Review: The church of Pergamos
Name: Mixed Marriage
Jesus' Attributes: He has the Word of God and will convict and will judge according to the truth of God's Word. There is no compromising of God's Word.
Commendations: They have been faithful to Jesus even in the midst of a city full of pagan worship. Even in the commendation there is a little concern. Jesus is implying as of yet they have been faithful but now...
Concerns:... though they, as a whole, are not encouraging false doctrine, yet there are a few who hold a doctrine of compromise and a doctrine of putting men as mediators between Jesus and us. Jesus despises both of these doctrines. He desires a holy people, set apart from this world. He desires a personal relationship with each one of us, He is the mediator between God and man.
Exhortation: Jesus will come and judge them with His word. Men of God will arise and reveal their foolishness through the Word of God; and worse, if they continue to hold these false doctrines, they will be judged by Jesus and earn their condemnation.
Promise: He who overcomes will eat the hidden manna and receive a white stone with a name (of Jesus) in which only that person will know. Basically, this personal relationship doesn't stop after we die but continues through eternity. Look at how personal and unique our relationship is with Christ. I will be given a name of Jesus that only I will know! Thank you, Lord.
FYI: Pergamos, at the time of this letter, was the home of Satan. It is good to know that Satan is not omnipresent. He can only be at one place at one time. Therefore, Satan is not the opposite of God but just a creation of God full of sin that will be judged and receive his just reward: Eternal Damnation. Greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tuesday - Revelation 2:8-11
Review: The church of Smyrna
Name: Myrrh - a fragrance that is brought forth by being crushed
Jesus Attributes: He is the One, who was also a martyr. He has been through it all as well and will be with them as they go through what he already has gone through. He is the testimony that though they can take our life, they cannot touch our souls; even as he rose from the grave, so shall we.
Commendations: They are faithful in their persecution. Though they are poor to man's standards, yet in God, they are rich. They have given all and are fully investing in Eternity.
Concerns: None
Exhoration: People have said that Gods will is for us not to suffer persecution but this is entirely false. Here, Jesus tells them they will have to suffer persecution for His name, but He encourages them not to fear, knowing that he has gone through it and is alive, so will they. He says, "be faithful until death" not pray for a way out or build your faith up, no, it is His will for them to suffer for His name; if they are faithful until death they will receive the crown of life.
Promise: He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. So there is a first death and there is a second death. Let us fear more the second death then the first.
FYI: The letter written to Smyrna is the smallest out of the seven. Jesus does not waste words on them but only comforts them. He knows they are already faithful, there is not much to say but to comfort.
Name: Myrrh - a fragrance that is brought forth by being crushed
Jesus Attributes: He is the One, who was also a martyr. He has been through it all as well and will be with them as they go through what he already has gone through. He is the testimony that though they can take our life, they cannot touch our souls; even as he rose from the grave, so shall we.
Commendations: They are faithful in their persecution. Though they are poor to man's standards, yet in God, they are rich. They have given all and are fully investing in Eternity.
Concerns: None
Exhoration: People have said that Gods will is for us not to suffer persecution but this is entirely false. Here, Jesus tells them they will have to suffer persecution for His name, but He encourages them not to fear, knowing that he has gone through it and is alive, so will they. He says, "be faithful until death" not pray for a way out or build your faith up, no, it is His will for them to suffer for His name; if they are faithful until death they will receive the crown of life.
Promise: He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. So there is a first death and there is a second death. Let us fear more the second death then the first.
FYI: The letter written to Smyrna is the smallest out of the seven. Jesus does not waste words on them but only comforts them. He knows they are already faithful, there is not much to say but to comfort.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Monday - Revelation 2:1-7
Review: The church of Ephesus
Name: The desired one
Jesus' Attributes: The one who desires to be one with you. He holds you in His hand and He is in your midst. We abide in Him and He abides in Us. We are one, a love relationship.
Commendations: They labor in weariness but do not grow weary of Gods work. They hold fast to doctrinal truths and do not put up with deceivers. They are busy at Gods work.
Concerns: They left the reason for everything, this love relationship with Jesus. They studied the Word to defend but not to draw close. Their works did not come from an overflow of having a personal relationship with Jesus. They left their first love.
Exhortation: Remember, Repent, and Return. Return to the basics; when you just read the Word so that you could hear God personally speak to you, when you prayed for things just because you wanted to speak to God and see Him answer. Let the love of Jesus be the motive for all that you do or else He will remove his lampstand (His church) from Ephesus.
Promise: He who overcomes will eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God!
FYI: There is no church in Ephesus today, and never will be, because the water levels have immersed what was once Ephesus. Jesus truly removed His lampstand permanently.
Name: The desired one
Jesus' Attributes: The one who desires to be one with you. He holds you in His hand and He is in your midst. We abide in Him and He abides in Us. We are one, a love relationship.
Commendations: They labor in weariness but do not grow weary of Gods work. They hold fast to doctrinal truths and do not put up with deceivers. They are busy at Gods work.
Concerns: They left the reason for everything, this love relationship with Jesus. They studied the Word to defend but not to draw close. Their works did not come from an overflow of having a personal relationship with Jesus. They left their first love.
Exhortation: Remember, Repent, and Return. Return to the basics; when you just read the Word so that you could hear God personally speak to you, when you prayed for things just because you wanted to speak to God and see Him answer. Let the love of Jesus be the motive for all that you do or else He will remove his lampstand (His church) from Ephesus.
Promise: He who overcomes will eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God!
FYI: There is no church in Ephesus today, and never will be, because the water levels have immersed what was once Ephesus. Jesus truly removed His lampstand permanently.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thursday - Luke 12:15-23
"Do Not Worry About Your Life"
The key to understanding the context of this passage is found in vs. 21 where Jesus basically says that the fool "lays up treasure for Himself, and is not rich toward God". There are few rich men who are rich on this earth and rich unto God, this is a good thing. But to be rich on this earth is not good if you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked unto God.
The church of Laodicea declared themselves rich and in need of nothing and because of their self portrait, they were blinded to the inward destitution in their lives. In our society, we must be very cautious not to fall into the same demise. Persecution has always been a good thing for the church; materialism has been our worst enemy. When we feel strong in ourselves and rely upon our own sufficiency's, we most certainly will walk out of God's will. God wants to free us of any hold that this world may have on our souls. Eternity is forever, this world, in comparison, is but a vapor.
As I read this I am encouraged to remember that I am a pilgrim on this land, fully dependant on God and His strength, nothing of my own; that God knows better what is best for my life. I am encouraged to give up my time, money, safety, comforts, and luxuries on this earth that I might be rich toward God, where all things will last forever! Is it even worth to compare?
The key to understanding the context of this passage is found in vs. 21 where Jesus basically says that the fool "lays up treasure for Himself, and is not rich toward God". There are few rich men who are rich on this earth and rich unto God, this is a good thing. But to be rich on this earth is not good if you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked unto God.
The church of Laodicea declared themselves rich and in need of nothing and because of their self portrait, they were blinded to the inward destitution in their lives. In our society, we must be very cautious not to fall into the same demise. Persecution has always been a good thing for the church; materialism has been our worst enemy. When we feel strong in ourselves and rely upon our own sufficiency's, we most certainly will walk out of God's will. God wants to free us of any hold that this world may have on our souls. Eternity is forever, this world, in comparison, is but a vapor.
As I read this I am encouraged to remember that I am a pilgrim on this land, fully dependant on God and His strength, nothing of my own; that God knows better what is best for my life. I am encouraged to give up my time, money, safety, comforts, and luxuries on this earth that I might be rich toward God, where all things will last forever! Is it even worth to compare?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wednesday - 2 Timothy 3:1-5
"Having a Form of Godliness But Denying its Power"
As I read through this passage it struck me that this huge list of sins were the attributes of those who were within the church; that is why it states, "having the form of Godliness but denying its power". This list is full of dreadful things but also, I think, things that might seem to hit a little too close to home than we'd like. For example, lovers of themselves, disobedient to parents, unthankful... these are huge problems in the society we live in, and as usual, the world has crept in to the church and left us with the same distasteful characteristics.
But Notice that all the characteristics stem from one point, "having the FORM of Godliness but DENYING its power". You see, we have heard the slogan "come as you are" and this is a great slogan; but lately churches have added "and stay as you are" but this makes no sense to the plans of God, in fact, it contrasts our very gospel. It says in Titus 2:14 - "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works". Our gospel is that Gods Spirit and power will transform us more and more into the image of His Son IN THIS PRESENT AGE!
So I say come as you are but know that God will not allow you to stay as you are. We serve a true and living God who is mighty and able and will purify us, and cause us to walk in His will. If you become complacent to this... if you love your FORM of Godliness but deny the transforming power of Gods grace, then know that He will vomit you out of His mouth. Therefore, repent and be zealous for God. Believe in Him and watch as you walk on water by His strength alone!
As I read through this passage it struck me that this huge list of sins were the attributes of those who were within the church; that is why it states, "having the form of Godliness but denying its power". This list is full of dreadful things but also, I think, things that might seem to hit a little too close to home than we'd like. For example, lovers of themselves, disobedient to parents, unthankful... these are huge problems in the society we live in, and as usual, the world has crept in to the church and left us with the same distasteful characteristics.
But Notice that all the characteristics stem from one point, "having the FORM of Godliness but DENYING its power". You see, we have heard the slogan "come as you are" and this is a great slogan; but lately churches have added "and stay as you are" but this makes no sense to the plans of God, in fact, it contrasts our very gospel. It says in Titus 2:14 - "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works". Our gospel is that Gods Spirit and power will transform us more and more into the image of His Son IN THIS PRESENT AGE!
So I say come as you are but know that God will not allow you to stay as you are. We serve a true and living God who is mighty and able and will purify us, and cause us to walk in His will. If you become complacent to this... if you love your FORM of Godliness but deny the transforming power of Gods grace, then know that He will vomit you out of His mouth. Therefore, repent and be zealous for God. Believe in Him and watch as you walk on water by His strength alone!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday - Matthew 16:21-25
"You are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men"
Why is it that when we are called to suffer for Christ we question our faith. Not that we question why we chose this Christian life, but we question that conviction in our hearts, that only comes from the Holy Spirit. We start to try and justify why the Lord wouldn't allow us to suffer for Him; that His will would want the best for our lives, not to suffer. It is true that God wants the best for us but it is according to His standard not mans standard. He knows what is truly best for each one of us and will give to us accordingly, as He knows best.
Jesus' mind was set on the things of God, he was doing the will of He who sent Him. But Peter, with his mind set on the things of man, thought it was not fitting for the Messiah to be put through this suffering. In his ignorance, he was sentencing his own eternal damnation by trying to persuade Jesus from the path of the cross; not just that, but he was also disqualifying himself from the blessings and eternal rewards that God so desired to graciously bestow upon Him.
It makes me wonder how many blessings we may "disqualify" ourselves from by being mindful of mans ways and standards rather then our Gods. It is good to ask ourselves, "Is Jesus ours, or are we His"? The difference being the motive of why we are Christians. Are we Christians because we desire Jesus or because we desire the blessings of Jesus. Even He declares, " If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Let us settle this in our hearts, that we are God's and we must follow His will through blessing and suffering, knowing that he knows best.
Why is it that when we are called to suffer for Christ we question our faith. Not that we question why we chose this Christian life, but we question that conviction in our hearts, that only comes from the Holy Spirit. We start to try and justify why the Lord wouldn't allow us to suffer for Him; that His will would want the best for our lives, not to suffer. It is true that God wants the best for us but it is according to His standard not mans standard. He knows what is truly best for each one of us and will give to us accordingly, as He knows best.
Jesus' mind was set on the things of God, he was doing the will of He who sent Him. But Peter, with his mind set on the things of man, thought it was not fitting for the Messiah to be put through this suffering. In his ignorance, he was sentencing his own eternal damnation by trying to persuade Jesus from the path of the cross; not just that, but he was also disqualifying himself from the blessings and eternal rewards that God so desired to graciously bestow upon Him.
It makes me wonder how many blessings we may "disqualify" ourselves from by being mindful of mans ways and standards rather then our Gods. It is good to ask ourselves, "Is Jesus ours, or are we His"? The difference being the motive of why we are Christians. Are we Christians because we desire Jesus or because we desire the blessings of Jesus. Even He declares, " If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Let us settle this in our hearts, that we are God's and we must follow His will through blessing and suffering, knowing that he knows best.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday - Revelation 3:14-22
The church of Laodicea - The lukewarm church
I am noticing that the Holy Spirit keeps leading us to a specific matter as we read through these letters to the seven churches. It is the matter of: In whom do we find our source for who we are and what we do. As we read through this letter written to the church of Laodicea we see that, once again, man has found a way to glory in their own strengths and abilities rather than God himself.
Vs.17 says "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked". Obviously they have become self sufficient and independent from God. But we are only alive IN CHRIST; therefore, anything out of Christ is death, lukewarmness, and nakedness. We are clothed with righteousness only because of Christ. Even as we received Him, so must we walk in Him, by faith and trust in Him, not ourselves.
We must be very careful to not make the same mistake as Laodicea. We are very wealthy compared to the rest of the world and we can easily forget to have a daily dependence on God for everything; our strength, our food, our ministry, our growth, and much more. Let us be thankful and dependent, let us be weak and submissive, let us be willing and ready, let us be hot and boiling in our love relationship with Christ Jesus, fully relying upon Him for all that we are and all that we do.
I am noticing that the Holy Spirit keeps leading us to a specific matter as we read through these letters to the seven churches. It is the matter of: In whom do we find our source for who we are and what we do. As we read through this letter written to the church of Laodicea we see that, once again, man has found a way to glory in their own strengths and abilities rather than God himself.
Vs.17 says "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked". Obviously they have become self sufficient and independent from God. But we are only alive IN CHRIST; therefore, anything out of Christ is death, lukewarmness, and nakedness. We are clothed with righteousness only because of Christ. Even as we received Him, so must we walk in Him, by faith and trust in Him, not ourselves.
We must be very careful to not make the same mistake as Laodicea. We are very wealthy compared to the rest of the world and we can easily forget to have a daily dependence on God for everything; our strength, our food, our ministry, our growth, and much more. Let us be thankful and dependent, let us be weak and submissive, let us be willing and ready, let us be hot and boiling in our love relationship with Christ Jesus, fully relying upon Him for all that we are and all that we do.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday - Luke 21:33-36
Cares of This Life
As I read this passage I could not help but notice these four words, "cares of this life". What does this mean? Really, it can mean a whole mess of things. Our worries over petty things like popularity and having the right clothes. We can get caught up in enjoying this life and spending all our time on ourselves rather than God. But the main idea is that we start desiring to "build our own kingdom here on earth" instead of building God's kingdom for eternity.
The church of Sardis seemed to be alive, no doubt, because they had much "ministry" going on. But was this ministry in accordance to man's will rather than God's will? Was this ministry drawing people and growing people into a closer relationship with Jesus; or was this ministry self-orientated, causing them to be just like any other social club in the city? The sad thing is that they believed they were doing right, maybe even wrote books on "How To Build a Church", or "How To Make a Profit as a Non-Profit Organization".
I remember being told of a main pastor from China who came to visit the churches of the US. When asked what he thought about the church of America he said, "It is amazing what man can do without the Holy Spirit". Hopefully we realize this wasn't a compliment.
As I read this passage I could not help but notice these four words, "cares of this life". What does this mean? Really, it can mean a whole mess of things. Our worries over petty things like popularity and having the right clothes. We can get caught up in enjoying this life and spending all our time on ourselves rather than God. But the main idea is that we start desiring to "build our own kingdom here on earth" instead of building God's kingdom for eternity.
The church of Sardis seemed to be alive, no doubt, because they had much "ministry" going on. But was this ministry in accordance to man's will rather than God's will? Was this ministry drawing people and growing people into a closer relationship with Jesus; or was this ministry self-orientated, causing them to be just like any other social club in the city? The sad thing is that they believed they were doing right, maybe even wrote books on "How To Build a Church", or "How To Make a Profit as a Non-Profit Organization".
I remember being told of a main pastor from China who came to visit the churches of the US. When asked what he thought about the church of America he said, "It is amazing what man can do without the Holy Spirit". Hopefully we realize this wasn't a compliment.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday - 1 Corinthians 10:7-13
Let Him who Thinks He Stands Take Heed Lest He Fall
If we look at the context in this passage it is speaking to those who may think it's okay to live a lifestyle of sin and still be a child of God. So we see a caution within a command. "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall".
The caution is to those who think just because they profess to be Christians it entitles them to eternity and the inheritance that belongs to the saints of God. But Paul cautions them by showing them a practical example. The nation of Israel was saved from Egypt, they all were led under the same cloud, they all went through the same sea, they all drank from the same spiritual drink. Yet with most of them God was not well pleased. Why? Because they desired evil and chose evil over God.
The problem was that they thought it was all said and done when they left Egypt. When temptation came they were not ready; really, they were not even expecting it and when it came they fell hard. Even so, we must be careful to not be so arrogant as to think that salvation comes from a mere pray, or words that roll off a mans tongue. We must ask ourselves what is salvation?
Is salvation just merely a forgiveness of sin or a washing away of a sinful lifestyle? The Word of God says clearly that we are a new creation. We must now present ourselves and every part of our bodies, outward and inward, unto God for righteousness and holiness. We must not provide opportunity for the flesh, instead let us indulge on the things of God. Oh the audacity of one who may think it's okay to take what is Gods and use it for evil. You have been bought with the blood of Jesus, and you are now God's. Let us take heed from the fall and daily grow in a personal and loving relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
If we look at the context in this passage it is speaking to those who may think it's okay to live a lifestyle of sin and still be a child of God. So we see a caution within a command. "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall".
The caution is to those who think just because they profess to be Christians it entitles them to eternity and the inheritance that belongs to the saints of God. But Paul cautions them by showing them a practical example. The nation of Israel was saved from Egypt, they all were led under the same cloud, they all went through the same sea, they all drank from the same spiritual drink. Yet with most of them God was not well pleased. Why? Because they desired evil and chose evil over God.
The problem was that they thought it was all said and done when they left Egypt. When temptation came they were not ready; really, they were not even expecting it and when it came they fell hard. Even so, we must be careful to not be so arrogant as to think that salvation comes from a mere pray, or words that roll off a mans tongue. We must ask ourselves what is salvation?
Is salvation just merely a forgiveness of sin or a washing away of a sinful lifestyle? The Word of God says clearly that we are a new creation. We must now present ourselves and every part of our bodies, outward and inward, unto God for righteousness and holiness. We must not provide opportunity for the flesh, instead let us indulge on the things of God. Oh the audacity of one who may think it's okay to take what is Gods and use it for evil. You have been bought with the blood of Jesus, and you are now God's. Let us take heed from the fall and daily grow in a personal and loving relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday - Ezekiel 36:25-28
My Spirit Within
This idea is so fascinating and even overwhelming that God would desire for us so much that He would put His Spirit within us and cause us to walk in His statutes and do them. But this passage should reveal to us some important things.
For one, we should realize that without His Spirit we are unable to do anything good. Romans 7:18 says, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells". So in our flesh, NOTHING good dwells; that is, by our own means, in our own strength, we are unable to perform what is good. So then how are we able to walk according to God's will? This brings us to our second realization.
If we are to perform what is good it must be done in the Holy Spirit, by the Holy Spirit, and through the Holy Spirit. That is why God put the Holy Spirit inside of us, so that we are able to live for God. Without Him we would be unable to perform what is good. Therefore, we need the Holy Spirit more than we may even know; which leads to our third realization.
If we do not realize our necessity of the Holy Spirit then we, most likely, are not having a continual and daily fellowship with Him. We may seem to be doing good outwardly, as far as ministry, church attendance and so forth; but if done in our own strength, we will grow weary of it or we will be led away from Gods will and on to our own will. Though many might say we are alive, yet the Lord would say, "but you are dead!"
Therefore, realize that in our own selves nothing good dwells, if we are to perform what is God's will then we must have a daily devoted relationship and life in the Holy Spirit and to the Lord. We must find our source for everything through God's Spirit, not man.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday - Revelation 3:1-6
Sardis - The "dead" church
It's sad to see that Jesus has nothing good to say about this church. Even more sad that He says, "you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead". Can you imagine? To have a name that you are alive means that others thought great things about you. I'm sure the church of Sardis had something going on every night of the week; maybe every morning too, you know:
Monday Night - Worship Night
Tuesday Night - Acheive Better Business as a Christian Seminar
Wednesday Night - Bingo!
Thursday Night - Family and Potluck Night
Friday Night - Aerobics and Workout Night
Of course, I'm making this up but you can only imagine the nonsense they had going on in their church. The services were packed and everybody was having a grand ol' time. Their Pastors were amazing, as if never weary, always smiling and shaking hands. But Jesus says, "You are Dead"!
Scholars and Commentators go on and on about what may have been the problem but the letter doesn't say anything specific. Maybe they allowed one of the weaknesses of the first four churches to take over their congregation. Maybe they allowed all the weaknesses to take over. I personally believe it had something to do with the Holy Spirit.
You see, there are certain churches today that hold fast to doctrines, they believe in teaching verse by verse, they have read almost every commentary known to man; and these things are good when the motive is pure. But sometimes as men grow in their own wisdom they become less dependant on the Spirit and more dependent on their own abilities and sources. These churches seem to dismiss the invisible force within us all, giving gifts as He so desires, and transforming lives deep inside where no man can see; He is the Holy Spirit. They believe in Him but have somehow dismissed that He is the source for everything. Instead they believe its knowledge or money or some other tangible nonsense.
But let us not think of us so strongly for we are just servants and even if we fill these waterpots to the brim, it is still only water; it takes the working of The Holy Spirit to change that water into wine. (John 2:1-11)
It's sad to see that Jesus has nothing good to say about this church. Even more sad that He says, "you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead". Can you imagine? To have a name that you are alive means that others thought great things about you. I'm sure the church of Sardis had something going on every night of the week; maybe every morning too, you know:
Monday Night - Worship Night
Tuesday Night - Acheive Better Business as a Christian Seminar
Wednesday Night - Bingo!
Thursday Night - Family and Potluck Night
Friday Night - Aerobics and Workout Night
Of course, I'm making this up but you can only imagine the nonsense they had going on in their church. The services were packed and everybody was having a grand ol' time. Their Pastors were amazing, as if never weary, always smiling and shaking hands. But Jesus says, "You are Dead"!
Scholars and Commentators go on and on about what may have been the problem but the letter doesn't say anything specific. Maybe they allowed one of the weaknesses of the first four churches to take over their congregation. Maybe they allowed all the weaknesses to take over. I personally believe it had something to do with the Holy Spirit.
You see, there are certain churches today that hold fast to doctrines, they believe in teaching verse by verse, they have read almost every commentary known to man; and these things are good when the motive is pure. But sometimes as men grow in their own wisdom they become less dependant on the Spirit and more dependent on their own abilities and sources. These churches seem to dismiss the invisible force within us all, giving gifts as He so desires, and transforming lives deep inside where no man can see; He is the Holy Spirit. They believe in Him but have somehow dismissed that He is the source for everything. Instead they believe its knowledge or money or some other tangible nonsense.
But let us not think of us so strongly for we are just servants and even if we fill these waterpots to the brim, it is still only water; it takes the working of The Holy Spirit to change that water into wine. (John 2:1-11)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday - Titus 2:11-15
"Looking for the blessed hope"
After Jesus brings forth the concerns He has for the church of Thyatira, He exhorts them by saying; "Hold fast what you have till I come". We have a lively hope, a hope that encourages us to forsake the passing pleasure of this life for that which is everlasting. If our minds and hearts are set on the things above we will not desire to entangle ourselves in compromise and worldliness.
Our blessed hope is the glorious appearing of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Do we wake up in the morning believing and expecting that today may be the day that Jesus brings us home? This is the hope that the world is without. This is the hope that should encourage us and inspire us to lay down our lives that we may be found faithful in Christ Jesus on that day.
"Hold fast what you have till I come. I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to His works." - Jesus.
Are we looking forward to the glorious appearing of our Lord? Today, as we stand, are we ready to see His face? Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday - Romans 16:17-20
"Simple Concerning Evil"
I have heard this argument: How can we comfort and encourage those who fall into a certain sin unless we have gone into those "depths" as well? But this argument is so foolish; it puts the importance on man rather than God. In vs. 19 it says to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. In other words, don't know much about evil.
In the days of the church of Thyatira there were false prophets that arose who would teach this ridiculous argument. They would say "we must know the depths of Satan so that we may combat it". This would encourage others to "experience" sin and claim it was in the name of God. How disgusting was that?
We don't have to experience sin to see the horrible effects it has on people. In fact, keeping away from evil is probably one of the greatest testimonies of God's love and power. It shows that we are so caught up in Gods love and moved by His Spirit living inside of us that we have no desire to even dabble in the smallest of sins. We are to be simple minded to that which is evil, but let us know and experience and dwell upon all that is good and of God. I believe to be wise in what is good leads us to ministry and service for the Lord. Do you know of any ways that we could serve our body and grow in wisdom to that which is good? I would love to know about it!
I
I have heard this argument: How can we comfort and encourage those who fall into a certain sin unless we have gone into those "depths" as well? But this argument is so foolish; it puts the importance on man rather than God. In vs. 19 it says to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. In other words, don't know much about evil.
In the days of the church of Thyatira there were false prophets that arose who would teach this ridiculous argument. They would say "we must know the depths of Satan so that we may combat it". This would encourage others to "experience" sin and claim it was in the name of God. How disgusting was that?
We don't have to experience sin to see the horrible effects it has on people. In fact, keeping away from evil is probably one of the greatest testimonies of God's love and power. It shows that we are so caught up in Gods love and moved by His Spirit living inside of us that we have no desire to even dabble in the smallest of sins. We are to be simple minded to that which is evil, but let us know and experience and dwell upon all that is good and of God. I believe to be wise in what is good leads us to ministry and service for the Lord. Do you know of any ways that we could serve our body and grow in wisdom to that which is good? I would love to know about it!
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday - 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
Flee Sexual Immorality
The members of the church of Thyatira lived in a city full of trade. Friendship and acquaintances would be vital in order to make a living. It was most likely that this Jezebel encouraged them to eat and dine with those not of Christ who were of the same trade. This compromise would require them to go into temples of idols and false gods; and in these temples there would be prostitutes that would seduce them into sexual immorality.
God understands what is in us because He created us; and He created in us a natural desire; for a man to desire a woman and a woman to desire a man. The problem is not sex itself but how we have corrupted it. Sex in marriage between one man and one woman is a glorious and godly blessing from the Lord. But anything outside of this is sin because it is not how God intended it to be.
As a natural desire, temptation will be strong. This is never an excuse, but rather, a warning: FLEE SEXUAL IMMORALITY!! The church members of Thyatira were causing their own calamity by walking right into sexual temptaion. We must flee from this temptation and never think we are strong enough to remain and fight. We must always be careful where we"eat and dine". Be careful who you are around, what movies you watch, what music you listen to, what you look up on your computer - even if it seems only a little compromise, it will lead to your downfall. Flee sexual immorality.
The members of the church of Thyatira lived in a city full of trade. Friendship and acquaintances would be vital in order to make a living. It was most likely that this Jezebel encouraged them to eat and dine with those not of Christ who were of the same trade. This compromise would require them to go into temples of idols and false gods; and in these temples there would be prostitutes that would seduce them into sexual immorality.
God understands what is in us because He created us; and He created in us a natural desire; for a man to desire a woman and a woman to desire a man. The problem is not sex itself but how we have corrupted it. Sex in marriage between one man and one woman is a glorious and godly blessing from the Lord. But anything outside of this is sin because it is not how God intended it to be.
As a natural desire, temptation will be strong. This is never an excuse, but rather, a warning: FLEE SEXUAL IMMORALITY!! The church members of Thyatira were causing their own calamity by walking right into sexual temptaion. We must flee from this temptation and never think we are strong enough to remain and fight. We must always be careful where we"eat and dine". Be careful who you are around, what movies you watch, what music you listen to, what you look up on your computer - even if it seems only a little compromise, it will lead to your downfall. Flee sexual immorality.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday - 1 Kings 21:23-26
"Because of Jezebel"
In Revelation 2:20 - it says, "you allow that woman Jezebel"... whether her name was literally Jezebel or not doesn't matter. This woman most definitely has the same character of the Jezebel mentioned here in 1 Kings 21:25.
Ahab, in himself desired evil, but it was this woman, Jezebel who would stir it up and, shown in the Hebrew word, became the driving force that would carry out his evil desires. This means that, though King Ahab wanted to do evil, he would allow Jezebel to lead the way for him. We see this in many instances, such as:
1 Kings 18:4 - Though Ahab was King, it says Jezebel killed the prophets of God
1 Kings 19:1,2 - Ahab whines to Jezebel and she threatens Elijah, the prophet.
1 Kings 21:1-16 - Ahab whines again and Jezebel handles the situation in the name of the King.
Our flesh is always desiring against the will of God and I think we can all agree it is strong enough already without any help. So let's not give it help. We tend to bring people into our lives that seem to have the same weaknesses as we do; but we have to be very careful with whom we choose to spend our time with. A good question to ask is... Are they leading you to a closer relationship with your Lord and Savior or are they leading you away from the Lord and into compromise and worldliness?
It may be hard to end a long-lasting relationship with a close friend, but the Lord will bless us for the sacrifice we make so that we can have a deeper and closer relationship with our God. Remember the words of Paul, "I have suffered the loss of all things; and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him". Have you had to suffer the loss of a close relationship for the sake of Christ? How has your life changed because of it?
In Revelation 2:20 - it says, "you allow that woman Jezebel"... whether her name was literally Jezebel or not doesn't matter. This woman most definitely has the same character of the Jezebel mentioned here in 1 Kings 21:25.
Ahab, in himself desired evil, but it was this woman, Jezebel who would stir it up and, shown in the Hebrew word, became the driving force that would carry out his evil desires. This means that, though King Ahab wanted to do evil, he would allow Jezebel to lead the way for him. We see this in many instances, such as:
1 Kings 18:4 - Though Ahab was King, it says Jezebel killed the prophets of God
1 Kings 19:1,2 - Ahab whines to Jezebel and she threatens Elijah, the prophet.
1 Kings 21:1-16 - Ahab whines again and Jezebel handles the situation in the name of the King.
Our flesh is always desiring against the will of God and I think we can all agree it is strong enough already without any help. So let's not give it help. We tend to bring people into our lives that seem to have the same weaknesses as we do; but we have to be very careful with whom we choose to spend our time with. A good question to ask is... Are they leading you to a closer relationship with your Lord and Savior or are they leading you away from the Lord and into compromise and worldliness?
It may be hard to end a long-lasting relationship with a close friend, but the Lord will bless us for the sacrifice we make so that we can have a deeper and closer relationship with our God. Remember the words of Paul, "I have suffered the loss of all things; and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him". Have you had to suffer the loss of a close relationship for the sake of Christ? How has your life changed because of it?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday - Revelation 2:18-29
Thyatira - The Corrupt Church
We may not realize that, though the letters are written to the church, they are actually addressed to the "messenger" of the church. This is why I like to believe that the messenger is a local pastor of the church. If it is so then Jesus would be saying:
vs. 19,20 - "You, Pastor, are doing well personally. You love, serve, are patient, faithful; in fact, your works are more then before - you are growing in Me. But, pastor, you have allowed this woman, Jezebel, to deem herself a prophetess and you have given her a pulpit to teach your congregation that it is ok to eat and dine with others in these temples given to the worship of demons. In these temples, they seduce my children into sexual immorality and they fall."
The Pastor of Thyatira was an amazing man of God but he allowed a compromising, worldly woman to lead his congregation into the "depths of Satan". We have to be very careful with who we accompany ourselves with. For one thing, "bad company corrupts good morals". In other words, as time goes on, a compromising, worldly friend will lead you into their compromise before you lead them into the truth of the Word of God. Secondly, if other Christians or new believers start hanging out with this person because you are, they could easily be led astray by this impostor. So let us choose wisely the people that we walk with in this Christian life; and pray for one another to remain in the truth of God's Word.
This problem isn't just isolated to human relationships; it could be many things... T.V., movies, music, video games, myspace, etc. - What things do you think could possibly become a corrupter of good morals if used wrongly? Maybe in example in your own life?
We may not realize that, though the letters are written to the church, they are actually addressed to the "messenger" of the church. This is why I like to believe that the messenger is a local pastor of the church. If it is so then Jesus would be saying:
vs. 19,20 - "You, Pastor, are doing well personally. You love, serve, are patient, faithful; in fact, your works are more then before - you are growing in Me. But, pastor, you have allowed this woman, Jezebel, to deem herself a prophetess and you have given her a pulpit to teach your congregation that it is ok to eat and dine with others in these temples given to the worship of demons. In these temples, they seduce my children into sexual immorality and they fall."
The Pastor of Thyatira was an amazing man of God but he allowed a compromising, worldly woman to lead his congregation into the "depths of Satan". We have to be very careful with who we accompany ourselves with. For one thing, "bad company corrupts good morals". In other words, as time goes on, a compromising, worldly friend will lead you into their compromise before you lead them into the truth of the Word of God. Secondly, if other Christians or new believers start hanging out with this person because you are, they could easily be led astray by this impostor. So let us choose wisely the people that we walk with in this Christian life; and pray for one another to remain in the truth of God's Word.
This problem isn't just isolated to human relationships; it could be many things... T.V., movies, music, video games, myspace, etc. - What things do you think could possibly become a corrupter of good morals if used wrongly? Maybe in example in your own life?
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