Reading
Revelation 2:1-29
Truth for Today
For many people in today's churches, the term worldliness has a quaint, old-fashioned ring to it. They associate it with prohibitions against things like dancing, going to the movies, or playing cards. Today's user-friendly, seeker-oriented, market-driven churches do not preach much against worldliness. To do so might make unbelievers (not to mention many believers) uncomfortable, and is therefore avoided as poor marketing strategy. But unlike much of the contemporary churches, the Bible does not hesitate to condemn worldliness for the serious sin that it is. Worldliness is any preoccupation with or interest in the temporal system of life that places anything perishable before that which is eternal.
Reflecting on the Text
1. How has this week of devos added to or changed your view of what a real "Christian" is?
2. What worldly attitudes or actions do you find yourself struggling with the most? What principles from Revelation 2:12-17 offer you hope for change?
3. What counsel would you give to a Christian friend who confessed that he or she had lost their "first love" for Christ?
4. Jesus urged, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says." What keeps you from hearing God's voice? Ask Him to help you slow down and learn how to hear Him, and then obey.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Message to the Churches, Part 1 - Part 5 - Devo for 01/09/2009
Reading
Revelation 2:1-29
Going Deeper
Unfaithfulness and hypocrisy among God's people is nothing new. For more insight about how the world can affect the church, read 1 John 2:15-17.
Exploring the Meaning
1. How is the world system defined in this passage? What does it mean to love the world?
2. What antidote does 1 John 2 provide to guard against being led astray, like the church of Pergamos was?
3. Read Matthew 18:15-17. Why is it so important for the church to address sin in its midst? What is the right way to do this, according to Christ's teaching?
Revelation 2:1-29
Going Deeper
Unfaithfulness and hypocrisy among God's people is nothing new. For more insight about how the world can affect the church, read 1 John 2:15-17.
Exploring the Meaning
1. How is the world system defined in this passage? What does it mean to love the world?
2. What antidote does 1 John 2 provide to guard against being led astray, like the church of Pergamos was?
3. Read Matthew 18:15-17. Why is it so important for the church to address sin in its midst? What is the right way to do this, according to Christ's teaching?
Message to the Churches, Part 1 - Part 4 - Devo for 01/08/2009
Reading
Revelation 2:1-29
Questions
1. Summarize Christ's message for the church at Thyatira.
2. Note the varied descriptions Jesus gave of Himself (vv. 1, 8, 12, 18). What do these reveal about Him?
3. Review Jesus' commands to each church (vv. 5, 10, 16, 25). How do Jesus' commands fit the problem He exposed in each church?
Revelation 2:1-29
Questions
1. Summarize Christ's message for the church at Thyatira.
2. Note the varied descriptions Jesus gave of Himself (vv. 1, 8, 12, 18). What do these reveal about Him?
3. Review Jesus' commands to each church (vv. 5, 10, 16, 25). How do Jesus' commands fit the problem He exposed in each church?
Message to the Churches, Part 1 - Part 3 - Devo for 01/07/2009
Reading
Revelation 2:1-29
Questions
1. What commendations did Christ have for the church at Ephesus? For what sin did He rebuke them?
(Verses to consider: Acts 18:19-21; 19:1-35; 20:17-38)
2. What situation did the church at Smyrna face? What did God promise them? How do these facts square with the expectations of most Western Christians?
(Verses to consider: Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:10)
3. What was the great sin of the church of Pergamos?
Revelation 2:1-29
Questions
1. What commendations did Christ have for the church at Ephesus? For what sin did He rebuke them?
(Verses to consider: Acts 18:19-21; 19:1-35; 20:17-38)
2. What situation did the church at Smyrna face? What did God promise them? How do these facts square with the expectations of most Western Christians?
(Verses to consider: Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:10)
3. What was the great sin of the church of Pergamos?
Message to the Churches, Part 1 - Part 2 - Devo for 01/06/2009
Reading
Revelation 2:1-29
Keys to the Text
The Church: God's people. In prospect, the universal body of believers. In present, the local group of believers. The church is the "body of Christ" (Romans 12:5). This metaphor depicts the church not as an organization but as a living organism composed of mutually related and interdependent parts. Christ is Head of the body and the Holy Spirit is its lifeblood, as it were. The body functions through the faithful use of its members' various spiritual gifts, sovereignly and uniquely bestowed by the Holy Spirit on each believer. Because Christians are part of the body of Christ, have been spiritually gifted by the Holy Spirit, and are edified through other believers, they should not continue to live like the ungodly.
1. How can you be an active part of the ministry here at New Testament Baptist Church?
2. What is your spiritual gift? (If you do not know, see Pastor Jason for a spiritual gifts survey.)
Revelation 2:1-29
Keys to the Text
The Church: God's people. In prospect, the universal body of believers. In present, the local group of believers. The church is the "body of Christ" (Romans 12:5). This metaphor depicts the church not as an organization but as a living organism composed of mutually related and interdependent parts. Christ is Head of the body and the Holy Spirit is its lifeblood, as it were. The body functions through the faithful use of its members' various spiritual gifts, sovereignly and uniquely bestowed by the Holy Spirit on each believer. Because Christians are part of the body of Christ, have been spiritually gifted by the Holy Spirit, and are edified through other believers, they should not continue to live like the ungodly.
1. How can you be an active part of the ministry here at New Testament Baptist Church?
2. What is your spiritual gift? (If you do not know, see Pastor Jason for a spiritual gifts survey.)
Message to the Churches, Part 1 - Part 1 - Devo for 01/05/2009
Reading
Revelation 2:1-29
Drawing Near
1. In the vision, Jesus instructs John to write letters to various churches. If Jesus were to send a message to your local church, what things might He commend your church for? Rebuke you for? Why do you think so?
2. How would you define the term "Christian"?
The Context
In his book The Mark of the Christian, theologian Francis Schaeffer once observed, "The meaning of the word Christian has been reduced to practically nothing...Because the word Christian as a symbol has been made to mean so little, it has come to mean everything and nothing." The term Christian in contemporary usage can mean anyone who is not Jewish, anyone who lives in a "Christian" nation (as opposed, for example, to a Buddhist or an Islamic one), or anyone who claims any kind of allegiance to Jesus Christ. Though the world may be confused about what a Christian is, the Bible is clear. Christians are those who are united to God through saving faith in Jesus Christ and thus are members of His family.
The seven churches addressed in chapters 2 and 3 were real churches when John lived. Five of the seven churches were rebuked for tolerating sin in their midst, not an uncomon occurrence in many churches. The problems in those churches ranged in severity from waning (fading) love at Ephesus to total apostasy (abandoning of the faith) at Laodicea. They weren't living like real Christians should. It is important for readers to understand that any church in any age can have a mixture of the sins that plagued these five churches...or it can persevere and be commended as were the churches at Smyrna and Philadelphia.
Revelation 2:1-29
Drawing Near
1. In the vision, Jesus instructs John to write letters to various churches. If Jesus were to send a message to your local church, what things might He commend your church for? Rebuke you for? Why do you think so?
2. How would you define the term "Christian"?
The Context
In his book The Mark of the Christian, theologian Francis Schaeffer once observed, "The meaning of the word Christian has been reduced to practically nothing...Because the word Christian as a symbol has been made to mean so little, it has come to mean everything and nothing." The term Christian in contemporary usage can mean anyone who is not Jewish, anyone who lives in a "Christian" nation (as opposed, for example, to a Buddhist or an Islamic one), or anyone who claims any kind of allegiance to Jesus Christ. Though the world may be confused about what a Christian is, the Bible is clear. Christians are those who are united to God through saving faith in Jesus Christ and thus are members of His family.
The seven churches addressed in chapters 2 and 3 were real churches when John lived. Five of the seven churches were rebuked for tolerating sin in their midst, not an uncomon occurrence in many churches. The problems in those churches ranged in severity from waning (fading) love at Ephesus to total apostasy (abandoning of the faith) at Laodicea. They weren't living like real Christians should. It is important for readers to understand that any church in any age can have a mixture of the sins that plagued these five churches...or it can persevere and be commended as were the churches at Smyrna and Philadelphia.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Back to the Future - Part 6 - Devo for 01/03/2009
Reading
Revelation 1:1-20
Truth for Today
Jesus came the first time in humiliation; He will return in exaltation. He came the first time to die; He will return to judge His enemies. He came the first time to serve; He will return to be served. He came the first time as the suffering servant; He will return as the conquering king. The challenge the book of Revelation makes to every person is to be ready for His return.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Imagine seeing a vision such as John saw. When in your life have you had a profound experience or encounter with the living God? What happened? How were you affected?
2. What does it mean to you that Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the King of kings, loves you and washed away your sins with His blood (v. 2)?
3. How would your life be different (practically and specifically) if you lived each day with a continual expectancy of Christ's return?
Revelation 1:1-20
Truth for Today
Jesus came the first time in humiliation; He will return in exaltation. He came the first time to die; He will return to judge His enemies. He came the first time to serve; He will return to be served. He came the first time as the suffering servant; He will return as the conquering king. The challenge the book of Revelation makes to every person is to be ready for His return.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Imagine seeing a vision such as John saw. When in your life have you had a profound experience or encounter with the living God? What happened? How were you affected?
2. What does it mean to you that Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the King of kings, loves you and washed away your sins with His blood (v. 2)?
3. How would your life be different (practically and specifically) if you lived each day with a continual expectancy of Christ's return?
Back to the Future - Part 5 - Devo for 01/02/2009
Reading
Revelation 1:1-20
Going Deeper
Revelation gives us a glimpse of who Jesus really is and the glory and power that are His. For more insight about Jesus, read Philippians 2:5-11.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What do you learn here about Jesus' identity? How is this identity affirmed in Revelation 1?
2. What does Philippians 2 say about Christ's past humiliation and its relationship to His present and future exaltation?
3. Read Matthew 24:29-30 and 25:31. What do these passages add to your understanding of the second coming of Christ?
4. Read John 11:25 and 14:6. What do these verses say about Christ being "He that liveth" (Revelation 1:18)?
(Verses to consider: Romans 6:9; Hebrews 2:14-15; 7:16; 1 Peter 3:18)
Revelation 1:1-20
Going Deeper
Revelation gives us a glimpse of who Jesus really is and the glory and power that are His. For more insight about Jesus, read Philippians 2:5-11.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What do you learn here about Jesus' identity? How is this identity affirmed in Revelation 1?
2. What does Philippians 2 say about Christ's past humiliation and its relationship to His present and future exaltation?
3. Read Matthew 24:29-30 and 25:31. What do these passages add to your understanding of the second coming of Christ?
4. Read John 11:25 and 14:6. What do these verses say about Christ being "He that liveth" (Revelation 1:18)?
(Verses to consider: Romans 6:9; Hebrews 2:14-15; 7:16; 1 Peter 3:18)
Back to the Future - Part 4 - Devo for 01/01/2009
Reading
Revelation 1:1-20
Questions
1. Describe the amazing appearance of the Son of Man in this vision (vv. 13-18). What do these images convey about Christ?
2. What effect did this vision of the risen Christ have on John?
(Verses to consider: Genesis 17:3; Numbers 16:22; Isaiah 6:1-8; Ezekiel 1:28; Acts 9:4)
3. Why is Revelation 1:19 such a significant verse in relation to our understanding of this book?
Revelation 1:1-20
Questions
1. Describe the amazing appearance of the Son of Man in this vision (vv. 13-18). What do these images convey about Christ?
2. What effect did this vision of the risen Christ have on John?
(Verses to consider: Genesis 17:3; Numbers 16:22; Isaiah 6:1-8; Ezekiel 1:28; Acts 9:4)
3. Why is Revelation 1:19 such a significant verse in relation to our understanding of this book?
Back to the Future - Part 3 - Devo for 12/31/2008
Reading
Revelation 1:1-20
Questions
1. What did John mean when he wrote "the time is at hand"?
(Verses to consider: Matthew 24:36-39; 2 Peter 3:3-4)
2. How did John describe the future second coming of Christ?
3. How will unbelievers (Jews and Gentiles) respond to the return of Christ?
(Verse to consider: Zechariah 12:10)
Revelation 1:1-20
Questions
1. What did John mean when he wrote "the time is at hand"?
(Verses to consider: Matthew 24:36-39; 2 Peter 3:3-4)
2. How did John describe the future second coming of Christ?
3. How will unbelievers (Jews and Gentiles) respond to the return of Christ?
(Verse to consider: Zechariah 12:10)
Back to the Future - Part 2 - Devo for 12/30/2008
Reading
Revelation 1:1-20
Keys to the Text
Revelation: This word comes from the Greek word apokalypsis and means "an uncovering," "an unveiling," or "a disclosure." In the New Testament, this word describes the unveiling of spiritual truth (Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 1:17; 3:3), the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:19), Christ's incarnation (Luke 2:32), and His glorious appearing at His second coming (2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7). In all its uses, "revelation" refers to something or someone once hidden, becoming visible. What this book reveals or unveils is Jesus Christ in glory. Truths about Jesus and His final victory become clearly visible through this revelation.
Apostle John: John was an apostle and one of the three most intimate associates of Jesus (see Matthew 17:1; 26:37). John and James (John's older brother), were known as "the sons of Zebedee," and Jesus called them "Sons of Thunder" (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:17). After Christ's ascension, John became a pillar in the Jerusalem church. He ministered with Peter until he went to Ephesus (tradition says before the destruction of Jerusalem), from where the Romans exiled him to Patmos. Besides the book of Revelation, John also authored the Gospel that bears his name, as well as 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John.
1. Write something new that you learned about the word revelation.
2. Write something that you find interesting about the Apostle John and his life.
Revelation 1:1-20
Keys to the Text
Revelation: This word comes from the Greek word apokalypsis and means "an uncovering," "an unveiling," or "a disclosure." In the New Testament, this word describes the unveiling of spiritual truth (Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 1:17; 3:3), the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:19), Christ's incarnation (Luke 2:32), and His glorious appearing at His second coming (2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7). In all its uses, "revelation" refers to something or someone once hidden, becoming visible. What this book reveals or unveils is Jesus Christ in glory. Truths about Jesus and His final victory become clearly visible through this revelation.
Apostle John: John was an apostle and one of the three most intimate associates of Jesus (see Matthew 17:1; 26:37). John and James (John's older brother), were known as "the sons of Zebedee," and Jesus called them "Sons of Thunder" (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:17). After Christ's ascension, John became a pillar in the Jerusalem church. He ministered with Peter until he went to Ephesus (tradition says before the destruction of Jerusalem), from where the Romans exiled him to Patmos. Besides the book of Revelation, John also authored the Gospel that bears his name, as well as 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John.
1. Write something new that you learned about the word revelation.
2. Write something that you find interesting about the Apostle John and his life.
Back to the Future - Part 1 - Devo for 12/29/2008
Reading
Revelation 1:1-20
Drawing Near
1. On a scale of 1-10 (1 = representing "very little understanding" and 10 = "complete and full understanding"), how would you rate your current understanding of the book of Revelation and what it teaches about end-time events?
2. What do you hope to learn from this study?
3. When you think about the future of the world, are you optimistic or pessimistic? Why?
The Context
Many people are fascinated, even obsessed, with the future. They faithfully read their horoscopes, seek our Tarot card readers, have their palms read, feed on futurisitc scientific material, or call one of the many "psychic hot lines." All such attempts to discern the future, however, are in vain. There is only One who knows and declares the future: God (Isaiah 44:7; 45:21; 46:9-10). Only in Scripture can truth about the future be found.
The Old Testament prophets, particularly Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah, provided glimpses of the future. Jesus spoke about it, as did Peter and Paul in their inspired writings. But the book of Revelation provides the most detailed look into the future in all of Scripture. The fitting capstone of God's revelation to man in the Bible, the book of Revelation unveils the future history of the world, all the way to history's climax in the return of Christ and the setting up of His glorious earthly and eternal kingdom.
The breathtaking vision of Jesus Christ that begins John's book shows Him to be the glorified Lord of the church. For persecuted believers at the end of the first century, this reminder of Christ's present ministry to them surely provided great hope and comfort. Revelation 1:19 provides a simple outline for the entire book: "the things which thou hast seen," refers to the vision John has just seen (ch. 1); "the things which are" denotes the letters to the churches (chs. 2-3); and "the things which shall be hereafter" refers to the revelation of future history (chs. 4-22). The first chapter of Revelation makes abundantly clear that Jesus Christ is the central theme of the book. It specifies that the events described lie in the future. More importantly, from a reader's perspective, it promises blessings to those who study and obey the contents of John's prophecy.
Note: This study of Revelation moves quickly through large passages and will only allow us to look at major themes and events.
Revelation 1:1-20
Drawing Near
1. On a scale of 1-10 (1 = representing "very little understanding" and 10 = "complete and full understanding"), how would you rate your current understanding of the book of Revelation and what it teaches about end-time events?
2. What do you hope to learn from this study?
3. When you think about the future of the world, are you optimistic or pessimistic? Why?
The Context
Many people are fascinated, even obsessed, with the future. They faithfully read their horoscopes, seek our Tarot card readers, have their palms read, feed on futurisitc scientific material, or call one of the many "psychic hot lines." All such attempts to discern the future, however, are in vain. There is only One who knows and declares the future: God (Isaiah 44:7; 45:21; 46:9-10). Only in Scripture can truth about the future be found.
The Old Testament prophets, particularly Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah, provided glimpses of the future. Jesus spoke about it, as did Peter and Paul in their inspired writings. But the book of Revelation provides the most detailed look into the future in all of Scripture. The fitting capstone of God's revelation to man in the Bible, the book of Revelation unveils the future history of the world, all the way to history's climax in the return of Christ and the setting up of His glorious earthly and eternal kingdom.
The breathtaking vision of Jesus Christ that begins John's book shows Him to be the glorified Lord of the church. For persecuted believers at the end of the first century, this reminder of Christ's present ministry to them surely provided great hope and comfort. Revelation 1:19 provides a simple outline for the entire book: "the things which thou hast seen," refers to the vision John has just seen (ch. 1); "the things which are" denotes the letters to the churches (chs. 2-3); and "the things which shall be hereafter" refers to the revelation of future history (chs. 4-22). The first chapter of Revelation makes abundantly clear that Jesus Christ is the central theme of the book. It specifies that the events described lie in the future. More importantly, from a reader's perspective, it promises blessings to those who study and obey the contents of John's prophecy.
Note: This study of Revelation moves quickly through large passages and will only allow us to look at major themes and events.
Friday, December 5, 2008
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