Rev. 2:18-28 Read
Pay attention, message from intimidating speaker!
Vs. 19: “I know your works…” love, faith, service, patient endurance, (all increasing)
Growing love evidenced in deeds of service
Phil. 2:12-13: “work out your own salvation…” Jas. 2:14-26: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Faith – Cause / Works – Symptoms
Mt. 22:37-40: “Love God with all your heart…love your neighbor as yourself.”
Rom. 3:21-22: “righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”
Mk. 1:14-15: “repent and believe in the gospel.” (includes service)
Mt. 6:14-15: “if you forgive…neither will your Father…” (takes patience)
All increasing – very good!
Vs 20: “But I have this against you…” Jezebel teaching and seducing…practice sexual Immorality & eating food sacrificed to idols.
Lack of discernment, toleration of heresy
What is going on in the Church today? (Our Culture)
Christmas: All about Santa Clause, parties, spending money on presents (what about Jesus?)
Easter: Bunny Rabbits and Easter eggs? Easter eggs combine ancient pagan symbols of spring and fertility with early Christian traditions of the resurrection and the end of Lentin fasting.
Halloween: Halloween is celebrated on 31 October because it evolved from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and later merged with Christian traditions like All Hallows’ Eve, becoming a modern holiday focused on remembering the dead and enjoying activities such as costumes, bonfires, and trick-or-treat.
Added rituals: Catholic, Lutheran, all the way through Church of Christ!
Other Matters: Married having affairs, Unmarried living together, Entertainment replacing Biblical teaching
Terrible punishment for those who promote such behavior?
Solution?
Vs. 25 “Hold fast until I (Jesus) come. You will get a fantastic reward! You will rule the nations! Morning Star!
Do you have ears? Listen to what I say!
Revival?
Howard Marsh “Year after year – same ole church, sermons, people, pews, same ole lives”
-Joe Overman lives in Lyons, IN