Pastor Josh presents a "2-for-1" B-Side this week...

Matthew 28 shows us that Jesus rose bodily, not just in spirit. With his resurrection, the boundary between God and man has been removed. The wrath of the Father is appeased, and just as Jesus was raised, so will we be!

In Revelation 7:9-12, we learn that Heaven is going to be filled with the redeemed, giving thanks and praising God for all He is! Satan wanted to be the object of this worship and was by necessity cast down from Heaven.

Non-believers must focus solely on this life, because death is the end for them. As Christians, death is just the beginning of our eternal life of worship, in which every day is better than the last!

The heavens and earth were separated in the beginning, and the tabernacle showed mankind's separation from God. But Jesus' death on the cross allows us to be together with him, tearing the veil that once separated us from life with God. In his resurrection, all things are made new, and we're reminded on this day that we too will be risen to spend eternity with him!

We must let Scripture tell us who Jesus is... and it says He is the only way to salvation!

Jesus reveals himself to be not just a great prophet or teacher, not just the king of Israel, but something even greater...

As Pastor Josh examines some parallels between how God works in the Old Testament and in Revelation, we find that the 144,000 in Revelation 7 are shining examples of warriors putting on the full armor of God. This is what we should aspire to in our age as well.

In the last days, God gathers together the 144,000 to accomplish his will before the earth will be destroyed. We can learn from the qualities of these mighty men of God!

Pastor Josh digs deeper into the meaning and structure of Revelation 7:1-8, and how chapter 7 connects to its surrounding chapters. Though we look forward to eternity in God's presence, he will, in his sovereignty, hold back his wrath on the earth for a time, as he allows all of his children to be brought into his kingdom.

Nonbelievers pursue autonomy, but give up the true freedom of a life in Christ. The 144,000 who are sealed in John's vision are set apart to bring more of these lost souls into the family of God. They, like Paul and like the rest of us, are unworthy of this honor, so we give glory to God for his perfect, immutable love, grace and mercy toward us!

Hiding from God may not be your best strategy... we are called to bow to him now, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, while we still have the choice.