three areas: Nursery, Children’s church and Junior church. If you sense that God is leading in this area contact either Virginia Haynes concerning the Nursery or Pastor Kevin concerning Children’s and Junior church. Here is an excellent way to make an eternal imprint on the lives of God’s children.