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.
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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”Jesus Commends Smyrna
In the second letter to the 7 churches, Jesus commends the church in Smyrna and has nothing against them. This should be the church we would want to be a part of. But, as believers, there is still a cost. Those who follow Jesus are often looked down upon to say the least. Many are persecuted; believers in John’s day as well as many places today are imprisoned, beaten or killed for their faith. But most of the time the church that is persecuted is the strongest. People who are persecuted have the strongest faith and have the most boldness. It is through our struggles and suffering and that we grow as people and as believers. And whatever we go through in this life will not compare to the glory we will receive in the next.
Continue reading “Jesus Commends Smyrna”Letter to Ephesus: A warning for Today’s Church
When I first started this blog, I wrote some short posts about the Seven letters to the Churches from Jesus in Revelation. Today I thought I would go back to the letters and expound on it a bit. I believe that we are getting closer and closer to Jesus’ return, and it is more important than ever to pay attention to what Christ has to say here.
Continue reading “Letter to Ephesus: A warning for Today’s Church”A Rock Solid Foundation
Jesus knew a thing or two about building. One thing he knew was that you need a firm foundation, and what it stands on. Our faith is no different. We need a firm foundation and we need it to stand firm. We can only do that with Christ being that foundation. And what we stand on is His words…the truth.
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My Daily Scriptures 