I went on several mission trips and one thing I noticed was the enthusiasm the people had in the church and the love they showed others. Then I think about the church here in America and how we seem to be like the church in Laodicea, complacent, stagnant, neither hot nor cold. Sure, a lot of churches do many good things and have ministries and missions that help others and meet their needs. But how much do we glorify God, help others and share the good news of His grace? How much are we willing to give up for Him and how much do we show our love for Him outside of Sunday services?
Continue reading “Laodicea: Today’s Church?”Category: Letters to the 7 Churches in Revelation
Jesus writes to the 7 churches in Asia. Which one or more characterizes your church?
Philadelphia: Perseverance and Open Doors
The church of Philadelphia (which of course means brotherly love) is one of two churches that Jesus has nothing against. This is the kind of church we want to imitate. Of course, this is the kind of church that is probably attacked the most as well. As with the church of Philadelphia, we are to keep His word, stand strong in our faith, and persevere. We will go through trouble, but God is with us and He will open doors for us. As Paul says, nothing on this earth can compare to the glory that awaits us in heave and nothing can separate us from God’s love if we believe and trust in Him.
Continue reading “Philadelphia: Perseverance and Open Doors”Sardis: Alive but Dead
The church of Sardis thought they were alive, but Jesus says they are dead. It sounds like an arrogant church. It sounds like a church that is wrapped up in works and ministry but neglect faith and love. It sounds like a church full of hypocrisy or one that just doesn’t understand the gospel. We as a church need to practice serving others, but it is not about making a name for ourselves, but giving God the glory and pointing others to Christ. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and to live according to what God’s word says.
Continue reading “Sardis: Alive but Dead”Thyatira: Immorality and False Teaching in the Church
The church of Thyatira is often called The Corrupt church. But as with several of the seven churches, they do a lot of things right. Jesus says they have good works, love, service, faith, and patience. Sounds like a good church, right? But behind closed doors, there is some false teaching and immorality going on. They are allowing a woman to not only teach lies but seduce men and practice idolatry. We as believers and the leaders of the church need to be careful to not allow sin and false teaching to infiltrate the church (especially in the leadership) or our lives. How often does Jesus say to watch and be ready? That should pertain to what is going on within the church as well as out in the world.
Continue reading “Thyatira: Immorality and False Teaching in the Church”Pergamos: Stay Away From False Teachers
Jesus says that Pergamos was surrounded by evil. It is “where Satan’s throne is.” The church held fast to their faith in Christ, but couldn’t let go of the teachings of the Nicolaitans and those who held to the doctrine of Balaam which included sacrificing to idols and sexual immorality as well as sorcery. You may say we don’t practice sorcery. But it is all around us. Horoscopes, tarot cards, Ouija boards, and we watch movies and shows that actually applaud immorality or sorcery. I think of shows like Practical Magic, Lucifer, and, yes, I said it, Harry Potter. The examples of immorality on TV and movies, politics and society in general are endless. Let’s take a look at what Jesus says about tolerating, condoning, or participating in such beliefs and practices.
Continue reading “Pergamos: Stay Away From False Teachers”
My Daily Scriptures 