The Youth Ministry Team teaches us about first being a living sacrifice for the Lord and being set apart from the world, then about using our unique gifts to glorify Him, and finally about being aligned with Christ. Are we dedicating our lives fully to God? What are our gifts, and are we using them the way God wants us to? If we call ourselves Christians, do we look like Jesus?
Continue reading
The beast is given authority by Satan to blaspheme God and His children in heaven and also to persecute the saints on earth. However, those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will worship him. Is your name in the Book of Life? If so, take heart… “(This) life is short. The Lord is in control. We’re going to heaven! That’s what this book is about!”
Continue readingWe learn about the beast that comes from the sea, the antichrist, the 2nd part of the unholy trinity. Satan is a deceiver and will always try to mimic the things of God, including His death & resurrection. However, the biggest difference is that Satan will let you die for him, whereas Jesus died for us! Don’t be deceived, know the difference, and choose this day whom you will serve!
Continue readingWe get a rare look at a war in heaven between Satan and the archangel Michael, in which Satan is ultimately kicked out of heaven… Today we learned: 1. Satan is the accuser of the brethren; 2. if we are at odds with Satan, then we can overcome him with the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, & by not loving our lives unto death; 3. when we accuse other saints, we are “satanizing” them; 4. we must never be found guilty of anti-Semitism; 5. there will be a time when all that is written will take place… Are we ready???
Continue reading“Enter the (red) dragon” – We are introduced to the first three symbolic characters of chapter 12: the woman = Israel, the red dragon = Satan, & the male child = Jesus Christ. Ever since Satan was kicked out of heaven, he has been warring against God ever since…and especially with the Jews since they are central to God’s plan. Through the scriptures we see that Satan is not to be underestimated or overrated, but that God is large and in charge and has a plan!
Continue readingJohn is told to mesure the Temple. Measuring conotates ownership. God cares deeply about what is His. Are we His? Do we care about what is His? Then the two witnesses are sent to earth for 3 1/2 years, killed, and resurrected. A witness is not just something we do, it is something we are. Let’s be witnesses here on earth until Jesus returns!
Continue reading
John fell to the ground as a dead man at the revelation of Jesus Christ. If we had seen John’s revelation, how would our lives be different? Revelation is for the changing of our lives. Hearing God is to believe what He has spoken and to live in obedience. The revelation of Jesus should ruin us for sinning! What is the Lord revealing in your life?
Continue readingWe see another pause before the seventh trumpet is blown. The day of judgment has finally come. Just as the scroll that John was given to eat was sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach, the Word of God should bring both conviction (for ourselves) & compassion (for the lost). How much do we have to hate someone to not share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them?
Continue readingThe opening of the seventh seal signals the sounding of the seven trumpets, bringing destruction upon a third of creation. This is the Lord’s direct response to the saints’ cry, “How long, O Lord…?”. Retribution will finally be made against those who reject God’s love and choose evil.
Continue reading