THE TRIBULATION MOTIVATION

Jesus in his discourse on the Mt. of Olives (Mat. 24) spoke of a time of Great Tribulation that is coming like the earth has never seen (cf. Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lu. 21). It really is a warning He is giving to His disciples to be

A quick chalk drawing depicting Christ's second coming that will be visible for all the earth to see from Seattle to Jerusalem.  The drawing was one of two done at our 2015 Christmas Eve service. 

passed down for future generations.  Jesus appeared from heaven, after His resurrection, to the imprisoned Apostle John to elaborate further on this terrifying time of tribulation. John records it in the book of Revelation. This time is brought about by a series of three sets of judgements called the Seal, Trumpet and Bowl judgments.   

This frightening prophecy is dismissed by some, avoided by others or explained away as a time of war that happened in the first century. However, no war has ever even matched the alarming details of Christ's description of this coming time of judgment on the whole earth.  Most Bible prophecy has already been fulfilled with laser sharp accuracy. But, this is among the few remaining prophecies to be fulfilled that brings human history to a climax as Christ returns.

So what should our response be. 2Pe 3:11-13 tells us, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,  looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!  But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells."   In other words, these events are real, are coming and have a purpose as Christ comes to rectify things. Are you moved to live a life of holiness that glorifies God and has an impact on the world. 

Want to know what God does in the second series of judgments called the Trumpet Judgment? Listen on Livestream to my message for June 12th.  Then let me know what you think in the comments?

This Sunday we'll celebrate Fathers Day with our breakfast fellowship on the patio at 9:15 so bring dad's favorite breakfast finger food.  Then at 10:30 we'll have a special service and message just for dad and the family at 10:30.  Bring your dad or someone like a dad to you.

THE GREATEST REVIVAL

Do you know the two greatest revivals in the Bible? The greatest revival of history took place in ancient Nineveh, the largest city in the world at that time, where the reluctant prophet Jonah preached. Why is that significant? 

Sgt De Roo is buried at Tahoma Nation Cemetery, Covington, WA.

It is of interest because ten years ago our own Sgt. Gabriel De Roo died in 2006 in Mosul, Iraq, which is ancient Nineveh. We remembered him on Memorial Day. His desire had been to some day do ministry in Iraq. That came true through the De Roo Fund that now helps bring the gospel there. Amazingly over $67,399.66 has come in since Gabe died. Our family and many in Iraq say "Thanks."  Keep praying for those who use these funds there for God's glory. A fresh report is available on the Mission Table.

A much greater revival is still to come. Revelation 7:9 speaks of "...a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This Sunday we'll learn a little more about this amazing event. 

For the present we praise the Lord that submittal plans for our building expansion are finished. They were taken to the county building department for review which takes about 11 days. Then they will get back to us regarding the formal permit application fee. Final approval after that usually takes several months. Thanks for praying and sacrificially giving as we build for the generations to come. Total giving to our Building Fund for the last three months has been $13,445 which exceeds the commitments we received thus far. These gifts are also over and above General Fund giving. For details on the expansion go to our website and see Outreach and then 2016 Building Expansion.

June Green turned 100 this week. June was born June 1, 1916 in Orofino, ID. She feels good, looks good, likes to do email, makes greeting cards and was going to the Lobster shop for dinner to celebrate. She does that every 10 years on her birthday. June served the Lord as a pastor's/chaplain's wife for over 50 years. A healthy occupation. Congratulations on becoming a centenarian!  

Centenarian JUNE GREEN

Pastor Juan Carlos Magallanes, whom we support in Quincy, WA, says thanks for your prayers and support to him and Heritage Multicultural Baptist Church. Below is a link to a recent baptism there (about 1.3 min. into it you will see the baptism). Keep praying for them with summer ministries coming up.  https://youtu.be/bxU9FnGEmSY?t=2

GOD OF LOVE OR VENGENCE?

"God in the Old Testament is a god of vengeance and wrath, while in the New He is loving and kind."  "How could a loving God cast people into hell?"  These are common questions that deserve some thought. With wars and crisis around us how could God be loving or even care?

But what does the Bible actually say? It is clear that God is not an either/or God but a God who is both.  God's vengeance is seen in the Old and New Testament as in this NT verse that quotes the OT. Heb. 10:30 says, "For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." " 

God's love is also illustrated in both testaments. The OT Hebrew word "Chesed" is commonly translated "loving-kindness" and refers to His "love." Psa. 118:1 is one of my favorite verses. "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting."  Well known NT passages like John 3:16 remind us that God's love (Gk. agape) is primarily expressed through Christ's sacrifice on the cross for sinful man. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Since God is absolutely just He, in his love, must deal with the sin and corruption of this world. Some feel like He has not. But the book of Revelation makes it clear that He will deal with all sin and corruption eventually upon Christ's second coming as we have been studying in Revelation 6. The scariest place you could ever be is as in the hands of God when He deals with sin. "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31).  He will eventually deal with all sin.  But the most wonderful place you could be is under the protecting love of the Good Shepherd's fold (Jn. 10:14ff).  That can only happen when we come through repentance and faith to Christ who paid the price for our sin.

The picture my son Caleb sent shows a building destroyed by war in the area of Ukraine we visited recently.  The building pictures what sin does to our world. But the beautiful blue sky reminds us about the promise of Christ's second coming in the clouds to deal with the corruption of this world and give His own the hope of heaven.  What a picture!

Building destroyed by recent war in Slavyansk, Ukraine. 

Pastor Mark

P.S. 

Don't miss our annual noon Memorial Day Picnic at the Marshall home on Fox Island (684 6th Ave).  Bring your own meat to grill, and a salad or dessert to share.  Beverages and tableware provided.  Stay for the afternoon and enjoy various outside activities and games for kids and adults.  Dress for being outside most of the time.

In case you missed it, here is a video about Camp Gilead that was shown a few weeks ago. It is has been consistently rated the best Christian camp in the NW for the last three years. Time now to register at www.campgilead.org for summer camps.