WHEN JESUS ISN’T WELCOME
Rev. 3:14-22 / Christians with nice homes, nice clothes, and good health often see no real need for God. What does Jesus say, do and offer to these kinds of Christians?
THE OPEN DOOR
Rev. 3:7-13 / After correcting a large church with a great reputation, Jesus sends a message to the little church in Philadelphia to keep up the good work. Jesus commends their faithfulness to the Word, His name, and their efforts in the city. Catherine asks the question, what can we learn from this church?
PRETEND CHRISTIANITY
Revelation 3:1-6 / The church is Sardis thought some good stuff they did in their past would be good enough to get them into Heaven. Turns out, faith in Jesus’ good works looks like an actual committed relationship with Him as connected, led and powered by the Spirit of God.
LOOK & HOLD
Rev. 2:18-29 / Our feet follow our eyes. Our eyes look to go where it’s easiest on the feet. Yet when we follow Jesus, His path isn’t easy. The great lie of this life is that we can choose our own path and still end up where Jesus is going. Jesus reminds the church to look at Him and hold on to Him because He is the truth, the way and the life.
THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF TRUTH AND TOLERANCE
Rev. 2:12-17 / The church in Pergamum was brave with external attacks of the faith, but a coward in dealing with internal compromises. Jesus addresses and encourages the church to stand for the truth not only on the outside, but inside as well. Compromise and tolerance are not values of Jesus.
FAITH IN PERSECUTION
Rev 2:8-11 / Love for Jesus will lead to persecution. What is a believer to do in the midst of persecution? Where is Jesus in all of it? Listen to be equipped for the day you experience persecution. Listen to be encouraged if you are already in the midst of it.
REKINDLE THE LOVE
Rev. 2:1-7 / Catherine explains Jesus' words to the church in Ephesus and their significance to the church today. It is common for Christians and churches to experience times of dry spirituality even though that doesn't have to be the case. Jesus lays out the way to falling back in love with Him.
CAN YOU SEE JESUS?
Revelation 1:9-20 / Isaac unpacks the imagery used in the text to help us see Jesus as He is, right now, in the middle of His church and in the middle of your world. Can you see Him? Listen to get a picture of what He is like and why it is so good and so important to see Him.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Revelation 1:1-8 ESV / Clint introduces the beauty, power and life of the Revelation of Jesus Christ as recorded by John. He notes that Christians live differently because they see differently. Related Resources: "Discipleship on the Edge" by Darrell W. Johnson "Reversed Thunder" by Eugene H. Peterson "America's Lost Boys" by Samuel D. James (First Things posting) "The Story of Iran's Church in Two Sentences" by Mark Howard (TGC article)
ANSWER THE CALL
Gen. 11:10-12:9 / God calls a man named Abram to leave the comforts and security of home in exchange for being a vehicle for God’s saving work in the world. Abram’s call is your call too.
