revelation 2:8-17

JOY of Living

Revelation

Izmir, Turkey

‘I know the distress you are suffering and your poverty (but you are rich).

Revelation 2:9

No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. The devil is about to have some of you thrown into prison so you may be tested, and you will experience suffering for ten days. Remain faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown that is life itself.

Revelation 2:10

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

Revelation 2:11

1. Judgment of the Sheep & Goats • Matthew 25:31

2. Judgment Seat of Christ • 2 Corinthians 5:10 - rewards

3. Great White Throne • Revelations 20:11 - unbelievers

Believers are pressured to accommodate to the spirit of the times in two critical areas: the workplace and sexuality. Instead of an outright in-your-face challenge, Christians are enticed to compromise their faith in Christ. They enter idolatry through the back door. The process is often slow and incremental, impacting priorities, eroding convictions, inculcating habits and privatizing faith, all of which work against be true to the name of Christ.

Doug WebsterFollow the Lamb, page 83