In keeping with the vision atmosphere, John sees a “Great sign” appearing in heaven, which indicates another telescoping view of events that enhance the consummation seen in chapter 11. Whereas the focus of chapter 11 comes after the commission to John in chapter 10 regarding the church age (Gospel period), now the view is from behind the scene in heaven, v. 1a. This view from the perspective of heaven speaks to the subject more pointedly to show Satan’s activity both in heaven and on earth. In chapters 9 and 11, the “woes” (8:13) are demonstrably Satanic.

Note what Jesus says in Luke 10:17-20:

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven”.

Our view in chapter 12 shows us the mysterious conflict in heaven and the resultant activity compressed in these brief passages. We see vividly his (Satan’s) focus.  The vision gives us a condensed version…  download the Revelations 12 summary.

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Seals one through four parallel trumpets one through four in the following manner:

The seals direct our attention to God’s judgments (except seal one) on mankind (6:1-8) and the trumpets* announce judgments on the earth that mankind inhabits (8:7-12). Seals five and six are somewhat similar to trumpets five and six in that they deal with spiritual matters affecting mankind with the intrusion of satanic forces vividly displayed in highly figurative and symbolic language. The fifth seal (broken) addresses redemption of Old Testament and New Testament time frames (and perhaps beyond those time frames). The sixth seal deals in brief with final judgment at the consummation (6:12-17). The fifth trumpet (9:1-12) clearly identifies Satan and his followers and the awful administration of their evil. The sixth trumpet (9:13-21) demonstrates the judgment of God on those who did not repent of their deeds which were influenced by the satanic forces (9:20-21 specifically). The message of 9:21 seems to indicate that this is an open view of the fact that they “did not” nor have, nor will repent and turn. It is an ongoing evil still prevalent to this day. The judgments described therefore are harsher, which indicates the more heinous crimes and atrocities are met with equal consequences…  Continued reading or download the Revelations 6-11 summary .

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Rev. Ralph Rebandt, pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church has been active in the city of Farmington Hills for over 20 years, and has served as a chaplain for the police departments of Farmington Hills and Beverly Hills for many years. Each year, on police officer appreciation Sunday, a gift is given to honor an injured or disabled police officer, or to help a family member of a police officer.

The Scripture says in Romans 13:1-4: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”

Covenants were a common occurrence in Abraham’s world. There were two main types of covenants, either between equals, called a covenant of brotherhood, or one between a greater King and a subordinate, vassal. There are several commonly shared aspects of this latter covenant.

In the Preamble, the great king is introduced with accompanying titles and attributes.

In the  Historical Prologue,  the historical relationship between the two kings is sketched, usually with a heavy emphasis on the greater king’s accomplishments and his benevolence towards the vassal.

Continued below…

It is important to understand the striking fact that the person we know as Jesus Christ did not exist as such, as Savior-Messiah, until the incarnation. He always existed as the second person of the trinity, but He became Jesus, the Christ by means of the incarnation.

There’s a new book table ministry at Oakland Hills Community Church.

Check out our new book table selections.  Just click the link to see all our new and current books, including cover images, and in most cases samplings of chapters and text, tables-of-contents, short explanations, and reviews and comments.

These books will be available at our book table located in the Fellowship Hall before and after 11am worship service.  Book prices are 30-60% off  of the publisher’s list price.

Note:  The OHCC Book Table Ministry is non-profit service, selling all books and materials at or below cost.

There are four main aspects to the youth ministry at OHCC:

1. Teaching: We study topics that will develop and strengthen a Christian worldview within our students.
2. Small Groups: These groups try to meet once a month to study and discuss a book.
3. Fellowship: Each year we try to plan several fun, social activities for the youth to attend.
4. Service: We try to organize several service projects to serve church members and the broader community. Many students also participate in mission trips over the summer.  The students in the youth group have shown that they have a great heart to serve others and show the love and truth of Jesus to those who need it.

Teams within the music committee were set up to organize and execute music for their given day(s) each month. They have done a wonderful job of picking out music, planning and organizing the accompaniment, offertories and special music pieces. We are truly blessed by them!

There is a wealth of talent at Oakland Hills featuring the orchestra, choir, vocal and instrumental ensembles, children’s choir, and outstanding piano accompaniment.