We want to be independent and autonomous. This is not always a bad goal or need. In fact, to some extent we all have to have some sense of control. The final letter. This morning we get to wrap up our series on the letters to Revelation. Please be encouraged to get on our app or website to review. Laodicea…

A city built on “shaky” ground. Earthquakes and volcanoes. The external pressure from the Jews. This is the main issue for this church. The jews were not only opposing them but making life very difficult. Remember the early church did not initially view itself as separate from the jewish faith but its…

Sleep is essential. One of the most important thing we can do for ourselves is get adequate amount of sleep. Now I admit this is not something I always do well, never had and trying to change that. Reputations focus on the past. This is not necessarily a bad thing and actually is most helpful. However,…

Ephesus-Cold othordoxy; Smyrna-Suffering under persecution; Pergamum-Cheap grace These are rough synopsis of where we have been. Craig Keener in his commentary, NIV Application Commentary , summarizes this way, “Ephesians Christians were tempted by rigidity and lovelessness, Smyrnean Christians by persecution,…

Scooby Doo & Revelation There is a tag line in every Scooby Doo episode; “I would have gotten away with it if it weren’t for those ‘meddling kids’.” The Letters to the Churches is like Scooby Doo and the gang: can do a lot of meddling. We need ears and hearts to want Jesus. If we are not willing to have…

We all want to be part of a good church. This was no different in first century. Jesus is the first—preeminent one. As we open up our letter this morning we see this write at the begining. Smyrna as a culture boasted about being of the best, and one of the first to get a temple to one of the Caeasar’s.…

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. The Lord is coming back, soon! I don’t care what one’s view of second coming of Jesus is, to some extent. What is essential for us to remember…

Analogies help the world make sense. In life there are things which are hard to understand because of their uniqueness, complexity Sin has consequences. Hosea 13 makes it very clear that sin has consequences. It may not be immediate but sin always produces negative consequences. The nation will get a…

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. God tenderly cares for His children. As we open up our Bibles this morning we see the first verse of chapter 11. God loving allows us to leave. We know this also to be true by Luke 15 and the story of the prodigal sons. Some leave…

What is relevant? A good question to ask but we must also know its limitations. We trust what and who we know. Trust is a basic principle of life. It is also a precious commodity. Lose it and the struggle to get it back is worth it but very difficult and long. Have it betrayed and the scars can run very…