Rev. 2:18-29 - the letter to the church in Thyatira

Acts 4:1-21

Rev. 2:12-17 - Letter to the church in Pergamum. The strength in the church in Ephesus is the weakness in Pergamum. Just like the ref says before a fight, "obey my commands at all times, protect yourself at all times." 

Revelation 2:8-11. This is the letter to the church in Smyrna. What do learn from the letter to this church?

Rev. 2:1-7. This week we focus on what we can learn from the letter to the church in Ephesus. 

This is the first lesson in a series on the first few chapters of the Book of Revelation. Chapter one is the focus for this sermon. What do we do with Revelation? Why is it in our Bibles? How do we read it in a responsible way? How is Jesus presented? 

This sermon can be considered a "bonus" lesson in the D2 series, wrapping it all up. Matt. 13 is the main text, specifically the parable of the sower/soils. There are a few things to pay close attention to in this chapter when it comes to discipleship. 

First, notice the crowds that flock to Jesus. Just because you're in the crowd does not mean that you are committed to Christ. There is nothing wrong with being in the crowd, but we shouldn't confuse the two. 

Second, the parable is obviously understood as a self-reflection; what type of soil are you? Do you fluctuate between different types of soil? This reminds me of the old hymn "None of Self and All of Thee" (which we sing in this sermon). This song is about our spiritual journey.

Third, the parable is a model for evangelism. We are to partner with Jesus in the mission of making disciples. We are to be sowers of quality seed to everyone. We are not supposed to pre-determine who is good soil and who is not. Our responsibility is to sow quality gospel seeds to everyone.

D2 - it's cyclical! 

This week one of our elders, Leonard Riley, brings the message on Ch. 7 of our D2 book.

Week 6 of our D2 (squared) series. What are the "greatest" passages in Scripture? Matt. 22:34-40 & 28:17-20 gives you an answer. The "greatest commands" and the "great commission." In short, 1. Love God, 2. Love Others, 3. Make Disciples. How can we develop a plan to grow Spiritually based on those three things?

 Well, for one thing, we are expected to live these three things out within the context of being a functioning church member. If you are, there are expectations we have at PT. 1. Attend and participate in weekly worship, 2. be a part of a Bible Community, 3. be in a Connect Group, 4. Serve in at least 1 area per quarter, 5. actively and intentionally discipling someone.

Gal. 5:16-25. If you are a disciple of Jesus, you are called to be a disciple maker. One of the most effective ways to make disciples is to be an ever-increasing, ever-growing, ever-maturing disciple yourself. But how do you know if you're maturing in Christ? Are you possessing the Fruit if the Spirit in INCREASING MEASURE?