This week is about overcoming, and I’ve been reading a book about two women who truly were overcomers when they were taken captive in Iran for their Christianity.
What was so encouraging was how despite the worst circumstances, God came to them again and again. One night when Maryam was so discouraged, for she wasn’t sensing God’s presence in her dark cell, she simply began singing hymns, despite being forbidden to do so. She sang all night, and her praise echoed out to both prisoners and guards. And indeed, God came to her. If you want to hear their testimony, here is a You-Tube interview that is under six minutes.
Our troubles may come to this point, and we do need to be prepared. It is helpful to look back on how He has been faithful to us in hard times.
As I reflect on last year, I am in awe at how God helped my youngest overcome her cosmic battle with Satan. Her biological mother in Korea relinquished her at the age of five, and every time Annie had a child approaching the age of five, it triggered something and she struggled with depression. But this year, before her youngest turned five, she felt led to reach out to her biological mother in Korea. She was scared that the truth, or a lack of response from her mother, would confirm her worst fears, but instead, it brought her into the light and helped her to overcome Satan’s lie. Her mother wept to hear from her, saying relinquishing her was the greatest regret and sorrow of her life, and she thought of Annie every day. She told Annie what happened and it was such a healing story. I can’t tell you the details, for it is Annie’s story to tell, but I can tell you that she found out she was desperately loved by her mother, lost her biological father to tetanus when she was three months old, and that her mother tried valiantly to keep her but finally lost the battle. Pictures prove how Annie was cared and loved for, despite great obstacles. This picture of Annie as a toddler, so well dressed, with bows in her hair, and happily clapping her hands, melted our hearts. As in Revelation, a picture paints a thousand words.
oI have also listened, with awe, to your stories of how God helped you be overcomers. Honestly, I am strengthened by your stories as I see God empowering you to face enormous hurts, betrayals, and obstacles. We pray for one another and we are strengthened by one another. Indeed, the “false prophet” has been propagandizing lies, and truly, they seem to be increasing in number and malice. Lies that we could not even have imagined being believed a decade ago, are being believed — and those who stand against them are being persecuted.
But greater is He that is in us! This week we will see, who is at our side, and be reminded that though we may lose some battles, the war has already been won. He is the Alpha and the Omega, has all things under His control, will bring beauty out of ashes, and can empower us to do what we could never ever do alone.
Here are a few resources you will need later in the week:
Please listen and take notes on this sermon by Tim Keller. Title: The Cosmic King. Sermons are optional but so valuable!
I know there are those in this group who are going to want to read all of Revelation as we do this. If that is you, then at the end of this week you’ll want to read chapters 4 through 11. You may find this 11 minute overview from The Gospel Coalition helpful. Watch just Part 1. (Completely optional for my sisters who want it!) I do think you can get a grip on the main thrust of Revelation by doing just what I have given you and that would be wonderful. But for those who want more, here is this:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/revelation/#author-date
Word Document of Homework That Can Be Printed: (This has been corrected!)
Lesson2Revelation
Day 1. The Disciple Jesus Loved
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- John often referred to himself as “the disciple Jesus loved.” How do you know, if you do, that Jesus loves you — even in a time of suffering and disappointment?
- Read John 21:18-25
- In verses 18-19, Jesus tells Peter the kind of death he is going to die. What do you think He does this?
Historians confirm that Peter was crucified, but that he asked to be crucified upside-down for he was not worthy to die as his Lord died. It is also historically confirmed that all the disciples were martyred except for John who died a natural death on the Island of Patmos.
B. Tertullian, an ancient church father, said “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Explain.
C. In verses 20-24, what does Peter ask, what does Jesus reply, and why, do you think?
D. Rebut this statement: Suffering proves there is not a loving God.
Day 2. The Alpha and The Omega
4. Read Revelation 1:8
A. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Knowing this, what does this name imply?
B. A similar title is The One who is, who was, and who is to come — How is Jesus all three?
C. We will see this title again in Rev. 22:12-13. Read this — what additional insight do you receive?
5. Listen to Andrew Peterson’s All Things Together above and then share your contemplations.
6. Listen and share your notes from the Keller sermon, if you listened.
Day 3: “According to the Literature”
When we talk about interpreting the Bible literally, it is important to understand the word “literally.” It means, “according to the literature.” You do not interpret prose in the same way you interpret poetry. To interpret poetry literally means you understand that metaphors are pictures of a spiritual truth — but not to be pressed. For example, when we are told that “under His wings we will have refuge,” it does not mean that God has wings, but that, like a mother bird, He protects us. Prose can be pressed. Revelation is apocalyptic literature, filled with symbols and mixed metaphors that are intended to cause awe and to paint a big picture of God’s holiness, justice, and love – but we must be careful not to push the details. (Our own Susan was describing those who did this, likening, for example, the Covid vaccine to the Mark of the Beast. How could they possibly know this? They could not — they are using the Word to advance their own agenda. We are called not to cling to our lives but to be willing to lay them down for our brothers, as Jonathan Edwards did when he was one of the first to get the Smallpox vaccine, and died as a result!) Often John explains what a symbol means, or we can glean light from Old Testament references. But when we cannot understand, we should simply return to the big truths of His holiness, justice, and love. One day we will understand, but for now, we see through a glass darkly.
Revelation is also a letter to true believers, represented by the seven churches. (We do know in Scripture that seven is the number of completion, and you will see seven over and over again. It is also true six represents Satan, and 12 and its multiples represent God’s chosen people.) Revelation, in addition to being apocalyptic literature, is a letter — and it is a letter to believers between the time of Christ’s ascension and return. We can deduce this because seven is the number of completion, and because all Scripture is profitable for teaching.)
Now — let’s continue.
7. Read Revelation 1:9-20.
A. How does John describe himself in verse 9, and what clue does this give us to the purpose of this book?
B. What is he told to do in verses 10-11?
C. Describe the vision he has in verses12-13. Then give the interpretation of this as given in Revelation 1:20.
D. How does John respond in verse 17?
E. Why is he told “not to be afraid?” in verse 18. Contemplate this — for it will help you to overcome.
Day 4: Four of The Seven Churches
Many of you have heard good sermons on the seven churches and it is a wonderful study. We cannot go into these in depth, but we can get an overview, remembering that these letters had a specific application to the churches in John’s time, but the principles can be applied to us, as His Church, as well. Even though we are going quickly through it, I believe this will impact our hearts with the weight of Jesus and the truth that we can be overcomers.
8. Read about the Church in Ephesus in Rev 2:1-7
A. What do you learn about Jesus in Rev. 2:1?
B. For what does He commend them in Rev 2:2-3?
C. What does He hold against them and what is the remedy in Rev 2:4-5?
D. What is the warning in Rev 2:5? And the promise in 2:7?
E. Be still. What is God saying to you?
9. Read about the Church in Smyrna in Rev. 2:8-11
A. How is Jesus described in Rev. 2:8?
B. How does He commend them and warn them?
C. What promise does He give them in verse 11?
D. A. Carson writes: “Those who suffer the “second death” will participate neither in the resurrection of the saints nor in the life of the new world to come, but rather will experience unending punishment.
10. Read about the Church in Pergamum in Revelation 2:12-17.
A. How is Jesus described in verse 12?
B. What does He have against them and how does He commend them?
C. What promises are given to those who overcome?
Unlike the earthly manna, this manna is eternal – we have only tasted the goodness of the Lord. Naming implies ownership — we will be His and He will be ours.
11. Read about the Church in Thyatira in Rev. 2:18-29
A. How Is Jesus described in verse 18?
B. For what does He commend them and rebuke them in verses 19-25?
C. What promises are given to overcomers?
12. From the four churches you looked at, is there anything that became radioactive to you today? If so, what and why?
Day 5. The Final Three Churches
13. Read about the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6.
A. How does Jesus describe himself in verse 1?
B. What warning does He have for them in verses 1-3?
C. Whom does He commend and what does He promise in verses 4-6?
14. Read about the church in Philadelphia in Rev. 3:7-13.
A. How does Jesus describe Himself in verse 7?
B. How does He commend them and encourage them in verses 8-11?
C. What promises does He give to overcomers?
15. Read about the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-21.
A. How does He describe Himself in verse 14?
B. What is their deep problem and what does it lead to?
C. What does He tell them to do?
D. What promise does He give to those who overcome in verses 19-21?
16. How is the Spirit speaking to you through these last three churches?
17. What is your take-a-way from this week, and why?
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15. Revelation 3:14-21.
A. Description of Jesus.
He is the Amen, I think another way of saying the fulfillment. He is the faithful and true witness, of everything God is. He is the ruler of God’s creation.
B. What is their deep problem, and what does it lead to?
They are lukewarm, complacent, and prideful; thinking too much of themselves. This is the first time I’ve read it and seen that it is their deeds He says are lukewarm. He says they don’t recognize their true status, of being wretched, poor, pitiful, blind and naked.
C. What does He tell them to do?
To buy from Him refined gold and use it to be rich, to buy clothes and salve for their eyes. He tells them to be earnest and repent.
Interesting that one of the most famous verses in the New Testament is found here! Maybe we have taken it somewhat out of context, thinking it a verse about salvation. Maybe it is more a verse about repentance, about listening to His rebuke and responding correctly.
D. The promise.
He will come in and have fellowship with us. He will give us the right to sit with Him on His throne, where He sits with the Father.
16. How is the Spirit speaking to you in these last three churches?
The need to just be with Him. To enjoy His presence. Not to get anything from Him or to check off something on a list, but just like a child after a nap wants to snuggle. The biggest thing I need to overcome is myself. My pride, selfishness, lack of love toward God and toward others.
17. Take away and why.
Jesus is the point. He is why I am here. He is where I am headed. As Colossians says, everything exists for Him and in Him. I can trust Him to move me according to His will. I can cease my striving and just listen to Him.
Mary — I remember a sermon that said Laodicea was famous for selling eye salve — and that they had a water problem with the pipes stretching so far that the water was lukewarm. So ironical!
9. The church in Smyrna, verses 8-11
A. Jesus is described as the First and the Last, the one who died and came to life again!
B. He commends them : “I know your afflictions, yet you are rich!” He warns them, “Do not be afraid of what you are to suffer.”
C. The promise: Be faithful and I will give you the crown of life. verse 11 He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.
10. The church in Pergamum, verses 12-17
A. Jesus is described as “him who has the sharp 2-edged sword”
B. He commends them, you hold fast my name and you did not deny my faith; He warns them, But some of you hold the teaching of Balaam( to eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.)
C. What promises to those who overcome? Repent! I will give some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.
11. The church in Thyatira, verses 18-29
A. Jesus is described; the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
B. For what does he commend them? He knows their works, their love and faith and service and patient endurance.
He warns them of their tolerance of Jezebel who is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
C. What promises are given? To him who conquers and keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.
12. From the four churches is there anything that became radioactive to you?
I think it is the commendation of faithfulness and patient endurance. This stands out to me because I see that there are many obstacles that we encounter in our daily walk that tend to discourage me and I know I must hold fast to my faith and to my goal to honor my Lord and Savior. There is no perfect church and I want to keep the faith and my love as my guide when others disappoint me and when I disappoint myself, I want to endure.
So I am happy that my friend and neighbor, Debbie, has asked to study Revelation with me. Pray for us in this study. She has had a very difficult year with the loss of her son to cancer and many challenges. I am praying this will bless her! As it is promised!
Praying for you both.
I’m praying along with Anna — let us know!
When I attended my Anglican church, where I was loved so well by my vicar and his wife, we communally confessed our sins in thought, word and deed, but also our sin of leaving things undone, every Sunday. I have left things undone in this group and in so doing have given the enemy space in my heart.
I have to be honest and share that it hurts my heart, watching the interaction in the group, reading of our need to repent and noticing that there is a deliberate choice by many, not to respond to my comments. I have repeatedly prayed through it, asking God to give me the love to respond to each person, even in many choosing silence toward me. But today, God convicted my heart to confront the silences head-on. He reminded me that truth does not conceal: it unmasks. It chooses discomfort over hiding.
The silence in response to my sharing of my experiences in churches hurt even more deeply, as did the silences in response to my confessions of sin. I put myself in this group’s shoes and asked myself: if someone shared such stories, what would I do? I realized I would hug them virtually. I would love on them. I would be praying for God to continue to heal their heart, to cleanse them of their sin and heal the wounding inflicted.
I would never ever choose to remain silent, no matter how uncomfortable they made me feel. And if they said something that I felt was not okay: I would also choose to speak up to defend them from the enemy’s attacks. I would rebuke the sin I saw in them and love and defend them from attack in doing so. For, we battle not against the flesh but powers of darkness.
I shared this verse with Dee and told her I would prefer her open rebuke more than her silence, but in so doing realized I am the one who needs to speak up, rather than only focus on the good here. I was pointing the finger at her and at you for not being truthful in your silence, when I need to take action myself. I need to be truthful:
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
I hope next time someone comes into your midst here who has experienced spiritual abuse (or sexual or physical for that matter), that you will not extend silence, but love, no matter how uncomfortable their story makes you feel. Trust me, when I say, that there are so many more souls, who have been abused in churches for choosing to walk in the truth.
We have many sins to confess, as God heals our hearts of all we have walked through. We will make mistakes. We will struggle. But God does not condemn us through the process of healing: He wraps us in compassion, rebukes the sin holding us captive and speaks the truth in love to us, snatching us from the fire and the pit.
May God shine His light upon you and give you peace. I leave you all in thankfulness to God for the light I see within your hearts here, for His Spirit connecting us and for the gift of the Bible studies. I know God is working in each of our hearts, just as Lizzy pointed out: to desire what He desires. May He continue to humble us all beneath His mighty hand to make us more like Him. This is my last post. I won’t be staying to respond to any replies.
Oh Anna. I realize you may not see this but your post broke my heart so I had to reapply. There is so much here and I want to give you the honor of a more well thought response but honestly this is the best I can do. you have been a tremendous gift here. I know I and many others have been incredibly blessed by your wise counsel and depth.I apologize if my own inability to always respond has hurt you. That thought grieves me. I used to be able to be very active here, but in the years since bringing home my youngest, I can really only do the study and try to read and pray for others, reply when I can. I work and have a child with major medical needs and am now homeschooling, so this is the best I can do. But I will pray that you will know how much your presence here meant to us.
Oh Lizzy: no! I am the one who is sorry that I unjustly grieved your heart. I know only some of what you are walking through and that is already enough for me to know that you have SO much on your plate. You have in fact been such a sweet blessing to me in this place, several times. And I am sorry for not resting my eyes on that.
Oh Anna, I am sorry for your hurt. I confess I don’t always take time to read carefully each post for time constraint, but you have been such an encourager. I am sorry for I have not been conscientious. May you know you are loved. As humans we fail, but the Beloved knows and loves us well.
Oh Shirley: yes! We are humans who fail and this comment of mine was a failure on my part. Thank you for your kindness to me.
Anna, I know you may not read this but it so saddened me to see this post. You so encouraged me more than you know and I want to let you know how much I appreciate that. I pray that you will change your mind but I also pray that you understand that there are days I’m doing good to even do the answers and read what others say, let alone respond. It’s not that I don’t care, it’s just a matter of time! You will be missed.
Sharon: you have blessed me on a number of occasions. I am sorry for grieving your heart for something that is not your responsibility to carry and for not focusing on the blessing you have been to me.
Thank you Anna…I know that I have been hurt at times because of no response but God has really shown me my idol of approval and all I need is His approval…it’s an ongoing struggle and one I hear His sweet whisper, “remember, I’m all you need!”
Sharon: I keep thinking I have overcome that nasty idol of approval (and self!), only to discover I am not there yet. God is humbling me, that’s for sure. Praise God for His mercy to us both.
Anna — I responded to you privately in an e-mail with some thoughts — but I hope you are also encouraged by the dear thoughts below. I often have days where I have to skim because of other commitments, but that does not mean you are not appreciated. Other times I can read carefully.
Without you, I wouldn’t be back here. Dee: I am so thankful to God for you.
Anna, thank you for your honesty here, and I am sorry that you have been hurt. I confess that I do not always have the time to read carefully through each sister’s post. Just this morning, I went back and read through your long post from earlier this week where you shared about the book your parents had read about Helmuth and Freya. On the days that I work, I usually don’t have the time or energy to be here, or sometimes, my other responsibilities do not allow me the time to fully engage with all of the comments. I also try to do my own answering the questions first, so that I do not fall behind, as I am this week, before taking time to read through others comments. I do remember reading some things you wrote, about your suffering from trauma….yet, not having known you here very long, I am still unsure and un-knowledgeable of many parts of your life story. It does take a while for us to get to know each other here. I may not have responded in part for not wanting to speak to what I wasn’t really sure that I understood fully what was your experience, or what actually happened. Unfortunately, that is the constraint of only reading typed words here, and not being able to talk face-to-face and gradually share and get to know you in person. I ask your forgiveness for hurting you. I have noticed that you take much time to respond to our posts.
Oh Susan: yes, you are right in pointing all this out. Dee also pointed out that the length of my posts makes it hard to respond to. Forgive me for focusing on myself so much and not on the huge gift you gave me, when you took time out of your busy schedule to bless and encourage me. Your presence has been a gift to me here.
Well I really found that post of yours interesting, and had wanted to go back and read it carefully. It also was like a mini-history lesson, and as I studied German in high school and college, and my college professor was a native German, I found it to be very interesting about Helmuth and Freya! I have also travelled to Germany when I was in my 20’s.
Anna, I appreciate your thoughtfulness and honesty with us. I enjoyed many of your posts and listened to your songs. You made me think! I am sad you are making the choice to leave.
It is important to understand that this has happened to all of us on this blog (if I may speak for some of the others with whom I have engaged in this place for over 10 years). We just can’t always address each other’s posts. It is part of what we know about being here. It is not intentional. We have a tacit agreement that no one will be hurt by someone else’s lack of posting. I don’t remember if Dee made the comment at the beginning in her “helpful hints” about shorter answers being the most readable by others or not (this time) but I do know it has been on her hints page before this time. Also, our country is in a time of CRISIS right now. We are distracted from our normal routines because of the strife. We are hurting and this place is a place of peace and JOY for us. Please understand it is not about your posts. They are lovely and there are thousands of bloggers here who have read them (not just us) and gleaned from them. They just don’t respond. You are touching lives and you aren’t aware of the impact you make.
I’m fairly certain Dee used to think I was a harsh unlikeable person (!) before we met in person (hahaha). Sometimes my words get me in trouble. When you see a persons face and give them a hug and have important discussions face to face you then know them. Dee now knows that I get hung up on the words but I am a good person who means well. This venue does not allow for the emotion to shine.
Would you please consider meeting us on Zoom February 7th?
Many have had to come and go for various reasons. Several of us have expressed the concern of not being able to get to all the comments and struggled with just completing the questions. It is a balance. You have to do what you have to do (what is best for you) because our lives are full. I miss many sisters who have had to leave for various reasons. They are in my heart. Sometimes we connect to pray for each other on Dee’s FB page. Sometimes we meet for retreats together. Sometimes we send cards. We have memories. We email.
I have had to make my answers succinct because of time myself. I have answered you on many posts and I DO appreciate the time spent. Because of my entanglement with words, I may avoid answering a heartfelt post because I don’t know what to say. That is not what has happened this time. I don’t recall the posts to which you refer because I must have missed them. That happens too.
I hope my words have been helpful and not hurtful. Thank you for all your sharing. I have thought of you many times this week oddly enough. I just haven’t had the time to respond. Now, I will miss you. Hugs across the world (( )). Take care.
Laura–thank you for writing this. You made a lot of good points, especially that we all glean from one another and a lack of response is never personal, though I know from experience it can feel personal. I’m sorry for that.
And I just want to add that while I absolutely love this place for the fellowship and the closeness we share, my first priority is to do the Bible study. But as you said, there is sort of an unspoken understanding, I hope, that we all really do love and care deeply for one another here, even if we can’t always respond. I love each of you here, and each one of you brings something unique, a new perspective, I’m challenged by Laura, and Mary B., Bev, encouraged by Dawn and Shirley, and Sharon and Julie, inspired by Miriam, Susan helps me slow down and see Him…and Anna’s words have touched my heart so deep I’ve shared much of them with my husband. I’ll stop because I don’t want to forget someone but you ALL are gifts from Him and I thank Him for you and this place.
Lizzy — thank you for all these good words.
Laura — I love you so!! You often ask what other people are hesitant to ask!
😉 I have been told that before…I wasn’t always that way though. It has developed over time. I would have never asked a question in college! Ha! I guess as I got older I didn’t care if others thought I was stupid or not, I truly needed an answer for my slow brain! It also meant that I could carry on conversations better; asking questions. Love you too ♥️
Laura: I love that you are so genuine. You uncovered a lot in my own heart that needed the washing of God’s Word. Never stop being real.
BTW: I know your country is in crisis: I have American family and friends, so keep up with what is going on there too.
The Netherlands is also in crisis. The government fell yet again, after a terrible scandal, that affected thousands of families, pulling them into poverty through the unjust and in some cases racially motivated actions of tax department employees.
Our Covid numbers are in real bad shape also, so we have been in lock-down since before Christmas. Means I am teaching part-time from home and homeschooling our girls. Praise God for His provision and help in all of this. I am learning a lot and God’s growing my heart so much.
And Laura: Forgive me also for not focusing on the gift you’ve been to me here. I am thankful for you.
Wow Anna, I didn’t realize The Netherlands was going through those challenges! Thank you for alerting me. I am not so good with world news, can barely stomach the US news and have given up cable a few years back. I don’t feel like anyone is out there that I can trust. It is very sad to me.
I hope the sickness (as the babies and I call it) dissipates soon so life can continue. Meanwhile, we Americans have lost our freedoms for the first time in my 57 years. Censorship, mask mandates, and neighbors turning each other in to authorities are making some of us feel like we have lost our country. It is not American! I am dreading the next few months and years and really need a place to rest my head I’m sure. This will be my place.
Hugs! Go read Romans 13 and ask God to show you how even these measures are bringing glory to Him. I will be doing the same. I sense more repentance will be coming to my heart.
Anna, am sorry to read that you are leaving us. You have been so faithful in interacting with us and writing such personal responses. I hope you have seen my post that I am really busy right now due to school and do not have time to read respond. I have chosen to just do the study on my own and plan to just do the beginning and the take away as I did today. I hope you’ll reconsider and join us again.
Bing: you have blessed me in this space. I want you to know that too. Love from afar.
Dear Lizzy, Sharon, Susan, Shirley, Laura, Bing and Dee,
Dee told me I should come read your comments. Thank you for your love, compassion and the precious grains of truth and grace in your responses.
As I have prayed and sought God’s Word in my hurt, He showed me how this comment I placed here was Him drawing me into the light to expose my own sinful motives. I was once again storing up my treasure in human affection and not in Him. I was turning my focus away from loving Him toward self-obsession and self-pity. So: please accept my apology for turning the focus to myself and making you feel responsible for something only God can give me.
But I do believe there is something else I need to share. Each time someone has spoken in judgment of unbelievers here (whether they have realized they are doing that or not), my heart has ached because I see the unbelievers I know and myself as a Prodigal. I see us standing there with hearts hardened in sin. Sin we fled to, to numb the pain and shame of what we walked through ourselves or witnessed others in our family walk through in the Name of God: abuse that deeply wounds God’s heart too.
The judgment has deeply hurt my heart because I know from personal experience that without God’s intervention through the touch of His Holy Spirit to free me from my sin, I too would still be running away from Him, believing that HE had abandoned me and was out to hurt me. My parents prayed for me in faith, declaring the Promises of God over my life. But there are many who no longer have family alive to do that for them and yet their souls too are worthy of God’s love and mercy bought at the Cross.
But I should have felt free enough to come into the light with that also. After all, we are called to speak the truth in love. I should have told you what I am seeing here in your midst that deeply grieves my heart, because it deeply grieves my Heavenly Father’s heart.
But rather than bring that burden and pain into the light, allowing God to refocus my gaze on Him and to lift my burden, I stuffed the pain aside and allowed it to fester and harden my heart in sin.
My focus turned away from Jesus. I became self-focused and clung to self-pity, instead of speaking up and allowing God to expose my own sin and wash my own heart in the truth of His Word.
Just like He did me, HE will save my loved ones by the power of His Word and Holy Spirit. So, why should my heart be troubled by what anyone says? I know my Redeemer lives and has come to seek and save the lost, so my focus should be on declaring and believing that, no matter what. Right?
Bless you for your kindness to me here. And Dee: thank you for pursuing me in love, truth and grace via email.
Anna, Appreciate your honesty but I’m going to be honest…I have not seen a spirit of judgement towards unbelievers here but that doesn’t mean it ain’t so. I think reading something can be construed and if you have any question a good idea might be is to ask the person, this is how I understand what your saying, is that true? I remember in one of your posts you expressed how you had been pouring over in prayer how to respond to others….I thought that so wise of you and have started to do the same.
I really do hope to continue to see you here, you challenge and make me think.
Thanks for the tip, Sharon. You remind me of how I have helped an older friend edit her posts and how she could suddenly see how she had indeed cast judgment, without meaning to. I pointed out to her how the choice of her words in fact pushed away the very people she wanted to reach with the love of Jesus. You make me realize that I expect people to see what I do, but that’s not always the case. I will be praying through this. Oh may Jesus help me to express His heart.
Thank you, Anna, for being so gracious to us. Love to you. We sure are just sojourners here on earth walking each other home. We do need each other.
Amen. We do.
Anna you are so good with words I enjoy how you make me think! I agree with Sharon that I don’t recall reading anything judgy from our crew off the top of my head. But thank you for pointing it out so that I can make sure to not do that.
Also, you are correct in saying that you should have spoken up when you felt uncomfortable. That’s what we do here to keep each other “in check.”
Have a nice week!
Thanks for the affirmation in speaking up. I realized it’s also another thing I should be casting upon the Lord in prayer. He is the One who has given me this sight and He can help me channel the pain in my heart into good.
Day 5
16. How is the Spirit speaking to you through these last three churches?
Jesus wants all of me, my whole heart…one that is repentant, watchful, obedient, loving and zealous. I am so thankful for His amazing grace and the work He continues to do within me and the hope I have of seeing Him face to face!
17. What is your take-a-way from this week, and why?
My take-a-way is the importance of staying in the race, to depend on His strength when I get weary, persevere, persevere, persevere and quoting Keller…”Only things done for, with and through Jesus Christ will last.”
Love your take-a-way, Sharon!
5. Listen to Andrew Peterson’s All Thing’s Together above and then share your contemplations.
I like the recurrent refrain that “He holds all things together”, and that He brought peace through His blood on the Cross. I am reminded of the verses that talk about how we are no longer God’s enemies, that we now have peace with God through His Son. And I think that is important to remember, because if and when I doubt His love for me, that He is for me, then I am living as if I am not at peace with Him.
6. Listen and share your notes from the Keller sermon.
I remember listening to this one before. He talked much about idolatry, when he talked about “what are your ‘points'” – if Jesus is not your Alpha and Omega, then something else is, and you may just try to use Him as the means to your end, what you really value. And he said that if Jesus is the beginning and the end, then He is everything in between, too. So if you don’t believe in Him, then what meaning does your “in-between” have? I also liked how he said that everything is rushing headlong into Jesus’ lap.
7. Read Revelation 1:9-20
A. How does John describe himself in verse 9, and what clue does this give us to the purpose of this book?
John clearly identifies himself as “John, your brother”, and your partner in suffering, in the Kingdom, and in patient endurance. He writes that he was exiled on Patmos for preaching about God and speaking about Jesus. So I believe the clue as to this book’s purpose is to give strength and endurance to those who are also suffering for their belief in and speaking about Jesus.
B. What is he told to do in verses 10-11?
A loud voice behind him, sounding like a trumpet blast, told John to write down what he sees and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
C. Describe the vision he has in verses 12-13. Then give the interpretation of this as given in Revelation 1:20.
He sees seven lampstands, and standing in the middle of them is The Son of Man (Jesus). Jesus was wearing a long robe with a gold sash, and his head and hair were as white as snow. His eyes appeared like flames of fire. He was holding seven stars in his right hand, and what looked like a sharp sword in his mouth. Revelation 1:20 says that the seven stars represent the seven angels of the seven churches. The seven lampstands are the seven churches.
D. How does John respond in verse 17?
When John saw Jesus, he fell at His feet as if he were dead. He was afraid.
E. Why is he told not to be afraid in verse 18? Contemplate this – for it will help you to overcome.
Jesus places his hand on John and tells him not to be afraid. Jesus says that He is the first and the last, the living one who died – but tells John to look! “I am alive, forever and ever!” Jesus tells John that he holds the keys of death and the grave. Well at first, this is so much power that the reaction would be to be afraid, but Jesus touches him – this is His friend, His disciple whom He loved. This holds no terror for John because he belongs to Jesus. This should encourage me, too. Jesus really is alive today, and He controls death and the grave.
13. Read about the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6.
A. How does Jesus describe himself in verse 1?
He has the seven fold spirit of God and the seven stars.
B. What warning does He have for them in verses 1-3?
He says they have lost their spirit in God. Their reputation is that they are alive but in reality they are dead. Their actions do not meet God’s standard. They need to go back to their roots and strengthen themselves.
C. Whom does He commend and what does He promise in verses 4-6?
He commends those who have remained in God; those who haven’t soiled themselves with sin. They will be clothed in white and their names will be in the Book of Life. They belong to Jesus.
14. Read about the church in Philadelphia in Rev. 3:7-13.
A. How does Jesus describe Himself in verse 7?
He is the One who holds the key to the House of David. What He opens cannot be closed and what He closes cannot be opened.
B. How does He commend them and encourage them in verses 8-11?
He says that they have been strong with little strength, and never denied God. They obeyed God’s Word. He opened the door for them that no one can close.
He says He will make the unbelievers bow at their feet to recognize their faith in Him. They will know He loves the believers.
He will protect them from the pain and suffering; the great time of testing, that will come to the world.
He says He is coming soon and for them to hold on to what they have; their “crown.” Does this mean hold on to your faith?
C. What promises does He give to overcomers?
He says they will all be pillars in the Temple of God (they will never have to leave it) and citizens of the new city of Jerusalem.
15. Read about the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-21.
A. How does He describe Himself in verse 14?
He is the Amen. He is the faithful and true witness, the One with God from the beginning.
B. What is their deep problem and what does it lead to?
These people are “lukewarm” in their faith; neither hot nor cold. They need to choose one way or the other. It leads them to be wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked!
C. What does He tell them to do?
He says to “buy” gold, white garments, and ointment from Him. These are to make them rich, clothed, and able to see. The gold represents us being heated and refined to be truly righteous, the white garment represents the clothing that hides our shame, and the ointments clears our eyes so we can truly see by healing them, and know the truth. All this will help them (us) repent and acknowledge our true, new self in God.
D. What promise does He give to those who overcome in verses 19-21?
We will get to live with Him (share a meal) and sit on His throne just as He sits with God. I find it interesting that He says, “…sat on the throne…” doesn’t He sit on the throne even now?
16. How is the Spirit speaking to you through these last three churches?
The overall “take” is to repent. Repent and your life will prosper in eternity.
17. What is your take-a-way from this week, and why?
I was amazed at how I am seeing the book of Revelation and the condition of our nation and the world in a different light by doing this study and answering the questions. I want to be an overcomer to the finish. What is going on around the world and the seeming hands on deck approach of the enemy is like a rallying cry to be a part of the army of the Warrior King.
The specific characteristics of the churches then are so like our churches now. The enemy is still very much present although the war has already been won.
I was moved especially with the letter to the church of Philadelphia. “You have little strength but have kept my word and have not denied my name.” I think of our vulnerable members of society who are often times, looked over, abused, and taken for granted. We have them in our churches and our surroundings. But they will be overcomers to if they so choose; they will be kept from the hour and they will receive a crown. Talk about the Upside Down Kingdom!
Your post is so encouraging, Bing. I too find great encouragement in Revelation!
13. The final Three churches
Sardis v. 1-6 A. “him who holds the 7 spirits of God and the 7 stars”
B. the warning- I know your deeds, your reputation of being alive, but you are dead! Obey what you have received and repent.
C. whom does he commend? A few people have not soiled their clothes. He who overcomes will be dressed in white and I will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
14. Philadelphia v. 7-13 A. Jesus holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut and what he shuts no one can open.
B. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.I will keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
C. What promises does he give overcomers? I will write on him the name of my God, I will also write on him my new name.
15. Laodicea v. 14-21
A. Jesus is described as Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation
B. Their deep problem and where does it lead to? You are neither cold nor hot! You are lukewarm, You are wretched and … naked.
C. What does he tell them to do? He tells them to ” buy gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich” and “white clothes to cover their shameful nakedness.”
D. What promise does he give? Repent, If anyone hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me. I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame.
16. How is the Holy Spirit speaking to you? I am to remember to hold onto his word; to obey, and claim his strength and to remember my first love. I must daily repent of self.
17. What is your take away this week?
I am so blessed that we are studying this wonderful book as we are encountering the mess in our world. I am so glad we know the end of the story.
I am so reminded to not give up when I get discouraged( and I often do with my small church.) I agree with Sharon, I must persevere and I must obey and repent and remember the images of Jesus, the eyes like flaming fire, the faithful witness, the one who walks among the lampstands and who has the sword, the sharp 2-edged sword. Yes, and the reminder that suffering is never wasted. Thanks to each of you for sharing. I do not respond as often but I agree we are blessed by the sharing of each and the different perspectives and I pray for each of you.
Shirley–yes, “I’m so glad we know the end of the story”. You reminded me of something my pastor shared to get that point across. He said as a kid he loved the Bears (team). His mom would tape the games for him to watch when he got home from school/work. But by the time he’d watch the game, he always already knew if they’d won or lost. If they’d lost, he wouldn’t bother to watch, but on the games he knew they’d won, he’d watch and know that no matter how bad or bleak it looked at various points, he was always smiling because he knew in the end, they’d won. NO matter how things look for us, we know the only battle that really matters has already been won for us.
What a great picture from your pastor, Lizzy!
Sweet sweet Anna–
thank you for your gracious forgiveness. I wanted to post to you here because some may not see previous week’s comments…and I want to welcome you to come back to week 3! We all welcome you and glean from you and we need you because you are part of the Body and offer unique gifts. No pressure, just know you are loved and welcome!
Thank you, Lizzy. I cried reading this: “because you are part of the Body”. You don’t know how much that means.
But truly, as I said above: it was me in need of your and the others’ forgiveness.
Anna,
I cried reading you say that you were in need of forgiveness. Is not that true for all of us?? I think you and I share many traits. An awareness of our own neediness being one of them. Am I right in rejoicing that you are coming back? And please, please, if I have offended you in any way, I want to know…
Oh yes! Mary, yes! Oh how we need Him. So so much. I am so so blind without Him. Praise Him for His loving and firm pursuit of my heart. I sat with Matthew 6: my eyes were not healthy!
Mary: you’ve been a blessing to me here. I was focused on all the wrong things. It reminds me of this verse: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. That’s where I need to be: with my eyes fixed on JESUS.
When I have my eyes on Jesus I can stop pointing the finger and receive Christ’s discipline of my own heart.