The early church grew rapidly, but not easily. They faced pressure from the culture around them, the pull of their own sinful nature, and the reality of persecution. Some compromised, but many endured, holding fast to Christ, even at great cost. Jesus’ words in Revelation call the church to stay faithful, anchoring them in the reality that history is moving toward Him. We live with that same hope - Christ will return, all things will be made new and until then, we pray, Come, Lord Jesus.