The Church in Philadelphia did not receive any negative statements from Jesus. Though they were weak, He encouraged them to overcome. And if they did, there would be security...eternal security. He also reminded the that He was coming soon. There are lessons which we can glean from this message. You need to be here to discover them.

Contentment. Complacency. Status Quo. These can be a dangerous place to be. It's easy to get comfortable and content with how things are or how they have been. It seems that the church in Sardis had become content or complacent and was surviving on past successes. They believed they were alive. At least, that's what everyone else thought. But Jesus had a completely different assessment. "You are dead." Wow! Is there any lesson for us from the message in the church in Sardis?

Idols and idol worship was a common practice in the city of Thyatira. Images of the gods and goddesses were everywhere. And sadly, idol worship had crept into the church in Thyatira. Jesus was coming in judgement! I doubt if any of us have images or statues in our homes to which we bow and worship. But, is it possible that we have other gods or idols which have become part of our lives? God is very clear, we are to have no other gods before Him. The message to Thyatira gives up opportunity to examine our lives to see if we have idols.

Compromise! Is it a good or bad thing? It can be bad when we lower our morals, ethics or principles in order to gain something or please someone. In fact, it can be outright sin! Jesus sends a letter to Pergamum to rebuke them for compromise. Judgement was coming if things were not corrected. Have you compromised? Has the church compromised? If so, what must we do?

Suffering...not a popular subject. Suffering...nothing you or I want to deal with. Suffering...something we don't fully understand the "why" of it. But what if there is something beneficial to suffering? In Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna, He indicates that their suffering would INCREASE, but that they are to be faithful, because there was a reward coming. Maybe, just maybe, suffering is good for us. We must remember to be faithful, regardless of the suffering.

Ephesus was a very active and busy church, focused on doing all the "right" things. They were complimented for this. But then they were reprimanded from Jesus. What was their problem? Why did Jesus need to confront them? Revelation 22:1-7 reveals their problem. Is it possible that we have a similar issue? Find out Sunday.

What is your view of Jesus? Are you in awe of Him? The Apostle John had one view of Jesus while Jesus was ministering on earth, but a very different view of Jesus in the book of Revelation. His new revelation brought a great sense of awe. Join us as we get a new view of Jesus.

The book of Revelation is just that...a revelation or revealing. It reveals Jesus and it is a revealing BY Jesus. This Sunday begins a 9 week study over a portion of the book of Revelation. Our focus this week will be on an introduction to the book, but we will also begin seeing Jesus as He is revealed. I encourage you to read Revelation 1:1-8 in prepartion for the upcoming message.

Have you ever feared an uncertain future? Been beaten down by life? You're not alone. Come be encouraged by the truths of Psalm 93 - a powerful Psalm that has provided hope and courage to God's people for centuries.