DO CHRISTIANS BELIEVE IN THE TWO WITNESSES?

 PARABLE OF THE TWO WITNESSES

PASTORS LUNCHEON

Four Pastors gather this month at a Chinese restaurant to discuss the Bible.  Pastor Dave holds a cup of tea, saying, "Do you know what Witness means in the Bible?"

Pastor Frank answers, "Perry Mason calls a witness to tell the truth and testify of things they have seen or heard."

Pastor Jun De adds, "The Greek word for Witness is 'Martus,' we get our English word, 'Martyr,' from.  

Pastor Manuel speaks, "Stephen was a faithful martyr bearing witness of Jesus Christ."

Pastor Dave smiles, "Who are the two witnesses in Revelation chapter 11?  What are your views?  

Frank reads, "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”  These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth."  (Revelation 11:3-4  ESV - English Standard Version)

Frank reads more, "“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it. And thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.

For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven. They are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

Then answered I and said unto him, “What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?”

And I answered again and said unto him, “What be these two olive branches, which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?”

And he answered me and said, “Knowest thou not what these be?” And I said, “No, my lord.”

Then said he, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”  (Zechariah 4:9-14 - KJ21 - 21 Century KJV)

Jun De asks, "Frank, who do you believe the two witnesses are?"

Frank answers, "Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor of Judah, appointed by the Persian Empire."

Pastor Dave smiles, "Jun De, who do you believe are the two witnesses?"

Pastor Jun De reads, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, and then comes the judgment," (Hebrews 9:27 NMB - New Matthew Bible)  We know of only two men in the Bible who never died.  Both Enoch and Elijah were taken to heaven alive and will return to earth as the two witnesses."

Pastor Dave reads, "And when they have finished their witness, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them and overcome them and kill them.  And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.  And those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.  And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who were watching them.  And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them."  (Revelation 11:7-12 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Jun De adds, "Enoch and Elijah will experience death for the first time when they are martyred as the two witnesses."  What's your view Pastor Dave?"

David says, my view is Moses & Elijah are the two witnesses.  "And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; and so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way.  These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire."  (Revelation 11:5-6  NASB - New American Standard Bible)  Elijah stopped the rain for 3 1/2 years and  Moses turned water into blood."

Pastor Frank speaks, "How do you know it's Moses and Elijah?"

David reads more, "About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.  As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.  Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.  They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem."  (Luke 9:28-31  NIV - New International Version)  "Maybe Jesus and the witnesses discussed their upcoming departure to heaven at Jerusalem."

Pastor Manuel speaks, "I believe there will be two persons with the spirit of Moses and Elijah.

“I assure you: Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force.  For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John;  if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come."  (Matthew 11:11-14  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible) 

Pastor Frank interupts, "Manuel do you have more proof?"

Pastor Manuel reads, "After they had crossed the river, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘The Lord will soon take me away from you. What do you want me to do for you before that happens?’ Elisha replied, ‘Please let me have twice as much of your spirit."  (2 Kings 2:9 - EASY)   

Pastor Dave concludes, "All of your views are excellent.  Can everyone give one last thought."

Pastor Frank grins, "If Enoch returned today he would be 5,025 years old, and Elijah would be 2,862 years old."

Pastor Jun De smiles, "I believe the two witnesses are going to preach the gospel throughout the world, gathing the 144,000 Jewish believers to Jerusalem to worship God."  

"Jews today put out a cup of wine at Passover for Elijah, hoping for his return.  Are they excited for the return of Zerubbabel and Joshua?"

Manuel speaks, "I believe two new men will have the same spirit as Moses and Elijah.  Case closed."

Pastor Dave concludes, "But I will send Elijah the prophet to you. He will come before that great and terrible day of the Lord’s judging."  (Malachi 4:5  ICB - International Children Bible)   I believe this is a dual prophecy.  John the Baptist had the spirit of Elijah at the first coming of Christ, and one of the two witnesses will be Elijah before Christ's second coming."  

“Remember the teaching of Moses my servant. I gave those laws and rules to him at Mount Sinai. They are for all the Israelites."  (Malachi 4:4  ICB - International Childrens Bible)

Pastor Jun De says, "Good discussion, it's good to examine all our different views."

Pastor Dave concludes, "If you were a Jew living today, what two men from the Bible would you be most excited to meet one day?"

CAN KIDS BECOME FRUIT TREES?

 PARABLE OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Mary the Sunday school teacher shows a plate of food, walking around to all the tables.  She smiles, "Is there anyone here who likes to eat fruit?"

Bobby waves his hands, saying, "I love limes!  Lime soda, Lime Jello and Lime flavored corn chips are the best!" 

Mary "Class, do you know when we have God's spirit living inside of us, we're like a fruit tree bearing different types of fruit?  Our first fruit is LOVE.  Does anyone know what the greatest commandment is?

Margo raises her hand, saying "Love your neighbor?"

Mary reads, " Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the first and most important command.  And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’  (Matthew 22:37-39 ICB International Childrens Bible)

Mary walks over to John and he grabs the apple.  She says, "John likes Johnathan Apples and he's full of joy!  JOY is our second fruit.  I want everyone in the class to say this: "The Joy of the Lord is my strength."

Anna points at the Pomegranate, saying, "What's that?"  Mary hands her the fruit.

Mary says, "Anna this is a Pomegranate from the middle east.  PEACE is our third fruit.  

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper."  (Psalm 122:6 TLB - The Living Bible)

Jimmy adds, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9 NIV - New International Version)

Alberto grabs the Pineapple.

Mary speaks, "Alberto, what do you think the Pineapple represents?  PATIENCE is our fourth fruit of the Spirit."

He replies, "I guess I should have been more patient and allowed you to give me the Pineapple first."

Kim smiles pointing to the Kiwifruit, and grabs two.  Billy puts on a sad face desiring one too.

Mary asks, "Kim, the Kiwi represents KINDNESS our fifth fruit.  ' Instead, be kind to one another, cherish tender feelings for each other, forgive one another, just as God forgave you in the Messiah."  (Ephesians 4:32  NTFE - New Testament For Everyone)

Kim gives a Kiwi to Billy. 

Mary holds  a Grapefruit in her hand, saying, "Who can quess our sixth Fruit of the Spirit?"

Sally remarks, "Breakfast?"

Mary continues, "GOODNESS.  Without God are we good persons?"

Sally remarks, "I always have been good person."

Mary adds, "Jesus replied, “ And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone."  (Luke 18:19 ESV - English Standard Version)

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you."  (Matthew 6:33  MEV - Modern English Version)  Jesus is the only way to be righteous before God.  And by His Spirit we show others the fruit of His Goodness."

Mary holds the plate before Faith and she takes the Fig, saying, "Faith do you know what the fig stands for?"

Faith replies, "Figgy Pudding?"

Mary continues, "Faith, our seventh fruit is FAITHFULNESS. 'The person who is faithful with very little is also faithful with much. And the person who is unrighteous with very little is also unrighteous with much."  (Luke 16:10 EHV - Evangelicah Heritage Version)

Diego squeezes a bunch of grapes, making a few drop onto the floor.

Mary speaks, "Diego our eight fruit of the spirit is GENTLENESS.  'A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." (Provers 15:1 NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sally pops a Strawberry in her mouth and reaches to grab another.

Mary smiles, "Sally our next fruit of the Spirit is SELF CONTROL.  Do you know what that means?"

Sally replies, "You can't just eat one!"

Mary continues, "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."  

(1 Corinthians 9:25  ESV - English Standard Version)

Sally grabs another Strawberry, making the class giggle.

Mary concludes, "Class I want everyone to say this verse outloud.  'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."  (Galatians 5:2-23 NASB 95 - New American Standard Bible)   

DOES HEAVENLY FATHER HAVE FLESH AND BONES?

 PARABLE OF THE EVANGELIST

STUDENTS ASK A QUESTION

Six students ask a 30 year old evangelist a question, in order to change his belief.

Student says, "If we can prove in the Bible that the Heavenly Father has flesh and bones, will you believe it?  You do believe in the Bible?"

Evangelist replies, "I'm Bob.  Yes, if you can prove in the Bible that Father God has flesh and bones, I will certainly believe it and change my view."

From left to right, each student asks a question.

Raul reads Isaiah 41:10 (New King James Version):

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."   God has a hand!

Don reads Exodus 31:18 (21th Century KJV):

"And He gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tablets of testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God."  God has fingers!

Tom reads Isaiah 59:1 (King James Version):  "And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea."  God has nostrils!

Bill reads Exodus 33:11 (Authorized King James Version):  "And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle."  God has a face!

Janet reads 2 Chronicles 16:9 (21st Century King James Version):  "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”  God has eyes!

Melissa picks up the evangelists Bible and reads Isaiah 59:1 (New International Version):  "Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear."

That's what your Bible says.  God has arms and ears!

Tom speaks, We have showed you scriptures that God has hands, fingers, arms, ears, face, eyes, and nostrils.  Would you like us to read more? 

Bob replies, "Yes read these scriptures.

Melissa can you read from my Bible 

Psalm 91:4 (New International Version):

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Bob adds, "God is a bird with feathers and wings!"

Janet can you read Deuteronomy 4:23-24,  (21st Century King James Version): 

"Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden.  For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."

Bob adds, "God is a consuming fire!"

Tom read Deuteronomy 32:4 (KJV):

"He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."

Bob adds, "God is a rock!"

Bob continues, "Jesus is the living bread.  Is He a loaf of bread?  He is the vine, he is the chief cornerstone, and he's the gate.  Is Peter a rock?  And are you the salt of the world, a pillar of salt?  

Are these words to be taken literally, or figuaretively as a symbolic representation of something else?"

Melissa blurts out, "Figuaretively!"

Bill replies, "What about the passage of seeing God, face to face?"

Bob replies, "Bill read a few verses after the one you read to me."  

Bill reads Exodus 33:20 (AKJV):

"And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live."

Bob reads Colossians 1:15 (KJV):  "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature."  Jesus Christ our savior.

After the young men walk away, Melissa asks, "What does Jesus say about all of this?"

Bob reads, "Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”  He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  And Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."  (Matthew 16:13-17 - Legacy Standard Version).  God the father does not have flesh and blood!"

Janet says, "I need a little more proof!"

Bob reads John 4:23-25 (NASB):

"But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  Heavenly Father is a Spirit!"

Melissa says, "Not so fast mister!"

Bob reads, "When Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, some of them believed he was a spirit."  Jesus said, See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you plainly see that I have.”

(Luke 24:39  NASB).

Melissa, God the Father is a Spirit and a Spirit does not have flesh and bones, according to Jesus."  Are you going to believe Jesus?

Melissa and Janet walk away in silence.

UNIVERSE GREAT RESET?

 THIRD GREAT RESET

NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH

Four pastors gather together this month at an ice cream shop to discuss the Bible.  Pastor Dave opens, "Will there be ice cream in the New Jerusalem?"

Pastor Frank blurts out, "Most ice cream sold in the stores today are called 'Frozen Treats' and not real ice cream."

Pastor Manuel adds, "If there's cows, we'll have ice cream."

Pastor Dave talks, "In our past meetings we have discussed the first two Great Resets found in the Bible...Noah's Flood, and The Second Coming of Christ.  Today, let's discuss what happens after the Millennium, the Third Great Reset."

Pastor Jun de reads, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared. Now there was no sea.  And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was prepared like a bride dressed for her husband.

I heard a loud voice from the throne. It said, “Now God’s home is with people. He will live with them. They will be his people. God himself will be with them and will be their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain. All the old ways are gone.”

 The one who was sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.”  (Revelation 21:1-5  ERV ~ Easy To Read Version)

Pastor Manuel remarks, "Wow!  Is God going to reset the earth and the universe?"

Pastor Frank reads, " He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the spring of the water of life to him who thirsts.  He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the abominable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars shall have their portion in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.”  (Revelation 21:6-9  MEV ~ Modern English Version)

Pastor Dave says,  "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."  (Revelation 10:10  NASB ~ New American Standard Bible)

Pastor Manuel speaks, "The new Jerusalem is like a cube.  The Bible describe the measurements, gates, great walls and foundation stones in detail."

Pastor Frank reads, " I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory.  Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there.  And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." (Revelation 21:22-27  NLT ~ New Living Translation)

Pastor Jun De adds, "Your name must be written in the Lamb's Book of Life!  "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. The river was shining like crystal. It flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb  down the middle of the street of the city. The tree of life was on each side of the river. It produces fruit 12 times a year, once each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of all people."  (Revelation 22:1-2 ICB ~ International Children's Bible)

Pastor Manuel remarks, No more drugs!

"No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.  There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."  (Revelation 22:3-5 NIV ~ New International Version)

Pastor Dave smiles, "Jesus is the light of the world.  On day one of creation there was light. On day three God made the Sun and the Moon to have daylight and night for our planet.

Pastor Frank blurts out, "You're looking at Genesis and Revelation as literal...could it be an allegory? 

Pastor Dave replies, Would you believe the prophet Isaiah?  "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing and her people for gladness. I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; and there will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying."  (Isaiah 65:17-19 NASB ~ New American Standard Bible)

Pastor Franks gets up, "This is why I never teach the book of Revelation in my church."

Pastor Dave concludes, "We will be living in a happy place, dwelling in the New Jerusalem, on a new Earth and a new Universe.  See you next month.  Who would like to close in prayer?"

ANYONE HUNGRY FOR A SCORPION?

 DOES GOD GIVE YOU GOOD THINGS?

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Evie the Sunday school teacher holds a plate with a toy scorpion, walking around, showing everyone in the class.  She speaks, "Is there anyone here that didn't have breakfast this morning?"

Blond hair Suzie shout out, "Me!  We got up late and didn't have time to eat breakfast!"

Evie replies, "Do you like to eat eggs for breakfast?"

Suzie answers, "Eggs with Ham and cheese on an English muffin."

Evie asks the class, "Raise your hand if you father has ever cooked breakfast for you."

All of the children raise their hands.

Evie continues, "If you asked your father if he would cook some eggs for you, would he give you a scorpion to eat instead?"

All of the class giggles!

Evie speaks,  "Jesus said, "So here is what I say to you. Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.  Everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find. And the door will be opened to the one who knocks."

“Fathers, suppose your son asks for a fish. Which of you will give him a snake instead? Or suppose he asks for an egg. Which of you will give him a scorpion?  Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”  (Luke 11:9-13  NIRV - New International Readers Version)

Kim, spouts out, "That's gross!"

Billy smarts off, "If I ate a snake, it would be in a hotdog bun with lots of Mustard."

Evie talks, "Your daddy loves you and will always give you good things.  And God the Father loves you even more and will give you good things too.  Remember when you pray, Ask and you shall receive. Search and you will find. Knock and the door will be open. And if you would like Jesus in your life you need to ask God for the gift of everlasting life and be Born of the Spirit.  Let's pray!"

ARE WE DUE FOR A WORLDWIDE GREAT RESET?

 SECOND GREAT RESET

THE DAY OF THE LORD

Pastor Dave meets with Pastors, this time to continue their discussion of the Great Resets, saying, "Great pizza!  Do you believe there is a coming Great Reset?"

Pastor Frank grins, "The world is growing hotter, forests are burning, earthquakes, flooding and tornados.  What do you think?"

Pastor Jun De adds, " Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come."  (Mark 13:8  NLT - New Living Translation)

Pastor Manuel reads, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:"  (Malachi 4:5 AKJV - Authorized King James Version)

I believe there is going to be a great reset when the Lion of Judah, the Messiah returns to set up His kingdom on earth."

Pastor Dave says, "The day of the Lord can refer to God's Judgment.  Some believe it's the Great Tribulation while others believe it's the actual day for the Second Coming of Christ.  "Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the Lord is coming; Indeed, it is near, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness. As dawn is spread over the  mountains, So there is a great and mighty people; There has never been anything like it, Nor will there be again after it To the years of many generations. A fire consumes before them, And behind them a flame devours. The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, But a desolate wilderness behind them,  And nothing at all escapes them.

(Joel 2:1-3 NASB - New American Standard Version)

Manuel adds, " Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen."  (Revelation 1:7 ESV - English Standard Version)

Jun De reads, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.  His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.  He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.  The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.  Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.  (Revelation 19:11-15 NIV - New International Version)

Pastor Dave speaks, "At the climax of the Great Tribulation, Jesus Christ will ride a white horse and return to the mount of Olives.  I believe this is the Day of The Lord.  

Frank, can you read the seventh bowl judgement in Revelation?"

Pastor Frank grins, "The seventh angel poured his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”  And there were flashes of lightning, voices, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as had never been since men were on the earth, so great was that earthquake.  The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered great Babylon, to make her drain the cup of the fury of his wrath.  And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found;  and great hailstones, heavy as a hundredweight, dropped on men from heaven, till men cursed God for the plague of the hail, so fearful was that plague. (Revelation 16:17-21 RSV - Revised Standard Version)

Pastor Jun De adds, "I believe God will restore the earth the way it was in the Garden of Eden for the millennium.  Jesus will rule the earth from Jerusalem as Messiah and King of Kings."

Pastor Frank gets up, "I've got appointments and need to leave."

Pastor Dave summarizes, "The earth will be a different place at the second coming of Jesus Christ.  I believe this is the second reset the for the earth.  Next time we meet, let's talk about the third Great Reset.

Pastor Manuel adds, "The new heaven and the new earth!"

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD PRAYERS

 DOES GOD ANSWER PRAYER?

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Mary the Sunday school teacher walks around to each table showing bottles of Ketchup and Mustard.  She asks, "Would anyone like to pray?"

Alicia waves her hand getting Mary's attention, saying, "Mary it's my turn to pray."

Mary hands her the bottle of Mustard, looking into her little brown eyes, speaking, "Alicia, I want you to hold this bottle of Mustard when you pray."

Bobby spouts out, "Are we going to eat corndogs with the mustard?"

Mary continues, "Did you know the disciples of Jesus asked Him how to have a more powerful prayer life?  "The apostles said to the Lord, “Give us more faith!”

The Lord said, “If your faith is as big as a mustard seed, then you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Dig yourself up and plant yourself in the sea!’ And the tree will obey you."  (Luke 17:5-6  ICB - International Children's Bible)

Alicia holds the bottle of Mustard and prays, "Heavenly Father, we need more rain for our garden.  All our tomato plants need water and are drying up."

Mary gives the bottle of mustard to Jimmy.

Jimmy prays, "Jesus, help my mom and dad to love each other again and not get a divorce."

Mary reads, "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we force the demon out of the boy?”

He told them, “Because you have so little faith. I can guarantee this truth: If your faith is the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  (Matthew 17:19-20  GW - God's Word)

Jimmy, "Why am I holding the mustard?"

Mary replies, "It is to remind you to have faith when you pray to God.  And even if you have the faith of a little mustard seed, God can move great big mountains for you."

Alicia waves her hand, saying, "Mary, what does faith mean?"

Mary reads, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being sure of what we do not see.  That is what the people of long ago were praised for.

We have faith. So we understand that everything was made when God commanded it. That’s why we believe that what we see was not made out of what could be seen."  (Hebrews 11:1-2  NIRV - New International Readers Version)

Mary holds up the Ketchup bottle saying, "Who would like to pray holding the Ketchup?"

Ana raises her hand, saying "Me!"

Bobby interrupts, "Are we having french fries?"

Mary smiles, "No.  When we hold the Ketchup bottle, this reminds us to catch up on your prayer life.  It's not enough to say grace when we eat and bedtime prayers. How many of  you talk to you mom and dad all day long.  

Ana speaks, "I love holding my dad's hand when I talk to him."

Mary concludes, "If you love God, talk to him too.  Tell the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit you love them.  And if you have faith of a little tiny Mustard seed, believe that God can move mountains for you."