An old song says this, "Christ is not a disappointment." Has He ever disappointed YOU? Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey on a Sunday centuries ago. His entrance raised the expectations of many. "Could this be the Messiah?" Their expectations were dashed when less than a week later, He was crucified. Oh, He was the Messiah, but they expected something different. Who do you expect Jesus to be? I would suggest that a wrong expectation of Jesus will result in disappointment and disillusionment. But a proper perspective of Jesus will bring hope.

How much ministry do you do? Do you help others by giving your money, or your time or your abilities regularly? Why, or why not? What would make you start? What would make you do more? What if God asked YOU to start a ministry? Come be challenged to think about building His Kingdom all over the world, and here in the Lakewood area.

It's pretty easy to see God's wrath as one reads and studies the book of Revelation. But is there mercy in the midst of His wrath? We know God has a track record of mercy in wrath. Revelation 7 reveals this truth once again. Thank God for mercy!

We are curious people and want answers. Especially when it comes to details of the Last Days or End Times. What's going to happen? When will it happen? What are the specific details? What does it all mean? Revelation 6 gives us just enough information to make us more curious. But it does give some information. If Revelation 6 is an overview of what will take place in the time of the Biblical Tribulation, we will note that it will not be pleasant. It's vital that we always stay ready, whether we miss or face the Tribulation.

John, in the Spirit, is taken to heaven. In Revelation 4, his attention was focused, primarily, on the Throne of God. In Revelation 5, he sees a Lamb standing before the throne. The Lamb is Jesus. The Lamb is found to be worthy to take God's scroll from His hand. His taking of the scroll began an ever-widening circle of praise to the Lamb and the One who sits on the throne. Join us as we explore Revelation 5. We might even bring up the Rapture.

The Apostle John gets a glimpse as to what is going on in heaven; specifically what is taking place around the throne of God. He sees worship. Is God worthy of your worship? Is He receiving your worship? Will you take intentional steps to worship Him? Join us as we begin a further study into the Book of Revelation.

For one more week, we are exploring and unpacking Romans 12:9-21 to discover practices which are helpful in our growth in Christ, as well as indicators of our growth in Christ. As we wrap this "Growing in Christ" series up, my prayer is that we will not forget these truths from Scripture, and that more and more they will become a part of our daily lives.

How are you doing in your walk with Christ? Are you growing? This Sunday, we are continuing in our series "Growing in Christ" where we are examining the practices of one who is growing in Christ. Our goal this week is to take a look at Practices 12-17. They are NOT easy.

This Sunday, we will continue our look at Romans 12:9-21 where Paul reveals to the Roman believers (and to us) practices of the follower of Christ which will help us grow in Christ. Last Sunday, we observed 5 practices. Today we will look at practices 6-11. Join us as we examine more indicators we are growing in Christ.

The Scripture is not silent on practices and behaviors which mark the true follower of Christ. The Apostle Paul is quite specific in Romans 12 when it comes to practices which a follower of Christ is to have in place in their lives. Do they come naturally? Probably not! Thus, we must practice them. Join us as we look at more helpful practices which are indicators that we re followers of Christ.