Through the Bible for Skeptics, Seekers, and Disciples

Some of those who are part of the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea were making wise choices. Some were not. In fact, Jesus refers to some as being “lukewarm” - neither hot nor cold. We can transcend the temptations of the world around us. Jesus rebukes and disciplines those He loves. He stands at the door and knocks, inviting us to connect with Him relationally. He does not kick the door down! The decision is up to us. We can enjoy a relationship with Him by saying “yes” to Jesus’ invitation. This not just a one time “yes” but a daily “yes” to live life with Him. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Revelation #EndTimes #JusticeOfGod #Apocalypse #BiblicalProphecy #SecondComing #Persecution #Dissident #Resistance #Babylon #Witness #Jesus

Jesus shared his message to the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Some were giving in to false teachers and sexual immorality. Some had lost their first love. Some were enduring tremendous persecution. John used a unique description of Jesus at the beginning of every message to each of the churches. Every church is being afffirmed and/or rebuked by Jesus. Each church has to consider: “how faithfully are we living in Babylon?” In other words, “how much of Babylon is living in us?” We can start afresh in our own temptations and struggles when we repent - turn back to God for help to overcome. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Revelation #EndTimes #JusticeOfGod #Apocalypse #BiblicalProphecy #SecondComing #Persecution #Dissident #Resistance #Babylon #Witness #Jesus

This apocalyptic book begins with the phrase “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” or “The Jesus Christ Revelation.” John has a vision of Jesus. The description of Jesus matches other visions of God or the Son of Man throughout the Bible. Jesus now reigns at the right hand of God, but the book is pointing towards the return of Jesus when God’s redemptive plan for humanity is fulfilled. Jesus’ message to the 7 churches encourages them to persevere through the persecution and the temptation they face living in “Babylon.” #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Revelation #EndTimes #JusticeOfGod #Apocalypse #BiblicalProphecy #SecondComing #Persecution #Dissident #Resistance #Babylon #Witness #Jesus

If you are unfamiliar with Revelation (not Revelations), you should know this is a very unique book and very unique type of literature. It’s called “apocalyptic” literature and it uses imagery of beasts and dragons to convey the point. If you are familiar with Revelation, then I want you to read this differently than you’ve likely been taught. As we read it, consider this first and foremost: what is Revelation showing me about how to live as a follower of Jesus in a world that opposes Him? Most read it as if it’s just a timeline for the end times. If that was the only reason for the letter, then it’s been less than helpful for 2000 years. Instead, it is actually a remarkable guide in how to live as a dissident disciple while living in Babylon, and it assures us that in the end God will make all things right. The evil nation of Babylon represents any nation which goes its own way rather than honor God and His ways. For the original churches reading this letter, Babylon was Rome. Other resources to consider Revelation for the Rest of Us by Scot McKnight, Revelation for Everyone, and the videos on Revelation by the Bible Project. We can learn to live in a Babylon in a way that Babylon doesn’t live us. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Revelation #EndTimes #JusticeOfGod #Apocalypse #BiblicalProphecy #SecondComing #Persecution #Dissident #Resistance #Babylon #Witness #Jesus

The half brother of Jesus named Jude wrote an intense letter to the church. He warned them of false teachers who would try to take advantage of their kindness and inclusiveness. These false teachers were denying Jesus and would attempt to seduce them into sexual immorality. For these kinds of abusers, there will be judgment. God is loving, God is just. He cannot be loving without also being just. One day, God will make all things right and eradicate evil. God never forces us into His presence, but all who turn to Him can be forgiven. We can experience hell (separation from God) and heaven (union with God) on earth and into eternity. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Jude

John writes to a leader in the church who has been opening his home to those traveling. In those days showing someone hospitality meant giving that person a platform as other believers would come to meet and hear from those visiting. For this reason, John reminds Gaius not to open his home to false teachers who were spreading lies and dangerous teaching. Who we listen to determines the direction we might go. Following Jesus and His ways leads to abundant life. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn

The Apostle John encourages believers who were dealing with false teachers who had deceived some. He affirms those still following Jesus and loving others. The false teachers were trying to convince the believers that Jesus was not actually on earth physically but only spiritually. This was influenced by a Greek idea that the spirit is good but the body is bad. They were denying the truth of what actually happened! They were antiChrists by opposing Jesus and His ways. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #FalseTeachers #AntiChrist

Those who follow Jesus trust Him by obeying His commands. Because we have the Spirit of God we can live new lives. We can rescue others who have fallen into sin and help them. We can pray with effectiveness knowing God will guide us to accomplish His purpose. John wrote this so that we may know that if we believe we will have life in Jesus. All who want this life can have it! God is inviting us into a relationship with Him that begins by acknowledging that we need what Jesus did on the cross to count for us. We ask for forgiveness and ask Him to lead us. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #NewLife #EffectivePrayer

We can discern the trustworthy teachers from false ones by how the person describes Jesus and by how they live their lives. God is love, and Jesus demonstrated His love by laying down His life for us. That is how followers of Jesus are to live. Once we surrender our lives to follow Jesus, the Spirit of God comes to live within us. With God’s help, we can live more sacrificially by dying to ourselves. We can be so transformed by God’s love that His love overflows through us. Loving others is what distinguishes followers of Jesus from the rest of the world. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #LoveYourNeighbor #GodIsLove

Followers of Jesus do not have to live the same way they used to live. How someone lives his or her life demonstrates to the world whether they have a relationship with Jesus or not. Are you trying to overcome sin or are you choosing to continue to live the same way you did before your relationship with Jesus began? Are you loving your brother or are you holding a grudge or giving into bitterness? We will not be perfect on this side of eternity. That is not what John is writing about. He is writing about the trajectory of one’s heart. Are you walking towards the light? Are you making progress? Are you asking God for help? Are you involving community to help you grow? We are children of God through Jesus fully capable of transformation! #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #ChildrenOfGod