Who is included in the promise to overcomers? As we have already discovered, the concept of nikao (νικάω), the overcoming one, is common for John. At the heart of interpretation is deciphering who John means by this term. Let’s consider our options: Either John means...
Unpacking the Message Within this context concerning Ephesus, Christ sends a message to this church. He knows their works; He knows their world. In the midst of their situation, He comes through with a promise: access to the tree of life. In Genesis 2, we are...
Come and Dine The second promise to overcomers is provided to the church at Ephesus…Let’s consider it. Some people can be rightly called “food lovers.” Growing up in a Baptist church, we’ve had our fair share of casseroles and manna (this word literally...
Unpacking the Promise of “Fear Not” Listen to the promise. You can have peace and good cheer. You can have joy in the midst of tribulation! “Jesus, why have you told us all this?” The disciples have enjoyed a meal, had their feet washed, and have heard a...
There is no need to fear! Take a moment and think back to your most frightening memory. I recently did this exercise personally, and then called my parents to see what their response would be. We both mentioned the same story. I was four or five years old. It was...
