Episodes
Sunday Sep 30, 2012
The Revelation of Jesus Christ #4 - Pergamum
Sunday Sep 30, 2012
Sunday Sep 30, 2012
Today, we're exploring Revelation 2:12-17, the letter to the Church at Pergamum. There is a general 'framework' that Christ uses when He addresses each of the churches:
- He greets the church and identifies Himself with one of the phrases used to describe Him from Revelation 1. When He addresses the Ephesian church, He says: "The words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands..." (referencing Revelation 1:12-16).
- Christ addresses the current state of the church, giving encouragement for the areas they are doing well, and correction for the areas that need repentance.
- He offers a challenge to change - to repent from the area of sin
- He describes what the consequences of inaction/lack of repentance will be.
- Finally, Christ delivers the promise of blessing and life that are assured to the ones who put His words into action
Sunday Sep 23, 2012
The Revelation of Jesus Christ #3 - Smyrna
Sunday Sep 23, 2012
Sunday Sep 23, 2012
Our text today is Revelation 2:8-11 - we're exploring & discussing what it means to be a witness for Christ in the context of the letter to the church at Smyrna.
If you're interested, here are a few of the notes I used for the background on Smyrna.
Background on Smyrna
· Wealthy & beautiful city – paved streets, gymnasium, library, tribute to Homer
o Temple designated for Mother Goddess
o Temple to Tiberius
o Significant Jewish presence
· Polycarp - Bishop of Smyrna – 70-155 A.D.
o Disciple of Apostle John, active with early church fathers
o Key figure – provides a bridge from apostles/disciples to 2nd century church of Christ-followers
§ John à Polycarp à Iranaeus
§ First recorded martyrdom outside of Bible
· Accusations: Romans – seeking to put an end toChristianity – a politically dangerous anti-Emperor cult, an Illegal religion of annoyance & violence
o Basic complaint - Caesar is Lord vs. Jesus is LORD
o Just say it, offer pinch of incense to the statue of Caesar
o “For 86 years I have served Christ. He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme the One who saved me?”
o “The blood of the Christians is the seed of the Church”…Tertullian – Christian writer in 2nd century from Carthage – defender of the faith
Sunday Sep 16, 2012
The Revelation of Jesus Christ #2 - Ephesus
Sunday Sep 16, 2012
Sunday Sep 16, 2012
Over the next several weeks, we will be studying what the Apostle John calls, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" - specifically, we'll be looking at the first few chapters that address the 7 churches in Asia. Today, we're exploring Revelation 2:1-7, the letter to the Church at Ephesus. There is a general 'framework' that Christ uses when He addresses each of the churches:
- He greets the church and identifies Himself with one of the phrases used to describe Him from Revelation 1. When He addresses the Ephesian church, He says: "The words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands..." (referencing Revelation 1:12-16).
- Christ addresses the current state of the church, giving encouragement for the areas they are doing well, and correction for the areas that need repentance.
- He offers a challenge to change - to repent from the area of sin
- He describes what the consequences of inaction/lack of repentance will be.
- Finally, Christ delivers the promise of blessing and life that are assured to the ones who put His words into action
Sunday Sep 09, 2012
The Revelation of Jesus Christ #1
Sunday Sep 09, 2012
Sunday Sep 09, 2012
In the last few weeks as I've been preparing for this series in the Book of Revelation, I've been talking to people to hear their perspective/experience with it. So far what I've heard has been pretty consistent:
- I don't understand it.
- It's confusing.
- I think it's scary.
- It bugs me when people try to predict when Jesus will come back.
- There is a blessing on all who READ the Revelation out loud, on all who HEAR it, & on all who KEEP what is written in it. (1:3)
- The ministry of Jesus Christ (1:4-8)
- Christ revealed in all His glory & majesty (1:12-16).