Appleton Gospel Church

Almost immediately after starting his wall-building project, Nehemiah faced multifaceted, violent opposition. When facing similar threats, it's normal to feel discouraged and overwhelmed by fear. However, when threatened, Nehemiah teaches us to remember the Lord, pray and act, and give God the glory. Read More...

Nehemiah chapter 3 is basically just a list of names (most of which we can barely pronounce) and the part of the wall project they worked on. Why is this in the Bible?? Have you ever wondered? The answers are rich and complex, and full of hope. Read More...

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, it was not guaranteed that anyone would want to join his project. But because of Nehemiah's excellent leadership, the people rallied to the cause. The old proverb is true: If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. Read More...

When Nehemiah heard about the desperate needs of the people living in Jerusalem during the Exile, he was deeply moved. Someone had to do something! So he prayed, and he planned, and he prayed some more. And when the time was right, he launched his plan. It’s amazing what can happen when God’s people get to work! Read More...

In back-to-back encounters, Jesus demonstrates his heart for welcoming all kinds of people, including those with sketchy reputations. But for those who admit they need a savior, Jesus becomes a friend who changes everything. And this experience is the heartbeat behind making room for more people in the church. Read More...

When Jesus was invited to dinner at a prominent religious leader's house, he encountered pride, selfishness, and a lack of concern for those in need. Instead, making room for people requires humility, generosity, and welcoming hospitality. Read More...

How do we make room for more of God in our lives? By remaining connected to Jesus, our true vine. He is our Source. As we stay connected to him, we (the branches) are pruned by God to be more like Christ. This is what the Christian life and spiritual growth are all about! Read more...

How can the church make it to the end? After the description of the city of God and the perfected glory of the age to come, Revelation ends with the sure promise of Christ's return. Because Christ’s return is certain, God’s people can trust his word, endure faithfully, and live with hope as we wait for him. Read More...

Finally!! After an age of darkness and tribulation, after the return of Christ, and after judgment, a new age will dawn. John's Revelation ends with a gloriously hopeful vision of the eternity to come for those saved by the Lamb. Heaven and earth are remade as the dwelling place for both God and his people. Read More...

The images of Christ, called Faithful and True, on the white horse and white throne, are images of judgment. The beast, false prophet, and the devil himself will all be defeated, judged, and condemned along with the people who followed their evil ways. There are different views as to when and in what order this will happen, but when Christ returns, evil will finally be defeated, and justice will be done. Read More...

The return of Christ—envisioned by John as the wedding supper of the Lamb—will mark the start of the perfect, loving union of Christ and his bride, the church, going on forever. Idolatry is the battle for your heart. And the steady pull on our hearts toward misdirected worship is a real temptation in our current age. But the Wedding Supper of the Lamb will finally bring an end to the battle for your heart. Hallelujah! Read More...

What looks good to you is not necessarily good for you. This is the trap of Babylon. When John envisioned the fall of Babylon, the great 'city of man' (personified as a prostitute), he saw the eventual end of earthly kingdoms built on the seductive promise of political power and economic prosperity apart from God. Read More...

John's vision of the seven bowls represents the Great Tribulation at the end of our age. This time of distress comes to a head with the battle of Armageddon. The warning is severe, but God's judgments are both true and just. Blessed is the one who stays awake, beginning with the end in mind, for they will see the new Promised Land. Read More...

When you anticipate something in the future, it can have a huge impact on your present. John's vision of the eternal future, including both salvation and judgment, has very real implications for today. Live your life today in the truth that eternity is real. Read More...

The Great Red Dragon leverages his destructive power during our current age through the twin beasts of earthly power and false worship. This part of John's vision reveals the truth that the world is not neutral—spiritual forces compete for our worship and our allegiance. Read More...

What’s the source of the conflict in the world today? John's vision of the woman and the great red dragon reveals a spiritual adversary (Satan) who is like an angry, cornered snake. The devil is defeated but still dangerous—at least for a time. However, in the dark wilderness of our current age, we're completely safe in Christ. Read More...

While we wait for Christ's return, what should the church be doing in the meantime? Hiding? Fighting? Building a bunker?? John's vision of the seven trumpets reveals the need for the church to be a faithful witness to a world that is lost without Christ. The church must carry on her prophetic work of sharing the gospel and making disciples of all nations. Read more...

Why is the world how it is today? If Jesus is the Lord of heaven and earth, then why is his world still such a mess? It can't be that he is uncaring or unaware. So why does God delay his judgment? To save a great multitude of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. Read more...

What happens when you fail to see or believe the truth? Your life will always, to some degree, be out of alignment with reality. And this leads to all sorts of problems! When the Apostle John had a vision of heaven's throne room, he realized that the fundamental truth of reality is this: God deserves all our worship as both Creator and Savior. Read more...

What if Jesus wrote our church a letter? Revelation 3 records the last three messages from Jesus to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. Jesus provided encouragement and warnings, but assured them that if they opened the door to him, it would be the defining moment of their lives. Read more...