Dear Parents
While working at CVS in college a woman came in to buy a couple items. I can’t remember if it was shampoo, a greeting card, or one of the random items the drugstore carries like a pair of fuzzy socks. I don’t remember what the woman looked like or if she paid with card or cash, but I do remember what the total of her transaction came to and how she reacted to it. After ringing up her items the total came to $6.66. Upon seeing the total, a look of horror and passed over her face and she immediately picked up one of the impulse-buy items near the cash register to rectify the problem.
After adding her Snickers bar her total landed safely in the seven dollar range, she smiled and said, “Well that’s better, isn’t it?” Then she gathered her newly purchased items and left. To this day I wonder how many Snicker bars she’s purchased, and how many people behave in the same way when found in her situation.
In my years of ministry it’s become clear to me few know what the number 666 truly means, but most people want to avoid it. Whenever the Bible talks about it (whether in the Old Testament or New) it’s never painted it in a positive light. As a matter of fact the 3rd angels’ message in Revelation 14 centers around the consequences of receiving the mark, and my hope is: everyone avoid them.
I look forward to diving into this last angel’s message from Revelation 14, and bringing hope to a message that some might find fearful.
After adding her Snickers bar her total landed safely in the seven dollar range, she smiled and said, “Well that’s better, isn’t it?” Then she gathered her newly purchased items and left. To this day I wonder how many Snicker bars she’s purchased, and how many people behave in the same way when found in her situation.
In my years of ministry it’s become clear to me few know what the number 666 truly means, but most people want to avoid it. Whenever the Bible talks about it (whether in the Old Testament or New) it’s never painted it in a positive light. As a matter of fact the 3rd angels’ message in Revelation 14 centers around the consequences of receiving the mark, and my hope is: everyone avoid them.
I look forward to diving into this last angel’s message from Revelation 14, and bringing hope to a message that some might find fearful.
Connection Points
This week, I encourage you to read Revelation 14:9-13 and spend a few minutes talking with your teenager about our lesson. Consider building your conversation around these questions:
• What is one of the worst punishments you can remember receiving?
- Who did it come from? How did it change adjust your life?
• Where and when do you feel like you receive the most rejuvenating rest?
• What are the things in your life right now that are sucking your rest away? Which things can you avoid?
• According to the text, who are the saints that endure?
• How can your family more wholly keep God’s commands and strengthen each other’s faith?
• What is one of the worst punishments you can remember receiving?
- Who did it come from? How did it change adjust your life?
• Where and when do you feel like you receive the most rejuvenating rest?
• What are the things in your life right now that are sucking your rest away? Which things can you avoid?
• According to the text, who are the saints that endure?
• How can your family more wholly keep God’s commands and strengthen each other’s faith?
Announcements
Refocus - Wednesday from 6:30pm-8pm in the CVC youth room. This week students will be playing a fun game of hide and seek across the church and Union campus. We will be using a phone app that will ping their location to the seeker and they will have to stay hidden while being hunted. Make sure your teen brings their phone with their battery charged.
Thanksgiving Vespers - Thanksgiving vespers is an event full of great food, wonderful people and encouraging notes. It will be held at Mic & Tori Henton's house: 130 W. Winfield Rd. Lincoln, NE 68512 from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday November 13. Students are encouraged to bring a dish to share in the spirit of the first Thanksgiving, but if they cannot we still want them to attend.
Bible Study Small Group - Almost every Friday night Mic and Tori host a small group Bible study in their home from 7:15-9:00pm. This is a time for your teen to be able to ask questions about life, eternity, God, or really anything. We open up the Bible and dive in discovering what it means for us and our faith journey. This is one of the best things we do.
Our Home Address:
130 Winfield Rd.
Lincoln, NE 68512
Thanksgiving Vespers - Thanksgiving vespers is an event full of great food, wonderful people and encouraging notes. It will be held at Mic & Tori Henton's house: 130 W. Winfield Rd. Lincoln, NE 68512 from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday November 13. Students are encouraged to bring a dish to share in the spirit of the first Thanksgiving, but if they cannot we still want them to attend.
Bible Study Small Group - Almost every Friday night Mic and Tori host a small group Bible study in their home from 7:15-9:00pm. This is a time for your teen to be able to ask questions about life, eternity, God, or really anything. We open up the Bible and dive in discovering what it means for us and our faith journey. This is one of the best things we do.
Our Home Address:
130 Winfield Rd.
Lincoln, NE 68512