June - 2010
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The Fifth Gospel |
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By James Rafferty |
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| The book of Revelation is the fifth gospel of the Bible, because like the four gospels, it is all about Jesus. Revelation 1:1 introduces the two–fold meaning of the book–it is a revelation from, and of Jesus. The book of Revelation is about events past, present and future, and most importantly, it is about Jesus. In the first chapter we see Jesus who has "loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood" (verse 5, NKJV). He stands among the churches revealing His unconditional love for all seven, though five come under His faithful rebuke (Revelation 1:13, 20). He is speaking, warning, promising and knocking (Revelation 2 and 3). John is directed to behold the lion of Judah who becomes a Lamb slain in order to open the sealed scroll and redeem us from death (Revelation 5:3, 5, 9). And as the first seal is opened, Jesus is the white horse rider leading His church forth conquering and to conquer the forces of evil (Revelation 6:2; 19:11). read more... | |||
In chapter 7 Jesus as the Lamb is the focus of loud praise from the multitude
of redeemed people so large that no
man can number them. In chapter 8
we see Jesus as our Advocate mingling
the merits of His one–time atoning
sacrifice with the prayers of the saints
before the throne of God (Revelation 8:3, 4; Ephesians 5:2).
Another revelation of Christ is found in chapter 10 when this mighty Messenger opens to John the book of Daniel and the seven thunders of Daniel 9:24 explode upon his senses directing him to Christ's work of finishing transgression, making an end of sins, making reconciliation for iniquity, bringing in everlasting righteousness, sealing up the vision and the prophecy, and anointing the most holy. In chapter 11, John is told to measure the temple of God and the altar representing the cross of Christ and the great love of God in giving Himself for our sins (Revelation 11:1;Hebrews 13:10-13).
Jesus is the man–child brought forth to rule all nations and the great Prince Michael who casts the dragon out (Revelation 12:5, 9). Christ is the Lamb who "prevailed" (overcomes) and by Whom we overcome ("prevail") the devil and his unrelenting accusations against us (Revelation 5:4; 12:10). It is His testimony, the testimony of Jesus that identifies His church and His faith, the "faith of Jesus" that we keep (Revelation 12:17; Revelation 14:12).
Jesus is the Lamb we follow everywhere (Revelation 14:4), and He is everywhere in the book of Revelation, even in its darkest chapter when all the world wonders after the beast and receives its mark. Jesus is there–as "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). Praise God–Jesus is always with us–He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We will sing His song throughout eternity, help lighten the earth with His glory and walk in the light of His love (Revelation 15:3; 18:1; 21:23). Amen.
Another revelation of Christ is found in chapter 10 when this mighty Messenger opens to John the book of Daniel and the seven thunders of Daniel 9:24 explode upon his senses directing him to Christ's work of finishing transgression, making an end of sins, making reconciliation for iniquity, bringing in everlasting righteousness, sealing up the vision and the prophecy, and anointing the most holy. In chapter 11, John is told to measure the temple of God and the altar representing the cross of Christ and the great love of God in giving Himself for our sins (Revelation 11:1;Hebrews 13:10-13).
Jesus is the man–child brought forth to rule all nations and the great Prince Michael who casts the dragon out (Revelation 12:5, 9). Christ is the Lamb who "prevailed" (overcomes) and by Whom we overcome ("prevail") the devil and his unrelenting accusations against us (Revelation 5:4; 12:10). It is His testimony, the testimony of Jesus that identifies His church and His faith, the "faith of Jesus" that we keep (Revelation 12:17; Revelation 14:12).
Jesus is the Lamb we follow everywhere (Revelation 14:4), and He is everywhere in the book of Revelation, even in its darkest chapter when all the world wonders after the beast and receives its mark. Jesus is there–as "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). Praise God–Jesus is always with us–He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We will sing His song throughout eternity, help lighten the earth with His glory and walk in the light of His love (Revelation 15:3; 18:1; 21:23). Amen.
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The Need is Great! |
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By Ty Gibson |
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As our faithful partners in mission, you will be excited
to know that as of the end of April six containers of truth–filled
literature are already out the door for
2010: One container to Malawi. This shipment will be used mostly in the city of Blantyre as follow up to the evangelistic meetings recently held by Pastor Gilberto Araujo. During the campaign many people from the community signed up for Bible studies. The Malawi Conference will distribute the literature to their Bible workers, who will use it to fulfill these requests and to generate additional interest. read more... |
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Two containers to Zimbabwe. Our brothers and sisters in this povertystricken southeastern African country will utilize these shipments throughout the year for the prework of numerous evangelistic campaigns, including meetings by Elder Paul Ratsara, the Division President.
A third container will be sent later, which will be distributed during the various meetings, and also used for follow up.
One container to the Philippines. The president of the Southern Asia–Pacific Division, Elder Alberto Gulfan, requested this container to be used to back up various evangelistic efforts this year.
And two containers to South Africa. These are the first two of a four–container request. There are enthusiastic and well–organized workers in South Africa. The Conference is laying plans to distribute the first container to 254 churches and their 30,179 members to use for general lay outreach throughout 2010.
Six containers by the fourth month of the year is a great production pace. There is one glitch in the system, however. We are printing literature faster than money is coming in to pay for the materials. Last year we were able to ship 26 containers of gospel truth to the nations. We know the economy is strained right now and everyone is tightening up the financial belt. But we are confident that God will continue to motivate His sons and daughters to fulfill the gospel commission with unabated enthusiasm and devotion, because the highest priority of God's children is to spread the good news of His saving grace. And as we do so, we "hasten" the second coming of our Savior. Jesus made this amazing promise:
"This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).
The faithful stewardship of the money God has entrusted to you cannot be put to more efficient and effective use than to spread the truth of the gospel to millions of people in the form of literature.
For those new to the publishing work of Light Bearers Ministry (LBM), allow me to take a moment and share with you just what we do. (For those familiar with our work this will be an encouraging reminder.)
The publishing work of Light Bearers targets various nations of the world with cargo loads of free evangelistic literature. Each load holds between 2–3 million pieces of literature. The material is received by requesting conferences, unions and divisions. Through organized efforts, often involving public evangelistic meetings, the literature is distributed like a mighty wave of truth washing over villages, cities and nations. Here’s the incredible thing: all this literature is distributed free to the world and we print and ship it for less than five pennies per piece. The method by which we achieve this level of thrift is by purchasing paper by the semi load directly from the mill, and by printing very large quantities on extremely cost effective equipment with a small, but hard–working dedicated staff.
As 2010 continues to unfold, we ask you to prayerfully consider what you can do financially to partner with us as we carry forth this vital mission. If you have received this newsletter for some time but have never supported the work of Light Bearers, this would be a great time for you to get on board and help us with a monthly amount. We are extremely grateful for your prayers and support.
| Consider This ... | Speaking Schedule | |||
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Great truths that have lain unheeded and unseen since the
day of Pentecost, are to shine
from God's word in their native
purity. To those who truly love
God the Holy Spirit will reveal
truths that have faded from the
mind, and will also reveal truths
that are entirely new. Those who
eat the flesh and drink the blood
of the Son of God will bring
from the books of Daniel and
Revelation truth that is inspired
by the Holy Spirit. They will start
into action forces that cannot be
repressed. The lips of children
will be opened to proclaim the
mysteries that have been hidden
from the minds of men. The Lord
has chosen the foolish things of
this world to confound the wise,
and the weak things of the world
to confound the mighty.
Ellen White,
Ellen White,
Ellen White,
Ellen White,
Ellen White,
Ellen White, |
June 10–12 GYC Atlantic, Hartford, CT Ty Gibson • (734) 418#8211;2857 June 11–12 Bandon SDA church, OR James Rafferty • (541) 347–4914 June 18 Fall Creek SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541) 937–3526 June 18–19 Upper Columbia Conference Camp Meeting College Place, WA Ty Gibson • (509) 838–2761 July 6–10 Light Bearers' Annual Convocation Jasper, OR James Rafferty & Ty Gibson • (541) 988–3333 July 13–16 Alaska Conference Camp Meeting Anchorage, AK Ty Gibson • (907) 346–1004 July 19–25 Central California Conference Camp Meeting Soquel, CA Ty Gibson • (550) 347–3000 July 29 British Columbia Conference Campmeeting, Vancouver, BC Ty Gibson • (604) 853–5451 August 4–7 ASI International Convention Orlando, Fl James and Risë Rafferty • (301) 680–6450 August 21 Fall Creek SDA Church, WA James Rafferty • (541) 937–3526 August 24 Bible Study Light Bearers Ministry Ty Gibson • (541) 988–3333 |
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