Persecution of those who are godly goes all the way back to Cain and Abel. While persecution of believers has ebbed and flowed throughout history, it has always been a constant reality. Our episode today, “The Church of Faithful Endurance,” focused on the text, Revelation 2:8-11. In this study, we come to the words of Jesus addressed to the suffering saints in the church at Smyrna. These words were an encouragement to the believers in Smyrna and can be an encouragement to us today.

Small instances of neglect, disrespect, and a lack of meaningful communication can bring a marriage to a breaking point. What is true of marriage is also true in our relationship with Jesus. It takes daily care, attention, and discipline to develop a growing, lasting, life-giving connection. If we neglect these things, we will find the relationship withering on the vine. That’s what happened to the group of Believers in ancient Ephesus. They left their first love. Their predicament is presented to us in Revelation 2:1-7, the text for our study today. Today’s teaching is titled “The Church of Vanishing Affection.”  

Jesus instructed John to “write the things which you have seen, the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” In today’s section of Scripture, John sees Jesus manifested in several different ways—he sees Christ in glory. The glory of Christ is a main theme in the Book of Revelation, and it is the focus of today’s teaching. In Revelation 1:9–20, we are given a picture of “The Glorified Christ.” Together, let’s observe the several manifestations of that glory and bow before Him in worship.

Take a moment to think about your possessions. What is the most enduring tangible thing you own? How long will it last? In 2 Peter 3:10, we’re told, “both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” In contrast, the Psalmist stated, “Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven.”  That is the nature of God’s Word. As Christ-followers, we can have absolute confidence that we truly have “A Word from God.” That is the title of my teaching on Revelation 1:4-8. John is writing a letter to seven churches in Asia Minor. John’s opening statements clearly reveal that his message to the churches is “A Word from God.” We see the authority, the application, and the affirmation of this word from the Lord.

In this episode exploring Mark 7:31–37, we see how Jesus truly “does all things well.” In Gentile territory, Jesus encounters a deaf man with a speech impediment and responds to the faith of his friends. Jesus takes the man aside and heals him in a personal and incarnational way. He shows respect for his dignity rather than seeking public attention or glory. Through this story, we gain a deeper understanding of Jesus, our Savior, and discover lessons we can apply to our own lives.

In this passage of Jonah, we see the prophet furious that God forgave the Ninevites. In contrast, we see God respond with patience and compassion toward Jonah. What was going on in Jonah’s heart in chapter 4? It seems Jonah believed he had been forgiven only a little. Like Jonah, we tend towards self-justification. But the truth is that our sins are great, and we have all been forgiven much. The question is: do I believe I’m not that bad and have only been forgiven a little? Or do I recognize that I’ve been forgiven a lot?

Have you ever wondered if God hears? This is a question that reaches to the core of who we are. Does God hear? Nineveh, a wicked city, gets God’s attention, and He hears. They cried out to God, and He showed them His incredible, life-changing mercy. What did the Ninevites do to get God’s attention? As we look at Jonah 3, I see four things they did which we still need to do today.  These actions—believing, humbling, crying, and repenting—are things we need to continue doing all our lives.

Are you in a pit? We all go through hard times, and being in a pit is challenging. These seasons test our faith and prompt us to wrestle with profound questions about God and ourselves. In Jonah 1:17-3:10, Jonah is in the belly of the fish—his pit. He is at his lowest point, physically and spiritually. He chose a path away from God. The good news is that God’s heart is for all people, and he wasn’t out to destroy Jonah. In Jonah’s pit, God gets Jonah’s attention, and his response shows us what we should do when we are in a pit. We see Jonah doing three significant things in his pit—he prays, he believes, and he praises.