Stephen was an ordinary man, who was filled with the extraordinary love, wisdom, and power of the Spirit of God. In this love and power, he was able to share good news with many. When he was confronted with those who were angered and threatened by the way of Jesus, the Spirit gave Stephen the words to retell the Story of their faith, and show how Jesus was the culmination of that Story. And when those same people were outraged by this story and began to murder Stephen, the Spirit gave Stephen a peace and strength allowing him to suffer in the same manner as Jesus — so that he would also share in his glory.

Today, we are invited into this same Story, to be filled by the same Spirit, to share in both the same suffering and glory.

As the good news of Jesus was spreading throughout Jerusalem and forming a new community of people, it was turning life upside down as everyone knew it. For some, they were radically exchanging everything they ever knew for a new way of life, even giving up their possessions in order to share and care for others. For others, it was a threat to their way of life, with the possibility of taking their control and power.

The news of Jesus brings Restoration to the poor in spirit; those who know they are in need.
The news of Jesus stirs up Resistance from the proud.
The news of Jesus brings Renewal for the one bringing the news.

The story of Ananias and Sapphira is one that often strikes fear and trembling… or sparks confusion. Yet, this story of an event that took place within the very first community of Jesus followers is important to see the holiness of God, the rebellion of people, and the unchanging gracious pursuit of God for His people.

There is no other name by which we are saved.

What does this statement claim? What does it mean? How did it radically transform a community of oppressed and scared people? What does it mean for us to carry the name of Jesus with us now? To be immersed into his name?

This is what Easter and the resurrection is all about!

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 final community addressed was the church in Laodicea. The common picture of a lukewarm church where Jesus stands knocking at the door is found in this letter. Yet, as we look deeper we may find this message cuts at our hearts even more than we assumed of it.

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.