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”Tag: sin
Thrones of God
The Bible talks about many thrones. Thrones represent power and sovereignty. There are thrones for kings, such as that which King David sat. And then there is the throne of God. God, who created all things, who is all powerful, all knowing and all present, who is loving and kind, just and righteous, sits on the throne in heaven. And Jesus Christ, the Son of God, sits at the right Hand of God the Father.
Continue reading “Thrones of God”The True Reason for Easter
Easter is a great time to celebrate. Many get together with family, share a meal and perhaps have special treats for the kids. But why do we celebrate? It has nothing to do with bunnies and eggs. It is not about fertility as some religions believe. It is about victory over death and sin. It was God’s plan all along for His one and only Son to come to this earth, take the sins of the world and pay for them by giving His life, dying on the cross, and being raised on the third day. So this day is much bigger than many realize. It is the day that we can declare victory over sin and death because Christ did. All we have to do is believe and trust in Him.
Continue reading “The True Reason for Easter”To Judge or Not to Judge
Each of us have strong convictions about certain things. Others may have different opinions. When you interact with someone who disagrees, how do you handle it? I was listening to a study on Romans where they talk about disputes within the church. Some of these disputes are based on the gospel and salvation and should be disputed. While other matters are opinions, and we ought to respect other’s convictions and learn to love each other first and not quarrel over things that do not matter. That is what Jesus is trying to tell us in this parable.
Continue reading “To Judge or Not to Judge”Divisions and Hypocrisies
This parable talks to me about divisions in the church and in the country. It also talks about hypocrisy and the “unpardonable sin.” While Jesus was removing a demon from someone, the church leaders were quick to judge and criticize (as always) and did not discern the truth. By accrediting the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil, they committed the sin that Jesus said cannot be forgiven. Again, it just wasn’t the act, it was their evil hearts. In Jesus’ answer to the church leaders’ charge, He shows that a divided house cannot stand. I believe that is true in our church, in our families, and in our country. And if we are not careful, we are heading there fast.
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My Daily Scriptures 