What I learned from my Pastor ~ Feb. 28

The title for this sermon from Revelation 8:1-5 was Opus to the Final Judgment. Pastor Jack noted that this chapter is a prelude to the final judgment that is coming when God will answer His children's prayer for vindication.

Hearing about the wrath of God is often difficult, but we were reminded that worship and judgment are inter-connected and that while God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ez. 33:11), His love demands justice. Mercy and judgment are not two contrasting things. They are both embodied in the character of Christ.

Pastor Jack's closing action points were very powerful. They were:

1. Listen and Repent
2. Smell the sweet aroma of the prayers of the saints and place deep hurts before God
3. Feel the Heat (warn others)

He challenged me that the real test if I believe this prophecyis true, then what am I doing to warn others to flee the wrath to come. Being complacent like this is no less than criminal behavior.

How wonderful it is that mercy, justice, and grace met perfectly at the cross. He prayed that the Holy Spirit would stir, shake and move us. Amen?.

What I learned from my Pastor ~ Feb. 21

Saved to Serve in Heaven was the title of Pastor Jack's sermon, continuing our pilgrimage through the book of Revelation.

His text today was Rev. 7:9-17. God saves and rewards multitudes who will serve Him in heaven. Some features of this multitude in heaven described here are: innumerable, indiscriminate, intimate, incorrupt, and indomitable. Don't you just love those words and what they represent (and that they all start with in is pretty cool, too)?

Pastor Jack asked the congregation to reflect on two questions:

1. What is your posture before Him who sits on the throne?

2. What is your perspective on life in light of this vision?

Pondering these things help us to keep our priorities in order. It was also a good reminder to engage in activities that contribute to eternity so that I am not exercising futility in my life.

What I learned from my Pastor ~ Feb. 14

Note: I am a bit behind with posting these, but will do my best to get all 3 up today.

Revelation 7:1-8 was the text for this week's sermon examining yet another portion of scripture that is highly debated. Regardless of one's view of the identity of the 144,000 mentioned, Pastor Jack pointed out that they are sealed and protected as they serve on earth. I was comforted by the fact that "the servant of God is invincible until his work for God is complete."

Pastor Jack's final points were 1. Be sealed. It's that simple. Ephesians 1:13-14 explicitly tells us how and with what we are sealed. For believers, the Father has sealed us with protection and care. The Son has bought and redeemed us with His own precious blood. He owns us. And the Spirit seals us by certifies and testifies that we are the children of God.

2. Be serving. (2 Corinthians 4:5) Pastor Jack shared this quote that Charles Spurgeon said once when he was very sick,

"If I have any message to give from my own bed of sickness it would be this—if you do not wish to be full of regrets when you are obliged to lie still, work while you can. If you desire to make a sick bed as soft as it can be, do not stuff it with the mournful reflection that you wasted time while you were in health and strength. People said to me years ago, “You will break your body down with preaching ten times a week,” and the like. Well, if I have done so, I am glad of it. I would do the same again. If I had fifty bodies I would rejoice to break them down in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. You young men that are strong, overcome the wicked one and fight for the Lord while you can. You will never regret having done all that lies in you for our blessed Lord and Master. Crowd as much as you can into every day, and postpone no work till tomorrow. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” (Ecc. 9:10)."