When the Bible talks about “the world” what does that mean? We live in a world full of people. We live in a world full of trouble. God created the world (the earth and everything in it), God so loved the world (the people of the world), but we are to not love the world (worldly affairs and systems which oppose God; I think that’s what is meant when Jesus says that we are in the world but not of the world). Something like that. Let us see what God’s word has to say about it.
Continue reading “The World We Live In”Tag: tribulation
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”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”Joel: The Day of the Lord
What is the Day of the Lord? What will happen in the End Times? What do we do in the meantime? Joel and other prophets received prophesies from God about the future. Many of these prophesies have already happened. Many are yet to come. The purpose is more than just showing us the future. It’s to prepare us for it, lead us to God, to change people’s hearts and bring them to salvation.
Continue reading “Joel: The Day of the Lord”Watching for the Day
Are you watching? Do you know what to watch for? What are we looking for? Why should we watch? There will be a day when God will judge the earth. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? There will be seven years of tribulation that will be really bad here on earth. Not the most encouraging news we could hear. But, there will also be a day when God makes all things new. When Jesus returns and takes us home. When there will be no more tears, or sorrow or pain, no more disease or death. No more evil. For those of us who trust in Jesus and are children of God, it will be a glorious, wonderful occasion when we will be in His presence. That is why we watch. With anticipation. Not with fear, but excitement! Continue reading “Watching for the Day”
My Daily Scriptures 