“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; …(Rev 1:7)
Jesus told us He will return, which should motivate us to maintain an attitude of vigilance and prepare for His 2nd Coming.
Yet the “end” of this world is often misunderstood and can even be frightening to Christians. Revelation provides great insight and reassurance; fulfilling His promise of “a blessing to those who hear and take its message to heart.” (Rev 1:3)
Revelation was first addressed to 7 of the 1st Century churches. Yet it was intended for every generation! God knew we would face these same challenges and in Revelation He provides insight into those challenges; a path to OVERCOME and promises for those who do!
1) Cold faith: Active but loveless, lifeless and legalist in Christian actions / attitudes. To Overcome: Redo the things you did when you first came to Him. Spend time with God, in His Word, in prayer, care for others…The promise is eternal life!
2) Pressure: Stress, trouble, slander even persecution. To Overcome: Jesus knows the pain of this world; yet also knows it is temporary. He encourages us, Do not be afraid; promising provision in Christ!
3) Enticements: The early Church was enticed to pursue alliances with the destructive forces in the world. To Overcome: Maintain commitment. He promises sustaining strength and righteousness before God!
4) Weak Christian Leadership: supported immorality and even religious infidelity. To Overcome: Refuse the teaching…hold on to what you have (your faith) until I come… We will be with Him and trusted with more.
5) Complacency: Were not diligent in shoring up their weaknesses; which lead to their inconsistency before God. To Overcome: Remember the challenges and our commitment. Overcomers will walk with him.
6) Little Strength: In resources, or influence yet they held to the doctrine of Christ. To Overcome: Let us hold on …that we may conquer our enemies and have an "open door" for our Christian cause.
7) Self Reliance: They had worldly wealth in which they relied; rather than relying on God. To Overcome: Stir our faith; Renew our zeal for Him. He promises to open the door and be an integral part of your life.
Study Question: Are you facing similar challenges today? Are you choosing the way of an Overcomer? Before going any further, be sure to consider His promises when making your choice.
Rev 13-14: We see satan can use the weakness and willingness of people (the AntiChrist-power/persecution), (False Prophet-false religion), the broken world system (temptation of our passions) as tools to destroy, distract and discourage us.
Study Question: Today are you discerning if he is using someone / something to discourage or distract you? Pray! He will respond by removing them, equipping you or directing you to get away!
Rev 20: Up to this Chapter, there has been much hardship, but then we see the glorified Christ! Not as the suffering servant; but the victorious King defeating God's enemies and blessing God's saints. God throws all of our enemies (even Satan) into the fire! Showing us that God is sovereign over the earth despite appearances!
Study Question: Do you ever wonder why God waits and allows so much hardship to happen even now? In
Rev. we’ve seen one reason is to give people and their descendents a chance to come to Him! As 2 Peter 3:10 says: The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise,… He is patient with you,…not wanting anyone to perish…Glory!
Rev 21-22: AT LAST! A LOOK AT HEAVEN! The last enemy to be defeated is Death (Rev 20)! Those who have overcome, whose names are written in the Book of Life receive all He has promised! We know there will be a new heaven and a new earth; and that we will walk with God. We know there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain.
From the imagery of Rev 22, we see it will be a community of security, stability and perfection, shining with the glory of God who dwells within it. It is shown to be a community of great value and preciousness to God; which is built on the doctrine of the Apostles, which is Christ, by which we enter. It is an uninterrupted life of spiritual fullness and energy, where we will see God’s face, and enjoy His favor!
Notice Rev Ch 22 closes with another appeal:…17 "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Don’t wait another moment! Accept the gift God promises through His Son!
The JAIACM Journal provides Christian educational, entertainment and ethics articles and resources which support Christian maturity and ministry.
JAIACM's free interactive email based Bible studies complement your Church fellowship or provide fellowship for those without a Church.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, ...teaching them
to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19
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Kayaks are designed for various purposes— some for light touring or day-tripping on lakes and gentle rivers, sometimes known as flat-water. They are for folks who want to take in beautiful scenery. Other kinds of kayaks are designed for white-water—those fast moving streams littered with rocks and whirlpools and ledges. White-water
kayakers don’t get to chat or rhapsodize about the scenery or shoot pictures of wildlife. They’re too busy figuring out how to remain right side up.
Some churches and other Christcentered nonprofits are designed for flat-water. Yes, they are open to certain changes and innovations, but these are done at a pace where adjustments may reasonably be made. In a flat-water environment, revenue and expenses moderately increase each year. Givers consistently and faithfully provide support.
Today, churches and other Christ-centered organizations are in a whitewater world. ...
What should we do in white-water times? It’s time to think like Jesus (I borrow George Barna’s wonderful book title). What would Jesus do if He were in our shoes right now? Surely he would tell us to:
• Be prepared. Anticipate whitewater times; be prepared for events to turn against you.
• Avoid panic. Continue to do what is right, wise, and consistent with biblical principles.
• Encourage one another. Reaffirm truths. Thank God for His promises.
• Anticipate His coming. Look forward to the day history will be cleansed by the return of the King of Kings.
• Be not afraid. Live not in fear but in confidence in a sovereign God.
• Be absolutely integral and noble in carrying out your call.
And, above all, I believe Jesus would tell us to be steadfast in our focus on the Great Commission. As my friend, Dr. Walt Russell, says: “As in every era of history, we as God’s people have been given a very specific historical task to accomplish. Our historical task is appropriate for the ‘last days’ and the culmination of the ‘fullness of time’ under Jesus the Messiah. Commissioned by King Jesus and implemented by the Apostles in the Book of Acts, our present priority of
the Church’s mission is the rapid advancement of the worldwide harvest and the ongoing preservation and ripening of its fruit through the planting of vibrant local churches among every people group.”
Article by Dan Busby
Five Standards of Not For Profit Financial Ethical Excellence
Spiritual Maturity and Ministry can only be maximized when high standards of Christian ethical excellence are maintained. Then we can fully be utilized by God!
"Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith:..."
Proverbs 25:4
Almost daily, our financial markets are rocked by financial scandals which have caused titans of industry to teeter on the edge of bankruptcy! Neither has the Christian Community been exempt. Throughout the ages, Christ's message has been impacted by similar scandals. These scandals destroy Ministry leaders, the trust of donors, and the credibility of our Christian witness.
JAIACM drew on leading Financial and Christian organizations (FASB, GAAP, ECFA) to identify standards to support financial ethical excellence. The resulting Five (5) Standards are provided to ensure the care of Ministries and Contributors.
What Would Jesus Do: If Difficult Financial Times Come to Christian Organizations
Entertainment: What Do You Value? Relationships
There are two recent movie releases which emphasize the the danger of valuing power, popularity and prosperity above all else.
The Social Network: Mark Zuckerberg, Harvard student, computer whiz, and social outcast, uses his considerable skills as a way to justify his arrogance. His latest creation? A little site called FaceBook. ... And what we see there is unsettling. One of the best reviewed films of the year, The Social Network may be the movie that defines this generation in the same way the Wall Street did the 1980s.
Wall Street: Jake Moore appears to have the world on a string - a high-paying job on Wall Street, an apartment with a view, and a beautiful girlfriend. But it is not enough. Jake's girlfriend, Winnie, is the daughter of the infamous Gordon Gekko -- convicted of insider trading and about to be released from federal prison. Gordon wants to reconnect with his daughter, Jake wants advice from an old master. But not all is as it seems. Director Oliver Stone, once again, explores the world of high finance and the price some are willing to pay to chase a fortune.
Do you ever wonder what our overall purpose is? Why we’re here. Is it to accumulate possessions?
Jesus tells us: 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[f] 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[g]There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31
•Number one is to pursue our relationship with God!
•Number two is to pursue our relationship and love for others; as we love ourselves.
Relationships are to be foundational to our life here! Relationships are meant to be one of life’s greatest rewards and as an opportunity for us to reflect Him!
Yet often we dont know how to love: Our training is primarily provided by: home environment (families) and culture (magazines, TV, friends, norms) in which we live. The result is:
We Are Ill equipped: to develop relationships; much less glorify God in our interactions.
A Break in Charactor: truth, loyalty, honesty, and integrity seem quaint or foolish.
Superficial: Society tells us we have to be skinny to be beautiful to get anywhere. We
try pills and fad diets that don't work. We can end up depressed when we cant achieve unrealistic expectations or after achieving we find it has not solved our problems and we remain empty inside.
Culture of Materialism: Value is based on superficial factors such as status and material wealth. Impulsivity and immediate self gratification.
Stress of Achievement/Expectations: Focus vast amounts of energy and resources to achieve societal, family or self imposed expectations resulting in extreme stress and emotional exhaustion.
Unfortunately, many Christians succumb to worldly trappings and fall into a mixed world view; professing a belief in Jesus, but living secular lifestyles."
Take this quiz to FIND OUT HOW YOU ARE IN RELATIONSHIPS.
