Manna Fellowship Church

In Revelation 3, Jesus speaks three devastating words to the church of Sardis: "You are dead." Although they were physically alive, the members of the church were spiritually frozen. Where there had once been fire, there were now only faint embers. Jesus' remedy was straightforward: "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die. ... Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent." Jesus' call to the church at large is also a call to us as individuals: Are we awake or asleep? Hot or cold?

The church in Thyatira was a complicated mess. A minority stood firm in the faith. Others, however, simply evoked “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” when it came to heresy and immorality in their midst. Still others actively participated in evil. Christ-followers today face a similar challenge: They must live in love and have charity toward all without compromising their biblical convictions. We can take comfort from Jesus’ encouragement: “Hold on to what you have until I come!”

Our world demands we compromise our biblical beliefs and replace them with a secular moral code. Although Jesus had some good thing to say to the church at Pergamum (Revelation 2), He rebuked them for tolerating evil and heresy. We can stand firm and still be kind to those with whom we disagree. Stand firm, in love.

Fathers who don't have to be superheroes. But with God's help, they can be dads who leave a legacy.

Our human nature is to flee trials, poverty and persecution. Jesus encouraged the suffering church of ancient Smyrna with these words: "I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich!" The body of Christ was facing stress like coal under pressure. Without knowing it, they were becoming immortal diamonds through the work of the Holy Spirit. Their pain held promise and could be used by God for good. Take courage, because He promises to do the same for us.

The church at Ephesus held the line. They worked hard, did good works, maintained sound doctrine and withstood persecution. But in Revelation 2, Jesus said one thing was lacking – and it was no small thing. The people had lost the love they had for God and one another. But there was hope. There was still time to change. Revelation 2 is Jesus' call for all people, in all times, to excel by loving like Him. 

Jesus told us to watch for and eagerly anticipate His return. When He arrives, will we be overjoyed or terrified? Those who long for His return are living for another world in the midst of this one. They long for God’s desires to become their desires and for His heart to be reflected on their hearts. Are we living for the now? Or for the eternal?  

It's easy to get sidetracked by the controversy and speculation surrounding the book of Revelation. While there is benefit to exploring these topics, we must be careful not to miss the center and star of this book: Jesus. Revelation should change us and help us know Him better.

The idea of "Super Mom" is a myth that puts pressure on mothers concerning their appearance and behavior and forces comparisons with other moms. Yet all around the world, moms share the same heart, strength and tenacity to love their children and dream the best for them. Mothers do this through faith and sacrifice, not always knowing the outcome. It's these acts and attitudes of obedience that make them heroes in God's sight. And that's all that matters. Photo: Flickr, Kelly Garbato, https://bit.ly/2LEi6bZ, CC BY 2.0

God did not give us the book of Revelation for idle speculation or endless debates. Instead, He speaks to us in these unique Scriptures to give us hope: God will prevail and all His promises are true. We can follow Him with courage, no matter what the ground game looks like. Revelation gives us a window into the Heavenly perspective. And it's all we need.

Doubt does not have to count us out. Heroes throughout the Bible have been shaken by uncertainty. But if we are willing, God will meet us in our doubt. In fact, like Thomas in John 20, our Father can transform us from people of doubt to people of courage and conviction. Here's Sunday's message from Pastor Bill Boren.

Easter is more than a feel-good day. It's history. It's the culmination of the era when God broke into our space and time in the person of Jesus. He destroyed death and sin for all who choose to trust in Him. Because of the Easter event, nothing can separate us from God's love, plan or power. 

Jesus had the opportunity to be worshiped by the masses, but it was a crowd that sought him for all the wrong reasons. He set aside the temporal glory of man and chose to obey God in the journey to the cross. His mission is ours: obedience to the Father.

Isaiah 9:6 tells us we have a Wonderful Counselor in Jesus. Human counselors can do much good. But Jesus shatters the limits of human expectations. He is an amazing advocate, a supernatural servant and a courageous caregiver. He relates to, cares for, commits to and defends His own. He is on your side. Embrace Him.

Manna Fellowship Pastor Rick Friesen calls us to a life that truly matters in the message "Give Up Your Small Ambitions." That quote was popularized by Francis Xavier, a missionary to India. "Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." – Ephesians 5:15-17 What are our ambitions? What drives us? Are they things that will outlast us? Let's give up our small ambitions and change the world.

It's an age-old question: How do we know God's will for our lives? God isn't hiding the answers from us and makes His will known through: His Word. His Spirit. His Providence. His People. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." – Colossians 3:17

Pastor Rick continues the series "The Holiness of God" by exploring the heart of right living. Holiness is a matter of the heart rather keeping a list of rules and regulations. It's an inner work of transformation that leads to outward, visible change. 

Pastor Rick Friesen begins the series "The Holiness of God" with the message "Approaching a Holy God." What we think of God is not a matter for philosophers and theologians. Our view of God determines who we become. 

When the trials of life crush in, it's tempting to throw in the towel. But hang on. Don't quit before God comes through. No matter the challenge, God is for us and His promises are still true for us. He will help us persevere and prevail. Today's message is presented by Manna Fellowship Church member Dave McCandless.

The "Beautiful, Messy Marriage" series comes to a conclusion with a panel discussion featuring Manna Fellowship couples. You'll gain practical insights from their stories of victory and challenge. The discussion is led by Pastor Rick Friesen. Photo credit: Flickr, Håkan Dahlström, Dahlsroms.com, CC BY 2.0, https://bit.ly/2SqkBgX