God MORE THAN restores us when we FAIL.
God is the God of the Second Chance!

It has been an extraordinary year of Revelation thus far. As we have been studying the amazing book of Revelation and simply responding to Jesus together, God continues to do a unique work here at Crossroads. We love seeing what He is doing and leaning in to the fresh things Jesus has for us His church. As we enjoy our Church Picnic, we will also do a fresh mid-year vision update.

The deeper we get into the book of Revelation the more scary it becomes. God’s desire is that people would be saved. But what happens when, no matter the heart of God, people are bent on doing evil? Well, Revelation 9 shows us what happens. And it is flat out horrible. Join us as we learn about the fifth and sixth trumpet judgements.

The book of Revelation unfolds much like a severe storm. First, it begins with dark and ominous clouds. Then the first drops of rain. But eventually, there is lightning and thunder, intense rain and winds. That is exactly what we see as we move into Revelation 8 and the beginning of the great trumpet judgments. For the earth's inhabitants, things begin to go from really bad to much worse.

There is always a remnant. This is an important Biblical idea. There are always a group of people who are set apart for God. Oftentimes, the people of God feel like they may be the only one, like the Prophet Elijah did. But there is always a set apart remnant. Revelation 7 shows us who can stand in this time of great tribulation. There are two distinct groups, who took two very different journeys, to arrive at their destination. But both groups glorify God in different ways.

I grew up on the book The Little Prince. In it, the main character learns a lot about what is essential in life. One of the characters in the book shares a wonderful insight, when he states: “Here is my secret, It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” The prophet Micah shares God’s criteria for essential living. Join us as we discover God’s plan for a truly rich life.

God is such a gracious God. The gospel, the good news, is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God, knowing that we were forever lost, sent Jesus on a rescue mission. He died the death that we deserved to give us the life we could never have without Him. And we praise Jesus for it. But when we reject the grace of God, there are consequences. Severe consequences. And we will see that as we explore the fifth and sixth seals of Revelation 6.

So now it begins. As we begin Revelation 6, the time of God’s judgment on the earth begins. And it is not a pretty situation. God has done everything necessary to bless his creation, but they would not have him to rule over them. So now, with the opening of the first set of seals, we will be begin the journey that culminates with the return of Jesus.