Fox Valley Church

God says “go.” Jonah will have none of it!  He cries, “send someone else!” and runs away from God. How often have we run away from God?  God will have none of Jonah’s pouting – or ours; he loves us too much.

Jonah 1

 

John is now given some unfolding realities of the call to follow Jesus by an eternal gospel.  There is a coming destruction (even as Jesus prophesied) that will end in judgment for those who follow the beast.  These things were written so that we could understand the times and faithfully Christ through all trials and tribulations.  Christians will ultimately win over the beast and join in a chorus of a victory song! Our hope allows us to stay the course in following Jesus. 

Revelation 14:6-15:4 

We live in a "super-hero" era for Dads. We work, cook, clean, help with  the kids, etc..."do everything.” In many ways Dads are to be commended for this but there is also a danger. So many men are distracted and anxious/upset about so many things trying to be the "super-hero, do everything" dad. Taking a page from Martha and Mary’s story, we’ll see these men are missing out on something better: Jesus.

Luke 10:38-42

 

John is given a vision of the Lamb standing with believers in victory over Satan.  Here we find the Lamb’s name and his Father’s on the forehead of believers in contrast to the mark of the beast.  While this is an earthly scene it marvelously points to the future reality of when Jesus returns as King!   

Revelation 14:1-5 

John now begins to see how the devil will wage war as two figures emerge on the scene to create a false trinity by the power the dragon gives.  The first beast emerges from the sea to deceive and mislead Christ-followers through all means possible and with great displays of power.  

Revelation 13:1b-10 

With a raging dragon, the war spills from heaven to earth where he seeks to destroy God’s people. So much of what we experience today of pain, hardship, suffering, and conflict is incited by the dragon.  Christians find hope, victory by Jesus’ blood and perseverance through the encouragement of other Christians.  The key is how we draw on this power to overcome. 

There is a strong contrast between the world’s thoughts and ways and God’s.  Being a mom that follows Christ means that you have a new power, with a new mind that moves you to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  God arms you to face all the challenges and hardships of being a mom that can raise a godly heritage.

Ephesians 4:17-24

The sign John receives opens up with a graphic picture of the birth of the promised Messiah and the dragon (the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan) ready to devour the child!   This sets up the spiritual battle in which we live as we discover the identity of the dragon and the Scripture that explains his schemes.  We begin to see the root cause for so much evil and conflict as the dragon rages against God and his people.  As Christ-followers we need to recognize the dangers he poses (not least “accuser”), wear our spiritual armor, use our spiritual weaponry and remain loyal to God.

Revelation 12:1-12

The gospel shapes all that we do and is the engine of Fox Valley Church. But what is the gospel? Paul tells us very clearly the key features of this good news that our culture needs to hear and we need to live. This outward focus is the third purpose of the church that Jesus set out to build and the gospel will not be lost. We live this out through 3D Living and our value of world and local outreach. 

I Corinthians 15:1-17

Relationships matter because people matter. Unity in relationships is a key mark of the Spirit. But relationships are difficult, whether in our families or the church. God knows this and still calls us to an inward focus with others through humility, gentleness, and patience. We live this out through Life Groups and our value of meaningful relationships. 

Ephesians 4:1-6