Revelation 14:6-7 – Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

John sees an angel “with an eternal gospel to proclaim” to everyone on earth. What exactly is that gospel?
We might think it’s the Gospel-with-a-capital-G that we’re so used to—the Good News that Jesus Christ has come to be our Savior, to live and to suffer and to die to reconcile us to God—and to rise from the dead, giving all of us who trust in Him everlasting life. And certainly that is the usual meaning for Gospel in the New Testament—the best news we could ever have, the news that gives us life and joy.

But if you look at the Greek in this particular passage, there’s something weird we need to pay attention to. It doesn’t say “the Gospel” with the article “the,” the way it usually does when we’re talking specifically about the story of Jesus. No, the Greek leaves the article out entirely—which is why this phrase gets translated into English as “an eternal gospel.” The angel is bringing good news, yes—but maybe we shouldn’t jump to conclusions about what exactly it is.

And indeed, the angel tells us his message: “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Wait a minute—how is this good news? The angel says, “The hour of God’s judgment has come”—isn’t that terrible and frightening?

Not if we belong to Jesus. For those who have rejected Him, yes, the angel’s message leads to nothing but fear. But for those who trust in Jesus, those who believe the Gospel-with-a-capital-G, this lesser gospel is indeed good news—because when God comes to judge the earth, all evil is finally at an end.

No longer will God’s people be subject to sin and temptation; the devil himself is about to be judged and cast out forever. No longer will Christians be persecuted; instead, Jesus’ people will see Him face to face, and find shelter in His presence. Because we belong to Christ, we face God’s judgment with joy, not fear. It means that everything is finally going to come right again, the way God made it to be—a new heavens and earth, the home of righteousness. And so we celebrate this good news with the rest of creation, singing, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for He comes, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness” (Psalm 96:11-13).

JESUS CONNECTIONS
You will be Free Indeed

Long ago, people discovered again the wonderful truth that we are loved and forgiven by God—not because of what we do, but because of what Jesus has done for us. When we follow God’s Word, it shows us the truth that makes us free and fills our hearts with joy!

God’s Word sets us free—Jesus makes our hearts new!

Fellowship for Sunday, November 2
Luther Fest

This Sunday will be our Reformation Festival - Luther Fest, following Service. Brautwurst and Sauerkraut will be served. The congregation is asked to bring side dishes and desserts. There will be some games set up for kids.

Celebrate faith, food, and fun—Lutheran style!

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…   

Aaron Byers - Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Jerry Byers - May God grant healing, peace, comfort, and encouragement as Jerry continues to battle pancreatitis. 

Helen Cantrell - Health issues, pray for comfort as she continues treatment.

Eddie Henson - Recently diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer. Please keep me in your prayers—for healing, strength, and peace.

Travis Kraft - Suffered a broken arm on Sunday, 7/13, and had surgery on 7/23 in SLC.

Tana Doerr - Thankful for coming home again!  It's been a long road, but God is good!

Mark Dubois - Peace and comfort for the pain he is experiencing.

The Smiley Family - Prayers for peace, comfort, and understanding as they mourn the loss of a Husband, Father, and Grandfather. 

Miriam Satterthwaite - Prayers for strength, peace, and understanding as Miriam and her family mourn the passing of her father. 

John Goolsby - Prayers for strength, peace, and understanding as John and his family mourn the passing of his father.

Mathew Eisinger - Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland, Sept. 16th, for 9 months. May the lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Daniel Hood - Daniel’s wife, Cand, passed away on October 23rd. He asks for prayers of comfort, peace, and strength as he grieves her loss and remembers her with love.  

Jenna Berger - (Stephanie’s Daughter) Her surgery went great, and she is now home resting/recovering. Continued prayers for a speedy recovery. 

Caroline Johnston – Hospitalized and taken to Salt Lake City. Prayers for comfort, strength, and speedy recovery.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship!  Join us this Friday, October 31st 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.

This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!

Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember! 

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