The church of Philadelphia wasn't particularly large or influential, they didn't have a reputation like Sardis or Ephesus. However, Jesus has only praise for them. We learn what kind of church Jesus loves and we see that the strength of the church is always in her head and not her body.

Graham talks about the dead spirit in the church of Sardis, Revelation 3:1-6. Are we keeping a watch or are we complacent like the church in Sardis?

Talking about true gospel ministry in the church.

The church of Thyatira was a church that was making progress, however they had a problem with a false prophet named Jezebel. We see that the church of Thyatira didn't just have a Jezebel problem, they had an Ahab problem.

Gareth talks about the greasy grace in the church of Pergamum in Revelation 2:12-17. God's presence is always with us through the Holy Spirit which is what the golden lamp stands represent.

Graham talks about the suffering church of Smyrna in Revelation 1:8-11. God brings something positive out of pain.

Graham talks about the Ephesian church in Revelation.

David talks about Mary and Joseph in Matthew 1:8-end being faithful in the midst of uncertainty. Which is also relates to how we act as followers of Christ, in the midst of trials. God is testing our faith.

Looking at the story of the Nativity we consider the glory of God coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ.

In this passage the wise men from the east are contrasted with the chief priests and the scribes. Both groups were well educated, both groups were very knowledgeable, but what made the wise men wise?