He who has an ear, let him hear” is the phrase repeated in Revelation after each individual church letter. It means that hearers ought to “listen-up” and pay close attention to God’s Word and examine our lives in that light.

Revelation chapter two brings the first four of the seven letters written to real churches made up of real people. These letters bring both correction and encouragement for the church then and us today.

The last book of the Bible is less about when Jesus Christ will return, and more about how we are to live until He does. We are given a fuller and better picture of Jesus than any other book, and challenges us to live in the light of that reality.

Fear is the reason that many Christians avoid Revelation. It makes us uncomfortable because it speaks about the end times. But the purpose is not to promote fear, but faith, hope and courage.

As we look at the heart of what Paul is teaching about the body, the church, we see that unity in Christ enables us to stay on mission.  In essence, a stronger church, starts with me!

Nothing sparks a debate or argument quicker than politics. And each successive election causes the further polarization and fracturing of the nation. But Christians have a calling to be stronger citizens because of their loyalty to Christ.

We often ask the question, what do I get out of serving instead of, How is Christ glorified through my serving?

Is the  church obedient to the mission God has called us to or is the mission (which has not changed) without a church?  Are we so good at the motions of casual attendance, casual conversations, casual observation of the service that we have missed out on what happens when God’s people truly gather on mission! 

God is generous by nature and sets the ultimate standard of generosity. People are selfish by nature because we are all born in sin. We don’t have to stay that way, but can allow the Gospel to transform our hearts towards stronger generosity.

Can we be strong in our weakness?