The Great White Throne Judgment
In Revelation 20:7-15, we're presented with the scene of the Great White Throne Judgment, a pivotal moment where the final destiny of every soul is determined. This passage highlights the defeat of Satan, followed by the judgment of the dead, great and small, standing before God. Books are opened, including the Book of Life, and individuals are judged according to their deeds. This moment underscores the gravity of our earthly lives, reminding us that our actions carry eternal weight and consequence.
The New Heaven and New Earth
Following this judgment, Revelation 21 introduces us to the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God resides among His people, wiping away every tear, and eradicating death, mourning, crying, and pain. This future reality offers believers the hope of eternal peace and fellowship with God, free from the sin and suffering that mar our current existence.
Living in Light of Eternity
The anticipation of these future events compels us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency. Knowing that our choices have eternal implications encourages us to pursue a life of faithfulness, holiness, and active engagement in God’s mission. It's a call to align our lives with the values of God's coming kingdom, ensuring we are among those who inherit this eternal promise.
This contemplation of the final judgment and the hope of a new creation invites believers to consider their spiritual readiness and to embrace the assurance found in Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of living with an eternal perspective, committed to the gospel and the unfolding story of God's redemptive plan for humanity and creation.
Old News Week 6
February 11, 2024 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
The Millennium: Christ's Reign on Earth
Revelation 20 unveils a future where Christ returns to establish His kingdom on earth, a period marked by peace, justice, and the restoration of God's creation. This era follows the tumultuous events of the Tribulation and heralds a time when Satan is bound, eliminating his influence over the nations for a thousand years. The Millennium embodies the fulfillment of God's promises, showcasing His sovereignty and the establishment of His righteous rule through Christ.
The First Resurrection and Reign with Christ
A pivotal aspect of this era is the first resurrection, where those who have remained faithful, even unto death, are brought to life to reign with Christ. This resurrection is not just a revival of life but a testament to the victory over death and sin, as those who partake in it are deemed blessed and holy. It signifies a new beginning for the martyrs and saints, who will serve alongside Christ in this new kingdom, embodying the priestly role they've been granted. This period is a testament to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the restoration of harmony within creation.
Reflections on Divine Justice and the Final Judgment
The Millennium also sets the stage for the final judgment, a time when God's justice will be fully realized. This period reminds us of the importance of living in anticipation of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. It challenges believers to reflect on their own spiritual readiness and commitment to God's sovereign plan.
Living with Anticipation and Preparedness
The anticipation of the Millennium and Christ's reign should inspire believers to live with a sense of purpose and readiness, striving for holiness and actively participating in God's mission. It's a call to embody the values of the kingdom today, in anticipation of the full realization of God's justice and mercy in the age to come.
Old News Week 5
February 4, 2024 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
The Urgency of Understanding the Tribulation
The Tribulation, a prophesied period of unparalleled calamities and divine judgment, is outlined in scripture, particularly in Revelation 6 and Daniel 9:27. This era, heralded by the rise of the Antichrist, will usher in a series of devastating global events. These predictions underscore the critical need for spiritual preparedness among believers, anticipating a time that will test faith and resolve like never before.
Spiritual Preparedness in a Time of Judgment
The sudden onset of the Tribulation, likened to the days of Noah and Lot as described in Luke 17:26-30, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in our spiritual lives. This historical parallel emphasizes the necessity for both personal and communal readiness, urging us to cultivate a state of constant preparedness for the challenges that lie ahead.
The Role of Repentance and Witness
Amidst the foretold divine judgments, the scripture articulates a clear call to repentance, particularly through the sealing of 144,000 witnesses and the mission of two prophetic witnesses in Revelation. These divine interventions underscore the importance of turning back to God and fulfilling our role as witnesses to His grace and salvation, demonstrating the transformative power of repentance in leading others towards eternal salvation.
Concluding Reflections on God's Righteousness and Grace
The exploration of biblical prophecies concerning the Tribulation highlights God's unyielding righteousness and the certainty of His judgment. Yet, it also illuminates the boundless grace available through Jesus Christ, compelling believers to lead lives marked by holiness, proactive witness, and the fervent sharing of the Gospel. This period of tribulation, though daunting, calls us to live with heightened awareness and commitment to God's sovereign plan, ensuring we are spiritually equipped for the times to come.
Old News Week 4
January 28, 2024 • Pastor Chris Carter
# Are You Ready? Anticipating the Rapture in Today's World
In our journey of faith, the anticipation of the Rapture stands as a significant moment, calling for spiritual readiness and moral vigilance. This event, when believers are called to meet the Lord in the air, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of living in readiness for Christ's return.
### Understanding the Rapture
The Rapture, a concept derived from passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, describes a future moment when Christ will gather His followers. The Lord will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then those who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air【69†source】. This event is a pivotal point in Christian eschatology, marking a transformation and ascension.
### The Significance of Spiritual Readiness
Being ready for the Rapture isn't about predicting dates or obsessing over end-times scenarios. It's about living a life that reflects our faith and commitment to Christ, ensuring our actions, choices, and beliefs align with His teachings. This readiness means living with a sense of urgency and purpose, always prepared for the Lord’s return.
### Living with Anticipation
Anticipating the Rapture involves active engagement in our faith. This includes nurturing our relationship with God, serving others, and being witnesses of Christ’s love and salvation. It's a call to grow spiritually, serve with a purpose, and share the hope of the Gospel with a world in need.
### The Impact on Daily Life
The prospect of the Rapture should influence our daily lives, reminding us of the eternal significance of our spiritual choices and the fleeting nature of earthly existence. It calls us to live holy and godly lives, as we await and hasten the coming day of God.
The anticipation of the Rapture is a profound aspect of our faith, a reminder of the hope and promise we have in Christ. As we await this monumental event, let's do so with hearts filled with faith, lives marked by holiness, and spirits ready for the transformative moment when we shall meet the Lord.
Old News Week 3
January 21, 2024 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
Pastor Ron Hoffman
Old News: Week 2
January 14, 2024 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
# Rediscovering Our First Love in a Changing World
As believers navigating the complexities of modern life, we are faced with the challenge of staying true to our first love — Jesus Christ. The current state of the church, as reflected in "Old News Week 2," serves as a reminder of the importance of this enduring commitment.
### The Modern Church: Challenges and Distractions
Today, the church faces numerous challenges, from social and political issues to doctrinal distortions. It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of headlines and controversies, losing sight of our core mission and first love. The sermon highlights how these distractions can lead us away from the essence of our faith.
### The Loss of First Love
Revelation speaks to the church of Ephesus about losing its first love. This poignant message is equally relevant today. In the hustle of church activities and social engagement, there's a risk of drifting away from the passionate love for Christ that should be at the heart of our faith.
### Counterfeit Loves and Distorted Messages
The sermon warns against the danger of counterfeit loves — beliefs or practices that seem religious but actually lead us away from the truth of the Gospel. This includes prosperity gospels and other teachings that prioritize personal gain over selfless love for God and others.
### The Call to Repentance and Renewal
In the face of these challenges, the sermon calls for a time of reflection and repentance. It's an invitation to return to our first love, to rediscover the joy and passion
Old News Week 1
January 7, 2024 • Pastor Preston Gagnon
# Navigating Current Events: A Biblical Perspective on the Israeli Crisis
In a world where news cycles are constantly evolving, it's crucial to interpret and respond to global events through a biblical lens. The recent crisis in Israel serves as a profound example, urging believers to seek deeper understanding and thoughtful action.
### Understanding the Crisis Biblically
The sermon emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Israeli crisis not just as a geopolitical conflict but as a spiritual battle with deep biblical roots. It draws parallels with historical and scriptural narratives, illustrating how these events fit into a larger spiritual warfare narrative.
### The Significance of Israel in Biblical Prophecy
Israel's central role in biblical prophecy is highlighted, underscoring the nation's unique position in God’s redemptive plan. The sermon delves into the promises made to Abraham and the lineage leading to Jesus, demonstrating Israel's enduring significance in God's narrative.
### Responding with Informed Compassion
In light of the crisis, the sermon encourages a response grounded in biblical truth and compassion. This includes supporting Israel in line with Genesis 12:3, which speaks of God blessing those who bless Israel, and understanding the complex dynamics at play.
### Praying for Peace and Salvation
The sermon calls for prayer not only for Israel’s protection and peace but also for the salvation of all involved, including those in opposition. This reflects a Christ-like approach, embodying the heart of the gospel that seeks redemption for all.
### Preparing for Spiritual Warfare
Recognizing the spiritual aspects of the conflict, believers are urged to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, putting on the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. This involves standing firm in faith while praying for global events.
### Embracing Hope Amidst Turmoil
Finally, the sermon encourages believers to find hope amidst turmoil. By understanding current events in the light of biblical prophecy and God’s ultimate sovereignty, Christians can maintain a perspective of hope and anticipation for God’s redemptive work in the world.
### Conclusion
As believers, navigating current events like the Israeli crisis requires a balanced approach that combines a deep understanding of biblical prophecy, a heart of compassion, and a commitment to spiritual warfare through prayer. By doing so, we align our responses with God’s heart and purpose in the midst of a complex and troubled world.
Transforming Communities
December 31, 2023
# Transforming Communities: The Power of Faith-Driven Initiatives
In our walk with Christ, one of the most profound ways we can live out our faith is by actively engaging and transforming our communities. The initiatives of Mountain City Church, such as the Gospel Project Alaska and Impact Alaska, offer inspiring examples of how faith can extend beyond the church walls to impact entire communities.
### Embracing Change for Greater Impact
The renaming of Anchorage Baptist Temple to Mountain City Church symbolizes a new chapter focused on broader community impact. This change reflects a deep commitment to not just being a place of worship, but a beacon of hope and transformation within the community.
### The Gospel Project Alaska: A Vision for Every Alaskan
The ambitious vision of the Gospel Project Alaska aims to reach every Alaskan with the gospel. This project isn't just about spreading the word; it's about personal engagement, sharing the love of Christ with individuals in a meaningful way. It's a reminder that the Great Commission calls us to go out into the world, making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
### Impact Alaska: Being the Light in the Darkness
Impact Alaska, under the Light Up Alaska initiative, focuses on being the light in a world often clouded by darkness. This initiative encompasses recovery ministry, prison ministry, and political engagement, among others. It's a powerful testament to the call in Matthew 5:14-16 to be the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.
### The Transformative Power of Christian Education
The expansion and renaming of the Anchorage Christian Schools to Mountain City Christian Academy highlight the importance of Christian education in shaping young minds. This educational initiative is not just about academic excellence but about nurturing Christ-centered world changers.
### Community Involvement and Small Groups
The emphasis on every church member being part of a team or a group stresses the importance of community and fellowship in Christian life. Acts 2:42-47 depicts the early church's dedication to fellowship, teaching, and prayer — a model that Mountain City Church strives to emulate.
### Conclusion
Mountain City Church's initiatives are a stirring example of how faith can actively transform communities. These efforts show that the church is not just a place to gather but a launchpad for impactful community service. As believers, we are called to be active participants in God's work, bringing the salt, light, and love of Christ to every corner of our world.
