The church in Thyatira was doing a lot of good work, and Jesus commended them for it. There was a major problem, though. Some of the Christians in Thyatira had embraced a lifestyle that stood opposed to the holiness of Christ. He let them know that He saw their lives and actions, and called them to repent. Christians today face the same kind of pressure. A stand for biblical morality can become a divisive problem outside of the church and can even compromise social and economic opportunities. This is another important text for us.

Pergamum was a government town, which means it had a level of arrogance and a feeling like it was the center of the news cycle - we don't know anything about that here in DC, right? The Christians in Pergamum faced tremendous cultural and political pressure, and Jesus told them that their city was the place where Satan's throne was. While the Pergamites did hold to Jesus' name, they allowed their beliefs to sway to the whims of the pressure they were under. This is a particularly important church for us to see and understand. The pressure to change and adapt the gospel to fit the culture of our time and place is nothing new. Jesus has strong words to say, though, and reinforces the importance of His Word.

Smyrna is one of the only churches of the seven to receive no criticism. This letter is for all of you who are suffering and struggling, even wondering where God is in your life. Jesus has words of comfort and a call to faithfulness even in the face of suffering, but a sweet promise of life from the One who has passed through death to life.

The church in Ephesus worked hard and fought hard. They denied false teachers. They did everything they knew to be the right thing and even worked to distinguish themselves from the world around them. Yet, they lost the love they had at the start. So, Jesus threatens to take away the church. There is so, so much for us to learn here.

In this passage we see a vision of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. He is the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of kings on earth. John has a vision of him in power, resurrected, reigning, fearsome and holy. We will take time to see the seven characteristics of Jesus Christ that shape what He has to say to the seven churches.

Giving and sharing life is one thing. Giving and sharing the Gospel is another thing. But as we see from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, we are called to do both. Pastor Jon shares with us 3 ways how we can do this.

We started the journey through this book back in the fall of 2015 and we will wrap it up Sunday looking at 1 John 5:6-21. The is a tricky passage that if not understood in the context of the book and the whole Bible can be misunderstood and confusing. As John finishes this book, his desire is that the believers would be assured of the salvation and eternal life they have in Jesus. That is something we all desire and so it is very applicable for us today.

This passage helps us to see the characteristics of a life that is united with Jesus Christ. Union with Christ is an essential, even the central aspect of what it means to be a Christian. Understanding our union with Christ has a profound effect on our lives and our hearts.

This Sunday brings closure to our Passion series. Phil Maucieri will lead us into understanding how Luke 24:36-53 reveals the mission of God that was accomplished in Jesus Christ and extends through His people. We are part of God's work in His world, witnesses to His glory and grace.

In this passage, we see the encounter that two travelers on the Road to Emmaus had with the risen Lord Jesus. This was on the same Sunday on which Jesus had risen from death to life. In the midst of their sorrow, the travelers didn’t realize who they were talking to. We will see the revelation of Jesus in the whole of the biblical storyline – how all Scripture whispers His name.