A "compliment sandwich" - criticism layered between two compliments. To these 2 churches, Jesus says, "You have refused to deny me," and "I see your patient endurance." Ok, well done. But then, Jesus gets right to it. "And yet I have a few complaints about you." Jesus was bringing to light all the ways some in these churches were missing the mark... tolerating sin, idolatry and evil deeds. Those who weren't? "Hold on tightly until I come back", he says.

Imagine being a mail carrier... good 'ol USPS. Blue shorts (no matter the weather) and sturdy black shoes. You have a very important letter to deliver that contains an urgent message for some folks that don't yet know they need it. But forget going house to house or even street to street... you are walking 40-50 miles to deliver this letter. Oh, and then go do that 6 more times. What could possibly be so important?

We look forward to worshipping with you!

αποκάλυψη (apokálypsi) - apocalypse; the revealing of something previously hidden.

We are diving into the book of Revelation - what it is and what it definitely is not - and what a wild ride it's going to be! Imagine John, having seen the entirety of what was to come, being tasked with communicating it all. Sometimes, that old phrase aptly suits... "You just had to be there."

We are shifting gears... a new year, a new focus for our hearts and a deeper appreciation and understanding of God and for His word!

Apocalypse... tragic ending or exciting beginning? We are looking forward to an in depth and eye opening series in Revelation. Buckle up!

From "In the beginning..." all the way through "Yes, I am coming soon", the scriptures narrate such profound truths and sacred promises. It is the story of God's LOVE - His profound, sacrificial love for humanity, exemplified through the birth, life and death of Jesus. But LOVE, even that which is divinely inspired, has its joys and challenges. May we live now, in the light of this LOVE until He returns. "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!"

There is nothing more joyous than the birth of a child. You plan... you wait. In the case of Abraham and Sarah, they waited and waited... and then waited some more. Twenty five years of waiting. They were already a bit long in the tooth before God promised them a child, but age, time and circumstance did nothing to extinguish their JOY. Laughter became the only suitable response in light of God's great faithfulness to them.

A child born to save our fallen, sinful humanity "will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David." (vs.7) We may not see much of it these days, but PEACE is what we long for... peace in our homes and families, peace among our friends and in our own hearts. Because we known the LORD will return one day and reign in the chaos, we can have peace in our hearts and proclaim "Glory to God in the highest, and PEACE on earth to all whom God favors." (vs. 14)

"May the word of the LORD ring out from you to people everywhere, for wherever we go, we find people telling us about your faith in God. ...they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's son from heaven - Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us..." 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

There is no greater HOPE to be found than that of a promised King and Redeemer. Come, LORD Jesus!