Need a New Name?

676.  "Need a New Name?"                  January 21, 2013
Revelation 2-Part 3
And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this...   Revelation 2:12 NAS


Background

City of Pergamum:
It was located only a couple of miles from the historical city of Troy, Pergamum was. It was the official center of the imperial cult, built in honor of the goddess Roma and the emperor Augustus. Also, Pergamum was crowned by a forty-foot tall altar to Zeus.
The city was famous for its library, a large gymnasium, and its medicine. It had little or no commerce, but was remarkable for its learning, refinement, and science, especially medicine. A number of kings made Pergamum their royal residence. The early science of medicine was identified with the worship of Satan, who usurped the place and dignity of Christ.

Church of Pergamum:
This was the church of worldly alliance. It was during the period of the church being elevated to a place of power and married the world. This era was when the church and state came together under the reign of Constantine and his successors. The heathens were won over by the adoption of pagan rites and festivals as parts of Christian worship. The church faced the temptation to join the Romans false religion for money. Yes, they were paid to convert.

LET IT GLOW

In verse 12, Jesus is revealed as the One which has the sharp two-edged sword. This sword is the Word of God (John 5:22, Heb. 4:12). Since this church is tolerating error, it needs to have the measuring rule of God's Word brought into action.

The sword referred to in verse 12, is the Greek word rhomphaia, is a sabre, a long and broad cutlas, any weapon of the kind (Strong's Greek Concordance); a kind of long sword to be worn on the right shoulder (Thayer's Lexicon).

This type of sword, the rhomphatia, was a weapon similar to the sword used by the Romans in battle. Pneuma is the Greek word Spirit, breath. Jesus will judge and strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, His breath, His Spirit. Sword from His mouth symbolizes the verbal pronouncement of judgment. Christ's adversaries will come against Him with an arsenal of weapons. Christ's warfare against error and evil will be swift and decisive. (Swindoll)

Paul used the same type of imagery in puting on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the world of God.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Matthew Henry's Commentary states:

The Word of God is a sword; it is a weapon both offensive and defensive; it is in the hand of God, able to slay both sin and sinners. It is a sharp sword. No heart is so hard but it is able to wound it; it can divide between the soul and those sinful habits. It turns and cuts cuts ever way; it is an edge to open a festered would in order to its healing. There is no escaping the sword.
 

Do I surrender to this sword, the Word of God, or not? I think it will keep cutting me until I do.

LET IT GROW

I received  a new name when I  was 16 years old. Oh, my name Linda remained the same, but this name describes my soul. Can you guess it? It was Christian. Since I asked Jesus to save me, He gave me that new name. How about you, friend? Do you have the same name as me? You can. Just ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart to be your Savior. Then we will be in the same family, sharing the same name-Christian. (I am praying for you.) Friend, you need that new name in order to enter heaven.

Now, the church of Pergamum had a problem- it was the church had taken the route of compromise. Some of the Christians held onto Christ's name, while others harbored Balaamites and Nicolaitans. Numbers 22-25 tells about the prophet for pay who tried to lead Israel astray as they married ido-worshiping pagans. The modern followers of Balaam encouraged idolatry and sexual immorality, selfishness, greed, and lust. The Nicolaitans were the false teachers in the Ephesian church. That church knew how to love the sinner and reject the sin, but Pergamum chose to love the sinner and accept the sin. they compromise doctrine and morality.

The compromising had to end. This church had to get back on the right track. They needed a change of heart and mind. Christ's sword could do the job, calling them to repent, and us as well.
If they repented, what was awaiting them?

• hidden manna to eat (divine food),
• a special favor (white stone, which was a ticket of admission into the theater there),
• a new character (new name).

Are my spiritual ears listening? Do I compromise my beliefs, the Word?
I want that new name which only I will know, the one my Savior gives to only me.

Now, their were still some of the believers who didn't compromise. Antipas was one that is named in verse 13. He was a faithful witness, a martyr.

Beware of compromise. It never occurs quickly, always lowers the original standard, and often is the first step toward total disobedience. (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

Don't compromise my Christian beliefs and God's Word.

Stay faithful to Christ.

Obey God's Word, or He will get His sword out and use it on my, resulting in deep cuts of my soul.

*Sorry for not posting on Friday, but I was in Ft. Worth at a VBS training.

Rich or Poor

675.  "  Rich or Poor"                      January 16, 2013
Revelation 2-Part 2
I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Rev. 2:9 NAS


Background:
City of Smyrna
*located 35 miles north of Ephesus
*modern name is Izmir
*was a thriving city that had a famous stadium, library, and theater
*had a diverse population of around one-half million
*religious Gentiles worshiped the emperor and the Jews were committed to their Old Testament
  religion
Church of Smyrna
*Though Jew in the Roman Empire were legally excused from sacrificing to the emperor, Christians
   were not after being cast out of the synagogues.
*Believers face physical, emotional, and economic pressures from both Jew and Gentiles.

LET IT GLOW

During our college years, my family was poor financially. However we were rich in faith, trusting God to provide for our needs as we did His will, preparing for the ministry. He was so faithful through those four years. Truly, He is Jehovah Jire, the Lord Provides.

Jesus knew about the works, tribulation, and poverty of the Christians in the Church of Smyrna. However, in the midst of their suffering, Jesus gives hope. God gives strength to those who suffer.
Also, God rewards those who endure. He knew firsthand the kind of suffering and pain they endured as rejected outcasts.
Due to their refusal to worship the emperor, the Smyrneans suffered economic poverty. Christian owned business were avoided, vandalized, and looted. this church was spiritually rich, while being earthly poor. They were slandered verbally. What a warning-some would be put into prison, tested, have tribulation for ten days. Good news-the faithful would be given a crown of life.

Am I rich in faith?

LET IT GROW

Overcome and come over to the promised land. True believers in Christ will not be hurt by the second death. We will have everlasting life, immortal bodies. for those who endure persecution unto death, a crown of life is awaiting.

What can I learn from this church?

• Our Lord know every detail of our circumstances. He knows us inside and out.
• If our hurtful situations remain or intensify, we have no reason to fear of flee. Regardless of the journey, Christ will be with us through our trials.
• Take comfort as I experience personal pain, suffering, trials, or hardships. Christ is with me through it all.  

Do I turn to Him during my time of need?

[Resource: Swindoll's New Testament Insights on Revelation] 

LET IT GO

Endure whatever for the glory of Jesus.

Suffer for doing good, not bad.

Trust Jesus.

Without Love

675.  "Without Love"             January 16, 2013
Revelation 2-Part 1
I know thy deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false, and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. but I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Rev. 2:2-4 NAS

Here we have the first church to whom Jesus is speaking. In order to better understand what is going on in this church, let's look at the condition of the city around Ephesus.

Backgound of Ephesus
The City:
*emporer's political activity centered there;
*most important city of western Asia Minor;
*a major center of political, economice, and religious activity;
*the first port of entry for seafaring vessels, so it was large in market and population;
*home of the grand temple of the fertility goddess Artemis, known as Diana;
*one of the seven wonders of the world;

The Church:
*Paul founded the church at Ephesus, preached one time for there for 3 years;
* pastors were Timothy, John, and Onesimus;
*John minister there for 30 years, leaving his home in Jerusalem.


In verse 1, Jesus walked in the midst of each church. He know everything about them-thoughts, motives, intentions. He cared enough to encourage them and correct them.

LET IT GLOW

I enjoyed playing the tinkingling triangle in my elementary music class. I would make the distinct sound to beat of the songs we sang. I tought of that experience when I read about the noisy gong in the Love Chapter of the Bible.
I don't want to be a resounding gong nor a clanging cymbal, for nothing. That is what it would profit me if I didn't have love in my heart when I do good deeds.Without love, my deeds are nothing. I Corinthians 13 explains about love, its characteristics. The Ephesian church had a love problem. Before we get into it, there are some things we need to discuss.

What are the strengths that the Ephesian church had, which Jesus point out?

• Toiling in good deeds, works, labors;
• Patiently enduring through trials, such as slander, boycotts, abuse, malignment due to their refusal to bow to the false gods and statues;
• Doctrinal discernment; sect of Nicolaitans practice idolatry and sexual immorality, perhaps combined with the worship of God and pagan worship.

Am I pleasing Jesus with my good deeds? Do I patiently endure trials? Do I have discernment when it comes to doctrine?
What about my church-is it pleasing Jesus with these characteristics?

LET IT GROW

Like an unexpected twist in the road during a pleasant drive through the countryside, Christ interrupted His commendation of the Ephesians with one abrupt word: but.  He said,"But I have this against you, that you have left your first love."

The church in Ephesus had everything but the greatest thing-love. It didn't happen overnight. Some 35 years earlier, Paul wrote to this church commending them for their love. (Eph. 1:15-16, 6:23-24). Now they lost their first love-Jesus.
1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us that the greatest of faith, hope, and love is love, a golden virtue.

Christ pointed out three simple ways to swing a U-turn and reestablish their walks in the right direction (verse 5):

1. Remember from where they had fallen down. Step back to loving God and others.
2. Repent, changing their heart and mind. Receive God's free grace.
3. Repeat the deeds they did at first. Renewal of attitudes leads to right behavior.

Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, found in 1 John 5:4-5.
If I say that I love God and hate my brother, then I am a liar according to 1 John 4:19-21.

Christ expressed His love for us when He obeyed the Father, humbled Himself, died on the cross as He gave His life for us. (Phil. 2:8, Gal. 2:20, Eph. 5:2)

Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Luke 22:37, 39

Am I loving God and others as He would have me do? Is my church?


LET IT GO

Have good deeds, endure trials, and be discerning.

Let go of things and love God most.

Repent of my sins.

Love others in my heart and with my actions.

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

674.  "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow"            
January 15, 2013
Revelation 1-Part 9
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.  Rev. 1:19-20 KJV

LET IT GLOW

Throughout my high school and college days, I recall having to read novels and then the class would discuss their deep meanings. At that time in my life, I really was not too interested in what those famous literary authors had to say about life. After all, I was only in my teens and twenty's.
Now on the other hand, here is a book that has deep meanings, the Book of Revelation, and the author is the One in charge of the universe and things to come. Those things are more interesting to me. (Maybe because I am 30 years older) 

Looking back in this chapter, John saw the Resurrected Jesus' appearance-long robe, sash, white hair, eyes as fire, brass feet, strong voice, holding 7 stars in His right hand, and a 2-edged sword out of His mouth, with a glowing appearance.

Now Jesus informs John and us what the 7 stars represented-angels, which are messsengers,  the pastors of the 7 churches, and 7 candlesticks, golden lampstands, are the 7 churches to whom the book is to be sent.

I am happy to have you along with me on this journey through Revelation. I welcome your input.


LET IT GROW

After Jesus describes Himself to John, again Jesus instructs John to write. What is John supposed to write about?

• the things seen-not what John had seen Jesus do when He was living in the flesh, but what John had just seen about Jesus; the glorious heavenly Jesus; the living, risen, resurrected Savior; chapter 1; past;
• the things which are-things of John's present day, messages regarding the 7 churches in Asia; Jesus is here now; chapters 2-3; present;
• the things which will take place after this-future events, things of the last days; chapters 4-22; future. 

This is an inspired outline for this book.

Jesus is alive. Furthermore, He is alive forevermore. His life is endless.
Saved believers in this Jesus are alive forevermore, too. And to think, we will get to serve our Lord together in heaven.

I can look back to a lot of yesterdays, but today is when I am living. Am I trusting Jesus with my yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows? My yesterdays outnumber my tomorrows. My tomorrows are in His Hands.

LET IT GO

Acknowledge Jesus as the only glorious, Risen Savior.

Trust Him with my yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows.

*Update: My sister in law, Wanda is able to sit in a chair, talk, eat soft food. That is what my glorious Savior can do-raise the dead.

Turn Around to See Who is Talking

673.  "Turn Around to See Who is Talking"  
January 14, 2013
Revelation 1-Part 8
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. and having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across his chest with a golden sash. Rev. 1: 12-13 NAS

LET IT GLOW


When I am in a crowd, I can easily recognize the voices of my cousins, even if I don't see them. We grew up together, spending time playing as kids. My ears perk up and my radar is on as I turn around in search of their location in a crowd. I want to be close to them, talk to them, hug them. (We're a huggy family.) I imagine that the voice of Jesus startled John, since they probably had not visited in 30-40 years. Shall we look in on this private visit?

Christ stood behind John and spoke with a great voice like a trumpet the words in verse 11. John turned to see who spoke to him. Then John saw:

• Seven golden candlesticks-seperated, but similar to those used in the tabernacle and Temple. These were portable gold lampstands that held small oil lamps. Each lampstand represented a church (verse 20). Since seven is representative of completeness in Scriptures, these seven lampstands are representative of all the churches.
• The Son of Man-the title that Christ used most often for Himself during His earthly ministry (81 times in the Gospels). His garment(a princely and priestly robe denoting righteousness and honor) hung down to His feet with a golden girdle, sash (breast-plate of high priest). Christ is revealed as the High Priest coming in judgment, yet as the serving One.
• His head, hair, eyes-snow white hair as wool, as a crown of glory, the Ancient of Days; eyes of fire which pierced and penetrated into hearts; a glowing white light (Dan.7:9)
• His feet and voice-strong and steadfast feet like burning brass which will trample the winepress of God's wrath (Is. 63:1-5); His powerful voice roars as a mighty stream, (crashing against rocks) not calming a troubled sea, but calling down the judgment of God on the wicked.
• The seven stars, a sword, and His face- ministers of the 7 churches, under Christ's direction; the sword is the Word which wounds and heals, strikes at sins; His face, countenance was as the sun shining, too bright and dazzling for mortal eyes to behold, with splendor and holy strength.

Christ is not coming as a mere man like He did the first time. He was not the kind of Jesus that John remembered from earlier years-preaching, healing, suffering on the cross, ascending into heaven. Joh had witnessed Jesus' glory at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17, Mark 9, Luke 9). This was the risen Lord in all His splendor that John saw.
All see Him and all will know who He is the next time Jesus Christ appears in the clouds.

LET IT GROW

And when I saw Him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand upon me, saying, " Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades." Rev. 1:17-18 NAS

How did John react to such a sight of Jesus that He had never seen before?

Here is John, the elder, apostle, evangelist, theologian, writer, and elite member of Christ's inner circle, reduced to a trembling sinner lying powerless before the King of kings and Lord of lords.
A terrified John fell at Jesus' feet.

Do we do the same when we come into the presence of a Holy God and Savior?

Then this might King bent down and touched John with His nail-pierced hand to comfort His old friend.
I picture Jesus raising John up on his feet. The sixty year old apostle is tired from working on the island. The Savior spoke kind words to him.

Christ lived, lives, and lives forever. He is the One who has supreme authority over death and Hades.

After I fall on our knees to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, He raises me up to stand on mountains, to walk on stormy seas, as the song goes. He raised me up to be more than I can be.

[Resources: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary, Matthew Henry's Commentary, Swindoll's New Testament Insights on Revelation]

LET IT GO

Take time to get away from the noisy world and listen to Jesus.

Fall down on my knees in worship.

Turn to Jesus when He calls me.

Bring my heartaches to Him.

Let  Him raise me up above my trials and problems.

A Spiritual Journal

672.  "A Spiritual Journal "           January 11, 2013
Revelation 1-Part 7
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great, voice, as of a trumpet,
Saying, I am  Alpha and Omega,  the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ehesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto  Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Revelation 1:10-11

LET IT GLOW

It is always best if I write down what I see and hear, otherwise, I tend to forget it. This is especially true if it is said in a sermon or Bible study. Sometimes I can bearly get it written down before I forget. I am now writing in my second journal. I write down significant quotes, ideas, principles which I want to remember or have available to review. Another reason I keep a journal is for my spiritual legacy to leave my family. Do you keep a spiritual journal?

The voice of Christ is likened to a trumpet sound to indicate that the message was a matter of great public importance. (Falwell)

Even though John was in exile, imprisoned on an island because of his faithfulness to his Savior, John continued to worship the Lord Jesus. That was when the Holy Spirit spoke to him.

Hebrews 10:25 states, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

In John 10:28, Jesus says, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Are we as faithful to attending worship services as we could be?
Whenever we are, are our ears and heart open to hear the Holy Spirit speak to us?
When we hear, are we obedient?
Do I follow Jesus' voice?

LET IT GROW

In verse 8 and 11, Jesus identified Himself as Alpha and Omega. Jesus gives directions to John:

• Notice  and remember what you see;
• Write what you see in a book;
• Send the book to the seven churches in Asia (those listed in the verse).

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in you instructions. Ps. 119:18 NLT

Open your mouth wide and I will fill it with good things.  Ps. 81:10 NLT

I am not sure which direction the Lord is leading me concerning my writing. So I am walking step by step. So far, it is His will for me to write this blog. I am open to where He leads next.

In chapter 2, we will get further into details with each church. So stay tuned.

Christ selected these seven churches because their situations represented conditions applicable to churches of every age, including our own. Ephesians, the first of the seven churches and John's own home, was nearest to Patmos. The rest of the churches were on a natural overland route in the specific order given by Christ. (Swindoll)

The seven churches, to whom the book is sent, are named in the order messengers would carry letters, going from northwest to northeast and southeast. (Falwell)

I suggest finding a map of the New Testament times and connecting the dots of these 7 cities, which will make it easier to understand.

I wonder which church you and I are members of. (food for thought)


LET IT GO

Spend less time for my pleasure and more time in God's Word.

Open my ears to the Holy Spirit.

Obey what I hear.

Write what He tells me to write.

Getting my Attention

671.  "Getting my Attention"
January 10, 2013
Revelation 1-Part 6
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ, I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. Rev. 1:9-10 KJV

LET IT GLOW

What does it take for God to get my attention? Over the years, He has used various things-irrate parents, upset bossses, loss of job, angry spouse, sickness, disease, various events. Why does it take something big, tragic, horrific to get us our attention? Shouldn't I be walking in the Spirit all of the time? Yes, but do I allow sin to seperate my from fellowshiping with God? I still have times that I walk in the flesh instead of in the Spirit.

John, who is the receipiant of this magnificent vision, identifies himself. Remember, he is writing what he saw spiritually, and writing to the seven churches which the Lord Jesus has instructed him to do.

What are the four characteristices that John and his believing readers share?

1. He is their brother in the faith of Jesus as Savior. Though John was an apostle, he seems to value himself upon his relation to the church, rather than his authority in it.
2. He is a companion in tribulation, partner in suffering, a partaker who is suffering also. Christians were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus and for sharing it that faith. The persecuted children of God did not suffer alone. They experienced the same trials. John wanted them to realize that.
3. He is their companion in the kingdom. They had membership in the redeemed community over which Christ serves as Lord and King. They shared an eager anticipation of the glorious coming of Jesus' millennial reign on earth.
4. He is their companion in the patience of Jesus Christ. They showed endurance and perseverance, in spite of difficult times, to what Jesus called them to do.

[Resources: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Matthew Henry's Commentary]

LET IT GROW

Looking back at verse 9, we see John is informing his readers of his situation:

• John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos. During Domitian's reign of the Roman Empire, John was exiled, for eighteen months beginning in AD 95, to a place where criminals were sent to work on the marble quarry. It was a type of Alcatraz Island in the Roman Empire; a prison without walls. The island was located about 40 miles off the coast of Asia Minor and a part of a group of about 50 islands. It was 10 miles long and less than 6 miles wide at its widest point.
• One of the reasons John was exiled to the island was for preaching the Word of God.
• Another reason was for the testimony of Jesus. Remember, John witnessed Jesus' life, death,  empty tomb, then the  resurrected Jesus.
• John was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. Instead of walking in the flesh, John was walking in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:16) He was worshiping the Risen Savior on Sunday, the day of the Lord's Resurrection.
•  John heard a loud voice like a loud trumpet. It indicated the solemnity of what God was about to reveal. It got John's attention.

What does it take for God to get my attention? Sickness, financial problems, loss of job, family problems, storms, trials?

LET IT GO

Listen to the Holy Spirit.

Leave the fleshly desires behind, turn to God.