In chapter 5, John describes a scene of drama and praise in heaven. It begins by describing a scroll in the right hand of God. This scroll is sealed seven times over, and written on both sides. An angel "proclaims" a question, making it more of a challenge: "who is worthy" to take this scroll and open the seals? At first, it seems that there is no one. Nobody on heaven or earth has both the moral authority and the legal right to take up the judgment of God. In response to what seems a hopeless situation, John beings to weep. Then one of the twenty-four elders reassures John that there is One who can take this scroll: Jesus. For this the Lord is worthy of all of our praise and all of our worship.

Revelation chapters 4 and 5 provide a unique opportunity to experience a bit of heaven, and John’s description is the tiniest glimpse of a mind-blowing reality we cannot even begin to comprehend. The overwhelming truth these 2 chapters provide is that heaven isn’t just where Christians will spend eternity. Heaven is all about God, a place of utter devotion and worship of God. Every heart, every sound, and every movement is designed to worship the King of Kings. Thanksgiving is a great time to remember that God is the center of all things and the source of all things, and as such He is worthy of all our attention and praise.

Revelation chapters 2 and 3 address seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Each letter, as proclaimed by the Lord Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. The advice in these letters is prophetic, forewarning present-day Christian communities of the snares that can lure us away from our faith.

Today we welcome Rev. Jeff Hackett, Sponsor & Church Relations Officer from Emergency Relief & Development Overseas (ERDO). When a massive famine struck Ethiopia in 1983, it was estimated that over one million people lost their lives before the famine was over. To respond to the massive need, leaders at The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada made a decision that would bring focus, energy and resources to serve the sick and hungry in a new way. From the biblical call to “do good”, ERDO was born, and we support ERDO with our mission dollars as we at TLC "do good, seek justice, help the oppressed, defend the orphan and plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:17

Revelation chapters 2 and 3 address seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Each letter, as proclaimed by the Lord Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. The advice in these letters is prophetic, forewarning present-day Christian communities of the snares that can lure us away from our faith.

Revelation chapters 2 and 3 address seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Each letter, as proclaimed by the Lord Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. The advice in these letters is prophetic, forewarning present-day Christian communities of the snares that can lure us away from our faith.

The Lakeside Church (TLC) is a church based in Toronto, Ontario. We are a community of believers devoted to the Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love and build up one another, and to reach people with the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our services are held at 9:30 am and 11:30 am on Sundays. Visit us at https://www.thelakesidechurch.ca

Revelation chapter 1 reveals a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle John, along with other Christians at the time were in a season of suffering and pressure for their faith. It is in this context that this vision of Christ’s sovereignty and final victory comes to John so that believers would not be discouraged by persecution and opposition. John saw a man in a robe and a golden sash, with hair white as wool, eyes like blazing fire, feet like burnished bronze, a voice like the sound of rushing waters, having the seven stars in his right hand, a sharp double-edged sword coming out of his mouth and his face shining like the sun. The striking imagery in the vision speaks to who Jesus is, what that means for his people, and why it moves us to pour our worship into him, find our delight in him, align our lives with his mission and long for his return. It’s a crystal-clear vision of His power, majesty, deity, glory, and compassionate care for his people.

We are living in a society that is becoming increasingly hostile to God, so our approach in sharing the Gospel needs to change. There has to be an equal balance of showing and telling. It’s not an either/or option but rather a both endeavour. And when we do it well, we’ll make the greatest impact for the kingdom of God. But how do we share the Gospel at work, at school, in places where many people just don’t want to hear what we have to say. How can ordinary people like us, live out our God give mission? As Paul wraps up his letter to the Colossians, he shares how we can make sure we are doing both.