Addendum (Revelation 22:12-21)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “addendum.”  I remember the first time that I read the book of Revelation in the Bible.  It was a pretty scary endeavor.  Luckily though, I had one of my small group leaders help me through it.  I was only in high school.  It was me and a couple other guys.  We thought we would be courageous and try to learn and understand what that book was all about.  We soon realized that understanding everything in that particular work of John was going to be a much longer process than just reading through it once.  But, I do remember one of the verses that stuck out in my head, and still does even to this day…

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” ~Rev. 22:18

That is some crazy stuff.  My question is: do you believe that God’s word is good enough the way that it is?  What John is saying right here is that nothing should be added to the Bible… there is no addendum needed.  God took care of all of the stuff he needed to say, and would be sending his son back soon to get us.  My prayer is that you live and the hope that God’s words are true and accurate.  Whenever life gets you down, always remember that God is right beside you fighting the war.  And although you might lose a battle or two, you have been given the victory in God’s perfect Word, in its totality.

Praying for you,

MO

Subjoin (Revelation 22:17-20)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "subjoin."  I remember when I became a new Christian some years ago.  The book of Revelation was always pretty intriguing.  None of us really wanted to read it by ourselves, but we all wanted to learn about it.  Finally, one of my mentors decided to take us boys through it in our specific group.  It was a pretty intense book.  I remember towards the end of it God's explicit instructions through John not to add anything to the words written on those pages.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book…

~Rev 22:18

My question this morning is: how do you see yourself fitting into God's plan?  I remember when I first realized that as a Christian I had a stake in claim to God.  It's pretty neat to know that God has made you and I part of his family.  My prayer this morning is that each of you thanks God for something specific in your life that is directly affected because of your choice to follow him.  For instance, is there a friendship that has come about because of your choosing to follow God?  Maybe some of you have changed specific thoughts, actions, or directions in your life because of your decision to follow Christ.  Or, maybe you're just seeking and don't know if you really even want to follow God, and that's okay too.  Just remember that God always wants to give you moments of clarity and understanding, and when it comes to knowing him, he is willing to do what is necessary for you to receive the blessing that he freely gives.

Praying for you,

Mo