Jesus addressing the church in Smyrna helps us see the mark of a successful church is not size, wealth, or a trouble free existence. They faced tremendous persecution and slander, and through they were poor, Jesus said they were rich.

The message to the church in Ephesus is relevant for the church of today: to remember the love we’ve abandoned, repent, and return to the works we did at first.

The seven churches Jesus addressed in the book of Revelation are different from each other in many ways. Yet those seven churches are also quite similar to the churches of today.

A lot of people think the book of Revelation is about predicting future events, but it’s really more about the unveiling of Jesus Christ as King. And while there are tumultuous things that will take place, those events come out of His unveiling, not the other way around.

Throughout the Bible, human injustice is continually rebuked and judged by God. He’s consistent in His repudiation of injustice. In every form, in every place.

If anyone thirsts, let them come to Jesus and drink, so that out of their innermost being will flow rivers of living water. Not only will their thirst be quenched, but they will also become a spigot for others.

Jesus rose from the dead and continued to meet with His disciples, speaking with them about His kingdom before ascending back to the Father. But it wasn’t just a geographical relocation. It was the resumption of sovereign rule! Jesus Christ In Session.

Peter had denied the Lord. Still Jesus came to meet him .. healing his wound, giving him purpose, showing how he would glorify God, and once again saying, “follow me.”

Jesus wants to redeem your failure, disappointment, and the places you’ve ruined. He meets you to heal your heart so that the things you hear, see, and even smell ... your "charcoal fires" ... are no longer reminders of your failure, but trophies of His grace.

He's often called "Doubting Thomas," but maybe his story best illustrates that being in the presence of Jesus increases faith and brings out the best, while being apart from Him triggers doubt and brings out the worst.