Finding Truth in God's Word
America is a land of plenty, if not excess. When we are surrounded by those with more, we easily forget how blessed we really are. Of all the letters, this is the one that has most often convicted me. It speaks to a loss of passion, replaced by complacency. And our complacency causes us to take... Continue Reading →
In this letter Jesus provides words of encouragement for people who were faithful, but barely holding on. Philadelphia was a Roman trade center, filled with wealthy Romans and Non-Christian Jews. The early Christian church, however, was poor and powerless. This area also experienced frequent earthquakes, leaving this small church in a constant process of rebuilding.... Continue Reading →
Up to this point, each letter began by highlighting the positive contributions of each church. This is not so for the letter to Sardis. Instead, this letter begins with a harsh truth and a call for action. Like the Pharisees, they had become more concerned with appearances than worship. Jesus had called them to love,... Continue Reading →
In the beginning of this letter, Jesus acknowledges and commends the church for their acts of service. Their love and faith had encouraged a growth in outreach. This is a very important quality for the Christian church. By serving others we can allow God's light to shine through us, reaching people during dark times. These... Continue Reading →
The letter to Pergamum speaks to Christians living within a culture that encourages a sinful lifestyle. This letter is most applicable to Western Cultures like Europe and America. Jesus commends these followers for not shrinking into the background, but holding strong to their faith even in challenging times. It is difficult to stand firm in... Continue Reading →