In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

The community of Jesus followers in Philadelphia was small and had little power. They had been displaced from their home by earthquakes and even when they were able to go back and rebuild, they were caught between two opposing powers; the Greco-Roman worship of gods and Caesar, and the Jewish synagogue who wouldn’t let Jesus followers in. This small church is one of two out of the seven that Jesus had nothing to say against, but only words of encouragement, hope, and a promise for those who endure.

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

Sardis was a well guarded city positioned against rocky mountain terrain. Because of this, there is only a history of them being attacked two times — both times were because their watchmen fell asleep at their post, taking their security for granted. Jesus writes to the church in Sardis to say they are doing the same. They are not staying alert to the threats of the world around them — threats against their faith. They are spiritually asleep, or dead even, to the realities of the warfare happening in their midst. Jesus calls them to wake up! To stay alert and remember the good news they had received. To hold onto that and turn away from the things that have lulled them to sleep.

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

Jesus’ first words to Thyatira sound almost as if they are an ideal church, living with faithfulness, love, service, and endurance. Yet, they are caught up in the same traps Pergamum was — giving their bodies over to sin for temporary pleasure. A completely different group of people in a different context, enticed and lured away by the same desires. Isn’t this true of many of us today? How can we overcome wicked desires and find those desires satisfied in Christ alone?

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

His message to Pergamum begins with encouragement for continuing to proclaim the name of Jesus as Lord faithfully in a city hostile to their faith. Yet, they have mixed in idolatrous practices of those around them. Jesus has serious words of warning for that!

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

Jesus’ message to the church in Smyrna was one of hope. They were a small, destitute church living in poverty and under oppression — for the sake of the Gospel! Jesus reassured them that he knew them well and he knew their suffering well. In fact, Jesus had endured everything they were going through already; and he overcame. His promise to them is that if they continued to remain faithful, they too would overcome death and receive the eternal crown of life.

Lent traditionally has 3 components: Fasting, Prayer, and Giving.

It is a period of reflection on the brokenness of the world and our need for rescuing, which leads us up to the celebration of Easter. In order to fully embrace the resurrection of new life, we must also face the stain of death caused by human rebellion. This short audio was an invitation to our congregation into the season of Lent together.

Fasting: we invite everyone to replace an unhealthy rhythm with one that draws you closer to Christ.
Prayer: we are sending out a Psalm every Wednesday as a prayer prompt.
Giving: we are committing as a family to give to Eastern European churches caring for Ukrainian refugees.

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. Ephesus was the first stop. They were standing strong in the truth in the midst of an idolatrous culture. But they had neglected to walk in actionable love for one another. Jesus wanted to call them back, in his love, by his grace.

A new community was forming, centered around Jesus, empowered by His very Spirit sent from the Father. This power allowed for them to be part of some pretty amazing things, but just as Jesus tired of the crowds coming to him to see miracles, these events were pointing to something more powerful. People were being restored into community, good news was being preached, and the system the world operated in was being set right — in small part — as a preview of what would come fully one day.

The presence of God's Spirit radically transformed a diverse crowd of people, brought them together as a one people, and put that community on display to others so that they would grow and multiply. The call of humanity at creation had been reestablished -- diverse humans being made one, empowered by the presence of God to be fruitful and multiply.

The day the Spirit came and filled followers of Jesus was a day promised long ago, but it came like no one expected. Through a rushing, violent wind, and fire that didn't burn, God came and made His home with His people -- so that we could come make our home with Him.