Revelation lessons...

Preaching through the Book of Revelation has stretched me, greatly. It has pushed my study and trust in the Spirit of God more than before. I love the fact that it has also caused many of FC3 people to jump in and study the Bible more. I guess the biggest lesson for me in all of this has been the necessity to seek to 'snatch others from the fire' (Jude 23) more than ever before. While I am very thankful that the Bible teaches me about my eternal reward for surrendering my life to Jesus, it also teaches me the destiny of the damned! Oh, dear God forgive us for our complacency and apathetic lifestyles that have little or no impact on those who do not know Jesus as Lord. While I do not enjoy preaching about Hell, I do appreciate the fact that God given us HIS book to teach us just how serious this life really is. I have a deeper ache inside of me for my friends who have not yet made a decision for Jesus! I desire to make it for them, but I cannot! My only hope in all of this for their sake is to trust that Jesus will live powerfully through me to draw them to HIS side. Therefore there is a greater need each and every day to give up my desires for HIS desires. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." The more I grow, the more I think about that patience with me that God talks about. In the past, I have often read that to mean patient with those outside of Christ Jesus. But lately, I feel as though it means God is patient with me as a believer who is not living life completely for HIM which keeps others from finding true freedom and peace that is only found in HIM. May we all learn this lesson for the glory of God and the salvation of those who are not yet HIS. All to the praise and honor and glory of God my Father and yours!