Learning from the Church at Thyatira Did you ever have any of those people in your life growing up who were prone to abuse authority? I’m an older brother – so I think my two younger sisters could possibly place me in this category…but it’s debatable! I do remember...
The Promise for Pergamos Overcomers Jesus mentions that the one who overcomes will receive the hidden manna. This “angels’ food” was the means by which God miraculously provided for His followers for forty years in the wilderness. It speaks of provision – a great...
Understanding the Message to Pergamos Let’s unpack this message to Pergamos so we can understand the promise to overcomers in its context. In the provincial capital, the Roman proconsul retained the “right of the sword.” In effect, this gave authorization to be...
Learning from Pergamos I grew up before gaming systems, streaming movies, and personal computers were in every house. There were no smart phones or tablets to mindlessly occupy my mind as a child. Instead, we had this novel approach: Use your imagination as you play...
Persecution and Promises In Smyrna itself, John highlights the persecution these believers will face. Because they live in a blasphemous society, they will be attacked from the “synagogue of Satan” as hated enemies of Rome. The promise of imprisonment and martyrdom...
Understanding Smyrna In John’s prophetic announcements to the seven churches in Asia Minor, he has first addressed Ephesus. In this section (2.8-11), he addresses the church at Smyrna. Looking at the map, it’s easy to see the ancient postal route. These seven churches...
Overcoming, Promise 3 “When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad; I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad.”Oscar Hammerstein II Today, we begin to understand a promise made to the church at Smyrna over 2000 years ago. Yet,...
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 means, “What...
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 great lesson...
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...
What's Impossible for God? How many times have you heard, “There’s nothing impossible with God…”? Or, in a similar fashion, “God can do anything!” We sing songs about these truths; we hear passionate sermons reminding us of the same. Do these statements reflect an...
The opening picture of this chapter brings to mind a story from my youth.[1] This story takes place back in Georgia, nearly forty years ago. That’s a long time ago and the fact I’m still talking about it can only mean that it must have really caused great...
You are an Overcomer! From John’s perspective, I am an overcomer. From the authority of Scripture, if you know Christ as your personal Savior – then, you are an overcomer as well. If you are in the middle of the biggest fight of your life, and you feel like Romans 7...
Cheering during defeat? In 1982, at Badger Stadium (Madison, WI), the Badgers were taking a serious beating from Michigan State. Over 60,000 fans were watching their beloved team get demolished on the field. Yet, the most bizarre thing was happening. The more the...
The Miracle of a Moment For each of us, there are certain “red-letter” dates that mark highlights and memorable moments for us. Allow me to share a few of mine. August 17, 1972 is my birth date. I celebrate it each year (though now, I share that date with our youngest...
Understanding our Position When we think of the phrase, “in Christ,” we often hear Pauline theology. To be sure, Paul wrote much about this. He reminded us that if we are “in Christ,” we are a new creation. He let us know that there is no condemnation for those who...
Our Position in Christ, Part 1 Many of us, if not all of us, have stories of things that happened to us when we were kids. Some things happened to us; other things we caused to happen! The things we laugh about today weren’t always so funny – especially to our parents...
Victory and Nike The transition from “son of thunder” to “apostle of love” would be a notable growth process in its own right. The youngest apostle had become the teacher of the next generation. It’s a great story – just perfect for a Hallmark movie night! Yet, I...
Son of Thunder, Exiled As John’s ministry lengthens and his personal walk matures, the “son of thunder” becomes known for writing about Christian love. Many commentaries will actually refer to John as “the apostle of love.”There’s definitely warrant in John’s action...
Who was John? It's important to take one post to explain something of the writer's background. From what we can tell from church history, John was the youngest of the twelve apostles. Despite his youth, he became part of the Inner Circle (Peter, James, and John)....
Over the next several weeks, I want to invite you to take a journey with me as I write a new book online! We'll look at the Apostle John, not as the Apostle of Love, but as the Apostle of Victory... Let's get started! Introduction Have you ever thought you knew...
In a day of hyped individualism, I'm reminded of the great privilege of serving on a team. We've heard the acrostic, "Together, Everyone Achieves More," and there's relevancy there. The picture above demonstrates an historic moment at Iwo Jima - a demonstration of...
Subtitled: "Do the David Dance!" Sometimes we get in such a rush we don't take time to celebrate. At other times, we may give the impression that celebrating is not a task performed by "holy" people. Our church just celebrated 33 years with our pastor's family....