Revelation for Lent
 Our 3rd Lenten video looks at the church of Pergamum. Pergamum was about 50 miles north of Smyrna, and more than any other city, was known for its idolatry and pagan ritualism. Everywhere you looked there were shrines to Greek gods and temples to human emperors. After all, it is no small thing that Jesus say—twice—that this is the place where “Satan dwells.” Needless to say, this is far from a 5-star review. To the church in Pergamum, the Lord commends their faithfulness in such a sinful place. Even when a faithful member or leader of the church was murdered, they did not waver. But they still needed some correction. "Repent therefore!" Citing an Old Testament text (Numbers 22-25), Jesus stresses the importance of not compromising. You cannot have your feet in the ways of the world and in the ways of Jesus. You cannot embrace sin and live for the Savior. The church cannot tolerate false teachings or those who promote them. We cannot compromise our beliefs or the timeless Biblical teachings. If we do the people of the church will become confused and stumble. Satan will use these traps to pull people completely away from the church. God’s Word is what caries authority; this is why it is a double-edged sword. As Christians we always stand for the truth, even (and especially) when it is difficult. As we do, the Lord promises to give us “hidden manna” and a “white stone” which is symbolic of our invitation to the great banquet of heaven and our Christ-won, eternal mansion in paradise.
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 Our 2nd Lenten video looks at the church of Smyrna. Smyrna was an important, beautiful port city. This thriving city was known for its beauty, wealth, and achievement. It rivaled nearby Ephesus in grandeur and influence. But it was also a place of considerable persecution for early Christians. Thus, the Lord urges the church to remain faithful during troubling times. His message for this church highlights the vital importance of endurance and perseverance. It is easy to follow when things are wonderful; but we dare not walk away when times get tough. We remain faithful, because God is faithful. In Matthew, Jesus says that "he who endures to the end shall be saved." (24:13). So do not give up, and do fear not the things of this world or the potential ways that we “are about to suffer” even, if God calls, to “be faithful unto death." Ultimately, the Lord is with us. We are rich in Him; and He will give us the crown of life!  Our 1st video of this Lenten season looks at the church of Ephesus. The great apostle John, (not Paul), commends the church for doing many good things. However, they lost sight of their "first love." The church today can, and should, do many good things in our communities; but not at the expense of losing sight of who we are. The church then, the church today, exists to preach the Gospel of Jesus. It's all about Him. Time to get back to that truth, back to our "first love" who is the One that is love incarnate. It is only when we return to Jesus that we can know the joy and hope of His promises, that we can look forward to being eternally victorious in the paradise of God. May we have a love that places God first in our lives; a love that moves us to share Him with those around us. |
