“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” - Revelation 2:10   Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John, stood as a shining example of unwavering faithfulness to Christ amidst severe persecution. His story echoes through history, challenging believers to consider their own commitment to Jesus in the face of adversity. Sentenced to death for refusing...  Read More

“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victo...  Read More

“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” - Revelation 2:5   Having remembered the times when we were closest to God and repented of the ways we’ve drifted, the next step is to return to Him wholeheartedly. This process of remembering, repenting, and returning is not just a spiritual exercise but a pathway to experiencing the abundant life God desires for us. R...  Read More

“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” - Revelation 2:5   After reflecting on the times when we were closest to God, we often realize that something changed along the way. It wasn’t God who moved; it was us. Sin entered our lives, whether through deliberate actions, neglect, or distractions, and our relationship with God began to suffer. The passion and inti...  Read More

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   Jesus’ message to the church at Ephesus is an important reminder of the importance of remembering our first love. When we first encountered God’s love, it transformed us. There was a time when our hearts burned with passion for Jesus, and His presence was the center of our lives.  Think back to those ear...  Read More

“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   We have spent the last few days discussing the church in Ephesus, a church that was once devoted to love. John, the ‘beloved disciple,’ was their pastor. Thirty years before John wrote his Revelation on the island of Patmos, Paul commended this church in his letter to the Ephesians, saying he had heard ...  Read More

“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   Do you remember what it was like when you first fell in love? The fire, the passion, those sleepless nights talking on the phone until dawn. “I’m not going to hang up… you hang up.” You were giddy, consumed by their beauty and charm, and couldn’t wait to see them again. Just thinking about that person d...  Read More

“I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” - Revelation 2:3   In His letter to the church at Ephesus, Jesus acknowledges the church’s perseverance through hardships. He sees their steadfastness and commends them for enduring trials without growing weary.  Life is filled with challenges and hardships. We face trials in our personal lives, work, re...  Read More

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.” - Revelation 2:2   In the letter to the church at Ephesus, Jesus acknowledges their unwavering commitment to the truth. This was a church that held a deep passion for sound doctrine. They opened their B...  Read More

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   As we dive into Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Revelation, one striking aspect stands out: Jesus doesn’t just praise these churches or merely criticize them. Instead, He offers a balanced perspective, pointing out both their strengths and their weaknesses. This approach is something we can lear...  Read More

“Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” - Revelation 1:19   In the book of Revelation, we find letters addressed to seven literal churches. These messages aren't just for those churches; they reveal seven types of church members, too. As we dive into these letters over the next few days, let’s set the stage by understanding a bit more about the author, J...  Read More

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." - Hebrews 11:6   In our journey with God, faith serves as the cornerstone on which our relationship is built. It's not merely a component; it's the very essence of our connection to Him. Our faith manifests in various dimensions: in what ...  Read More