Family Recap for February 1, 2010

Meditation verse for these next few weeks come from what is known as “The Bridge.” This week we are looking at the price paid for the penalty of our sin through Rom 5:8 (NIV) ”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

After the previous three weeks in looking at John’s vision of the Throne room of God and then that awesome scene in which the Lamb of God takes the sealed scroll and begins to break each seal, revealing to us the incredible judgment that is about to fall upon the earth. With such devastation, famine and death staring us in the face, we anticipate frightening things to begin with the breaking of the seventh and final seal. However before that seal is broken, we have an intermission of sorts. God has something vitally important to share with us.

The last words of Chapter 6 were in light of all that is about to take place “who is able to stand?” God answers that question by showing John two groups of people that will be able to stand up to such terrible times. The first is that of the 144,000. I believe this to symbolically represent those Jews who will recognize the Messiah during the later part of Daniel’s 70^th week. The second group is a huge number of folks from every nation, tribe, people and language to me that is the church.

Now I must once again reiterate that there are many unanswered questions when it comes to trying to understand future events. Not only is John, writing 2000 years ago about things that are far beyond time and space, proper interpretation and understanding of those future events depends on our understanding of events that date back to the creation itself.

For me and I hope also for you, one of the lessons from Chapter 7 is simply: have I been sealed by God as his possession? Do I have the guarantee that I will be counted among the redeemed? No more doubts, but absolute assurance that I have within me God’s guarantee, His Holy Spirit, that I will be protected from the enemy and the pouring out of God’s wrath, His judgment upon the earth. Do you know without a doubt, that you will be with Jesus in heaven? That’s the issue and this chapter provides that intermission time of sorts. God enables each of us to review where we are with Jesus because when that 7^th seal is opened the judgments of God and his wrath will commence and anyone who knows anything about what is ahead in chapters 8 and following will definitely want to avoid those days.

I hope you are serious about inviting others to join you on Sunday morning, this may be the turning point in their lives

Something to chew on

Focus – Consider why there is a ½ time in a football game. What is the reason for it? How does that relate to the “½ times” that God provides periodically in your life? Are you experiencing an intermission right now? What is God trying to say to you?

What’s goin’ On?

New– Giving Statements! – The statements mailed to you this week DO NOT contain December’s giving – new statements will be available as soon as possible – sorry for the inconvenience

Revised – “ALPHA” - We meet Wed nights at 6:30 pm. Come have dinner with us then join us. This week’s lesson focuses on the question “How can I be sure of my faith?” A very timely question in light of our study of Rev 7.

Revised– Walkers! – Mon, Wed, and Fri from 11-noon. A great way to get a little exercise during these winter days.

Reminder – Wednesdays

9:30 am Ladies Bible study (repeated Thursday 6:30 pm) – new study begins this week!

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 – 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.

Revised – “VBS” - Mark the dates on your Calendar now - June 13-17. Once again it will be an evening school and we hope you will assist us in getting the word out. This year we will take a trip to Egypt and follow the story of Joseph.

Repeat – “Haiti” – There is a critical need for medical persons in Haiti. If you are interested or know someone who might be let me know and I will forward an email to you of an effort of putting a group together to go there.

Revised– “Easter Schedule” – The following events will take place this year. We will once again host a Seder meal (April 2^nd) and we want to invite the community to this wonderful event. We’ll have our annual Easter Egg hunt on Saturday April 3^rd and then our two services on Easter Sunday (April 4^th). This is an excellent time to invite others to join us.

New– After School Treats - Each Wednesday afternoon a group of kids are meeting at the skating rink. We serve them cookies and hot chocolate. If you can help provide either of these, bring them to the chapel or contact Kevin for arrangements.