Cris Escher 10/30/25 Cris Escher 10/30/25

Kitchen Refresh Started

Mike and Joseph got a good start on the kitchen refresh.

Cris Escher 10/30/25 Cris Escher 10/30/25

Re(D)Formation Pictures

Pictures for our Reformation Dinner 25’

We had a wonderful time celebrating the Reformation. We enjoyed playing Reformation Bingo, where many won fantastic prizes. We also awarded prizes for the juiciest beets and other red-themed foods.

Cris Escher 10/30/25 Cris Escher 10/30/25

Revelation Ch 21-22 Bible Study

We traced Revelation 21–22 as the climactic reunification of heaven and earth, connecting its temple/tabernacle imagery, priestly stones, and the Bride/City to Eden’s river and tree of life, contrasting Babylon’s coercive economy with God’s freely given water of life and the Lamb’s healing light for the nations.

The Book of Revelation.

Chapter 21-22

This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.

Short Summary of the Whole Class

Our class explored Revelation 21–22 as the culmination of Scripture’s story: God dwelling with His people in the New Jerusalem, a holy city shaped by temple/tabernacle echoes (gold, jewels, perfect cube, priestly stones) where the Lamb is the light, the nations are healed, and tears, death, and pain are no more. We contrasted Babylon/Rome’s exploitative splendor and coercive “peace” with God’s economy of abundance and gift—“without cost”—and saw how the city’s gates and foundations bear the names of God’s people, forming a Bride/City crafted by God. Revelation 22’s renewed Eden (river of life, tree of life) anchored an invitation to “Come,” a call to worship God alone, guard the prophetic word, and embody kingdom mercy within worldly systems without worshiping them.

Timestamped Walkthrough and Section Summaries

0:00–3:00 — Setting the Stage: Revelation’s Climax and Eden’s Echo

Discussion: Positioned Revelation 20–22 as a unified picture of Jesus’ victory and the reunification of heaven and earth (God’s space and human space), returning the story to Eden’s original unity.
Scriptures: Revelation 20–22 (overview).
Stories/Themes: Eden as unified space; New Creation as end-goal.
Short summary: The end brings us back to the beginning—God and humanity sharing one space.

3:01–10:00 — Reading Revelation 21 Aloud

Discussion: Read Revelation 21:1–27—new heaven and earth; New Jerusalem as Bride; God dwelling with His people; no more tears, death, sorrow, pain; “Behold, I make all things new”; water of life freely given; cube-like city; no temple—God and the Lamb are its temple; the Lamb as light; nations and kings in submission; purity of those in the Lamb’s book of life.
Scriptures: Revelation 21:1–27.
Short summary: Revelation 21 paints a lavish, symbolic vision of God’s healing presence with His people.

10:01–16:00 — Interpreting the Imagery: Symbolism over Literalism

Discussion: Emphasized the symbolic nature of ornate descriptions (e.g., transparent gold), rooted in biblical patterns rather than literal architecture; splendor serves theological purpose—God’s dwelling.
Scriptures: Revelation 21 (imagery).
Short summary: The city’s beauty is biblical symbolism, pointing to God’s historic dwelling with His people.

16:01–24:00 — Tabernacle Echoes: Gold, Jewels, and the Cube

Discussion: Connected the city’s measurements and jewels to the tabernacle/temple; highlighted the Holy of Holies as a cube, reflected in the city’s equal dimensions; paradox of “gold like transparent glass” evokes surpassing splendor.
Scriptures: Revelation 21:15–17; Exodus 26.
Short summary: The whole city mirrors the Holy of Holies—God’s sacred presence now fills all.

24:01–32:00 — Exodus Offerings and Reoriented Splendor

Discussion: Read Exodus 35:4–29 (offerings for the tabernacle) showing wealth redirected from idolatry (golden calf, Exodus 32) to worship; contrasted Babylon/Rome’s power-glorifying splendor with biblical splendor that glorifies God’s dwelling.
Scriptures: Exodus 35:4–29; Exodus 32; Revelation 21 (foundations, gates).
Stories: Golden calf.
Short summary: God repurposes human wealth to build a dwelling where heaven meets earth.

32:01–40:00 — No More Tears: Lamb’s Peace vs. Pax Romana

Discussion: Focused on Revelation 21:4; contrasted Rome’s Pax Romana (peace by domination) with the Lamb’s compassionate reign that wipes away tears.
Scriptures: Revelation 21:4.
Stories/Themes: Pax Romana vs. Lamb’s peace.
Short summary: The Lamb brings true peace that heals suffering, unlike coercive imperial “peace.”

40:01–48:00 — Nations and Kings in the Lamb’s Light

Discussion: Revelation 21:23–26—nations walk in the Lamb’s light; kings bring glory in submission; contrasted merchants mourning Babylon (Revelation 18–19) with purified honor in God’s presence.
Scriptures: Revelation 21:23–26; Revelation 18–19 (allusion).
Short summary: Earthly glory is surrendered and purified in the Lamb’s light.

48:01–56:00 — God’s Economy: Water of Life Without Cost

Discussion: Revelation 21:6—life is gift, not transaction; contrasted Babylon’s scarcity/exploitation with divine abundance; noted echoes of Revelation 6 (balances of commerce).
Scriptures: Revelation 21:6; Revelation 6 (allusion).
Short summary: God’s economy replaces scarcity with free, abundant life.

56:01–64:00 — Desert Contrast and True Splendor

Discussion: Exodus 26’s rich design in a desert underscores God’s life breaking into desolation; contrasted Herod’s performative vanity with the Lamb’s substantive splendor around the slain-yet-victorious Christ.
Scriptures: Exodus 26.
Stories: Herod and John the Baptist (Mark 6:17–29, implied).
Short summary: God’s presence brings real beauty into barren places, unlike hollow imperial show.

64:01–72:00 — Priestly Stones and the City’s Holiness

Discussion: Compared Exodus 28:17–20 (breastplate stones) with Revelation 21:19–21 (foundations/gates); city as priestly, holy space; New Jerusalem embodies God’s desire to dwell with His people.
Scriptures: Exodus 28:17–20; Revelation 21:19–21.
Short summary: What was once limited to priests/Holy of Holies now defines the shared life of God with His people.

72:01–80:00 — Twelve Stones, Seals, and Foundations Mean People

Discussion: Exodus 28:21’s engraved stones as tribal representation; “twelve” symbolizes God’s people (tribes/apostles); city “built out of the people,” yet wrought by God; reflection on the torn temple curtain.
Scriptures: Exodus 28:21.
Stories: Temple curtain torn at the crucifixion (thickness noted).
Short summary: The city’s foundations signify God’s people and God’s initiative in redemption.

80:01–88:00 — Bride and City; Names on Gates; Holy of Holies Geometry

Discussion: Revelation 21:9–14—angel shows the Bride as the City; twelve gates named for tribes; twelve foundations; cubic geometry evokes Holy of Holies; names inscribed signal covenant identity.
Scriptures: Revelation 21:9–14.
Short summary: The Bride/City bears the names of God’s people—identity embedded in God’s dwelling.

88:01–95:00 — Pronoun Nuance: “She” vs. “It” and God-Lit City

Discussion: Greek feminine forms tie the city to Bride imagery; Revelation 21:22–27—no temple; Lamb is light; nations walk by His light; Lord’s Prayer motivates mercy ministries as kingdom living now.
Scriptures: Revelation 21:22–27; Matthew 6:10; Matthew 1:23; Matthew 28:20.
Stories: Mercy ministry example (serving those with Alzheimer’s).
Short summary: The Bride/City’s personal identity and God-lit reality call the church to live the kingdom through mercy.

95:01–102:00 — Eden Renewed: River and Tree of Life

Discussion: Revelation 22:1–5—river from the throne; tree of life with twelve fruits; leaves heal the nations; no more curse; God’s face; reigning forever; continuity with Genesis/Ezekiel.
Scriptures: Revelation 22:1–5; Genesis 2 (implied); Ezekiel 47 (implied).
Short summary: Eden is restored—perpetual life, healing, and unmediated communion with God.

102:01–110:00 — Faithful Words, Worship God, and Openness

Discussion: Revelation 22:6–11—“These words are faithful and true”; John corrected to worship God; “Do not seal” the words—urgency and accessibility of the message.
Scriptures: Revelation 22:6–11.
Short summary: The faithful, urgent word redirects worship to God and keeps Revelation’s hope open.

110:01–118:00 — “I Am Coming Quickly”: Invitation to “Come”

Discussion: Revelation 22:12–17—Christ’s identity (Alpha and Omega, root and offspring of David, bright morning star); blessing on those who keep His commandments; universal invitation: “Come…take the water of life freely.”
Scriptures: Revelation 22:12–17; Numbers 24:17 (echo).
Stories: C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce (invitation imagery).
Short summary: Christ’s imminent coming grounds a church that welcomes all to receive free life.

118:01–125:00 — Guarding the Message; “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”

Discussion: Revelation 22:18–21—warnings against adding/subtracting; “Surely I am coming quickly”; “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”; benediction of grace; guard the message from misuse to prop up worldly control.
Scriptures: Revelation 22:18–21.
Short summary: Protect Revelation’s hope, await Jesus’ coming, and rest in grace.

125:01–135:00 — Living in Babylon without Worshiping It

Discussion: Identity marked by God’s name (vs. beast’s mark); baptismal belonging; participate in everyday systems without capitulation; hope endures as God deals with evil.
Scriptures: Revelation 22:4; Revelation 13 (referenced); Romans 6:3–4 (implied); Revelation 21:4 (echoed).
Stories: Modern examples (Amazon, air conditioning, Cracker Barrel, selling a house).
Short summary: We inhabit worldly systems but refuse to worship them; our identity and hope are in God.

135:01–145:00 — OT Echoes and Pastoral Caution

Discussion: Revelation’s deep OT vocabulary (gems, city, temple); recover OT resonance for clarity; resist religious abuse; keep saying “Come” with mercy and hope.
Scriptures: Exodus 28 (implied); Revelation 21–22; Micah 6:8 (implied).
Stories: Pastoral warnings against weaponizing faith.
Short summary: Understanding OT echoes clarifies Revelation; our witness remains invitational and merciful.

Medium-Length Summary of the Class

We followed Revelation 21–22 as Scripture’s consummation: God reunites heaven and earth and dwells with His people in the New Jerusalem. The chapter’s ornate imagery—gold, jewels, a perfect cube—draws from the tabernacle, temple, and priestly stones, signaling that the entire city is the Holy of Holies where God’s presence fills all. This splendor is not self-glorifying; it reorients wealth, power, and beauty around the slain Lamb whose light guides the nations and transforms earthly glory into humble submission. We contrasted Babylon/Rome’s coercive economy and hollow “peace” with God’s gift economy: the water of life given “without cost,” the removal of tears, death, and pain, and the healing of the nations. Revelation 22’s renewed Eden—river of life, tree of life with twelve-fold fruit, the end of the curse, God’s name on His people—anchors our identity and worship. We heard Christ’s “I am coming quickly” as promise and presence, guarded the prophetic word from misuse, and embraced the universal invitation: “Come.” Practically, we live within worldly systems without worshiping them, embodying mercy and justice as the Spirit and the Bride keep calling thirsty people to life.

Main Points

Revelation 21–22 climaxes Scripture’s story with the reunification of heaven and earth.
The New Jerusalem’s ornate imagery echoes the tabernacle, temple, Holy of Holies, and priestly stones.
God dwells with His people; no more tears, death, sorrow, or pain.
The Lamb is the city’s light; nations walk in His radiance; kings bring their glory in submission.
God’s economy is abundance and gift—“without cost”—contrasting Babylon’s scarcity and coercion.
Eden is renewed: river of life, tree of life with healing leaves, no more curse, God’s name on His people.
The Bride/City is formed by God and bears the names of His people; “twelve” signifies covenant identity.
Worship God alone; guard Revelation’s message; live kingdom mercy now within worldly systems without worshiping them.
Christ is coming quickly; the church echoes the Spirit’s invitation: “Come.”

Scriptures Mentioned

Revelation 20–22 (overview)
Revelation 21:1–27
Revelation 21:4
Revelation 21:6
Revelation 21:9–14
Revelation 21:15–17
Revelation 21:19–21
Revelation 21:22–27
Revelation 18–19 (allusion)
Revelation 6 (allusion)
Revelation 22:1–5
Revelation 22:6–11
Revelation 22:12–17
Revelation 22:18–21
Revelation 13 (referenced)
Exodus 26
Exodus 28:17–21
Exodus 35:4–29
Exodus 32
Matthew 1:23
Matthew 6:10
Matthew 28:20
Numbers 24:17 (echo)
Romans 6:3–4 (implied)
Genesis 2 (implied)
Ezekiel 47 (implied)
Micah 6:8 (implied)
Mark 6:17–29 (implied)

Stories and Illustrations Mentioned

Eden: original unity of God’s space and human space
Golden Calf (Exodus 32)
Herod and John the Baptist (Mark 6:17–29, implied)
Temple curtain torn at the crucifixion (thickness noted)
Church practice of writing names on building studs (identity inscription parallel)
Pax Romana vs. Lamb’s peace
Merchants mourning Babylon (Revelation 18–19, allusion)
Mercy ministries (serving those with Alzheimer’s)
C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce (invitation imagery)
Modern consumer examples: Amazon, air conditioning, Cracker Barrel, selling a house
Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32, referenced conceptually)
Abraham’s failures with Pharaoh/Abimelech (Genesis 12:10–20; 20:1–18)

Cris Escher 10/26/25 Cris Escher 10/26/25

[Sunday] Reformation - Sola Gratia - Freely

Overturning the common belief that grace is reluctantly earned, the freely given reality of the Gospel is that God's salvation flows from His eager delight to love and forgive us.

Overturning the common belief that grace is reluctantly earned, the freely given reality of the Gospel is that God's salvation flows from His eager delight to love and forgive us.

Sunday Bulletin October 26th

Questions for the Week: Reformation - Sola Gratia

Do you personally find it easier to focus on your sinfulness and the need for grace, or on God's active delight in extending that grace?
God's grace is rooted in His delight. What does it mean for your daily life to know that God doesn't just tolerate you, but actively delights in showing you kindness and forgiveness? (Psalm 145:8)
Read Ephesians 2:1-10. The sermon contrasted living under the "burden" of earning grace with living under the "delight" of free grace. What are some ways you might still unconsciously try to "pay" for your sins today?
Esau met Jacob, his deceiver, with grace and delight. How can you practically extend that same kind of delighted, extravagant forgiveness to someone who has wronged you?

Give to Grace

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What Had happened at Grace this week.

Featured

Jan 7, 2026

Guys Night - 5:45pm 1st Thursdays

Jan 7, 2026

Thursday, January 8th 5:45pm at Thirsty Turtle Seagrill in PSL

Jan 7, 2026

Jan 4, 2026

[Sunday] Epiphany - We Three Kings

Jan 4, 2026

While earthly rulers try to hijack the story of the Magi to claim power, the gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh reveal a King who rules through sacrifice and death, calling us to abandon the world's version of greatness for a "different way."

Jan 4, 2026

Dec 28, 2025

[Sunday] A Song of Christmas Light - Wait | Simeon

Dec 28, 2025

Just as the Apollo 8 astronauts were awed by our tiny planet in a vast universe, Simeon’s joy reminds us that God proves His love by entering the most "insignificant" places—a manger, a small town, and our own ordinary lives—to bring us peace.

Dec 28, 2025

Dec 25, 2025

[Christmas Day] Beautiful Trees

Dec 25, 2025

More than just a decoration, the Christmas tree stands as a symbol of the "Feast of Adam and Eve," proclaiming that the New Adam has come to restore Paradise.

Dec 25, 2025

Dec 24, 2025

Christmas Eve 2025 [Photos]

Dec 24, 2025

wonderful Christmas Eve this year.

Dec 24, 2025

[Christmas Eve] A Song of Christmas Light

Dec 24, 2025

Much like Scrooge, the shepherds sat in darkness until the heavenly angels came, bringing the light of a well celebrated Christmas.

Dec 24, 2025

Dec 23, 2025

A Christmas Carol at Pineapple Playhouse

Dec 23, 2025

"On December 21st, our Grace community headed over to the Pineapple Playhouse for a special showing of A Christmas Carol.

Dec 23, 2025

Dec 21, 2025

[Sunday] A Song of Christmas Light - Pointing to Greatness Stave 4

Dec 21, 2025

While the Ghost points to the grave our ambition digs, Jesus answers by becoming the humble Child who enters that grave to raise us to new life.

Dec 21, 2025

Dec 19, 2025

Christmas Carol Dec. 21st. 2pm Pineapple Playhouse

Dec 19, 2025

A Christmas Carol – Dec 21st. at the Pineapple Playhouse

Dec 19, 2025

Dec 18, 2025

1 John Chapter 5 & 2nd and 3rd John - The Johns Bible Study

Dec 18, 2025

This Bible study explored 1 John 5 and the letters of 2 and 3 John, emphasizing that true belief in Jesus is inseparably linked to actively loving others, which empowers believers to overcome the world, discern false teachings, and reject self-righteous leadership.

Dec 18, 2025

Cris Escher 10/23/25 Cris Escher 10/23/25

Re(D)formation Party Oct 26th 4:30pm

Red Food Cookoff!
Bingo!

Oct 27th 4PM

Our next event “Red-formation”

Sunday, October 26th from 4:30 PM

There will be a “Red” Pot Luck Dinner & Bingo.

All are invited!. “Wear red!”

FOOD!!! PRIZES!!! FUN!!! Especially - FELLOWSHIP!!

Photos of from last year

Cris Escher 10/23/25 Cris Escher 10/23/25

Freely: Given/Shared (Teaching Series)

We are the recipients of God's overflowing grace and boundless love. This gift transforms our very identity, compelling us toward a life of radical gratitude and contagious generosity. Let's fully embrace this joyful way to live by sharing our time, talents, and resources.

Reading Plan

10/26/25
Reformation & Rediscovering Grace
- Isaiah 55:1-5
  Ephesians 2:1-10
  John 3:13-21
11/2/25
Stewarding Our Time and Talents (Gifts)
- Exodus 35:30-35
  1 Corinthians 12:1-11
  Matthew 25:14-30
11/9/25
Stewarding our Resources
- Leviticus 25:18-28
  2 Corinthians 9:6-15
  Luke 12:13-21
11/16/25
Stewarding our Witness
- Micah 6:1-8
  1 Peter 3:8-18
  Matthew 5:13-20
11/23/25
Christ The King Sunday
- Psalm 95:1-7a
  1 Cor 15:20-28
  Matthew 25:31-46

Featured

Nov 23, 2025

[Sunday] Freely - King’s Table

Nov 23, 2025

The freely given truth of Christ the King: He is not found on a distant throne but is waiting for us in the face of the hungry, the stranger, and the sinner.

Nov 23, 2025

Nov 16, 2025

[Sunday] Freely - Witness

Nov 16, 2025

Christ has already secured the victory, our mission isn't to fight, but to embody our hope through gentle and respectful action.

Nov 16, 2025

Nov 6, 2025

[Sunday] Freely - Tenants

Nov 6, 2025

The essence of true Christian living: recognizing that God owns everything and has freely given us Christ’s transformation, moving us away from the "Rich Fool's" selfish materialism toward the cheerful and shared stewardship of all our resources.

Nov 6, 2025

Nov 2, 2025

[Sunday] Freely Dwell

Nov 2, 2025

Shifting focus from the temple as a static building, the freely shared reality is that God desires to dwell among us, using our diverse and imperfect gifts as the very means to make His presence known for the benefit of all.

Nov 2, 2025

Oct 26, 2025

[Sunday] Reformation - Sola Gratia - Freely

Oct 26, 2025

Overturning the common belief that grace is reluctantly earned, the freely given reality of the Gospel is that God's salvation flows from His eager delight to love and forgive us.

Oct 26, 2025

Oct 23, 2025

Freely: Given/Shared (Teaching Series)

Oct 23, 2025

Cris Escher 10/23/25 Cris Escher 10/23/25

Revelation Ch 20-21 Bible Study

Revelation chapter 20-21 Worship, Martyrdom, and Final Judgment

The Book of Revelation.

Chapter 20-21

This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.

Short Summary of the Whole Class

This Bible study walked through Revelation 20–21, highlighting God’s ultimate defeat of evil, the reality of judgment, the hope of bodily resurrection, and the renewal of creation as heaven comes down to earth. We connected Revelation’s imagery to Genesis, Job, the Gospels, and Romans, countered gnostic misunderstandings, and applied these truths pastorally to Christian grief and funerals. The class emphasized that Jesus has overcome, believers share in His victory, death cannot separate us from God’s love, and God will dwell with His people in a renewed creation.

Section 1: Reading and Framing Revelation 20

We recalled Revelation 20’s imagery: the abyss (bottomless pit), the dragon/serpent, and links back to Genesis 1 (primordial depths), Genesis 3 (serpent), and Job’s cosmic conflict.
We read about the thousand years, the first resurrection, Satan’s brief release, Gog and Magog, the final defeat of the devil, the great white throne judgment, the opening of books and the Book of Life, and death and Hades being cast into the lake of fire.

We framed the chapter as victory portraits rather than a strict timeline, underscoring God’s sovereignty and evil’s restraint.

Short summary:

Revelation 20 sets the stage for God’s sovereign victory: evil is restrained and ultimately destroyed, the saints reign with Christ, judgment is rendered, and death is defeated.

Section 2: Noticing the Theme of Destruction and Hope

We noted the recurring theme of destruction, clarified as God’s destruction of evil, not of creation’s goodness.
The call to “overcome” in Revelation was traced from the churches to Jesus Himself; believers share in His overcoming.

Short summary:

Destruction in Revelation is hopeful because it targets evil, and believers share in Jesus’ victory through the call to overcome.

Section 3: The Sea, Death, and Hades Giving Up the Dead

We discussed how the sea, death, and Hades “give up the dead,” affirming God’s power to raise all, regardless of how or where bodies were lost.
We addressed cremation history (noting some 19th-century atheist challenges) and clarified that God can resurrect all.
We explained “Hades” as the Greek underworld concept used culturally to show nothing is beyond God’s summons to judgment.

Short summary:

No realm can retain the dead—God will raise all for judgment and restoration; “Hades” reflects cultural language to emphasize God’s comprehensive authority.

Section 4: Countering Gnosticism: Tangibility and Resurrection

We confronted gnostic ideas that demean material creation and over-spiritualize hope.
We highlighted Scripture’s affirmation of creation’s goodness and Jesus’ bodily resurrection (eating, being touched) as the anchor of our future bodily resurrection.
Funeral language was examined to avoid implying that bodies are bad; the Christian hope is embodied and tangible.

Short summary:

Christian hope is bodily; Jesus’ real resurrection grounds our own, and creation’s goodness will be restored—counter to gnostic tendencies.

Section 5: Pastoral Application—Death, Grief, and Hope

We named death as the problem and evidence of sin; grief is honest and appropriate.
Lutheran funerals center on resurrection hope, contrasting abstract or purely spiritual views (e.g., Masonic elements).
We affirmed that believers are “with Jesus,” and nothing—death included—can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8).

Short summary:

We grieve honestly because death is the evidence of sin, yet we hope confidently in Christ’s presence and the promise of bodily resurrection and reunion.

Section 6: Grieving with Hope and the Trajectory Toward Eden

We discussed cultural practices of celebrating life at funerals, holding stories and hope together.
We framed Scripture’s trajectory as movement back toward Eden—reunification and restoration—anticipating Revelation 21–22.
We preferred saying “with Jesus” over speculation about the intermediate state, trusting His promise to be with us.

Short summary:

Christian grief blends sorrow and hope, aiming toward restored Eden; Jesus’ abiding presence secures our comfort even amid judgment scenes.

Section 7: The “Second Death,” the Millennium, and Evil Restrained (Revelation 20)

We examined the “second death” (lake of fire) as final judgment.
We acknowledged diverse millennial views without settling on one, focusing pastorally on God’s sovereign restraint of evil.
Like in Job, what threatens is limited by God; Satan is bound, and the climactic battle is anticlimactic under God’s reign.

Short summary:

Revelation 20 emphasizes God’s sovereign control—evil is restrained; the second death is final judgment, but believers rest secure in Christ.

Section 8: The “First Resurrection” and Interpreting Difficult Passages

We wrestled with the “first resurrection,” considering various interpretations.
Pastorally, we connected it to Christ’s resurrection and believers’ participation, ensuring the second death has no power over those in Him.
Central theme: death is the problem; Christ’s resurrection is the solution.

Short summary:

Though interpretive details vary, sharing in Christ’s resurrection secures believers against the second death; our hope is anchored in Jesus.

Section 9: The Books, the Book of Life, and Judgment (Revelation 20:11–15)

We explored the “books” recording deeds and the Book of Life identifying God’s people.
We connected Revelation 20 with Revelation 5, where only the Lamb is worthy to open the scrolls, implying Christ mediates judgment.
Without Christ, none could stand; with the Lamb’s victory, judgment becomes survivable for believers.

Short summary:

Judgment is comprehensive and mediated by Christ; the Book of Life marks God’s people, and the Lamb’s victory makes salvation possible.

Section 10: Clarifying the Millennium and Transition to Revelation 21

We noted traditional distinctions between the millennium and the new creation (world to come), avoiding rigid timelines.
We anticipated Revelation 21’s clearer comfort: God’s dwelling with humanity, end of death and sorrow, and renewal.

Short summary:

We emphasized Christ’s reign over precise chronology and looked forward to Revelation 21’s clearer promises of renewal and presence.

Section 11: Reading and Hearing Revelation 21:1–27

We read the vision of new heaven and new earth, New Jerusalem descending, and God dwelling with His people.
Former things pass away—no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.
The city’s radiance, open gates, and God/Lamb as light underscore holiness and welcome for those in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Short summary:

Revelation 21 paints a vivid, hope-filled picture of renewed creation and God’s dwelling with His people, ending suffering and establishing holy, radiant life.

Section 12: “No More Sea” and the End of Chaos

“No more sea” was explained as symbolic of the end of chaos and evil (Leviathan imagery), not literal ocean removal.
This draws on biblical patterns where the sea represents disorder opposed to God’s purposes.

Short summary:

“No more sea” signals the complete removal of chaos and evil as God brings new creation.

Section 13: The New Jerusalem Comes Down—Heaven to Earth

We emphasized that heaven comes down—God’s kingdom arrives here.
Christian hope is renewal, not escape; “Thy kingdom come” shapes ethical living and stewardship now.

Short summary:

God brings heaven to earth; therefore our present life, justice, and care for creation matter in light of God’s coming kingdom.

Section 14: God Dwelling with His People—Emmanuel and Presence

We focused on God’s permanent dwelling among His people (Revelation 21:3), fulfilling the Emmanuel promise and Jesus’ “I am with you always.”
God consistently comes down—from incarnation to consummation.

Short summary:

God’s abiding presence culminates in Revelation 21, fulfilling Emmanuel as He dwells with His people forever.

Section 15: Alpha and Omega, Overcomers, and Evil Excluded

God declares His sovereignty: “I make all things new… I am the Alpha and Omega.”
Those who thirst receive the water of life; overcomers inherit.
Evil and unrepentant wickedness remain outside, preserving the holiness of the city.

Short summary:

God’s total sovereignty guarantees new creation; the faithful inherit life, and evil is excluded to maintain holiness.

Section 16: City Dimensions, Gates, Foundations, and Light

The city’s measurements and symbolism unite Israel’s tribes (twelve gates) and the apostles (twelve foundations).
No temple is needed—God and the Lamb are its temple; no sun or moon—God’s glory is its light.
Gates remain open; the nations bring their glory; only those in the Lamb’s Book of Life enter.

Short summary:

The city’s design signifies the unity of God’s people and perpetual, holy openness under God’s radiant presence.

Section 17: Bible Project Video—“Heaven and Earth”

The video explained heaven (God’s space) and earth (our space), once united in Eden, separated by sin, and overlapping through temples—ultimately reunited in Jesus.
Jesus as true temple and sacrifice creates “pockets of heaven,” culminating in the New Jerusalem where heaven and earth fully unite.
Clarified that while believers are with Jesus after death, Scripture’s focus is the future union of heaven and earth.

Short summary:

Jesus reunites God’s space and human space, leading to the full renewal of creation when heaven comes down and New Jerusalem fills the world with God’s presence.

End-of-Class Summary

We connected Revelation 20–21 to the broader biblical story and pastoral life: Jesus has overcome, evil is destroyed, judgment is mediated by the Lamb, and death itself is cast out. Christian hope is bodily resurrection and renewed creation as heaven comes to earth. We countered gnostic misunderstandings, affirmed creation’s goodness, and emphasized honest grief anchored in Christ’s presence. Revelation 21’s vision of New Jerusalem gave clear comfort: God dwells with His people, suffering ends, and the holy city welcomes the redeemed nations.

Main Points

God sovereignly restrains and defeats evil; Satan, death, and Hades are vanquished.
Judgment is comprehensive; the books record deeds; the Book of Life marks God’s people; the Lamb mediates judgment.
The “second death” is final judgment; those who share in Christ’s resurrection are secure from it.
The Christian hope is bodily resurrection and tangible renewal of creation, not escape from the material world.
Gnosticism’s denigration of the body is rejected; Jesus’ bodily resurrection guarantees ours.
Grief is honest; death is the evidence of sin, yet nothing can separate believers from God’s love.
Heaven comes down; New Jerusalem descends; God dwells with His people forever.
“No more sea” symbolizes the end of chaos and evil; God makes all things new.
The city’s architecture signifies the unity of Israel and the apostles; God and the Lamb are the temple and light.
Present life and stewardship matter because God is renewing this world.

Scriptures Mentioned or Alluded To

Revelation 20 (entire chapter): millennium, first resurrection, Satan’s release, Gog and Magog, great white throne, books opened, Book of Life, death and Hades cast into the lake of fire
Revelation 21:1–27: new heaven and new earth, New Jerusalem, God dwelling with His people, end of death and sorrow, city’s radiance and holiness
Revelation 3:5: overcoming, white garments, names in the Book of Life
Revelation 5:1–10: scroll with seven seals; only the Lamb is worthy to open them
Genesis 1: primordial depths (abyss) imagery
Genesis 3: the serpent of old
Job (general allusion): cosmic imagery and limits on evil
Romans 8: nothing can separate us from the love of God
Gospel accounts of Jesus’ bodily resurrection (e.g., Luke 24:36–43; John 20:24–29): Jesus eats and is touched
Matthew 1:23: Emmanuel (“God with us”)
Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always, to the end of the age”
Matthew 6:10 (Lord’s Prayer): “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”
Leviathan/sea-as-chaos themes (e.g., Job 41; Psalm 74:13–14) noted conceptually

Stories and Topics Discussed

Abyss and serpent imagery connecting Revelation to Genesis
Sea, death, and Hades giving up the dead; God’s authority over all realms
Historical note on cremation and 19th-century atheist movements; pastoral implications
Gnosticism’s influence on modern funeral language and the correction by Scripture
Lutheran funeral focus on resurrection contrasted with Masonic elements
Pastoral language: speaking of the deceased as “with Jesus”
Assurance of bodily resurrection and restored creation
Cultural practices of celebrating life at funerals; grieving with hope
The story of Job illustrating evil’s limits under God’s sovereignty
The Lamb’s victory and authority to open the scrolls in Revelation
The anticlimactic “big battle” under God’s reign
Distinctions between the millennium and the new heavens/new earth in traditional thought
The New Jerusalem descending; heaven to earth renewal
Bible Project “Heaven and Earth” framework: Jesus as temple and sacrifice, pockets of heaven, final union in New Jerusalem

Cris Escher 10/19/25 Cris Escher 10/19/25

[Sunday] Matthew 28:19 - Richer

Moving past a fearful view of evangelism, the richer meaning of the Great Commission is found in Christ's established authority, which turns our lives into a confident declaration of His victory.

Moving past a fearful view of evangelism, the richer meaning of the Great Commission is found in Christ's established authority, which turns our lives into a confident declaration of His victory.

Sunday Bulletin October 19th

Questions for the Week: Together: Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus calls us to go make disciples? How are you part of this mission? Do you find it scary at times?
Read Matthew 28:17-20. The mission starts with Christ's victory: "All authority... has been given to me." How does knowing that Jesus already has all authority and victory change the way we view our personal challenges, fears, or the mission of sharing our faith? Does it make the Great Commission feel less scary?
The sermon emphasized that the "teaching" component is about Jesus' love for you and loving people (the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12), not just mastering doctrine. How does this focus change how you approach teaching your faith to others?
The Church has a history of making disciples. The sermon used the history of LCMS education in the south. What are specific ways we can be "ambassadors of Jesus" or embody His victory and teachings in our specific community, school, or workplace this week?

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What Had happened at Grace this week.

Featured

Jan 7, 2026

Guys Night - 5:45pm 1st Thursdays

Jan 7, 2026

Thursday, January 8th 5:45pm at Thirsty Turtle Seagrill in PSL

Jan 7, 2026

Jan 4, 2026

[Sunday] Epiphany - We Three Kings

Jan 4, 2026

Dec 28, 2025

[Sunday] A Song of Christmas Light - Wait | Simeon

Dec 28, 2025

Dec 25, 2025

[Christmas Day] Beautiful Trees

Dec 25, 2025

More than just a decoration, the Christmas tree stands as a symbol of the "Feast of Adam and Eve," proclaiming that the New Adam has come to restore Paradise.

Dec 25, 2025

Dec 24, 2025

Christmas Eve 2025 [Photos]

Dec 24, 2025

wonderful Christmas Eve this year.

Dec 24, 2025

[Christmas Eve] A Song of Christmas Light

Dec 24, 2025

Much like Scrooge, the shepherds sat in darkness until the heavenly angels came, bringing the light of a well celebrated Christmas.

Dec 24, 2025

Dec 23, 2025

A Christmas Carol at Pineapple Playhouse

Dec 23, 2025

"On December 21st, our Grace community headed over to the Pineapple Playhouse for a special showing of A Christmas Carol.

Dec 23, 2025

Dec 21, 2025

[Sunday] A Song of Christmas Light - Pointing to Greatness Stave 4

Dec 21, 2025

While the Ghost points to the grave our ambition digs, Jesus answers by becoming the humble Child who enters that grave to raise us to new life.

Dec 21, 2025

Dec 19, 2025

Christmas Carol Dec. 21st. 2pm Pineapple Playhouse

Dec 19, 2025

A Christmas Carol – Dec 21st. at the Pineapple Playhouse

Dec 19, 2025

Dec 18, 2025

1 John Chapter 5 & 2nd and 3rd John - The Johns Bible Study

Dec 18, 2025

Cris Escher 10/16/25 Cris Escher 10/16/25

2nd Sunday School in October [Photos]

2nd Sunday school was so cool it started to snow.

It was so cool it started to snow.
We used the snow cone machine to make delicious, icy treats. We also had fun balancing basketball hoops on our heads while playing around.

Cris Escher 10/16/25 Cris Escher 10/16/25

Revelation Ch 19-20 Bible Study

Revelation chapter 19-20 Worship, Martyrdom, and Final Judgment

The Book of Revelation.

Chapter 19-20

This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.

Short Summary of the Whole Class

The class continued its study in Revelation 19 and began into Revelation 20, emphasizing the contrast between Christ’s humble, sacrificial power and the Antichrist’s hollow, war-driven spectacle. We focused on true worship (worship God/Christ alone), the “testimony of Jesus” as the heart of proSphecy and faithful witness (linked to martyrdom), the marriage supper of the Lamb, and Christ’s decisive victory over evil. We also explored Revelation 20’s imagery of the abyss, the binding and brief release of Satan, the millennium, and final judgment, connecting these themes to creation and Job’s Leviathan as pictures of God’s mastery over chaos. Throughout, we called the church to servant-hearted worship, faithful testimony, humility, forgiveness, and hope in Christ’s ultimate triumph.