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Christian in Name Only
The congregants in the Laodicean church saw themselves as rich and prosperous, in need of nothing. But Jesus refutes that saying "you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17). The Laodiceans went to church, but their works were only lukewarm. They were half-hearted in what they did. They called themselves Christians, but Jesus revealed that they were Chrisitans in name only.
The Woman Jezebel
There are two women named Jezebel mentioned in the Bible. In the Old Testament she was the wife of King Ahab. She was a wicked woman who worshipped Baal and caused the Israelites to fall further from the truth worship of the Lord. In the New Testament she is mentioned in connection with the church at Thyatira. But was she just a woman who was teaching false doctrine? I believe what Jesus is teaching us goes much deeper than that. Jezebel is alive and well today.
A Marriage Made in Hell
When Jesus addresses the church at Pergamum in the book of Revelation He describes Himself as "the One who has the sharp two-edged sword". This sword, which is the Word of God, is spoken of in Hebrews 4:12 as being used to divide things: spirit and soul, and joints and marrow. Perhaps the reason Jesus identifies Himself in this way is because the church at Pergamum had "married" the world. She was no longer the bride of Christ.
The Path of Victory
Some believe that once they become a Christian life becomes the proverbial rose garden. They are surprised and sometimes angry when that delusion is exposed by the reality of life they daily encounter. The truth is life can become more difficult. Christians who actively live out their faith can find themselves the subject of persecution and slander - even by those who call themselves "Christian". The Believers in Smyrna faced intense persecution, but the overcomers received the crown of life.
The Lord's Remnant
False worship, false prophets, and false teachers have plagued God's people from the beginning. It is no less true today. Some churches and demoninations are being overcome by the sins of the world. Abortion is accepted; homosexuality is advocated to the degree that offices within some demoninations are occupied by openly practicing homosexuals; divorce is rampant; and entertainment choices between believers and unbelievers are insignificant. But the Lord still has His remnant.
The Value of Pain
If one could not feel pain would it be a blessing or a curse? It would be a curse. Of the five senses we have only touch is necessary for life. Without the ability to feel we are in danger of dying. This is true spiritually also. The pain within our hearts compels us to find relief. Pain does have value.
Being Light in a Fallen World
The first element the Lord created when He fashioned the world was light, not the light of the sun, but the light of His presence (the sun wasn't created until later). In the same way the re-creation of fallen man begins with light. Jesus, the Son, came as a light to the world and in turn created within us, upon acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior, that light. The life of the Christian is to be one of radiating the light of the Son.
The Lord's Refining Fire
It seems when most Christians think of fire from a biblical standpoint Satan or hell come to mind. Images of excruciating agony of the lost in the Lake of Fire and eternal torment make us shutter. Satan is thought of as the lord of hell. Is he? Is fire Satan's weapon of choice with hell the weapon of mass destruction? Read along with me and allow the Spirit to answer for us.
Living Stones in God's Kingdom
The Lord is building His kingdom upon the earth one living stone at a time. But what is a "living stone"? Are you one? Much of Christendom is not. It is populated with "dead stones" that bring death by "stoning" to others.
Adam, Where Are You
After Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit they made fig leaves to cover their nakedness. Yet, when God came walking in the Garden in the cool of the day He called out, "Adam, where are you?" Why would He do that? Didn't He know where Adam was? And why did Adam and Eve attempt to hide from God since they had made clothes for themselves from fig leaves? See how the answers to these questions apple to us today.
Salvation is in Jesus Alone
Christianity is often denounced as being exclusive rather than inclusive because it teaches that salvation comes only through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Modern man criticizes that as extreme arrogance and rejects it. Man's rejection of the truth does not change it, but it does take courage to speak the truth in the face of such pervasive antagonism. The truth is: Salvation is in Jesus alone.
God Knows Your Circumstances
Does God love me? Has He forgotten me? Does He care that I'm hurting? Why doesn't He do something? Yes, God loves you. No, He hasn't forgotten you. Yes, He cares that you're hurting. He is doing something. Would you like to know what?
Spiritual Famine
The Lord warns us of a time when there will be a famine in the land, not a famine of food, but a famine of His Word. That is certainly true in the world today, particularly in America. But why is that when we are awash in Bibles and there are churches on every street corner? It is a good question. And the answer may not be what you think.
To Judge or Not to Judge
"Judge not." Have you ever been intimidated into silence by this statement? You need not have been. Judging is a biblical mandate. But it is a mandate that must be exercised for the right reasons and the correct motive.
Silencing the Witness of Demons
Jesus and the Apostles routinely cast out demons. But some of those demons were witnessing to the fact that Jesus was the Son of God. Others were witnessing to the fact that the Apostles were followers of Jesus Christ and were teaching the true way to salvation. Why silence such witnesses?
The Mark of the Beast
No other number is so well known, or feared, as 666. The number of the Beast as recorded in the book of Revelation has resulted in speculation for centuries as to what it is and what it means. Will it be a tatto? A computer chip implanted under the skin? Perhaps. But it is more likely something much more sinister and deceptive.
Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh
It is likely that, if asked, most Chrisitians, and even many non-Christians, could tell you what the three gifts given to the Christ Child by the Wise Men were. But what is the likelihood those same people could tell you why it was those three gifts? A young couple starting out in life as husband and wife with a newborn could certainly use gold, but frankincense and myrrh? Yes, frankincense and myrrh. Each gift has a particular significance that each of us would do well to learn.
What's Love got to do with It?
In Revelation the Lord Jesus addresses the church at Ephesus. He has much to commend it which the modern Church would be wise to emulate. However, He also has a strong indictment against it which the modern Church would be equally wise to avoid becoming guilty of. This church teaches us that an absence of love is a spiritually fatal condition that all the good works in the world and even having and teaching correct doctrine will not heal. Without love words and works do not save. They enslave.
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