THE MESSAGE TO THE CHURCHES (2 OF 4)
by Eddie Snipes
Scripture: REVELATION 2, REVELATION 3
This content is part of a series.
The Message to the Churches (2 of 4)
Revelation
Eddie Snipes
Revelation 2 and 3
Chapter two and three of Revelations addresses letters to the seven churches in Asia. Many volumes of books have been written about the meanings behind these letters and what these historic churches symbolize. These letters serve as examples to be praised, failures to avoid, instructions for the believer and consequences for neglecting God's purpose. When instructing the churches, Jesus followed the same pattern I am using to break down this study. He praised the churches for what was in order, He pointed out their areas of disobedience, He instructed with promises of their eternal reward and then warned against neglect that leads to failure.
God never has allowed a middle ground. There are only two ways. Obedience to righteousness or sin unto death (Romans 6:16). There is no such thing as partial obedience. Either we trust God and submit or we don't believe God and live in disobedience. When we obey, we do so out of faith, not obligation. True obedience is always out of faith. I obey because I believe His promises and know that His plan for my life is perfect. I believe His word completely - both the promises and the judgment. Disobedience is the opposite. I willfully choose a sinful lifestyle because I don't believe God will keep His promises to satisfy and fulfill my life and I don't believe He will really judge my actions. From the beginning, God has always given the same instruction - choose the blessing or the curse. In God's presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Or choose as Psalm 112 warns, the wicked shall be grieved, he shall gnash his teeth and melt away and he will see his desires perish. Deuteronomy lays the groundwork of God's principle of choice.
Deuteronomy 11: 26 " Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 "the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command yo ...
Revelation
Eddie Snipes
Revelation 2 and 3
Chapter two and three of Revelations addresses letters to the seven churches in Asia. Many volumes of books have been written about the meanings behind these letters and what these historic churches symbolize. These letters serve as examples to be praised, failures to avoid, instructions for the believer and consequences for neglecting God's purpose. When instructing the churches, Jesus followed the same pattern I am using to break down this study. He praised the churches for what was in order, He pointed out their areas of disobedience, He instructed with promises of their eternal reward and then warned against neglect that leads to failure.
God never has allowed a middle ground. There are only two ways. Obedience to righteousness or sin unto death (Romans 6:16). There is no such thing as partial obedience. Either we trust God and submit or we don't believe God and live in disobedience. When we obey, we do so out of faith, not obligation. True obedience is always out of faith. I obey because I believe His promises and know that His plan for my life is perfect. I believe His word completely - both the promises and the judgment. Disobedience is the opposite. I willfully choose a sinful lifestyle because I don't believe God will keep His promises to satisfy and fulfill my life and I don't believe He will really judge my actions. From the beginning, God has always given the same instruction - choose the blessing or the curse. In God's presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Or choose as Psalm 112 warns, the wicked shall be grieved, he shall gnash his teeth and melt away and he will see his desires perish. Deuteronomy lays the groundwork of God's principle of choice.
Deuteronomy 11: 26 " Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 "the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command yo ...
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