Julie Ann

Churches are a "hotbed for apathy", I believe, because they are comfortable with the norm. They are not challenging themselves or reaching out. It's easier to be quiet rather than take a stand. We can combat this attitude by challenging ourselves, staying in the word and prayer. Taking the first step to strike up a conversation is usually the hardest but most times the other steps fall into place.

To compromise, you are not holding onto your own convictions. Saying it's "OK" to lean a little and then a little more and so on. If you are not holding yourself to a hire standard, how can you expect others to join you? Issues that dilute Christianity now: acceptance of homosexuality, questionable TV shows, the idea that "everyone can get along". The list can go on and on if you just stop and think about it.

God ordained sex for the marriage - not outside of marriage. Just because current morals are less then that, doesn't make it right. I think this is most evident by the rampant STD's today. I have tried to stay true to my own convictions. I have talked with my oldest son about morals abnd abstinance. So far it has not been a big challenge.

I think a congregation can lose it's first love for Jesus by puffing themself up and doing "works" to have the outside community notice them more then God. Genuine signs of love for Jesus I think are demonstrated by those who are more in "the background" trying not to be noticed. A lack of love shows up by boasting and pointing out their good deeds to excess. A congregation can regain this love by recognizing what has happened and then by praying to God for help and guidance.

Jesus walking among the lampstands I think shows he is in control and is looking after us. The church needs to turn to Jesus for guidance. Jesus will give it to us. All we need to do is ask.

Hi. My Name is Julie. I've been married to a wonderful man for almost 21 years. We have 2 sons ages 16 and 12. All 4 of us are Christians. We live in a small community in Montana and have a ranch of about 245 acres. Which by Montana standards it's not much more then a "Hobby ranch". My husband has recently retired from the US Air Force after 21 years of service. I am a custodian in the school district my children attend and both my boys are into sports. Specifically football and wrestling. My oldest also rides bulls in High School Rodeo. I am thankful every day for all God has done for us and given us. I feel he has truly, deeply, blessed me and my family. I hope to hear from some of you who are doing this Bible Study. So far I am enjoying it emensely.

At this point Jesus had conquered death through his resurection. Standing amoung the lampstands, he is over themor in charge of them. He is now at Gods right hand in glory.

China, North Korea, Arab nations and many more. I think Revelation can be encouraging because of the promises in it and knowing in the end God will triumph.

He is the first and last, the beginning and the end and so is Jesus.

Testimony & witness are important because they represnt a personal knowledge & a willingness to speak up. Jesus, as the faithful witness, did for us what no one else could or would. He died and rose again taking away our sins as had said he would. I think we don't speak up today for fear of rejection and persecution even though we don't live in a time or place where it is usually a problem.