The Church That Nauseates God
Self-sustained in their wealth and independent spirit, the Laodiceans are severely rebuked by the One who knew them all too well.
Self-sustained in their wealth and independent spirit, the Laodiceans are severely rebuked by the One who knew them all too well.
Travel back with Pastor Chuck Swindoll to the scene of John 11 when Jesus intentionally let His friend Lazarus breathe his last so that He could call him back from death. After his deceased body lay for days in a tomb, Lazarus walked out at Jesus’ command!
Even though it was the youngest of the seven churches, the church at Philadelphia received nothing but commendation from Christ in His evaluation.
Father, thank You for being with me when I’m tempted to sin. As You promised, give me strength to resist temptation. Help me see beyond my sin, that I might desire only You and Your ways and the sweetness of the good gifts You offer.
How can we be so certain that we will be resurrected? What is the source of our assurance? What gives us unshakable confidence in the face of death? The fact of Christ’s Resurrection.
The church at Sardis had all the appearances of vibrant and productive life, but they were dead.
The church at Thyatira was loving and active, but tolerated a Jezebel in their midst.
When John arrived, he stopped at the entrance and looked inside. Peter ran straight into the tomb and was shocked by what he saw. Joining Peter inside the tomb, I like to think that John whispered, “He’s alive!”
Tragically, the church at Pergamum, in the midst of satanic opposition, dulled the edge of its effectiveness through doctrinal and moral compromise.
Esther, a courageous and obedient queen, dedicated her life and actions to the Lord and He used her to save a nation. Through her story we learn how to face life’s difficulties with grace and trust Him to make things right in the end.