Jesus compares Himself to a thief because of the element of surprise. Those who do not hope for, long for, prepare and watch for His return will be caught by surprise — and totally unprepared to meet Him when He comes.
Read More“You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” This is a terrible rebuke from Jesus! Worshipers attempting to exit Babylon drove a stake in the ground based on their favorite reformer, resulting in the tragic fragmentation of God’s people.
Read MoreOften in Scripture, and especially in prophecy, we have seen names of cities, individuals, or materials used symbolically to convey, in a word, what would require paragraphs and pages. We can surmise a future application from references to the past.
Read MoreWhile many humans might claim “the power of life and death,” those submitted to Christ are given assurance that power over life and death belongs only to Him!
Read MoreGod will never coerce us in any way to bow to His authority. He has proven His love for us since the beginning . . . and confirmed it beyond the shadow of doubt at the cross. He patiently awaits our response.
Read MoreMany today who are preaching a Nicolaitan doctrine started out with a strong doctrinal position. But over time, and perhaps inadvertently, they have reshaped their beliefs to conform to the changing moral climate of society resulting in a different gospel.
Read MoreThe strategy of bloody persecution had, to Satan’s surprise, only accelerated church growth. So here is bloody persecution’s spiritually deadly companion: compromise!
Read MoreIt has ever been Satan’s purpose to overthrow God’s Law and direct the loyalties of His people away from God — and thus towards himself. Worship is the central issue, and, as we have learned, there is no middle ground.
Read MoreThere is a destructive theology—or doctrine—that Jesus hates. This is because it can bring about the downfall and ruin of people who had intended to follow Him. The intensity of His hatred here corresponds to His heart of unmeasurable love for people.
Read MoreFollowing the going out of the pure gospel message, symbolized by the rider upon a white horse (v.2), there was a wonderful period of rapid growth for the church. But, in keeping with history’s pattern, the growth of believers with undivided loyalty to God leads to the venomous anger of His sworn enemy.
Read MoreHow it must have inflicted pain in the heart of Jesus that so many of the very people selected to receive the Sacred Oracles failed to hear God’s voice speaking directly to them by His Son. How could Jesus not see the contrast between the Jews’ questioning unbelief and the simple faith of those who asked for no miracle or sign: the Samaritans!
Read MoreThe existence of the tree of life reveals the love of God. When man lived in harmony with his Maker at the beginning, he had free access to this tree of life: proof of God’s intention for man to live eternally.
Read MoreI am called to persevere according to His guiding instructions and under His grace if I am to extend His priceless invitation to those around me who have yet to know Him. I am also to be an encourager toward brothers and sisters in Christ. At the next turn, it is I who will need encouragement.
Read MoreThe Lord reminds us often that He will not leave or forsake us, but He does not remove our freedom of choice to remain with Him.
Read MoreOur God is the God of encouragement. He generously affirms every effort that is praiseworthy. We should be confident also that every rebuke is given in perfect love, with our best interest at heart.
Read MoreJesus knows the difficulty of persevering. He patiently endured the worst possible treatment from fellow humans, having left His divinity behind to enter this world as fully human.
Read MoreThe first serious danger facing the infant church was not a threat from outside. Jesus addressed the problem thus: “I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4) Oh, beloved, it is possible for our involvement in good things to move us away from the best and most essential thing!
Read MoreThe church in Ephesus is the church in its infancy. This parallels the first of the four horsemen in Revelation 6 where we see Jesus riding forth on a white horse, who “went out conquering and to conquer” (v2) with the pure gospel message that was sent into the world to give people victory over sin.
Read MoreBeloved, as you face trials and uncertainties, hold on to your riches! Nothing in this world compares to your relationship with Jesus. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (1 Corinthians 1:20)
Read MoreIn order for the building and planting to commence in my personal life, it is highly likely that there are things that need to be rooted out, pulled down, and destroyed. By the way, the name Jeremiah means “Yahweh throws” perhaps in the sense of laying a foundation . . .
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