Search This Blog

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Revelation 2:18-3:6 The Message to the Churches in Thyatira and Sardis = Week 48 - Thursday

The Message to the Churches in Thyatira and Sardis

Revelation 2:18-3:6


Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)

Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.

  • Review and retell the story.



Hashtags:
#Hashtags
#Jezebel
Topical Bible

Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:

ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People =
#Time =
#Place =
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 

Revelation 2:18-3:6 ESV

To the Church in Thyatira

18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule[a] them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

To the Church in Sardis

3 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’



OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

To the Church in Thyatira 2:18-29
To the Church in Sardis 3:1-6

or

Thyatira: Love Corrupted (2:18-29)
Message to Sardis (3:1-6)



STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter  (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word  (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?



APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


Take Away Challenges

  • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

  • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

  • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?



Other YouTube Videos


Living For Jesus in Revelation 2:12-29

Living for Jesus in Revelation 3:1-13
https://youtu.be/rag9Hrka3J0



Articles

Devotions




Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Revelation 2:1-17 The Message to the Churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, & Pergamum = Week 48 - Wednesday

The Message to the Churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, & Pergamum

Revelation 2:1-17

To the Church in Ephesus 1-7
To the Church in Smyrna 8-11
To the Church in Pergamum 12-17




Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)

Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.

  • Review and retell the story.



Hashtags:
#Hashtags
#Seven Churches
Topical Bible


Themes
Repentance and Reformation
Rewards and Punishments
Warnings and Instructions
Spiritual Battle

Topics
The Seven Churches
Repentance
Spiritual Vigilance
Overcoming Challenges
Spiritual Rewards


Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:

ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People = John, Jesus Christ, The church in Ephesus, The Nicolaitans, The church in Smyrna, The church in Pergamum, Balaam, The church in Thyatira, Jezebel
#Time =
#Place = Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 

Revelation 2:1-17 ESV

To the Church in Ephesus

2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

To the Church in Smyrna

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

To the Church in Pergamum

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’





OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

  • To the Church in Ephesus 1-7
  • To the Church in Smyrna 8-11
  • To the Church in Pergamum 12-17


STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter  (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word  (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?



APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


Take Away Challenges

  • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

  • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

  • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?



  • Other YouTube Videos

Living For Jesus in Revelation 2:1-11

Living For Jesus in Revelation 2:12-29







  • Articles


  • Devotions

BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH

Jesus challenged the saints of ancient Smyrna to be faithful unto death if they hoped to receive the crown of life (Rev. 2:10). There are four areas in which this sacred charge is applicable to us today.

I. There is the personal component. Every Christian must be faithful unto death We must be faithful to Christ our savior and lord (Rom. 10:9-10). We must be faithful to the Bible which is his teaching. We must be faithful to his church for which gave his life (Acts 20:28). Our personal faithfulness will be demonstrated in the way we live our lives (Tit. 2:12-13), and in our commitment to his church. A faithful disciple will stand up for Christ and his cause when they are attacked by His enemies. Faithfulness is a very personal thing. It will not count for me that my parents, my mate or my children were faithful. To receive the crown, I must be faithful!

II. There is the congregational component. It was to a congregation that Jesus said, "Be thou faithful unto death." A congregation is a band of Christians, collectively serving God in a particular community. Congregations can be corrupted like that in Corinth, dead like the one in Sardis (Rev. 3:1) or lukewarm and disgusting like the one in Laodicea (Rev. 3:15-16). A faithful church will be true to Christ by making every effort to conform to his teaching. Each disciple should seek a faithful church with which to worship!

III. There is a doctrinal component. Both individual saints and congregations have a responsibility to be careful to know and obey the instructions given us by the Savior (Matt. 28:20). There is a pattern of spiritual truths about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, worship, the polity of the church and other sacred themes (2 Tim.1:13). This pattern we must honor. From the beginning, there have always been disciples who wanted to go onward and not abide in the teaching of Christ (2 John 9-10). Christ expects us to avoid false teachers with their false doctrine. Paul warns, "Let no man beguile you" (2 Thess. 2:3).

IV. There is a practical component. We must faithfully worship as Christ has ordained. We must be faithful in fulfilling his Great Commission by teaching the lost the Savior's way of salvation (Matt. 28:19-20). We must be faithful in helping our fellow Christians who are discouraged and overcome by sins (Gal. 6:1-2). We must assist our brothers and sisters in growing up in all things unto Christ (Eph. 4:11-15). We must be considerate and helpful to those around us who are weak, ill or suffering (Gal. 2:10; James 1:27). To fail to meet these expectations will leave us among the unfaithful who have no promise of reward.

Are you a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus?


  • Links 


    Posted by at No comments:
    Labels:

    Tuesday, November 28, 2023

    Revelation 1:1-20 John’s Greeting to the Seven Churches = Week 48 - Tuesday

    John’s Greetings to the Seven Churches

    Revelation 1:1-20




    Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
    • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
    READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
    Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)
    StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)

    Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.

    • Review and retell the story.



    Hashtags:
    #Revelation
    Topical Bible


    Themes
    Prophecy and Vision
    Christ's Majesty
    The Seven Churches
    The Eternal Kingdom
    Supernatural Encounters

    Topics
    The Vision of Jesus Christ
    The Seven Spirits and Seven Churches
    The Son of Man
    The Fear of Divine Encounters
    The Sovereignty of Christ


    Potential Sermon Titles: ??

    Intro Questions to get us thinking:
    • What vivid dream (or nightmare!) from childhood do you still recall? 
    • What type of book or movie do you like best: Adventure? Science fiction? Fantasy? Historical documentary? Biography? Why? How well do you handle horror films with lots of special effects? Why?
    • What bizarre dream can you still recall, and why? 
    • What religious pictures or statues adorn the walls of your house (or mind)?


    ESV Text with Highlights
    #God =
    #People = John the Apostle, Jesus Christ (referred to as the Son of Man), God, The Seven Churches
    #Time =
    #Place = The island of Patmos, The Seven Churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea
    #Obedient faith = 
    #Sin = 
    #Key Idea = 

    Revelation 1 ESV

    Prologue

    1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

    Greeting to the Seven Churches

    4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

    Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

    To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

    8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

    Vision of the Son of Man

    9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

    12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

    17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.



    OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
    ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
    Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
    Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
    Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

    • Prologue 1-3
    • Greetings to the Seven Churches 4-8
    • Vision of the Son of Man 9-20

    OR


    (REVELATION 1)

    The resurrected Christ appears to the apostle John and tells him to “write down what you see, and send it to the seven churches.” John presents his outline for the book: “The things that are now happening and the things that will happen later.”

    I.    The Servant of God (1:1–10): The apostle John receives an extended heavenly message.

    A.  The source of this message (1:1–2)

    1.   From the Father to the Son (1:1a)

    2.   From the Son to an angel (1:1b)

    3.   From the angel to John the apostle (1:1c–2)

    B.  The promise in this message (1:3): A special blessing is promised.

    1.   To those who read and obey its contents (1:3a)

    2.   To those who hear and obey its contents (1:3b)

    C.  The recipients of this message (1:4a): It is written to the seven churches in Asia.

    D.  The greetings in this message (1:4b–5a)

    1.   From the Father (1:4b)

    2.   From the sevenfold spirit (1:4c)

    3.   From the Son (1:5a)

    E.   The theme of this message (1:5b–8): Jesus Christ is its grand and glorious theme.

    1.   Who he is (1:5b–5e, 8)

    a.   God’s faithful witness (1:5b)

    b.  The firstborn from the dead (1:5c)

    c.   Ruler of the kings of this earth (1:5d)

    d.  The Alpha and Omega (1:8a)

    e.   The Eternal One (1:8b)

    2.   What he has done (1:5e–6)

    a.   Shed his blood to redeem us (1:5e)

    b.  Made us a kingdom of priests (1:6)

    3.   What he will do (1:7): He will come again in the clouds.

    a.   Revealing himself to the Jews (1:7a)

    b.  Revealing himself to the Gentiles (1:7b)

    F.   The place of this message (1:9): John was on the Isle of Patmos.

    G.  The time of this message (1:10a): It was on the Lord’s Day.

    H.  The sound of this message (1:10b): “A voice like a trumpet blast.”

    II.   The Son of God (1:11–20)

    A.  The appearance by Jesus (1:11–16)

    1.   His command (1:11): Again John is instructed to send the message to the seven churches in Asia.

    2.   His countenance (1:12–16)

    a.   He appears standing among seven gold lampstands (1:12–13a).

    b.  He is wearing a long robe with a golden band across the chest (1:13b).

    c.   His hair is white like snow (1:14a).

    d.  His eyes are like blazing fire (1:14b).

    e.   His feet are as burnished bronze (1:15a).

    f.   His voice thunders like mighty ocean waves (1:15b).

    g.   His right hand holds seven stars (1:16a).

    h.  Out of his mouth comes a double-edged sword (1:16b).

    i.    His face shines as the noonday sun (1:16c).

    B.  The reassurance by Jesus (1:17–20)

    1.   Comforting (1:17–18): He reassures the fear-stricken John.

    a.   “I was dead but am alive forever and ever” (1:17–18a).

    b.  “I hold the keys of death and the grave” (1:18b).

    2.   Clarification (1:19–20): He explains what the lampstands and stars represent.

    a.   The seven lampstands are the seven churches (1:20b).

    b.  The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (1:19–20a).

     




    STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
    NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
    BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
    BlueLetter  (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
    Literal Word  (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
    Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
    KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
    • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
    • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
    • What are some things to look out for in this book? Where do the various scenes open and close? What are your first impressions of each changing scene?
    • Who are the principle characters -- both historical and metaphorical? What are the key issues? The common refrains? What unusual symbols grab you? 
    • These believers are suffering from severe political, religious, physical, and economic oppression because of their faith (see Proverbs 2:8-10, 12-13; 6:9-11; 11:7-10; 12:17-13:10; 17:3-6). What aspect of the gospel would be especially important to them? 
    • If the book of Revelation were dropped from the Bible, what would be missing from the story of God's redemptive work in history?
    • Why was John on Patmos? What do you know about his assignment there? 
    • What's significant about his spiritual condition and the day when he received this vision?
    • What do the images in verses Proverbs 1:12-18 suggest about Christ? 
    • What is the meaning of the seven stars? The seven lampstands? What does it mean for a church to be a light? 
    • Close your eyes and have someone read verses 12-18 slowly, several times if necessary. Meditate on it. What do you see? Feel?


    APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
    Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
    The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
    • What pressures would make you feel like giving up on Jesus? What truths about God keep you going at those times? 
    • To some, Jesus is a baby in the manger, or an innocent victim of crucifixion. To John, Jesus is the reigning King. How could this view of Jesus affect your day-to-day dealings with sin? With discouragement? With opposition? With apathy? 
    • To get the most out of Revelation, what will you put into it? How will you apply yourself to the group disciplines (of study, prayer, shared leadership, outreach, confidentiality, accountability, etc.)?
    • Using the analogy of a lighting fixture to describe the spiritual condition of your church, what kind fits your situation (a chandelier, a nightlight, etc.)? In what condition is it? 
    • Are you right now "on Patmos" (suffering) or "in the Spirit" (reigning)? Why? Can both happen at once?
    • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
    • What transformative move needs to be made?
    • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


    Take Away Challenges

    • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

    • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

    • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?



    Other YouTube Videos


    Living For Jesus in Revelation 1:1-7
    https://youtu.be/Xq1axwoKZFc
    We are beginning a study of the last and most encouraging book in the Bible. No book offers higher praise of Jesus, more encouragement for testimony, or more comfort for the persecuted than Revelation.

    Living For Jesus in Revelation 1:8-20
    https://youtu.be/GWuvFvbOGxk
    In this introductory section of the book (Revelation 1:8-20), we get to see the first apocryphal section displaying Jesus in amazing ways that will bring comfort to the seven churches and to persecuted believers today. 


    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnSs_fT4iSGwv0_t33l73c0QsheCS0Smu

    Articles

    Devotions


    Posted by at No comments:
    Labels:
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)