Jesus Is Coming Soon

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come Lord Jesus."
Revelation 22:20

Three times in this final chapter of Revelation the Lord Jesus says, "I am coming soon" (vv. 7, 12, 20). The promise is clear. His coming is certain.

"Soon" from God's point of view and from ours may not have exactly the same meaning. It is like waiting for Christmas. To adults it always comes quickly but to children the days seem to pass slowly. But in the scheme of eternity Jesus' coming will be soon and it will be swift "like a thief in the night."

With this three-fold promise in mind (along with the many other promises of His coming throughout the New Testament) we are to live in anticipation of His coming. We are to live daily in readiness for His coming. We are even to live desiring His coming. John's response to Jesus' promised coming is "Amen. Come Lord Jesus." Whatever attraction life in this world may hold for us, it is nothing in comparison with what life with Jesus in heaven holds for us. So we say with John, "Amen. Come Lord Jesus."

Father, help me to be mindful of Jesus' coming that I may not only live ready for His return but that I might even grow to desire His coming and heaven more than I desire this world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

P.S. On Monday we begin First Light 2010. Reading guides are available at the Welcome Desk in the Worship Center. The readings will also be posted on the sidebar of this blog page at www.firstlightjournal.blogspot.com. We will read the first half of the Old Testament and the entire New Testament in 2010. You can read both or either the Old Testament or New Testament readings. The blog entries will primarily focus on the Old Testament readings.

Rich Fellowship

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'" Revelation 21:3

Revelation 21 paints an amazing picture of heaven as a place of utter beauty and glorious perfection. It's gates are made of pearl, it's streets are paved with gold, it's foundations are made of the most precious gems. As notable as the building materials is what will not be present in heaven. There will be none of the unbelieving, vile, immoral, impure things we encounter daily in this world. But the most remarkable thing about heaven will be the presence of God. As God had once dwelt openly with Adam and Eve in the garden He will dwell with us in heaven. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12)!

That which makes heaven "heaven" is God openly present in fellowship with His people. We have a foretaste heaven now every time we become keenly aware of God's presence in our life and enjoy rich fellowship with Him. As great as these occasional experiences of God may be they will pale in comparison to the experience we will have in heaven. Prepare for heaven someday by walking with God today. "One day Jesus will call my name. As days go by I hope I don't stay the same. I want to get so close to Him that it is no big change on that day that Jesus calls my name" (Wayne Watson).

Father, how great are the moments of intimate fellowship that I enjoy with You in these days of my earthly journey. Each one is a rich foretaste of an even greater fellowship that I will enjoy with You in heaven my eternal home. Increase the richness of my present fellowship with You and increase my anticipation of eternal fellowship with You in heaven's glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

A Sobering Reminder

"If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. " - Revelation 20:15

John's vision recorded in the book of Revelation serves a sobering reminder that judgment is coming. Those of us who have put our faith in Christ can face that judgment with hope and confidence because we are co-heirs with Christ. But those who have not trusted in Him will forever be separated from Him in hell. The weight of that truth is staggering. Every person who does not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ will be condemned to the lake of fire. There will be no second chance. No opportunity to recant. No changing your mind.

A proper understanding of the coming judgment helps us to see -

• The need to tell others about Christ.
• The grave consequences of unbelief.
• The enormity and power of the grace of God.

Father, my heart is both joyful and burdened. I am joyful because I know that I am your child and that great things await me in heaven, but I am also sad because of how many people I know who haven't placed their faith in you yet. I fear that they will not come to know you as savior and they will suffer eternally. Father use me to draw many souls to you.


Matt

THE FEAST

Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God." Revelation 19:9

If you don’t have an invitation, you won’t get in.

Okay, we’re evidently not talking about an event at the White House. No, the invitation only occasion mentioned here is the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, and it will be nothing short of heavenly. This much anticipated celebration will only be attended by people who are followers of Jesus Christ: truly blessed people! And you don’t have to worry about misplacing your invitation.

We’ve all enjoyed some good eating during these weeks spanning Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the food at the Wedding Supper—while it will undoubtedly be wonderful—will not be the highlight of the event. The Lamb, the victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Himself, will be there and all eyes will be on Him. Our imaginations fail us, but we are assured that this supper will be an awesome occasion.

Better still, the blessing mentioned in verse 19 is a current reality, not something we have to wait for. We can experience the abundant life promised by Jesus right now and all the time.

Father, thank you for inviting me to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. I look forward to attending! Guide me to help others hear about their invitation to the Supper.

Following, Jim

Come Out and Be Separate

"Then I heard another voice from heaven say: 'Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues...'" Revelation 18:4

Revelation 18 foretells God's judgment upon Babylon. The great city will fall into ruins under the weight of God's righteous judgment. In Old Testament days Babylon was a world power which had troubled, conquered, and taken Judah, God's people, captive. In the New Testament Babylon became symbolic of the godless world order and was often used to designate Rome which was the center of world power at that time. Today Babylon is any place and any people who do not recognize God's authority and who live in rebellion to His ways. The present world system and all its powerful leaders and cities will fall under the judgment of the God toward whom they turn their noses up.

The call to believers is "Come out of her, my people." We are to avoid the sins of this world and to live holy lives as God's people. The temptation is always present to buy into the ways of this world and the world's pull is subtle. We must be alert! The world's end is not our end and the world's ways must not become our ways. Let our lives be marked by loyalty to Jesus Christ alone.

Father, as I live in this world help me not to be lured and captivated by the world but rather to live a faithful life in Jesus Christ that bears witness for Him to the world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

Merry CHRISTmas!

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful ones."
Revelation 17:14

So much of Revelation is difficult to interpret and therefore many varied interpretations abound. However, the essential truths are clear. The forces of evil accompanied by rebellious men will wage all out war on the Lamb (Jesus) but He will "overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings." And we as his "called, chosen, and faithful ones" will be victorious in and with Him.

Father, I thank you on this day for the humble coming of Christ into the world 2000 years ago, for His coming into my life as Savior _________ years ago, and for His future coming and triumph as King of kings and Lord of lords.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

"Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes on him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed." Revelation 16:15

As we celebrate the first coming of Christ this Christmas season it is appropriate for us to anticipate His second coming with assurance that He will once again come as promised. Many will be caught off guard by the coming of Christ. But let us be dressed and ready through continual anticipation and preparation. Live each day as if it may be the day.

Father, I thank you that you sent Christ once in fulfilment of Your promises and that You will do so a second time. Help me to keep Christ's coming in mind and to live each day to His glory so that I'll welcome Him unashamed at His coming.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Glory to God

"Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways, King of the ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Revelation 15:3-4

Observe all the descriptive words used of God in this heavenly song. Great, marvelous, Lord, almighty, just, true, King, holy. Adjectives and titles are piled one on top of the other in attempt to describe the indescribable God. How great He is indeed!

It is a good question, "Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name?" Others may not recognize God and give Him glory but let us not fail exalt Him. Use these words and add your own to tell Him how great He is in your sight today.

Father, You are great, and Your deeds are great and marvelous. You are the Sovereign Lord and all power is Yours. You are holy, holy, holy. All glory belongs to You. Though others may not praise You let my lips never cease to declare Your glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

PASSIONATE PATIENCE

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Revelation 14:12

It’s a stealth verse. Tucked into a passage which tells about the eternal torment to be experienced by the enemies of God is a quiet reminder for God’s people to persevere. And since I often come up short in the endurance department . . . well, let’s just say this verse reached out and got my attention.

THE MESSAGE takes a more positive approach to this verse: Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, keeping God's commands, staying faithful to Jesus. I like the idea of being “passionately patient;” it’s a proactive type of endurance, more like perseverance. Here is a call to continue in obedience and faithfulness to God, recognizing that the process can be a great struggle at times.

Father, help me to experience this passionate patience today. I want to obey You and remain faithful to Christ in all I think, say, and do.

With you, following Him,
Jim

Faithful in Suffering

"This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints." Revelation 13:10

Revelation 13 portrays a day of great deception of the general masses and persecution of Christians during the reign of the beast (antichrist). To the persecuted Christians, John wrote the above call for endurance and faithfulness in the face of suffering.

We can only imagine the difficulty those days will bring and how great the need will be for Christians to hang tough in life and death circumstances. However, many of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world are enduring intense persecution even as you read these words. For them the great tribulation is now. Pray that imprisoned, enslaved, abused, and deprived Christians will be filled with "patient endurance and faithfulness." Pray that the wives and children of martyred church leaders will be filled with strength and grace. Pray that persecutors will be gloriously saved as was the case with the Apostle Paul.

Although our difficulties pale in comparision, the enemy is on the attack in our country. Pray that American Christians will live more fully surrendered to God and deeply resolved to stand faithful for the cause of the Christ at any cost.

Father, bless my persecuted brothers and sisters around the world with the strength and grace to endure in faithfulness under the most adverse circumstances. Make their faith and courage a powerful witness to their persecutors. Help me and my fellow Christians in America also to stand firm in trials and against the enemies attack to your glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

If you would like to know more about how you can pray for and support persecuted Christians visit www.opendoorsusa.org.

Overcomers

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11

Revelation 12 describes the cosmic spiritual battle between Satan (the seven-headed red dragon) and God. Satan wrestles with the angels of God and then he fights against the people of God. But the faithful saints are able to overcome the dragon's attack because as John writes in another book "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Revelation 12:11 gives three keys to the faithful saint's victory over Satan. First of all is "the blood of the Lamb." It is through Christ's atoning death and triumphant resurrection that we are victorious. Next is "the word of their testimony." Our testimony and assurance that we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation that holds us steady when Satan hurls darts of doubt and fear our way. Finally, is the fact that "they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Self love makes us an easy target for Satan's deceitful schemes because he can easily convince us that his way of pleasure promotes our self interest better than God's way of obedience. It is only when we die to self and love Christ more than our own life that we are ready to stand as an overcomer in the face of Satan's deceitful schemes.

Are you trusting in the power of Christ's blood? Do you have a confident testimony of a personal relationship with Jesus? Do you love Christ more than your own life? If you can say yes to these three questions then you are ready to live as an overcomer.

Father, I want to be an overcomer in Christ. Help me to grow strong in faith, grow close in fellowship, and grow deep in obedience that I might stand against the enemies deceitful schemes and glorify Christ.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

P.S. Don't forget to pick up a 2010 First Light Reading Guide on Sunday at the Welcome Desk.

God's Faithfulness

"But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." Revelation 10:7

As we celebrate Christmas we remember that God's promises given through His prophets were fulfilled. Promises like, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14, see Matthew 1:22-23). And, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2, see Matthew 2:5-6).

As we look toward the return of Christ we do so with the confidence that God will again fulfill all that He promised through His prophets. Be confident of the faithfulness of God as You celebrate one coming of Christ and anticipate the next coming.

Father, "Great is thy faithfulness!" I thank you for the fulfilment of Your promises in Christmas and count on Your faithfulness in my present life and in the future coming of my Lord Jesus.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Repentance

"The rest of mankind that were not killed by the plagues still did not repent..." Revelation 9:20

Repentance is the choice between death and life. In the end times some when presented with the opportunity to repent of sin and turn to God will choose death rather than life, judgement rather than salvation. The hardness of a human heart filled with pride and rebellion toward God is baffling. They are so blinded by sin that they will not see that true life is found in turning to God alone.

Enough about them. What about us? We repented in the past and are assured that we have life in Christ but what is the current condition of our heart toward God? Are you humble and responsive to God and His Word? Or is there some point at which you have become resistant and rebellious?

Father, it is easy for me to see and condemn the harness in others but not so easy to see it in my own life. Search me and bring to light any point of resistance toward Your word and work in my life. Lead me to repentance and life.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

P.S. If you want to continue the First Light Bible reading journey in 2010 pick up a reading guide at the welcome desk in the Worship Center. We will read the first half of the Old Testament and the entire New Testament. You can read one or the other if you desire a more streamlined approach.

Silence in Heaven

When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. - Revelation 8:1



Silence in heaven? Of all the things I've ever imagined happening in heaven silence wasn't one of them. But here it is in Scripture. We imagine that heaven will be full of praises and songs that declare the holiness of God. But silence too can be a form of worship.


"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10



As the angels anticipated the 7 trumpet judgments they fell silent. When was the last time you fell silent before the Lord? As an expression of worship, take the next few minutes to be silent before the Lord.



Praying for you,

Matt

Before the Throne

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."
Revelation 7:9

This is John's vision of heaven. The kingdom of God is great. Although from our present earthly vantage point we may sometimes wonder if the kingdom is advancing, when we stand in the throng in heaven before the throne of the Lamb we will know without a doubt that God was effectively fulfilling His purpose throughout history.

The saints will be more in number than can be counted and they will come from every nation, tribe, language, and people group. Every one of them will have made to heaven the same way--through the blood of Jesus. "They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (v.14b). Therefore it is no surprise that one of our major preoccupations in heaven will be to praise Jesus Christ, the Lamb.

Father, I thank you that through the blood of Christ I will be included in the great throng of saints in heaven. Continue building your glorious kingdom and use my life during these days on earth to advance it.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Wrath of the Lamb

"Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" Revelation 6:15-17

For we who have received Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord the end times will mean gathering before the throne of the Lamb and praising Him (see yesterday's blog comments). 1 Thessalonians 5:10 proclaims Jesus as the One "who rescues us from the coming wrath."

However, for those who are outside of Christ the last days will be terrible days of wrath. The Lamb who loves the world so much that He died for sinners will yet judge those who persisted in their sin against God rather than turning to Him for salvation. None will escape. Notice the list of those enduring wrath includes royalty, generals, powerful, as well as poor slaves. Every one needs to trust in Jesus now.

Father, Your wrath is a righteous judgment against sin. Except for Your grace through Christ I would deserve the full expression of Your judgment. Thank You for amazing grace. Continue to bring people around me from judgment to grace and from death to life. Use me now as Your instrument to lead them to the Lamb so that they too may praise Him.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Praise the Lamb

"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne..."
Revelation 5:6

The Lamb on the throne is Jesus Christ. When Abraham led Isaac up Mt. Moriah to sacrifice him in obedience to God, Isaac asked, "Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham replied, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son" (Genesis 22:7,8). Abraham spoke prophetically of Christ.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Peter later wrote, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake" (1 Peter 1:18-20).

Jesus is the Lamb of God and He is worthy "to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12).

Lord Jesus, You are the Lamb whom the Father provided to take away my sins and I rejoice in You. You were slain and now You reign. I gladly give you honor and glory and praise along with all that I have of power and wisdom and strength and wealth. You are worthy!

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Praise God

"In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures...Day and night they never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'"
Revelation 4:6,8

I've heard it said that we are never more God-centered than when we are praising Him. Think about our praying. When we confess we are focusing on our sin. When we give thanks we are focusing on our blessings. When we ask we are focusing on our needs. But when we praise we are focusing on God in all His glory. I think, therefore, that it is sometimes difficult for us to come up with words to express praise to God because we are not used to thinking of something other than our self. But there is great joy and freedom when we truly learn to unselfishly worship God.

A great place to start in praising God is by using the words of praise in the songs of Revelation like the song of the "living creatures" in verse 8. Praise God because He is holy--intensely and thoroughly holy. Praise Him because He is the Lord. Praise Him for His almighty power. Praise Him for His eternal being as the one who was, is, and is to come.

Father, you are worthy of praise! Help me to lift my eyes from my self to freely worship and praise You. You are holy. You are Lord. You are Almighty. You are eternal. You are worthy of my praise.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

First Love

"You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." Revelation 2:3-4

There is something to be said for maintaining faithful commitment to Christ over time and through trials. However, Jesus seeks not only faithfulness but love. He created us not simply to tough it out for Him but to live in a love relationship with Him. Therefore, in this letter to the church at Ephesus while Jesus commended them for their faithful commitment at the same time He called them to renew their "first love." He says, "Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first" (Revelation 2:5).

It is our highest calling and greatest privilege to love the Lord. Yet in the routine of living the Christian life we can neglect our love relationship with God. The Lord desires Your faithfulness but He prizes above all Your love. Are you walking in "first love" with Jesus? If so, keep on fanning the flames. If not, remember the times when you did experience "first love" with Him and return to the things you did at that time in order to re-stoke your love relationship with Jesus now.

"Oh Lord please light the fire that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love that burns with holy fear." (from "Oh Lord You're Beautiful" by Keith Green)

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Lord of Glory

"His face was like the shining sun in all its brilliance." Revelation 1:16

When you think of Jesus how do you picture Him? As a lowly carpenter in sandals? Or do you see Him as John describes him in this vision recorded in Revelation 1:12-18?

Praise God that Jesus entered into our world as a babe in manger, walked upon our earth as a humble carpenter, and gave His life on the cross as a suffering servant! But we must realize that He is now exalted, glorified, and reigning. When we pray we speak to the Lord of heaven and earth who is clothed in majesty and possesses all authority. His eyes see all, His Word is powerful, and His hands hold His servant fast.

As we celebrate Christmas be thankful for Christ's humble humanity but worship Him in His glorious majesty.

Savior and Glorious Lord Jesus, thank you for your humble sacrifice on my behalf and help me to see You more and more in Your present glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

He is Able

"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Spirit. ...To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only God our Savior be glory..." Jude 1:20, 24

Jude's brief letter is a strong warning to Christians who live in a corrupted world surrounded by corrupted people (some even pretending to be religious). Isn't that an apt description of our world? They key issue is "How do we stay faithful and pure in a world like this?"

Jude's answer as reflected in the above verses is two sided. One side of the equation in our struggle to remain faithful is our own effort in building a strong relationship with God. Jude says, "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Spirit." Through keeping ourselves anchored in truth through Scripture and connected with God through prayer we are helped to stand firm.

The other side of the equation is God's gracious and powerful work on our behalf. He is the one "who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy." Praise the Lord!!! Our ultimate safe passage through this corrupted world depends not as much on our doing as on His. Yes we are to work at it but we must above all trust in His work. In cooperation with Him we'll arrive safely home.

Father, I thank you for Your amazing grace and power that keeps me safe in this sin corrupted world. As I seek to build up my own spiritual strength help me above all to trust in Your gracious work to keep me safe and strong day by day.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark