From the Pulpit

A message shared by Lew Worrad on November 5, 2023 at Oakridge Bible Chapel.

Satan had just brought his antichrist and false prophet into the world to deceive and destroy (13:1–18) when John sees the Lamb standing unfazed on the heavenly Mount Zion (14:1–7). Harps are being played, songs are being sung, and gospels are being preached when, seemingly out of nowhere, an angel flies overhead declaring, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great” (14:8). What immediately follows is reverent celebration in heaven and more devastation on earth (15:1–16:18) before a similar refrain is heard: “Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of his fierce wrath” (16:19). 

With so much chaos being poured out on earth and on so many people, why does this ancient city receive a divine call-out? What’s so special about Babylon, how is she uniquely punishable, and what does her eventual fall have to teach the church today?

Throughout human history, God has stayed his hand of retribution, being “patient toward us, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). But God’s patience with rebellion does not mean forgetfulness of rebellion. In fact, Paul teaches that the unrepentant are “storing up wrath for [themselves] in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (Rom 2:5). It is as though the sin in this world is building-up pressure like water against a dam until, one day, God will open his holy spillway, unleashing his just anger so as to punish evil, prompt faith, and bring restoration. Ultimate rest comes on the other side of wrath and perfect peace arrives after divine punishment. 

Revelation 15 and 16 mark the near-culmination of this time of great testing, a finish line that prompts celebration in the heavens, sends devastation upon the earth, illustrates the corruption of the human heart, and provides much-needed exhortation for the waiting church today.

A message shared by Nate Vellekoop on October 15, 2023 at Oakridge Bible Chapel

There’s nothing quite like a good comeback story. You know the type: when a person, group, or team seems so down-and-out, so defeated, and so oppressed and yet finds a way to climb back into contention, grab success, find safety, and even secure victory against all odds. These tales are surprising, satisfying, inspiring, and exciting. 

While it may seem near-blasphemy to call the eventual-and-total victory of Jesus Christ “a comeback story,” there are sections of Scripture that record the Lord snatching a big win from, what seems like, the jaws of defeat. For example, in Revelation 12 and 13, Satan has the upper-hand, the blue-chip players, home-field advantage, and is running up the score before, all of a sudden in chapter 14, Jesus says, “no more games” and dramatically and definitively turns the tables. For those who know the power and character of God, this is not a surprising comeback but it is satisfying, inspiring, and exciting.

When the glorified Jesus appeared to the imprisoned John, he told him, “write down what I’m about to show you and pass it on to my people” (ch. 1). In this message, after some pointed words to the churches in the present age (chs. 2–3), Christ turns his attention to the future (chs. 4–22). He takes the apostle into the heavenly throne-room, giving him a glimpse of the Father’s awesomeness, the Son’s faithfulness, and their all-together worthiness to be worshiped and trusted (chs. 4–5). 

The Lamb then starts opening the book containing God’s perfect plan for the resolution and redemption of all things, unleashing a storm of wrath (chs. 6–7), one that continues to grow in intensity. In fact, the seventh seal unleashes seven trumpets of judgement, each more dramatic, demonic, and emphatic than the last (chs. 8–11). And as they sound, John records the reactions of those who witness and experience their chaos. And it’s in their responses to judgement that God’s people today can find encouragement, conviction, and comfort.

In the early 1900s, it was not uncommon for over a million people each year to lose their lives due to natural disasters like floods and droughts, earthquakes and fires, tornadoes and landslides. Fast forward one hundred years and, in this past decade, the average annual death toll was less than 10,000. Why this dramatic improvement? Is it because there are less natural disasters today? No. The positive trend is largely due to the fact that humanity has become better prepared for the storms, more understanding of their power and behaviour, improved in anticipating their arrival, and more efficient at seeking adequate shelter when they hit. 

Revelation 6 and 7 is a storm warning. A big one is coming—a category 5 tempest of divine wrath, unprecedented in scope and power. At the same time, there is also an impenetrable shelter of grace that has been provided, an indestructible and eternal refuge for all who would climb inside.

Reading the fourth and fifth chapters of the Revelation of Jesus Christ can feel like stepping into the sun after hours in the dark. It takes time for our senses to process what it is we are being shown as our eyes, ears, and minds are treated to a glimpse heaven’s glory, joining the Apostle John in the witness of pure, untainted worship of the awesome Creator and Sustainer of the universe. At first, the scene can be overwhelming, what with creatures and crowns, thunder and thrones, singing and spirits. There’s a lot to take in! 

But, as the Holy Spirit helps our eyesight adjust to the magnificence of this text, its purpose becomes clearer: every magnificent detail of this scene is meant to highlight and spotlight what the King is like, was the Lamb has done, and their shared worthiness to be worshiped and trusted with the future.

People want to know the future and are quite creative in how they attempt to do that, reading tea-leaves and palms, examining stars and crystals, and studying playing cards and weather patterns. And this desire to peek beyond the horizon of tomorrow isn’t unique to our times. God warned about these methods at Mount Sinai (Lev 19:31), Saul dabbled in the practice during his downward spiral from Israel’s throne (1 Sam 28:6–7), and Paul encountered the lucrative practice of fortune-telling in Philippi (Acts 16:16). 

People have always wanted to know the future and, while there are clearly many sources to which many clamour for such information, Christians have the privilege of going to the One who is already there, he “who is and who was and who is to come, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last” (Rev 1:8; 22:13). But, before starting a journey into such an exploration, some preparations need to be made.

How many here like gifts? How many of you enjoy Christmas when you receive those gifts? Most of you celebrate Christmas receiving gift for one day. I celebrate Chanukah where I receive gifts for 8 days,  with having a large family you can imagine how many gifts we get!! Its Wonderful!! 

What is a gift if you don’t open it? A gift is no good still wrapped up. A gift is no good if you don't use it or implement it. God has given us many gifts and so many of us don’t use the gifts we’ve been blessed with. Everyone here has a gift that we need to use for the Kingdom of God and the Body of Christ. 

The Gifts of the Spirit are important and an essential part of the church and our ministry. God does not give us the Gifts for a show of our power but to manifest His great power. We do not worship the “Gifts” or those used in a particular Gift. We worship the giver of Gifts (James 1:17). Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 desired to purchase the Gift. His Spirit was not correct. He wanted this Gift for his selfish use, glory, and power. This is not the purpose of the Gifts.