Part two of the throne room scene. The Lamb takes the scroll. All worship is centered on the Throne of God and of the Lamb. Jesus Christ is found worthy of worship and worthy to complete the redemptive mission of God.

A sermon by Rev. Richard E. Clayton, Jr

What is at the center of it all? In Revelation 4 - 5, God opens the door to heaven and shows a vision of just what is at the center of it all and what is going on behind the scenes.

Can our prosperity separate us from God?

The church of Philadelphia had "a little strength" but would be a pillar in the temple of God. The church should never judge her affectivenss and strength on worldly standards.

Jesus told the church in Sardis that they were dead. Yet, there was a small remnant which still lived. They were called to wake up! Else Jesus would come in judgment. What were they to do? Strengthen what remained. Is this our condition in this country? How do we strengthen what remains?

The church and thy attire had given in to compromise with its culture. They not only tolerated immorality, but they had a teacher who was promoting it and she was being tolerated. We have to be careful, in our day of "cancel culture", that we stand firm on the rock of Christ Jesus. We cannot compromise with a culture that has compromised with Christ.

The church at Pergamum successfully withstood cultural and governmental persecution, including the execution of Antipas (a local church leader). And yet, inwardly, many members were worshiping the gods of the city and engaging in immoral sexual behavior. God promises to give Himself to those who repent and remain faithful. Is the church today guilty of this?

The church at Smyrna receives only commendation and no condemnations and yet they have tribulation, poverty, and are blasphemed. God promises that their tribulations have purpose, they are actually rich, and that if they are faithful unto death they will receive the crown of life.

A church can be concerned about theological correctness (and this is good) but if it has not love it is a sounding gong. The answer is to repent and remember the live they had at first. Truth without love is harsh and leads to death. Love without truth is idolatrous and also ends in death and Christ will remove the Spirit from that church.