Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, was not showing much love to Christ’s church. Opposition was not new, the other churches were encountering it as well. But in the face of discouragement and hostility, Jesus … Read More
To The One Who Conquers – Conquer a Good Reputation
In a time of increasing persecution and the need to persevere under trial, Sardis was a bright shining light: a church that had it all together. The envy of all other churches and the place … Read More
To The One Who Conquers – Conquer Tolerance
The church at Thyatira, an insignificant trade city, faced great socioeconomic pressures to conform to false worship and works. The church were strong in doing the works of Jesus, but they made the grave error … Read More
To The One Who Conquers – Conquer Compromise
Pergamum, at the very centre of Roman Religious Worship, where ‘Satan’s throne is’, posed a huge challenge to the Pergamum Church. The great threat of compromise to avoid pain or to enjoy gain was exacerbated … Read More
To The One Who Conquers – Conquer Fear of Suffering
Following Jesus is hard – not just because our sinful nature wants to keep rebelling against our loving saviour, but also because our world (and even some who claim the name ‘God’s people’) press hard … Read More
To The One Who Conquers – Conquer Loveless Orthodoxy
Ephesus is enduring and discerning but has lost its first love. Jesus, the ruler of his church, calls them to repent, warning them of failure to listen and encouraging them with a promise for those … Read More
To The One Who Conquers – The Revelation
In our first part of this series, we will be exploring the letter to the churches (Revelation 1-3). John’s message to the seven churches is a message that God’s church needs to hear through every … Read More
Discipleship – Money Matters
In what is one of the strangest parables Jesus ever taught, we are challenged to be better than the world in living in light of the future. The people of this world cleverly and consistently … Read More
Discipleship – Three Times Found
“Forgiveness… can you imagine?” A line sung at one of the most poignant moments in the musical Hamilton when the main character’s wife shows him forgiveness after an adulterous affair. The lyric rings with astonishment: … Read More
Discipleship – Count the Cost
Following Jesus is hard. The past few weeks we’ve read Jesus laying down challenge after challenge to our discipleship. But I think that in this week’s passage Jesus will throw down the ultimate challenge: if … Read More