The Church of Sardis: Reviving the “Dead” Church
What does it mean to be truly alive? To the church in Sardis, Jesus said that they have the reputation of being alive but they are dead.
It is likely that the church was not living up to its reputation. It has not centred itself on Christ, who rightfully should be the head, bridegroom and cornerstone of the church.
Despite the harsh words, this letter also shows us the church was not doomed. Jesus still remembered them and gave them the way to return to Him.
The Church in Thyatira: Toxic Tolerance
The church in Thyatira may be the least prominent among the 7 churches but it received the longest letter from Jesus. Though their works motivated by love and faith were growing, they have become tolerant of a false teacher who is seducing other believers to sin. Our God who sees all things and searches mind and heart will throw the false teacher and her followers into tribulation unless they repent. In face of increasing calls for tolerance in our culture, the church needs to be guided by the Scriptures to take a firm stand about what should be tolerated and what shouldn’t be tolerated. However, ultimately, the Christian community should not be defined by what it tolerates but by the sacrificial love of Jesus and our commitment to follow and imitate Him.
The Church In Pergamum: Dangers Of Compromise
The letter to the church in Pergamum is a reminder on the dangers of compromise.
Though the church was commended for keeping the faith against external pressures, they have allowed a subtle form of compromise to slowly develop. Some of them have forgotten their identities, wanting to be their own gods and succumbed to worldly beliefs. As the Lord comes as a judge with his Word to his churches, his desire is for them to repent and receive the fullness of his blessings.
The Shape and Nature of Abraham’s Blessings
Everyone in the world seeks some form of blessing. However, the true blessing from God may be different from what the world desires. As seen in the story of Abraham, God’s blessing can be the transformation of an individual into a person who lives by faith and not by sight. Through this transformation, Abraham becomes God’s instrument to bring His ultimate blessing to the world – Jesus Christ.
Church in Smyrna: Faithful in Tribulation
The letter to the church in Smyrna is the shortest letter among the letters to the 7 churches and contains no rebuke. To a suffering Church like Smyrna, Jesus reminded them that He is eternal, sovereign over life and history and He is acquainted with their grief. God identifies with those the persecuted for his sake and he points them to an eternal reward if they remain faithful. Ultimately, it is the Word of God that can truly sustain our faith.
The Redeemer in Christmas
As Christmas approaches, believers are called to prepare their hearts in hopeful anticipation to commemorate the birth of Jesus, and also the Lord’s second coming. However, waiting can be an unsettling process for many. Thus, it is important to remember who we are waiting and learn how we should wait. The story in Ruth points us to the ultimate redeemer we have in Christ and teaches us important lessons on we can receive grace as we wait.
The Hesed Of Christmas
We all know that God loves us. But what kind of love is this? How does it compare to the love we see in the world. The book of Ruth gives us an idea of ‘hesed’, the steadfast love of God, that culminates in the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let us reflect on the love we have received and respond with a faithful generous love to God and others, even those we consider as outsiders.
Church in Ephesus: Love Abandoned
In the letters to 7 churches in the Book of Revelation, the Church in Ephesus was commended for their works, endurance and commitment sound doctrine. However, God has something against them. They have abandoned the love they had at first. It seems that without love, all the good they have done will mean nothing. Why is love so important and how is love often lost? As we look deeper, we see that the letter to Church in Ephesus is not a complaint letter from God, but a message of love that points them to an enduring hope.
My Soul Refuses To Be Comforted
Prayer is not just about praise, adoration, thanksgiving or petition. God welcomes us to draw near to Him with our weaknesses, questions and doubts in prayers, so that we will ultimately be led to the truths about God’s surpassing power and love. Psalm 77 provides a map of such a prayer that ends with an assurance that God’s way through the sea is often through our simple obedience to His leading.
Finding Yourself In An Ever-Changing World
Man is on an endless search for himself. He either builds his identity on his achievements or dreams and aspirations, eager to validate himself with the approval of others. In a world that is changing quickly, the self-identity built on these fleeting things is on shaky ground. The search ends only when man realise that his true self can only found in being what God has created him to be.
