Jesus is the “So be it,” the true and faithful witness, and the Creator (see Colossians). He addresses Laodicea, the last Asian church to receive a letter. It is intriguing that the two cities sharing the same broad valley – Colossae (which though small received two Pauline epistles) and Hieroplois (which was a large and powerful church) – are unmentioned. Laodicea is wasting their time in the sewer, their work rejected because of complacent unawareness re: own sins. Jesus encourages a return to grace where dependence on Christ alone leads to true riches and growth. In fact, His fellowship, which includes loving discipline and all provision, is ever-ready for those who open the door by repentance. Jesus closes by reminding all Christians that will reign with Him in the millennium as a result of being in Christ.
Open the Door - July 28, 2019
July 28, 2019 • Wayne Braudrick • Revelation 3:14–22
What the Spirit Says to the Churches - June 9, 2019
June 9, 2019 • Wayne Braudrick • Revelation 1:9–20
Jesus (re)introduces Himself to John, now seen as the Glorified Son of Man. He commands John to take a message spoken for each of seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. These messages are the middle part of the revelation (what is), following the presentation of Jesus as God (what you have seen) and preceding the presentation regarding the tribulation and following eras (what will take place after this). Though clearly grounded in that time and place, each letter has direct correlation and application to churches and Christians today, like all NT epistles.
Love and Endure - June 16, 2019
June 16, 2019 • Wayne Braudrick • Revelation 2:1–11
Jesus speaks to Ephesus, and all subsequent churches, pointing out the first concept in victory – love. By loving Jesus, a church is positioned to do more than maintain doctrinal integrity. It is positioned to live out Jesus’ commission, to see the love for Jesus overflow into love for others, and to let all know that these people are followers of Christ. In His missive to Smyrna, the Lord calls Christians to endure affliction, poverty, slander, and imprisonment. Through Ephesus, the Lord reminds churches that they can be punished if they build poorly and are unrepentant. Through the two churches, He assures Christians of the millennial and eternal blessings that will be ours.
Stay Pure - June 23, 2019
June 23, 2019 • Wayne Braudrick • Revelation 2:12–17
Jesus addresses the church at Pergamum, home of a massive Askleptorium (hospital complex). This city was renowned for its progressive sense of worship. In 29 B.C., Pergamum became the first city in Asia to build a temple for the worship of a living human king. The temple of Zeus and its magnificent altar attracted crowds as one of the 7 wonders of the world. But most of all, they venerated the god Asklepios. His huge complex of buildings brought massive riches to the city. Learning special “secrets” from the gods formed the core of Asklepios’ worship, a journey assisted by sexual promiscuity and hallucinogenic drugs. This proud city has pressured Christians to conform, but they have stood strong even to death. However, they are now showing signs of compromise in sexual impurity and spiritual syncretism. Jesus warns them to repent and stay pure, reminding the church that His people will eternally possess the true and great secrets of God’s grace.