Silence in Heaven - Revelation 8:1-9

In today's study, we discuss the reason for silence in heaven at the opening of the seventh seal in preparation for the first of the seven trumpets.

Spiritual Warfare - Daniel 10

In today's study, we take a detour to look at the subject of spiritual warfare that every believer must be prepared to be engaged in.

A Great Multitude Revelation 7:9-17

In today's study, we take a look at the great multitude of Tribulation Saints in heaven that have given their lives for their faith.

The 144,000 - Revelation 7:1-8

In today's study, we are introduced to 144,000 Jews that are sealed for protection as they are commissioned to preach the gospel to those who remain on the earth during the Tribulation.

How Long, Oh Lord? - Revelation 6:11-17

In today's study, we take a further look at the Tribulation Saints and also discuss the possibility of what the opening of the sixth seal might mean.

Religions of the World Growth Since 1925

Three Views of the Rapture, Part 2

Today, we conclude our topical study on the three views of the Rapture of the Church.

Three Views of the Rapture, Part 1

Today, we take a moment to consider this event called the Rapture and discuss the three dominant views in regards to its timing.

Tribulation Saints - Revelation 6:5-10

Today in our study, we are introduced to those who have died for the faith in Christ during the tribulation period. They are referred to as the Tribulation Saints.

The Tribulation Begins - Revelation 5:14-6:4

In today's study, the time of tribulation begins with the opening of the first seal and the introduction to the rider on the white horse.

Worthy is the Lamb - Revelation 5:7-13

In today's study, John describes the only one who is worthy to take the scroll from the hand of God: the Lamb, Jesus Christ, and the response of the hosts of heaven.

One Who Is Worthy - Revelation 4:10-5:6

In today's study, we continue our look of the characteristics of the four living creatures and discover who is the only one worthy to take scroll from the hand of God.

Elders and Creatures - Revelation 4:3-9

In today's study, we take a closer look at who the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures are that were standing by the throne of God that John saw.

The Throne in Heaven - Revelation 4:2-3

In today's study, we take a closer look at the throne that John sees immediately upon entering the heavenly scene after having heard the trumpet.

Come Up Here! - Revelation 3:20-4:1

In today's study, we wrap up the church of Laodicea and are introduced to the Rapture of the Church.
 

Church of Whatever - Revelation 3:12-19

In today's study, we conclude the church of Philadelphia and introduce the church of Laodicea. This church represents the church of the last days. It is the church that will see the rapture that will occur in the very next chapter. It is the proverbial church of "whatever".

Behold, I Come - Revelation 3:10-11

In today's study, we again take a look at the rapture of the church and point to three reasons this event must take place before the "time of temptation" or what is commonly referred to as the tribulation. We also see that we are encouraged to stay busy in the work of the Lord until that time comes.

The Rapture - Revelation 3:10

In today's study, we discuss in more detail what the Rapture is and when it will happen.

Hour of Temptation - Revelation 3:7-10

In today's study, we go into the church of Philadelphia and see how that it represents the church following the great Protestant Reformation. We also see that this church is commended for its work and faithfulness and receives a promise to be delivered from the coming hour of temptation.

Hold Fast and Repent - Revelation 3:1-6

In today's study, we take a closer look at the church of Sardis and how that it represents the church of the Reformation. In it we find both encouragement and caution.

The Morning Star - Revelation 2:24-29

In today's study, we continue to look at the church of Thyatira and the promises that are given to those who "hold fast" to the Word of God and introduce the church of Sardis.

Jezebel - Revelation 2:18-23

In today's study, we take a look at the Church of Thyatira and discuss how it represents the church of the Dark Ages and the triumph of Balaamism and Nicolaitanism.

Crackling Fireplace

This is nice to have up on cool fall evenings.

Hell's Best Kept Secret

This is a message by Ray Comfort confronting the failure of modern day evangelism.

Overcomers - Revelation 2:17

In today's study, we take a closer look at the hidden manna and the white stone that is promised to those who overcome.

Repent, or Else - Revelation 2:15-16

In today's study, the Lord goes on to further warn the Church of Pergamos that He hates the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans and that they were to reject it or else He Himself will fight against them.

Balaam, Part 2 - Revelation 2:14

In today's study, we once again take a look at who Balaam was and why he is accused of putting a stumbling block before the children of Israel and how that relates to the Church of Pergamos.

Balaam, Part 1 - Revelation 2:14

In today's study, we take a closer look at who Balaam was and why he is accused of putting a stumbling block before the children of Israel.

Satan's Throne - Revelation 2:13

In today's study, we take a look at what Revelation describes as the throne of Satan in the city of Pergamos. Was he referring to a literal throne, or did Satan himself truly reside there during this period of history?

The Compromising Church - Revelation 2:12

In today's study, we introduce the third church of Pergamos which represents the compromising church that had found favor with the world.

The Second Death - Revelation 2:11

In today's study, we take a closer look at what the Bible calls the "second death". What is it? We find out by comparing Scripture with Scripture and by looking at the story of Nicodemus in John 3.

Suffering - Revelation 2:10

In today's study, we find that our Lord encouraged the Church of Smyrna because of the suffering that they were about to endure. Is it God's will that the righteous should suffer?

Godliness with Contentment - Revelation 2:9

In today's study, we continue into the Church of Smyrna which was suffering tremendously for their faith in Christ. Jesus encouraged them to stay strong in their commitment to him and to stay away from those who were teaching them that being Godly was a way to get rich.

First and the Last - Revelation 2:8

In today's study from God's Word, we are introduced to the Church of Smyrna. We look at the persecution that this church faced and the Christ that this church was so willing to die for.

The Tree of Life - Revelation 2:7

In today's study, we discuss the Tree of Life that was once in the Garden of Eden, how Adam and Eve willingly chose to disobey, and how that has affected us all to this day.

Jesus is our High Priest - Revelation 2:6

In today's study, we see that God hates the deeds of a group of people that are referred to as the Nicolaitans. Who were these people and what did they do to earn a negative place in the Bible?

Our First Love - Revelation 2:4-5

In today's study, John accuses the first century church of Ephesus of leaving their first love, but he does not leave them without hope. Instead, he says that the way they are to get it back is to remember, repent, and return.

I Know Your Works - Revelation 2:2-3

In today's study, we continue to look at the first church of Ephesus and the compliments that are paid to it by our Lord. These compliments include their patience and ability to repel evil from their midst.

Apostasy - Revelation 2:1

In today's study, we venture into the Church of Ephesus where we discover that God will never leave his church without men of God to lead them, and that as we come closer to the end, many will fall away from the faith.

Outline & Explanation - Revelation 1:19-20

In today's study, we look at the outline of the book and introduce the seven churches of chapters two and three.

Angels and Demons - Revelation 1:17-18

In today's study from Revelation, we see John bowing at the feet of the messenger, discuss who this messenger is, and the difference between angels and demons. We also clarify what the gospel message is and is not.

The Sword of the Lord - Revelation 1:11-16

In today's study, we discuss how Jesus actually looked in physical appearance, the two uses of the Word of God as the Sword of the Lord, and how to tell when some one has been in the presence of God.

Why Sunday? - Revelation 1:6-10

In today's study, we discover that Christ is our high priest and we do not need an earthly one, the difference between the rapture and the return, and why the church worships on Sunday.

The Ultimate Sacrifice - Revelation 1:5

In today's study, John tells us that we who have placed our faith in Christ have been washed in the blood and our sins have been forgiven. What does that mean? The answer is found by comparing the Old Testament sacrificial system to the death of Christ in the New Testament.

The Faithful Witness - Revelation 1:4-5

In today's study, John states to whom he is writing this final letter and of whom he is speaking of in this final letter: Jesus Christ, the faithful witness.

The Time is Near - Revelation 1:3-4

In today's study, John warns his readers that the time is near. We also take a closer look at why grace must come before peace and what each of them mean for you and me.

Three Blessings - Revelation 1:3

In today's study, we see that there are three blessings that are associated with the book of the Revelation that are offered to everyone.

The Revelation - Revelation 1:1-2

Today, we begin a new study through the book of the Revelation by taking a look at who wrote it, varies views of interpretation, and verses 1-2.

In Christ Alone - Galatians 6:11-26

In today's study, Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians by encouraging them to take care of each other, stay away from those who would place them back under the Law, and by reminding them that their boast should be in Christ alone.

The Law of Christ - Galatians 6:2-10

In today's study, Paul continues to speak about how we are to behave toward one another in the church to the end that we fulfill what he calls "the law of Christ".

Godly Restoration - Galatians 5:25-6:1

In today's study, Paul deals with the issue of willful sin in the church and how we are to deal with it. It is to always be done with "affectionate admonition" with the realization that we too a capable of the same thing.

Walk in the Spirit - Galatians 5:16-24

In today's study, Paul makes it very clear that as children of God we are not to walk in the flesh, but in the Spirit. He even goes on to say that it's impossible for a true child of God to continually walk in the flesh.

The Offense of the Cross - Galatians 5:11-16

In today's study, Paul declares that the cross is offensive to those who reject Christ and that our liberty in Christ does not mean that we can just do anything that we want.

All or Nothing - Galatians 5:1-10

In today's study, Paul continues to exhort his readers to stand strong in the grace that Christ offers, and continues to warn them (and us) that to add anything to grace is ultimately placing trust in the Law that could never save.

Stand Fast - Galatians 4:24-5:1

In today's study, Paul continues to drive home the point that salvation is the result of the completed work of Christ and encourages his readers to stand fast in the liberty that has set us free from the condemnation of the Law.

A Tale of Two Sons - Galatians 4:17-23

In today's study, Paul takes a look at two historical sons to prove that there is a big difference between living under Law which brings bondage verses living under Grace which brings freedom.

Speaking the Truth - Galatians 4:7-16

In today's study, Paul reminds them that they are no longer children under the Law, but have been declared joint-heirs with Christ through faith. He then acknowledges that many of them might find his words offensive as many so often do when we bring truth into the conversation.

All One In Christ - Galatians 3:21-4:6

Today, we see that Paul continues to emphasize that we are no longer under the Law, but have been made free through the promise of the coming Messiah, and now both Jew and Gentile, are one in Him.

The Purpose of the Law - Galatians 3:15-20

In today's study, Paul shows us that the purpose of the Law was to merely point out our sin. It was never meant to provide the solution. The solution can only come through the promised Messiah.

Sons of Abraham - Galatians 3:1-14

In today's study, Paul continues to hammer home the point that we are saved by faith and not by the works of the Law. To prove this, he points out that Abraham was declared righteous long before the rite of circumcision.

By Faith Alone - Galatians 2:11-21

In today's study, we see Paul rebuking Peter for his hypocrisy. He goes on to argue that keeping the works of the Law is not the way to salvation, but faith alone in the finished work of Christ.

No More Bondage - Galatians 2:6-10

In today's study, Paul acknowledges that he and the other apostles were indeed preaching the same gospel to both the Gentiles and to the Jews. He also says that it is a gospel of Liberty and not one of bondage that would place men back under the same Law that Christ came to free us from.

Liberty in Christ - Galatians 2:3-5

Today Paul talks about his visit to Jerusalem to discuss the issue of keeping the works of the law in order to be saved because some in the early church were teaching that it was necessary.

Walking In The Light - 1 John

I had another opportunity to teach at Calvary Chapel in Travelers Rest, South Carolina using 1 John 1 as my text.

The Same Gospel - Galatians 1:18-2:2

Today we continue our study by taking a closer look at Jesus' family and Paul's return to Jerusalem.

Times of Preparation - Galatians 1:15-17

Today we look at Paul's calling into the ministry and his time of preparation in the desert.

A Friend of God - Galatians 1:11-14

In today's study, we take a look at the conversion of the Apostle Paul and discuss his life before he met the Christ.

Bondservants of Christ - Galatians 1:8-10

In today's study, we see that men have a tendency to corrupt grace and the gospel. Therefore, we need to be careful to not do the same. We also see that we are each called to be volunteer servants of Christ.

To God be the Glory - Galatians 1:3-7

Today we continue our study through the book of Galatians by looking at the true message of the gospel and that it is something that none of us could ever earn in and of ourselves.

The Gospel of Grace - Galatians 1:1-2

Today we introduce the letter to the Galatians as the Declaration of Emancipation from legalism.

We Need Church

Saying “I love Jesus but not the church” is as irrational as saying to your best friend, “I like you—I just can’t stand being around you.”

Evangelism: Decision Time

Today we conclude our brief study on the call to evangelism by looking at how to actually share the gospel with others.

Evangelism: Turn the Conversation

Today in our study on evangelism, we talk about how to turn the conversation to spiritual things when talking about Jesus to others.

Evangelism: True Measure of Success

Today in our study on evangelism we talk about the difference between simply saying that we are Christians and obeying what our Lord has clearly commanded us to do.

Evangelism: The Sin of Silence

Today we continue our study on the subject of evangelism by looking at staggering statistics that show that the average Christian is not actively sharing their faith with those around them.

Evangelism: Introduction

Today we begin a new study on the call to evangelism. In this study, we will find that God has always had a plan to reach lost man with the gospel of Christ, and yes, that plan involves us.

Prayer: Qualifications

In today's final study on prayer, we discuss some qualifiers for prayer such as humility, sincerity, boldness, faith, simple, persistent, definite, and Scriptural.

Prayer: Hindrances, Part 2

Today we continue our study on the subject of prayer and things that hinder our prayers from being answered according to the Bible.

Birthdays - Revelation 2:11-12

Revelation 2:11 says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” When I was in Bible College, I had a teacher that used to tell us preacher boys that God gave us two ears and one mouth because we were meant to listen twice as much as we spoke.” That’s some pretty good advice. I wish more people would take it to heart. That’s including, at times myself.

In this verse we also come to the second promise of salvation to him who overcomes. He will not be hurt by the second death. The second death is spoke of again in Revelation 20:6 where it says, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” What is the second death? While all men, short of the rapture, will die a first time in this life: only those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will not suffer the second death which will occur after the Great White Throne judgment. This death will result in the one who has not placed their faith in Jesus Christ being cast into the Lake of Fire to never see or experience the presence of God again. It’s been said that if a person is born once (physically) they will die twice (physically and spiritually). If a person is born twice (physically and spiritually) they will die once (physically). My physical birth happened on September 26, 1966. My spiritual birth took place while I was a nine year old boy attending a revival service in Greenville, South Carolina. Those two births assure me that I will only die a physical death, but never a spiritual one. How about you? How many birthdays do you have?

Now let’s look at verse 12 where it says, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” Again, we must remember that the names of these churches have much to do with the situations they were in at the time. The first Church of Ephesus, had left its first love and thus its name meant "desirable” or “first love". The second Church of Smyrna, was under deadly persecution and thus its name meant Myrrh which was a spice used in the embalming process. 

Now we come to the Church of Pergamos. This is where I want you to put your thinking caps on for a minute. We are going to break the word down. "Per" means "mixed or objectionable." "Gamos" means “marriage or wedded”. For example, “polygamy” means married to many and monogamy means married to one.  

So Pergamos means "mixed or objectionable marriage." We will see as we read the letter that Jesus accuses Pergamos of compromise because it married the world. This is the church of compromise. It’s the church that originated the phrase, “Why can’t we all just love each other and get along?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that statement. Yes, the Bible does teach that we are to love one another and “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom 12:18). However, the Bible also says in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” 

As a pastor, I have been forced to make some decisions in regards to who our church was to have fellowship with.  Many of them were long, drawn-out, painful, and prayerful decisions. In the end, old relationships were sometimes broken and new ones were formed.  However, all of them were made based upon the clear teaching of the Word of God. There is not nearly as much “guess work” in the Bible as many would have us to believe!

So, the Church of Pergamos was the compromising church. It was the church that had “married” the world and God certainly saw that as “mixed or objectionable. I remember hearing one time that the boat is okay in the ocean as long as the ocean doesn’t come into the boat. Unfortunately, that’s the story with not only the Church of Pergamos, but also many churches today. Next time, we’ll take a closer look at that sharp sword with two edges and how God intends to use it.

Prayer: Hindrances

Today we continue our study on things that can hinder our prayers.

Suffering - Revelation 2:10

Revelation 2:10 says, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Jesus is telling this Church of Smyrna that they are about to suffer persecution. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

I guess the question should be, “Is it in God’s plan that Christians suffer?” The answer is, “Yes.” That cannot be denied. I often hear Christians say "Satan, we bind you in the name of Jesus!" But we must understand something. Just because you want to bind him does not automatically mean that God wants to bind him. Sometimes God does allow Satan to do things out of his sovereignty that we cannot stop. Jesus told the Church of Smyrna to be faithful unto death! 

First, I think of the story of Job in the Old Testament. In Job 1:6-12 it says, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them…And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?...And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” Did God allow Job to suffer? Yes.

Second, I think of Peter in the New Testament. Jesus said to Peter in Luke 22:31-32, “…Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Notice that Jesus did not pray that Peter would be delivered from the “sifting” that was to come, but that his faith would not fail him when it was over.

Third, I also think of Paul the apostle said in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, "…there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Wouldn't it have been great if Job, Peter, and Paul could have all just have bound Satan and averted their suffering? Job would have never had such a horrible time by losing everything he owned, his children, and his bodily suffering. Peter could have avoided his three denials. Paul could have escaped the thorn in his flesh. But that was not in God’s plan for their lives. James said in James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” God used their suffering to perfect them. Maturity in the faith comes with the realization that God often allows Satan to buffet us for His divine purposes.

Finally, notice that the Christians in Smyrna were promised that if they were faithful in their testing and persevered unto death that they would receive the crown of life. The Bible speaks of five crowns that can be received by all Christians based upon their faithfulness in this life. The first crown is the Imperishable Crown spoken of in 1 Corinthians 9:25. The second crown is the Crown of Rejoicing spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 2:19. The third crown is the Crown of Righteousness spoken of in 2 Timothy 4:8. The fourth crown is the Crown of Life spoken of here in Revelation 2:10 and in James 1:12. And the fifth crown is the Crown of Glory that is given to pastors spoken of in 1 Peter 5:4. And what will we do with them when we get them? Throw them at His feet (Revelation 4:4 and 11)!