Opposition and Rejoicing

Opposition and Rejoicing

As the good news of Jesus was spreading throughout Jerusalem and forming a new community of people, it was turning life upside down as everyone knew it. For some, they were radically exchanging everything they ever knew for a new way of life, even giving up their possessions in order to share and care for others. For others, it was a threat to their way of life, with the possibility of taking their control and power.

The news of Jesus brings Restoration to the poor in spirit; those who know they are in need.
The news of Jesus stirs up Resistance from the proud.
The news of Jesus brings Renewal for the one bringing the news.

To Laodicea

To Laodicea

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

The final community addressed was the church in Laodicea. The common picture of a lukewarm church where Jesus stands knocking at the door is found in this letter. Yet, as we look deeper we may find this message cuts at our hearts even more than we assumed of it.

To Philadelphia

To Philadelphia

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

The community of Jesus followers in Philadelphia was small and had little power. They had been displaced from their home by earthquakes and even when they were able to go back and rebuild, they were caught between two opposing powers; the Greco-Roman worship of gods and Caesar, and the Jewish synagogue who wouldn’t let Jesus followers in. This small church is one of two out of the seven that Jesus had nothing to say against, but only words of encouragement, hope, and a promise for those who endure.

To Sardis

To Sardis

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

Sardis was a well guarded city positioned against rocky mountain terrain. Because of this, there is only a history of them being attacked two times — both times were because their watchmen fell asleep at their post, taking their security for granted. Jesus writes to the church in Sardis to say they are doing the same. They are not staying alert to the threats of the world around them — threats against their faith. They are spiritually asleep, or dead even, to the realities of the warfare happening in their midst. Jesus calls them to wake up! To stay alert and remember the good news they had received. To hold onto that and turn away from the things that have lulled them to sleep.

To Thyatira

To Thyatira

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

Jesus’ first words to Thyatira sound almost as if they are an ideal church, living with faithfulness, love, service, and endurance. Yet, they are caught up in the same traps Pergamum was — giving their bodies over to sin for temporary pleasure. A completely different group of people in a different context, enticed and lured away by the same desires. Isn’t this true of many of us today? How can we overcome wicked desires and find those desires satisfied in Christ alone?

To Pergamum

To Pergamum

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

His message to Pergamum begins with encouragement for continuing to proclaim the name of Jesus as Lord faithfully in a city hostile to their faith. Yet, they have mixed in idolatrous practices of those around them. Jesus has serious words of warning for that!

To Smyrna

To Smyrna

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. But the Spirit has preserved these words to speak to us still today!

Jesus’ message to the church in Smyrna was one of hope. They were a small, destitute church living in poverty and under oppression — for the sake of the Gospel! Jesus reassured them that he knew them well and he knew their suffering well. In fact, Jesus had endured everything they were going through already; and he overcame. His promise to them is that if they continued to remain faithful, they too would overcome death and receive the eternal crown of life.

Invitation Into Lent

Invitation Into Lent

Lent traditionally has 3 components: Fasting, Prayer, and Giving.

It is a period of reflection on the brokenness of the world and our need for rescuing, which leads us up to the celebration of Easter. In order to fully embrace the resurrection of new life, we must also face the stain of death caused by human rebellion. This short audio was an invitation to our congregation into the season of Lent together.

To Ephesus

To Ephesus

In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. Ephesus was the first stop. They were standing strong in the truth in the midst of an idolatrous culture. But they had neglected to walk in actionable love for one another. Jesus wanted to call them back, in his love, by his grace.

Prophetic Power

Prophetic Power

A new community was forming, centered around Jesus, empowered by His very Spirit sent from the Father. This power allowed for them to be part of some pretty amazing things, but just as Jesus tired of the crowds coming to him to see miracles, these events were pointing to something more powerful. People were being restored into community, good news was being preached, and the system the world operated in was being set right — in small part — as a preview of what would come fully one day.

For the Sake of Others

For the Sake of Others

Our formation in God and our community with one another is more deeply formed as we live on mission for the sake of others. God has always designed humanity to have a purpose, to be a display of His good work in front of all of creation, for the sake of the world.

Together.

Together.

God has formed us to be together, many distinct people in unity as one body, in order to best reflect what He is like. Most of creation has been designed this way, to be connected together. Yet, sin has broken us apart and created a desire for individualism. Jesus has come to reunite us as his body, bringing us together with one another and together with God once again.