Adventurous Living - The Meadow Springs Community Church Podcast

8 "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, the One who was and is and is to come... 11 You are worthy , O LORD our God, to receive glory and honor and power...". God, You are worthy indeed! Let our hearts and voices ring out with praises to our LORD!

Perhaps the most recognized and quoted piece of scripture, Psalm 23 encompasses the heart of God, our Good Shepherd. He promises to provide rest, peace, strength, protection and blessing when, not if, we face hardship. He promises this: His goodness and unfailing love will be what sustains us.

The last two of the seven churches receive letters containing harsh rebukes - their people and practices are not cutting it. "You have the reputation for being alive, but you are dead. Strengthen the little that remains, for even what is left is at the point of death." Ouch. "You are lukewarm" (at best), Jesus says, and "you don't realize you are wretched and miserable." Double ouch. "Saving the best for last" does not apply in this case.

Love God and love others... these are the greatest biblical commands. While 1 Corinthians 13 is probably the most familiar scripture about love, are we missing - or even misunderstanding - it's true meaning? How does God want us to love Him and love others both in the world and in the church?

Jesus acknowledges and addresses these two churches in a very personal way. He recognizes their small fellowship and lack of wealth, but commends their richness of faith! It's definitely upside down when compared to who are considered winners and losers by today's metrics. Do we count ourselves winners or losers in God's view?

We are bringing back, by popular demand, our study in Psalms on the first Sunday of each month. This year, we are camping on Psalm 23 and others that speak of God's comfort when things get hard... and let's face it, a lot of things in life are just hard. The Psalms provide deep and sustained encouragement from writers who are themselves pouring out their hearts to God. They praise and they lament... all to the glory of God because he hears our cries.

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.

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!"