A Call to Endurance and a Promise of Eternity
To appreciate the true value of the book of Revelation, here are some keys:
- As with any portion of Scripture, seek to understand the context of Scripture before making conclusions and applications of its meaning.
- The book of Revelation is exactly what it’s first words declare: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” In other words, more than attempting to solve every detail of prophecy, look for how Jesus is revealed.
- The book of Revelation is a letter. It is personal as well as prophetic as the Apostle John writes words of encouragement to believers in seven churches under his care.
- The book of Revelation contains significant symbolism, but don’t approach it as if it were science-fiction! Deeper study will be required for accurate understanding, but these events are very real. Neither John not his audience were groupies in some type of apocalyptic-enigma craze. This is not the spiritual version of Comicon or a Star Wars convention. John was a prisoner for his faith, writing to believers who were being persecuted severely for their relationship to Jesus Christ. John’s words were not intended to be entertainment for those believers, but a foundation for their hope and faith.
I believe that we are living in the last days. Many people may think such a statement to be melodramatic or even silly, but too many prophecies in the Bible have already been proven, and God has never let His words fall to the ground.
I believe every person will be held accountable to God for their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only hope for salvation.
I believe that our works do not save us, but that a person who has truly been saved will certainly demonstrate the fruit of a changed heart.
I believe that Jesus the Son of God came to humanity as the Son of Man so that the sons of men could become sons of God.
I believe that Jesus came and reestablished the rule of God’s kingdom on earth, and that He is coming again soon to bring final justice to the world and an end to the kingdom of darkness.
I believe that salvation through Jesus is a free gift of God’s grace. I also believe that faith in Jesus may cost my very life, as it has for multiplied thousands of believers who have been martyred for Him. But the sufferings of this world cannot compare to the glory I will experience for eternity.
John twice repeated God’s call for the “endurance and faith of the saints.” His encouragement to the believers reverberates through time and history, echoing in our hearts today.
“If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.” Revelation 13:10 ESV
“Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Revelation 14:12 ESV
You may be experiencing opposition, heartache, or even tragedy as a believer, but Jesus has promised you grace to endure and given you hope for eternity.
Lift up your eyes – your redemption is near!
A Light in the Darkness
Despite varying worldviews and religious beliefs, most people believe that our world, as we know it, is fast approaching a seismic shift, if not an end. Speculations of the cause of such an occurance include international wars, global warming, natural disasters, and spiritual events.
When the Son of God, Jesus, came to earth as a baby, time shifted into a new dimension – we entered the last days. After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, He promised that He would come again.
We are living in the last days – the end times. In fact, we are living in the very last days, as evidenced by an increase in selfishness, sin, and satan’s efforts.
But the last days are not just gloom and doom. There is hope for those of us living in the last days. The power and glory of God will be revealed in the last days as never seen before!
The Apostle James wrote these words:
“You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5:8 ESV
The darkness of the last days is being pierced with the Light of Jesus Christ. Not only is He the “Light of the world,” the bible uses the exact same phrase to describe us believers!
Instead of cursing the darkness, let’s shine the light! Let the love, joy, and hope of Jesus shine brightly through your words and deeds!
Matthew encourages us to “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven!”
In the midst of darkness, shine your light!
Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness in a Culture of Shame
Shame may temporarily modify one’s actions, but it inevitably pushes people away from God.
“You ought to be ashamed of yourself” is a phrase I have both heard and (I regret to say) said to others, including my own children.
The truth is most people are already draped in a heavy, self-woven blanket of shame. Heaping more shame on an already weary soul leaves them demoralized and without hope.
Jesus never left people without hope. What is the gospel if not the removal and lifting of the weight of shame?
The most influential believer in all of history, the Apostle Paul, had a strategy to keep him from shaming others – he just kept reminding himself of who he once was.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy…
1 Timothy 1:15-17 ESV
Shame is self-perpetuating. Those who shame others do so so out of their own battle with it.
How can we walk in the freedom of forgiveness in a culture of shame?
- Don’t just remember your sin, remember God’s mercy, by which you have been forgiven! If you only remember your sin you are feeding into your shame. Remember, while you were still in sin, Christ came and forgave you!
- Instead of judging someone else’s sin according to the Law of God, see that person from the perspective of the Love of God. Loving someone in their sin does not justify their sin, it gives them the hope of freedom and forgiveness!
- Refuse shame – from others, from the enemy, and from yourself! Shame is the shout of satan; God whispers mercy.
Father- Thank You for removing my sin and shame by your mercy! Amen.
Good Grief
I don’t like the feeling of grief, but that hasn’t kept it from being a a part of my life at times.
Last night I watched the movie Inside Out, which depicts feelings as individual personalities all vying for control. Not only was I entertained, I was stirred by the profound (and positive!) effect that “Sadness” had in this little girl’s life.
Grief is best known for its role when one experiences death or devestating loss; but I have also felt grief as it accompanied my recognition and remorse of my wrongdoings.
In his letter to the church in Corinth the Apostle Paul referred to such grief – and called it “godly grief.”
“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV
In the same way that the Old Testament Law didn’t set people free from sin, but only made them aware of their sin and their need for a savior, godly grief alerts our souls to our waywardness and gives us pause to turn to God for forgiveness and freedom.
When the Holy Spirit is grieving over something in my life, my own spirit picks up on it and senses that same grief. When my response is repentance and humility I experience the joy of forgiveness. But if I ignore the guilt and grief I am left with a life of remorse and regret.
I still don’t like the feeling it brings, but grief has been my friend – a good friend, one that has walked me toward Jesus many times.
Father- I pray that I would never be desensitized to grief or sorrow or pain. What I have often seen as enemies may be my truest friends.
Rights vs.Responsibilities
Americans love to talk about our rights. It appears that some Americans have become consumed with their right to be offended.
As a believer and follower of Christ, it is important that I don’t fall prey to the paralysis of offense. I need to be reminded that Christians don’t have rights, but we do have responsibilities.
Over the past few days I watched as a swarm of Christians took to social media to express their outrage and offense over Starbucks’ cups not expressing the true meaning of Christmas.
It didn’t take long for the next wave of Christians to express their own offense at the first group’s shallowness. Funny how we can become offended at other people’s offense.
The circus will continue throughout the holidays. Some will boycott, many will complain, and – my favorite – a few will write “an open letter to Starbucks and Christian Coffee Lovers,” which will certainly settle the entire issue. (*Apparently somebody had an extra shot of sarcasm in their cup today.)
Meanwhile, lost people are watching the feeding frenzy as Christians cannibalize themselves, in the name of Jesus.
Of course, the sad part is that, although most believers are genuinely concerned about the greater issues of seeking and saving the lost, this religious pettiness is, for some, their first and lasting impression of the church.
Paul admonished believers to lay down our rights and take up our responsibilities.
“But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”
1 Corinthians 8:9 ESV
When I focus on my rights I am looking out for myself. When I focus on my responsibilities I am able to bless others.
I wonder what effect I could have on the world if, instead of demanding my rights, I just carried my responsibilities?
Pastor Dale Jenkins 