Well we are getting deeper and deeper in the heart of Revelation. The judgment God is going to bring upon the earth and those who deny Him is going to be shocking to say the least. Many have commented on these messages and I hope they have led you to search the Scriptures and examine your own lives. The future purging of the earth of all immorality and idolatry is definitely a time none of us would want our families, friends or even enemies to face so let's invite them to join us on Sunday that perhaps they will hear first hand the details of what is to come. This would give the Spirit of God and the love of Christ to penetrate their hearts.

Family Recap for March1, 2010

Meditation verse for these next few weeks come from what is known as “The Bridge.” This week we are looking at John 1:12 (NIV) “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Yesterday was another wonderful day as God’s people gathered together to Lift up the name of Jesus. Through our worship, the word, prayer and testimonies, we heard how God is moving in our midst. Nathan’s testimony was a great addition and follow up to last Sunday’s emphasis on our work in Osnaburgh. Two tentative dates have been set for going to Osnaburgh, July 3-10 and Aug 7-14. Anyone that has an interest should either fill out the tear off portion of the bulletin indicating your interest or let Kevin know of your interests and perhaps date preferences.

Nancy McVean also brought us up to date on the Williams family who are with MAF in Haiti. We had word that they were safe but it was good to hear directly from them. Copies of their letter and an update from the Sharp family are available next to the missions map as well as having been posted to our web site [www.fcchapel.net].

Our focus yesterday was Revelation chapter ten. Previously we had been looking at the blowing of the seven trumpets and had seen the judgment God would bring upon the earth in the first four and then John heard the eagle proclaim three coming woes. In essence saying, “If you think that was devastating, you haven’t seen anything yet.” The judgments of God then turn to man as the first woe is announced. The abyss is unlocked and a horde of demonic locusts attack man, inflicting great pain to the degree that they unsuccessfully try to end their own lives. The sixth trumpet sounds and a 200,000,000 man army from the east attacks and wipes out one third of the remaining population.

We are all set for the seventh trumpet to sound but instead we find another pause very similar to that before the seventh seal was broken. Let me once again urge you to study these passages on your own for there is difference of opinion on many of the figures and symbols that are presented in these pages. Rather than rehearse my own understanding on who the Mighty Angel might be and the identity of the “little scroll” let me focus on what the angel asks of the Apostle John. John is told to eat the scroll and to the taste it is sweet but to the stomach it turns sour. Having eaten the scroll, John is then told to “prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.” The point I made is that John could not continue to record the horrific judgments God was about to show him, until he realized the painful process he too had undergone in God preparing him as his witness. The future that offered to John such hope and joy is tempered by the judgment of God upon the wickedness of man. For those of us who have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we realize that the wrath of God that was to be poured out upon us, was instead poured out upon His own Son. He took our place in facing the wrath of the Father. Yet we all realize that God is still working in our lives to make us the vessels fit for His service. The Christian life is not just about eternity in heaven, it is also about dealing with the influence of sin in our lives right now. In presenting the wonders and glories of what heaven will be like, is truly heartwarming and exciting to contemplate. At the same time, we must not gloss over the future for those without Christ and the judgment God is going to bring to purge this world of its immorality and idolatry. We must also not neglect the on going refining process we will go through as God prepares us for eternity in heaven.

As I think about this on a Monday morning two feelings come to my heart. Supreme gratitude, thanksgiving and praise for my salvation on the one hand and a grievous spirit over those we have yet to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Focus – I concluded yesterday’s message with a question and I repeat it here today. What area(s) of your life is God currently working on to bring you into conformity with His Son?

What’s goin’ On?

New– Communion Sunday – This Sunday we will observe the Lord’s Supper. I hope you will prepare you hearts to receive it – read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 for help in hour preparation

New– Daylight Savings Time - It all begins on Sunday, March 14^th so get ready to set your clocks ahead one hour. This is truly a sign of coming Spring, can he tulips be far behind?

Repeat – 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.

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 until 6:15 pm

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

6:30 pm Kids Club or Jr Youth

Sr Youth Groups meet in the Youth Center

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

Reminder – March is Food Share Month – It was encouraging to see the items being brought in to fill the food boxes. I hope that by the end of this month we will see a great offering that will feed many over the coming months.

Revised – “ALPHA” - We meet Wed nights at 6:30 pm. This weeks topic is one in which almost every person struggles with at some point – “How Does God Guide Us?” – Come join us!

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

Repeat– “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.