Dover Assembly of God
1.30.2022 | Revelation - Week 15
Locations & Times
Dover Assembly of God
4790 Carlisle Rd, Dover, PA 17315, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
Welcome!
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January 30, 2022
Welcome to Dover Assembly!
We are so glad you have chosen to attend Dover Assembly this morning. It is not by accident that you are here. We believe that God has allowed you to be here so that you might receive all that He has for you. We pray you are blessed as you allow the Lord to work in your life.
THIS WEEK
Sunday
9:00 am ~ Coffee & Donuts
9:30 am ~ Sunday School
10:30 am ~ Worship Service
10:30 am ~ R.O.C.K. Children’s Ministry
1:00 pm ~ Spanish Service
Wednesday
6:30 pm ~ FAMILY NIGHT MINISTRIES
Thursday
6:30 pm ~ Men’s Dinner-Cheddars
Saturday
6:30 pm ~ Spanish Service
UPCOMING EVENTS
Prayer Warriors!
Prayer nights continue on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Join us as we seek the Lord for Dover Assembly and our own lives!
WOP Winter Book Club
We will be having a winter book club this year! This is in addition to our Summer book club. The book selection this time is “The Scars That Have Shaped Me” If you are interested in reading with us, please sign up in the upper foyer. Indicate if you would need a copy of this book. The cost per book is $13
Men's Dinner
The guys will be heading out to Cheddar’s Restaurant on route 30 just past the I-83 ramps. We will meet there this Thursday, Feb 3 at 6:30 pm. All men and boys are invited to join us!
BODY NEWS
Business Meeting Results
Our annual business meeting was held last Sunday and in addition to all the reports and updates, we said a temporary farewell to board member, Carl Dobbins as he was taking a break. We re-elected Dick Sweitzer and welcomed new comer, Tyler Landis. If you missed the meeting and would like a report, please see Pastor Jeff.
VBS
It's January but time for us to start preparing for VBS. As we prepare for this year's VBS we need to start planning the budget to purchase prizes, snacks, set decorations, etc. If you would like to begin donating to VBS, please mark an envelope in the pew with the letters VBS or add it to your tithe envelope. Thank you for your prayer and financial support as we begin planning for this outreach. If you are able to be a part of the VBS team (teaching, games, snacks, etc) please put your name and VBS on the blue card in the chair pouch in front of you! We are currently working on an exact date.
Membership
If you have been attending Dover Assembly for at least 6 months and would like to become a voting member, please see Pastor Jeff or pick up a blue form on the rack by the information desk.
Snow Cancellations
Should we have the need to cancel any of our services due to inclement weather, we will put that information on our Facebook page, our website, and the local TV stations [WGAL-CH 8, CBS 21, ABC 27, FOX 43, CW 15] If you would like to sign up for a TEXT on your cell phone that will indicate the status of our services, please fill out the blue & white card with your name and cell phone number. Please be sure to place them in the offering plates as you leave and we will add you to our list.
Meal Ministry
Our meal ministry has been quite busy over the past few months. If you would like to be added to the list to make a meal when needed, please let Anna or Diane Crumrine know. Don't like to cook you say? Gift certificates to local restaurants or grocery stores are also welcome, as is cash! Thank you for helping us bless our church family!
Finances
As we are into the new year 2022,, we still have a substantial balance due to the bank for the parsonage roof repair that we desperately needed this past year, along with a few other expenses. Thank you as you faithfully pledge to helping us bring this balance to zero.
Hoodies
We have had some requests to order some new Dover Assembly hoodies. If you would like one, please sign up in the lower foyer. Prices are:
Crew Neck sweatshirts: $13.10
Hoodies: $18.10 each (2XL & 3XL is $3.50 additional).
Zipper hoodies: $23.10 (2XL & 3XL is $4.50 additional).
Shut-ins
Continue to pray for those of our church family who are no longer able to join us for worship.
~ Marian T.
~ Olga K.
~ Rose K.
~ Cindy D. (Angel’s mom)
~ Beulah S.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Feb 2 ~ Kyra K.
Feb 3 ~ Edith N.
Feb 8 ~ Kendra K.
Feb 26 ~ Lacey S.
Feb 26 ~ Gary L.
Feb 12 ~ Tom & Darlene O.
Welcome to Dover Assembly!
We are so glad you have chosen to attend Dover Assembly this morning. It is not by accident that you are here. We believe that God has allowed you to be here so that you might receive all that He has for you. We pray you are blessed as you allow the Lord to work in your life.
THIS WEEK
Sunday
9:00 am ~ Coffee & Donuts
9:30 am ~ Sunday School
10:30 am ~ Worship Service
10:30 am ~ R.O.C.K. Children’s Ministry
1:00 pm ~ Spanish Service
Wednesday
6:30 pm ~ FAMILY NIGHT MINISTRIES
Thursday
6:30 pm ~ Men’s Dinner-Cheddars
Saturday
6:30 pm ~ Spanish Service
UPCOMING EVENTS
Prayer Warriors!
Prayer nights continue on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Join us as we seek the Lord for Dover Assembly and our own lives!
WOP Winter Book Club
We will be having a winter book club this year! This is in addition to our Summer book club. The book selection this time is “The Scars That Have Shaped Me” If you are interested in reading with us, please sign up in the upper foyer. Indicate if you would need a copy of this book. The cost per book is $13
Men's Dinner
The guys will be heading out to Cheddar’s Restaurant on route 30 just past the I-83 ramps. We will meet there this Thursday, Feb 3 at 6:30 pm. All men and boys are invited to join us!
BODY NEWS
Business Meeting Results
Our annual business meeting was held last Sunday and in addition to all the reports and updates, we said a temporary farewell to board member, Carl Dobbins as he was taking a break. We re-elected Dick Sweitzer and welcomed new comer, Tyler Landis. If you missed the meeting and would like a report, please see Pastor Jeff.
VBS
It's January but time for us to start preparing for VBS. As we prepare for this year's VBS we need to start planning the budget to purchase prizes, snacks, set decorations, etc. If you would like to begin donating to VBS, please mark an envelope in the pew with the letters VBS or add it to your tithe envelope. Thank you for your prayer and financial support as we begin planning for this outreach. If you are able to be a part of the VBS team (teaching, games, snacks, etc) please put your name and VBS on the blue card in the chair pouch in front of you! We are currently working on an exact date.
Membership
If you have been attending Dover Assembly for at least 6 months and would like to become a voting member, please see Pastor Jeff or pick up a blue form on the rack by the information desk.
Snow Cancellations
Should we have the need to cancel any of our services due to inclement weather, we will put that information on our Facebook page, our website, and the local TV stations [WGAL-CH 8, CBS 21, ABC 27, FOX 43, CW 15] If you would like to sign up for a TEXT on your cell phone that will indicate the status of our services, please fill out the blue & white card with your name and cell phone number. Please be sure to place them in the offering plates as you leave and we will add you to our list.
Meal Ministry
Our meal ministry has been quite busy over the past few months. If you would like to be added to the list to make a meal when needed, please let Anna or Diane Crumrine know. Don't like to cook you say? Gift certificates to local restaurants or grocery stores are also welcome, as is cash! Thank you for helping us bless our church family!
Finances
As we are into the new year 2022,, we still have a substantial balance due to the bank for the parsonage roof repair that we desperately needed this past year, along with a few other expenses. Thank you as you faithfully pledge to helping us bring this balance to zero.
Hoodies
We have had some requests to order some new Dover Assembly hoodies. If you would like one, please sign up in the lower foyer. Prices are:
Crew Neck sweatshirts: $13.10
Hoodies: $18.10 each (2XL & 3XL is $3.50 additional).
Zipper hoodies: $23.10 (2XL & 3XL is $4.50 additional).
Shut-ins
Continue to pray for those of our church family who are no longer able to join us for worship.
~ Marian T.
~ Olga K.
~ Rose K.
~ Cindy D. (Angel’s mom)
~ Beulah S.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Feb 2 ~ Kyra K.
Feb 3 ~ Edith N.
Feb 8 ~ Kendra K.
Feb 26 ~ Lacey S.
Feb 26 ~ Gary L.
Feb 12 ~ Tom & Darlene O.
Download our app!
Download the Dover Assembly app to stay connected all week! Keep up to date with the latest news and events, watch our latest videos, and more all within our app! We're back on Google Play for Android users! Also available on the iOS App Store.
https://doverassembly.com/appOnline Giving
Thank you for your faithfulness! You can now give to Dover Assembly online at your convenience. Click the link to learn more!
https://doverassembly.com/give
January 30, 2022 - Week 15 - Rev. Jeff Bender
We are continuing our study through the book of Revelation.
Again, the reason for this study is found in the beginning of this book.
Again, the reason for this study is found in the beginning of this book.
We all want to be blessed, but more importantly, these events will be happening soon and I want everyone here to be ready for it.
When Joshua was about to enter the promised land, he told the people:
When Joshua was about to enter the promised land, he told the people:
Then when God was about to expose sin . . .
Whenever God is about to do something miraculous, he tells us to get ready.
How?
How?
Some versions use the word consecrate yourselves.
In Revelation, the same principle applies. We need to purify our lives in preparation for what is coming soon.
So now we are at chapter 6. We finished up chapter 5 which sets the scene in heaven.
In Revelation, the same principle applies. We need to purify our lives in preparation for what is coming soon.
So now we are at chapter 6. We finished up chapter 5 which sets the scene in heaven.
You have the 24 elders, the living beasts and the angels all around the throne of God the father.
None of those present are worthy to open up the scroll in God’s hand.
Jesus shows up in the form of a lamb that was sacrificed.
God the father passes the scroll to Jesus, signifying that Jesus now is in control, the father passed that authority to Jesus.
He is now going to open the scroll, which will show us what will happen in the end times.
None of those present are worthy to open up the scroll in God’s hand.
Jesus shows up in the form of a lamb that was sacrificed.
God the father passes the scroll to Jesus, signifying that Jesus now is in control, the father passed that authority to Jesus.
He is now going to open the scroll, which will show us what will happen in the end times.
Most scholars believe that the breaking of the first seal is the start of the great tribulation.
Some believe these judgments start right away, some believe it describes the 2nd half of the tribulation.
The first half of the tribulation is when the anti-Christ signs a peace treaty with Israel. It is at the half-way point, that he breaks it.
As Jesus opens the seals, these judgments don’t take place as each seal is opened. He opens all of them and John sees a vision of what WILL happen with each seal.
In chapter 8 when Jesus breaks the last seal.
Some believe these judgments start right away, some believe it describes the 2nd half of the tribulation.
The first half of the tribulation is when the anti-Christ signs a peace treaty with Israel. It is at the half-way point, that he breaks it.
As Jesus opens the seals, these judgments don’t take place as each seal is opened. He opens all of them and John sees a vision of what WILL happen with each seal.
In chapter 8 when Jesus breaks the last seal.
It appears that all these were visions and when the last one was given, heaven was silent, now they were waiting for all these judgments to happen.
All the seals were open and now the scroll can be fully opened and read.
So let’s look at each seal.
All the seals were open and now the scroll can be fully opened and read.
So let’s look at each seal.
1) THE WHITE HORSE
When the living creature yells “come”, most commentators and the verse itself seems to indicate that he is commanding the horse and rider to come or appear, not that he is talking to John.
John just is now looking at what is happening. He is a spectator, the creature isn’t talking to him.
A white horse in ancient time was a symbol of victory after a battle. He carried a bow which is a symbol of battle.
The rider is also wearing a victor’s crown. All this before the battle takes place indicates the conclusion of the battle has already been determined.
So who is the rider? It doesn’t say, but most commentators believe it is the anti-Christ.
John just is now looking at what is happening. He is a spectator, the creature isn’t talking to him.
A white horse in ancient time was a symbol of victory after a battle. He carried a bow which is a symbol of battle.
The rider is also wearing a victor’s crown. All this before the battle takes place indicates the conclusion of the battle has already been determined.
So who is the rider? It doesn’t say, but most commentators believe it is the anti-Christ.
This rider will be permitted to deceive the gentiles and win them over (gain victory) without warfare because of the fake peace treaty. Thus winning that battle.
2) THE RED HORSE
Again the 2nd living creature calls for the rider to start. “Come”
Now the riders are seen as personifications of events. This rider is the personification of “war”.
Up to this point, there was peace because of the treaty. But now the anti-Christ breaks that treaty and peace is gone.
The rider of the red horse has now a weapon of death and authority from God to start the judgments.
At the 3 ½ year mark, the treaty is broken and the anti-Christ gives the order to make war with the world. People will die from the war aspect, but the term slaughter implies there will be brutal killing of all kinds.
Not necessarily from war, but all kinds of violence.
The tribulation will be a time of violence, murder and war. Now that peace has been taken, it will not appear again until the Prince of Peace returns and brings an end to the tribulation.
Now the riders are seen as personifications of events. This rider is the personification of “war”.
Up to this point, there was peace because of the treaty. But now the anti-Christ breaks that treaty and peace is gone.
The rider of the red horse has now a weapon of death and authority from God to start the judgments.
At the 3 ½ year mark, the treaty is broken and the anti-Christ gives the order to make war with the world. People will die from the war aspect, but the term slaughter implies there will be brutal killing of all kinds.
Not necessarily from war, but all kinds of violence.
The tribulation will be a time of violence, murder and war. Now that peace has been taken, it will not appear again until the Prince of Peace returns and brings an end to the tribulation.
3) THE BLACK HORSE
Again, the living creature is calling for this rider to start his mission.
The black horse and rider symbolize famine, hunger and great suffering because the food will be scarce and unaffordable.
Jeremiah foretold this.
The black horse and rider symbolize famine, hunger and great suffering because the food will be scarce and unaffordable.
Jeremiah foretold this.
The black horse (famine) follows the red horse (war). The results or aftermath of most wars is famine.
The destruction caused by the war, leaves the ability to grow food harder. Fields are destroyed, crops haven’t been planted because of the fighting. Look at Europe following WW2.
The destruction caused by the war, leaves the ability to grow food harder. Fields are destroyed, crops haven’t been planted because of the fighting. Look at Europe following WW2.
Olive trees and grape vines are not affected as much as the rest of crops during a famine. He is saying to treat them wisely, because even though they may be around, they won’t be for long.
Some commentators also believe that only the rich will have access to these things and will be able to control their distribution.
When there is no food, people will want someone to ration it and will give that power to the ones who can.
We wonder how we let the anti-Christ have that power? That is exactly how.
And don’t we see that happening today?
Some commentators also believe that only the rich will have access to these things and will be able to control their distribution.
When there is no food, people will want someone to ration it and will give that power to the ones who can.
We wonder how we let the anti-Christ have that power? That is exactly how.
And don’t we see that happening today?
4) THE PALE HORSE
Here is the last horse referenced by the seals.
We had the anti-Christ as the first rider, then the personifications of war, famine, hunger, now we have the personifications of death and the grave.
This is the horse and rider of death.
Jesus told us that he controls death and the grave.
We had the anti-Christ as the first rider, then the personifications of war, famine, hunger, now we have the personifications of death and the grave.
This is the horse and rider of death.
Jesus told us that he controls death and the grave.
So this tells us that this horse and rider is under the authority of Jesus. What he is carrying out is God’s judgment.
This symbolizes the intensifying of famine, plagues and death.
Here, death is authorized to kill ¼ of the whole population of the world.
How? Not thru natural causes, but thru sword (war) famine, disease and wild animals (what follows war).
What follows death? The grave or here it is Hades.
The place of the dead. Death takes the body, Hades takes the soul.
The dead are receiving their wages.
This symbolizes the intensifying of famine, plagues and death.
Here, death is authorized to kill ¼ of the whole population of the world.
How? Not thru natural causes, but thru sword (war) famine, disease and wild animals (what follows war).
What follows death? The grave or here it is Hades.
The place of the dead. Death takes the body, Hades takes the soul.
The dead are receiving their wages.
Same word, grave and hades.
Most believe that since this is the last horse, this judgment happens near the end of the tribulation. Or more than half way.
From the first horse until this one, most of the world’s population will have been killed.
We move on from the 4 horsemen, to the next seal.
Most believe that since this is the last horse, this judgment happens near the end of the tribulation. Or more than half way.
From the first horse until this one, most of the world’s population will have been killed.
We move on from the 4 horsemen, to the next seal.
5) MARTYRS
We transition from John seeing what will happen on earth to what is now happening in heaven.
All throughout history, Christians who have been martyred for their faith and seemingly, nothing has happened to those who killed them.
When God says vengeance is his, that means it happens in God’s time and not ours.
All throughout history, Christians who have been martyred for their faith and seemingly, nothing has happened to those who killed them.
When God says vengeance is his, that means it happens in God’s time and not ours.
How often do we want to see instant judgment? But it never seems to happen? The bad people just never seem to get their just due.
These payers are not for personal revenge, but for God’s vindication.
“When will you let the world see that you are God”? When will you show them that you avenge your people?
I think back to Moses when God said I’m going to wipe them out. What did Moses say?
These payers are not for personal revenge, but for God’s vindication.
“When will you let the world see that you are God”? When will you show them that you avenge your people?
I think back to Moses when God said I’m going to wipe them out. What did Moses say?
He wasn’t worried about the Israelites, he was worried about what people would say about God.
These martyrs are worried what people would think about God. If God didn’t avenge them, people would get the wrong impression about God.
It also says “when” not “if”. Their judgment was assured, they just didn’t know when.
These martyrs are worried what people would think about God. If God didn’t avenge them, people would get the wrong impression about God.
It also says “when” not “if”. Their judgment was assured, they just didn’t know when.
As a comfort, this tells us that every martyr will be heaven, regardless of when they died.
This also tells us that their sacrifice was not an accident or out of God’s control.
But it was and will be an appointment for everyone.
Pastor and Evangelist George Whitfield quoted Augustine:
”We are immortal until our work is done."
I like David Jeremiah’s version:
“A man or woman in the will of God is immortal until their work is done.”
This also tells us that their sacrifice was not an accident or out of God’s control.
But it was and will be an appointment for everyone.
Pastor and Evangelist George Whitfield quoted Augustine:
”We are immortal until our work is done."
I like David Jeremiah’s version:
“A man or woman in the will of God is immortal until their work is done.”
Even in death, God is in control. So as believers, we have nothing to fear.
We talked about learning to wait on God during our Wed night lesson.
Jesus is telling these the same thing.
We talked about learning to wait on God during our Wed night lesson.
Jesus is telling these the same thing.
The book of Revelations tell us that some will take a stand for Christ during the tribulation and that they are going to be martyred.
The tribulation is a time of God’s judgment, not God’s mercy. The people who take a stand will be those who have never heard the gospel before, but got saved during the tribulation.
I have said before that those who hear the gospel now and refuse it will NOT believe after the rapture.
You would think that once people see that the church and all Christians are gone, they would wise up and believe.
That isn’t what will happen.
The tribulation is a time of God’s judgment, not God’s mercy. The people who take a stand will be those who have never heard the gospel before, but got saved during the tribulation.
I have said before that those who hear the gospel now and refuse it will NOT believe after the rapture.
You would think that once people see that the church and all Christians are gone, they would wise up and believe.
That isn’t what will happen.
In fact, the word tells us that exactly the opposite will happen.
People will be deceived and harden their hearts.
People will be deceived and harden their hearts.
Why do we emphasize the need to get right with God NOW?
Because God’s favor will end for those who have heard this message and refused to believe it.
Tiff Shuttlesworth has a great quote which we’ve said before.
"Prophecy isn’t meant to scare us but to prepare us."
But if you don’t know Christ, it should scare you to death.
Tiff Shuttlesworth has a great quote which we’ve said before.
"Prophecy isn’t meant to scare us but to prepare us."
But if you don’t know Christ, it should scare you to death.
Thank you for joining us!
If you haven't already, be sure to check out our website and follow us on social media @doverassembly! Have a great week!
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