When I was single and living in Columbia I had a buddy named Jimmy. Jimmy was a punk teenage kid that showed up to our church. He had been kicked out of his home and at first when you heard his story you’d be very angry at his prior caregivers. He appeared to be a very sweet and innocent kid who also had intellectual disabilities. His demeanor was always happy go lucky when you first met him, but if you stuck around and got to know Jimmy, you’d eventually start to empathize with those who had cared for him before. Jimmy didn't want to follow any of the basic rules for living. He pitched fits when he didn’t get his way. He didn’t care about his hygiene. Jimmy was living in his own world, playing by his own rules and when you didn’t go along, he let you have it. 

Over time our niceties fade and our true colors come out. 

This weekend we continue our series in Revelation and wade into the warnings of an enemy that seeks to deceive us by proclaiming peace and harmony, while actively seeking our destruction. Jesus, through John’s letter, is wanting us to hone our skills at discerning the truth. This Sunday, let’s lean into God and His provision to give us eyes to see and ears to hear! 

Pastor Matt McCarter