The book of Revelation is a book that contains rich and confusing imagery while providing a beautiful vision of the vindication of the Lord. We are given glimpses of the redeemed worship around the throne, and gory depictions of the battles between good and evil. But we must be reminded, that in its original setting, Revelation was written to bring comfort to suffering Christians during the rule of Rome and its emperor. Early in the book, we read letters written to seven churches. In these letters, we are given glimpses of the church experience in the first century. What if Jesus wrote a letter to our church? What would he say to us? How would he label us? We will explore these questions by looking at the letters to the seven churches of Asia.
Fear is THE word that many associate with the book of Revelation. Imagery of war, death, destruction and darkness - eek! But to its original recipients, the seven churches, it was a message of comfort and encouragement to these early Jesus communities who were hurting.
It's easy, over time, to loose site of our first love. But Jesus calls us back to him, because he's the only one worthy of being our first love.
The American church's experience of persecution more correctly resembles inconvenience. But throughout history real persecution - imprisonment, violence and death - has been a part of the church's experience. Smyrna was one of those places. Put the message of encouragement from Jesus is that he is in our midst, that he cares for us, and that we will not be hurt by the second death.
Like Pergamum, our country is full of competing voices that vie for our allegiance. What does Jesus' message to this former administrative center of the Roman empire say to us today?
Every day we are presented with the choice to remain true to a committed relationship with the God of heaven and earth, or to flirt with other gods and to eventually try to worship both.
Are we just going through the motions? Jesus has the prescription for what ails us. Maybe it's time we looked at our vital statistics to make a determination of our health.
Many doors in life open and close to us. Jesus stands as the ultimate open door, and he invites us to enter in.
In a world where people are longing for healing, where they are longing for refreshment, Jesus implores us to let him into our hearts.
Video courtesy WorshipHouse Media.