Revelation 17

So, who wins? It is a question we all want answered, and usually before the game/battle/war/conflict has begun; who will win? Some will back the underdog; most want to be on the winner's side, especially when the outcome is going to be personally affecting you.

Revelation 17, like most of Revelation, is difficult to understand. An angel tries to give John some help with the visions he sees here, "I will explain to you the mystery...". The explanation isn't all that clear, but the mist clears a bit in verse 14, and gives us the bottom line:

"They will make war upon the Lamb (Jesus), but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers"

So there it is. The battle is won by the Lamb. No guessing, no wondering. And those He called, those he chose (His church) will be there with Him.

As we reflect on the Christmas season, take time to celebrate and marvel that 2000 years ago the fate of the world was sealed, in a lowly manger. The Lord of lords, King of kings was born. Born to win. There are battles still to come, but the war is won.

Are you on the winning side? He is calling you today. Accept His invitation, become a "faithful follower", and be a victor. The prize is to spend eternity with Him.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord of lords, King of kings, that you care enough about me to personally chose and call me. Thank you that the outcome is decided. Help me to be a faithful follower of you today, and always. Amen

 Rob Gibson | Elder

Rob and his wonderful wife Helen were born in England, married in 1987. They moved to the USA in 1996, where they have lived since in California, Massachusetts, and Texas. They have 6 lovely children, Sarah, Claire, Nic, Laura, Jacqueline and Victoria, all of whom were homeschooled. Rob gave his life to the Lord in 1987, at the same time that Helen rededicated herself. Rob has been on a number of mission trips to Costa Rica, has led vacation Bible schools, soccer ministry, small groups, children’s and youth ministry, acted as lead program manager during the Hutto church plant, and is currently Chairman of the board of Directors at Camp Wilderness Ridge. Rob works at the Sears Call Center as Director of the Technical Solutions Group. Helen is an experienced homeschool mom, and is involved in children’s and small group ministry.

Revelation 12

Today we get a glimpse of the grand drama of heaven, a drama in which we have more than a bit part. There is a great conflict between God and our adversary, here personified in a dragon with seven heads and ten horns. How are we to understand this imagery? Are we to relate it to things on earth to try to connect the dots? Yes and no. We should understand and respond to the parts that are obvious revelations of God and His character, of the things that are and are to come, but not get caught up in trying to predict what is not yet revealed to us. Reading this, I sometimes feel like a child reading Shakespeare. As a child, there are reference and inferences I won't understand, but I can still understand the characters from their actions in the drama.

One truth that comes from this passage is our understanding of the rebellion of Satan/Lucifer and how he led other angels into that rebellion as " his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth." We understand this, plus the insight in verses 7-9, to be an occurrence before the creation of the world, a time when Christ was reigning with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but the earth was not even yet formed. Satan was in an honored and honorable place, but he rebelled, seeking his own glory, and lost the first war; more losses are in his future. There is a definite warning here about the outcome of a path of pride and self-will.

In addition, there is a connection between the 7 heads and 10 horns to political entities and their rulers. While many have speculated as to which countries and rulers this might refer to, this understanding may well become more apparent when the events actually occur. John is giving those who will be living in the end times (it might be us!) some insight into the drama, so that they (we?) know that, despite the high drama that will occur, the dragon does not prevail. Here the dragon lies in wait for the male child who will rule, an apparent reference to Christ. Despite the dragon's best plans and efforts, he cannot thwart the plans and intentions of God and both the child and His mother are not only spared, but cared for, in the presence of God and in a "place prepared by God." Despite his continued pursuit and persecution of the woman, there is comfort, protection, nourishment provided for her. Even so, in the midst of the problems, trials and opposition of this life, when we are in God's will, we have a God who prepares a place for us to rest in Him. He provides a place of nourishment here, access to His throne room in prayer and future entrance to that very place. These are all gifts inferred here, and promised elsewhere - so that we can endure. Galatians 6 reminds us, "So let us not lose heart in doing what is right, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not grow weary." I Corinthians 15:58, likewise, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." We have a God who not only arranges the characters, He writes the story and reveals its glorious outcome. In the process, He reveals His own character and commitment to us, His chosen ones.

We may often feel like our lives are not characterized by Victory. This chapter contains the definition of that Victory. John gives us a great vision for the meaning of victory for the child of God. Despite having an adversary who accuses us, we also have an Advocate who redeems and restores us (I John 2:1,2). Our Advocate defeats our accuser. The accuser likely brings up all the reasons why we don't deserve the grace of God, and he is likely accurate. I know that my life provides plenty of material for an adversary to make such a case. I've probably given enough fodder for the prosecution today already to make a case for a summary judgment and a sentence of death (Romans 6:23a). But the glorious truth is that God gives us redemption and He gives us a greater purpose. Not only does He restore and redeem, but He enlivens and He re-purposes. We're made for something more. Listen to these words from the throne of God that speak of a value and a significance far above what we dream and hope for, yet it is what is in His eyes when He looks at us. That is the miracle of salvation; that is the miracle of redemption. We can endure and, yes, even overcome wrath of our Adversary, knowing that our Advocate has already written the final verse, and revealed it in Revelation.

"Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 10 Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying, Salvation and power are established! Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah! The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out, who accused them day and night before God.
"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.
They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness. They weren't in love with themselves; they were willing to die for Christ.
"For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time."

 TOM ALBERS | Elder Chairman

Tom committed his life to Christ as a junior in high school in 1975. After moving to Austin in 1995, Tom and Cindy attended Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park before becoming part of the HCBC Pflugerville and Hutto Bible church plants. Tom serves as a Small Group Leader and in Youth ministry and in other ministry oversight roles. Tom and Cindy were married in 1986 and are parents to Will, Emily, Clare, Hannah and Nathan and grandparents to Owen.

Revelation 8

When was the last time you were so excited you couldn’t breathe or so overwhelmed with anticipation you couldn’t move? This is what the opening of chapter 8 in the book of Revelation looks like. The Lamb (Jesus) breaks the seventh seal on the scroll and immediately there is silence in Heaven. For me this is really hard to wrap my head around because I envision the deafening sound of praise, singing and joyful noises filling Heaven, then all of a sudden silence. There’s not even the sound of your breathing or your heartbeat in your ears, just absolute and total silence. Everyone in Heaven knows that something absolutely awesome is about to happen. And they don’t have to wait very long. In verse 1, scripture tells us 30 minutes.

In verses 6-12 we read of increased and expanding judgment on creation. But the thing I notice about the first four trumpet judgments in chapter 8 are that they are affecting the ecosystem. It’s easy for me to get caught up in trying to figure out the “how”; is the fire from the sky the result of volcanic eruptions, asteroids, or missiles and bombs, etc.? But if I focus on the results, then I get a slightly better understanding of the significance of the events. With the first trumpet we read that a third of the world’s landscape will be destroyed (trees and grass).The second trumpet will bring the destruction of a third of the world’s seas. The third trumpet will bring destruction to a third of the fresh water supply (rivers and springs). And the forth trumpet will bring a reduction in the world’s natural light sources (sun, moon and stars).

I don’t claim to have an extensive knowledge or understanding of exactly how these things will affect life on this extremely fragile planet we live on, but I have a feeling that surviving will be increasingly more difficult. Yet as difficult as it will be, verse 13 gives a warning of worse things to come.

Reading through the book of Revelation reminds me of a few things.

• God is holy and worthy of all praise and glory.
• God is sovereign over all things.
• There is a consequence to rejecting the gift of salvation provided by Jesus.
• And finally, there is still time.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we should not be fearful of Christ’s return or the events surrounding it. Instead we should be sharing the reality that there is a God who is holy and sovereign, and there is a consequence for rejecting Him. But He is for us and has also provided a way for us to escape that consequence through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. By accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation we get something better than just escaping the consequence, we get a real relationship with Him. All of scripture points to the fact that the holy and righteous creator is for us and wants to have a restored relationship with Him, now and for all eternity.

Father, you are mighty and glorious. You are sovereign and righteous and worthy of all creation declaring your majesty. I thank you that you have pursued me and did not leave me in my sin without hope. I thank you that you’ve given me a love I do not deserve and shown me that You value me more than I could ever imagine. Help me, Lord, to walk boldly and joyfully in that truth and share it with those that have not turned to You yet. Please continue to use me and my brothers and sisters as instruments of your grace, love and mercy to bring honor to Your kingdom for the glory of Your Son, Jesus Christ. It’s in His Name, I pray.

 Marty Pina | Elder

Marty and Cecily began attending Hutto Bible Church in August of 2008. They both began living out their faith in 2003 while attending Gateway Community Church in Austin. They were married there in 2004. Marty serves in children's ministry, as a small group leader, small group coordinator and as a shepherd. Cecily has served as a C-group leader in student ministry in the past. She currently serves on the worship team and co-leads a small group and co-shepherds with Marty. Marty is currently employed as a network engineer for Time Warner Cable. Cecily is a medical billing software trainer for Brightree. They have two daughters, Alexis and Zoe.

Revelation 7

Revelation 7 starts with an uneasy peace as an angel appears with the seventh seal, which is about to be opened and read in chapter 8. The first 6 seals were opened and read by the Lamb in chapter 6, and there was a great deal of noise and activity taking place as the 4 living creatures called out the 4 horse riders.

The angel calls on the 4 riders to hold back from their devastating tasks while the 144,000 are sealed on their foreheads. Then a huge crowd "from every nation, tribe, people and language" appear. They have been through the great tribulation, and have washed their robes in the Lamb's blood (received salvation). Now they are rewarded by being able to serve God, and be in His care. Never again to hunger or thirst, but to be given protection, life, and healing by the Lamb.

This should be a great encouragement to us. We will go through hardships. We should actually be concerned if we do not, as it probably means we are not living fully for Him. But we are assured of our salvation if we trust in Him (washing our robes in His blood), and a great and lasting peace and healing when we are with Him in heaven.

The momentary peace is about to be smashed in chapter 8, but we get a glimpse of peace and security in chapter 7 - Praise God!

Prayer - Lord help me to be patient through affliction. Let my eyes be set upon You, and Your work for a season, so that I can join the multitude in singing: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"

 Rob Gibson | Elder

Rob and his wonderful wife Helen were born in England, married in 1987. They moved to the USA in 1996, where they have lived since in California, Massachusetts, and Texas. They have 6 lovely children, Sarah, Claire, Nic, Laura, Jacqueline and Victoria, all of whom were homeschooled. Rob gave his life to the Lord in 1987, at the same time that Helen rededicated herself. Rob has been on a number of mission trips to Costa Rica, has led vacation Bible schools, soccer ministry, small groups, children’s and youth ministry, acted as lead program manager during the Hutto church plant, and is currently Chairman of the board of Directors at Camp Wilderness Ridge. Rob works at the Sears Call Center as Director of the Technical Solutions Group. Helen is an experienced homeschool mom, and is involved in children’s and small group ministry.

Revelation of John 4

"What does it all mean?"

For much of what is in Rev. 4, I don't have answers.

It seems like John is stretching language to its very limits trying to convey something we have no context for understanding. But even if we fail to fully grasp what he is trying to describe for us, one thing comes across with crystal clarity: God, on His throne, is awe-inspiring!

This passage seems to me to be highly figurative (for reasons I'll outline) -- but don't let that diminish the impact of the scene. Remember that we generally only use figurative language (similes, metaphors, comparisons, analogies, etc.) when we can't effectively describe something in plain language. So when we use figurative language trying to describe something beautiful, we do so because the reality was even more beautiful than a non-figurative description could convey. When we use figurative language describing something horrible, the reality was even worse than our normal descriptions could depict.

So if John's description, as you try to imagine it and place yourself in his shoes, leaves you (as it does me) gasping a little for air -- just imagine what kind of reality it would have had to have been to inspire such comparisons!

Surely our God is Worthy of all the worship we can give Him!

Why I Interpret this as Figurative

We have some clues in the text itself:

Numerous uses of "like"

• Voice like a trumpet
• Appearance like jasper and carnelian
• Rainbow like emeralds
• Something like a sea of glass, like crystal

Descriptions that, if literal, are contradictory

• For example: "Like a lion" but with six wings and with eyes all around and inside.
• However a six-winged creature covered in eyes might be described, it would NOT be very lion-like...

What the Figures might Mean

• Descriptions of the jewelled appearance of the throne and the one on it probably is an attempt to convey unparalleled beauty and value.
• Thrones convey rule and authority. The "elders", whether angelic or human, clearly are impressive beings and worthy of respect. They are rulers themselves (over what, we cannot know). But they humble themselves eagerly to God!
• Lightning and Thunder convey the tremendous power at God's disposal -- and how intimidating it must be to stand in His presence.
• The four living creatures? I confess my ignorance! Clearly, they are powerful. Likely to be swift. They see in all directions. They're physically intimidating... And they are utterly enthralled by the God they serve!

What to Take from this Chapter

There is more we could note. And much more we could speculate on. But maybe it is best not to try too hard to dissect the symbolism and risk creating our own meanings for things out of our ignorance.

Rather, let us simply marvel at the Glory of our God. Wonder at the beings He has created to serve Him. Rejoice that such an amazing being has deigned not merely to create us, but to love us!

And Worship Him with all that is within us!

My Prayer Today

Father, I'm dumbfounded by this description of Your Glory. I can't grasp it, but must just soak in it, imagining the reality that inspired it.

My love, my obedience, my worship fall so short of what You are worthy of -- please continue your sanctifying work in me so that with each day that passes, I'm more capable of worshipping and serving you as I should. And, as I go through this day, help my attitude, my actions, my love, and my visage to reflect some small portion of your glory in the world around me.

 SCOTT PURCELL | Elder

Scott committed his life to Christ as a child under the teaching of his parents and church. He graduated from Ozark Christian College in 1989 with bachelors degree in Biblical Literature and served 8 years as Minister of two churches in Missouri and then 3 years as a Church Planter in San Marcos. Since then, he has worked as a technical trainer at Dell and Rackspace. In 2008 Scott and Nan joined HCBC-NW and then Hutto Bible in 2011. Scott serves in Small Group leadership, as secretary to the Elder board, and as the elder over IT and Discipleship. Scott and Nan have been married since 1985 and have three children (Mindy Schultea (married), Kate, and Matthew) and two grandchildren.

Revelation 2

The letters to the four churches recorded in Revelation 2 have all the characteristics of Jesus woven through them. First, we see the fact that they are known. He says, "I know" - your deeds, your labor, your perseverance. He knows where you dwell, your trials, your poverty, the opposition you face. He knows your steadfastness, your love, your faith and your service. Jesus is aware and is guarding and guiding His church with the care of a gardener, a vinedresser, a shepherd. That role wasn't a transient one for while He was walking the earth, but He maintains that loving care to the end of time. He knows. He wants you and I to tell Him, like we would a dad who loves us, but He knows already.

Secondly, we see that He discerns and He judges. He knows where they stumble (or are about to). He knows where our hearts are. Even if our outward appearance is presentable, He knows the depths of our hearts and wants all of that, completely, to be His. He doesn't get snowed by our facade like others might, but moves past, to the heart of the issue, with care and clarity and grace and truth. We can't stand before His judgment except for His grace. No one can. He is a corrector. Just as the vinedresser prunes the vine so that it can bear more fruit and the gardener prunes the fruit tree for the same reason, Jesus corrects. His desire is for our righteousness, both positionally (because of what He did on the cross) and actually (because of the work of His Holy Spirit changing our lives). He gives each church the "next thing". He doesn't give them the whole list of things they need to work on, but He gives them the next thing. He gives them focus - the area He wants to mold and change them in. Jesus works in our lives in the same way. If He showed us every way in which we fall short, we would be overwhelmed, confused and deflated. Instead, He works on us by a process of sanctifying us one step at a time. While we are made legally clean before Him the moment we trust Him, the clean up of our lives is His caring process with us over a lifetime. ("See how great a love the Father has for us - that we should be called children of God! - I John 3). Isn't it beyond belief that we have a Savior who loves us like that? Consistently, faithfully, patiently, effectively, step by step. That's Jesus.

There are many other aspects He displays, but I will close with His promises. Why does Jesus promise? Oftentimes I may promise to make up for a present failing. With Jesus, there are no such failings. He promises because He wants us to know Him (just as we are known by Him). He is a giver, the ultimate Giver. He is a Rewarder. He is a just Judge who has the riches of heaven to dispense and the Authority of heaven to do so. He can promise access to heavens riches (the tree of life!), the crown of life, protection from ultimate spiritual death, justice for this world, food that gives life, an intimate relationship signified by a name for you only He and you will know. He can offer authority (as He has over the nations!), and finally, Himself (the morning star here and in Rev 22:16).

This book was written to show us the things that must soon take place. How fortunate are we to have a Guide who cares for us like Jesus does, to walk through these days with us.

 TOM ALBERS | Elder Chairman

Tom committed his life to Christ as a junior in high school in 1975. After moving to Austin in 1995, Tom and Cindy attended Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park before becoming part of the HCBC Pflugerville and Hutto Bible church plants. Tom serves as a Small Group Leader and in Youth ministry and in other ministry oversight roles. Tom and Cindy were married in 1986 and are parents to Will, Emily, Clare, Hannah and Nathan and grandparents to Owen.

2 Peter 1

Peter is awaiting his departure from this world as he writes this letter. Martyrdom is close, as the Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to him (v14). Peters love for those that have "received a faith as precious as ours" shines through in his desire remind us for all time of the truths that we must follow. Peter is very practical, and gives us a map to follow in our growth in the faith:

• Start with faith
• Add goodness
• Then knowledge
• Then self-control
• Then perseverance
• Then godliness
• Then brotherly kindness
• Then, love
• When you have all the above, keep increasing in them

So, we have a good checklist here to ensure we are constantly growing in our faith and love of Jesus. What is the impact of staying stagnant:

• We will become ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
• We are nearsighted and blind
• We will have forgotten that we have been cleansed from our past sins

So Peter has written us this letter, and 2000 years later it is still as relevant. Peter reminds us of the Fathers words to Jesus:

"This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased"

Wouldn't you want to hear those words from your heavenly Father too? We can and will hear them, if we follow Peters instructions, and continue to grow in our faith and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, how I desire to hear those words from your lips. That I am yours, that you love me, and you are well pleased with me. Help me to grow in my faith today by following the life map that Peter has laid before me.
Amen.

 Rob Gibson | Elder

Rob and his wonderful wife Helen were born in England, married in 1987. They moved to the USA in 1996, where they have lived since in California, Massachusetts, and Texas. They have 6 lovely children, Sarah, Claire, Nic, Laura, Jacqueline and Victoria, all of whom were homeschooled. Rob gave his life to the Lord in 1987, at the same time that Helen rededicated herself. Rob has been on a number of mission trips to Costa Rica, has led vacation Bible schools, soccer ministry, small groups, children’s and youth ministry, acted as lead program manager during the Hutto church plant, and is currently Chairman of the board of Directors at Camp Wilderness Ridge. Rob works at the Sears Call Center as Director of the Technical Solutions Group. Helen is an experienced homeschool mom, and is involved in children’s and small group ministry.

1 Thessalonians 4

When I read I Thessalonians 4, the word Hope springs to mind. The hope that we can have a different life - not one controlled by baser things, but one that is characterized by holiness and honor. I know I can't live that life myself - I am nothing without the cross of Christ that frees me from the penalty for the junk in my life and also frees me from the power of that old life over me.
Paul writes this letter with Timothy and Silvanus - an excellent example of what it meant for Paul to let God grow up people around him who could carry on his mission with even greater passion and energy. In encouraging the Thessalonians, he points them to a higher purpose - sanctification, or holiness - and then he mentions something they are doing very well - loving each other. But he doesn't stop with the praise; he urges them on to even higher things. He urges them to "do this more and more." What would our lives look like if we surrounded ourselves with the people who urge us on to love more and more. Instead, we (myself included) gravitate towards people who will make me feel good about where I am. It is like a doctor lying about your future, or a pilot saying it will all be alright, while she jumps out with the last chute. We need people like Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to urge us on to not rest, but be better.

And then they move to the hope to come - the return of the Lord, our Lord. The hope we have that even as God raised Him from the dead (I Peter 1:21 - God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.), He will also raise us. Listen to these words and let them sink down into your heart, if indeed you have Christ in you, the Hope of Glory:

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

We will always be with the Lord - that should bring us chills. What a privilege to be able to encourage one another with these words.

 TOM ALBERS | Elder Chairman

Tom committed his life to Christ as a junior in high school in 1975. After moving to Austin in 1995, Tom and Cindy attended Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park before becoming part of the HCBC Pflugerville and Hutto Bible church plants. Tom serves as a Small Group Leader and in Youth ministry and in other ministry oversight roles. Tom and Cindy were married in 1986 and are parents to Will, Emily, Clare, Hannah and Nathan and grandparents to Owen.

1 Thessalonians 3

I grew up attending church and youth group.  Every Summer as part of our training for our mission trip to Mexico we would have to write our testimonies.  Each person would have to write and share their story of how they first encountered Christ and understood the Gospel.

After a few years of participating in this activity, it became very obvious that as a whole we were comedically bad about trying to figure out how to end our testimonies.

One year everyone ended their testimony by saying, "Ever since Jesus has been in my life, everything is better.  I'm a lot happier, and I just keep growing more and more."  Person after person would come and announce that their life is better in every possible way since first putting their faith in Christ.  So then the next year during training they specifically told us, "Now you don't have to say that everything in your life is perfect now. That isn't what you've experienced and that isn't what they should expect."  Thus every student in the room changed the end of their testimony to, "Since first receiving Christ my life hasn't been perfect.  I still struggle with some things, but I know God's got my back."  Then the next year the pendulum would swing back the other way and they'd tell us to try and end with more hope.  So we did and the cycle continued.

We wanted to end our message with hope, but we also wanted to be realistic.  

At first glance, Paul's words to the Thessalonians on what they should expect seem rather bleak.

1 Thessalonians 3

So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

• Prior to this letter he sent Timothy to prepare them for trials.  
• He says we are destined for trials.
• He says he kept telling them trials were coming.
• ...and then he says, "And it turned out that way."
• And he's worried they're being tempted by the tempter

By our usual definitions, that's hardly encouraging.  But Timothy was sent TO ENCOURAGE them.  There seems to be a way to face trials without them crushing you.  There seems to be a way to go through the hardest circumstances without being devastated.  

In a broken world, we should expected trials.

In a world which opposes the Gospel, we should expect persecution.

• Our hope isn't in our circumstances.
• Our hope isn't in this world.
• Our hope and our reward is Christ!

Jesus addressed this perfectly in John 16, right before He was betrayed.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 Sean Chandler | Associate Pastor

Sean has been a part of the association of Hill Country Bible Churches for over twenty years. He received Christ as a youth while attending Hill Country Bible Church Austin. He attended Hill Country Bible Church NW from 1989 to 2002. At that time he began attending HCBC Pflugerville. He served as a student ministry intern there for two years. In 2008, Sean graduated from Columbia International University with a double major in Bible and Bible teaching. Sean married his wife, Jennifer, in 2006. Their first child, Liam, was born in 2012, and their second, Chloe, was born in 2014.

1 Thessalonians 2 is filled with Paul vocalizing his love for the Thessalonian believers. He sacrificed, risked, and worked hard for them to know the gospel and he has come to love them like a parent loves a child. He loved the Thessalonians enough to exhort them when they needed to be called out of sin.

Proverbs 27:6 tells us, “faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

He encouraged them to walk in a manner worthy of God. He thanked God constantly for them, and that they had received the truth of the gospel. He was “affectionately desirous” of them. That is some really intense language!

Are you discipling anyone? Would you risk much for them? Do you love them like you love your children? Would you say something bold they might not want to hear but for their own good? Do you thank God for this person and for their salvation?

If I’m honest, I struggle with loving this fiercely. I fall short of affectionately desiring most of the time.

Paul gives us an incredible picture of what it looks like to love deeply and to love rooted in the gospel. This week dedicate time to praying FOR the other believers you are sharing life with. Thank God for who they are in Him. Ask God to help you serve, sacrifice, and love them deeper. Also find time to pray WITH the other believers in your life and thank God for the gift of fellowship!

 SPENCER ROTH | Pastoral Intern

Spencer is newly married to his beautiful wife Peyton. Spencer attended Texas A&M for two years before moving to Birmingham, Alabama to serve as an intern for a year in the worship ministry at the Church At Brook Hills. He currently serves as our Worship Leader and as Pastoral Intern.