Marbaniang, Domenic

Rev.3:7-13 Philadelphia was a Faithful Church Rev.3:8: She had LITTLE STRENGTH but Kept the Word It doesn't matter if the strength is small; His Grace is Sufficient His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses Mustard seed faith can remove mountains Persistent blows can crack great rocks Gideon considered himself the least (Jdg.6:11), but with 300 men, by the help of God, he won a great battle (Jdg.7:7) Rev.3:12 - Will be kept from trial - Will be a Pillar in God's Temple - Will receive Name of the City

Rev.3:1-6 Sardis was a Careless Church Negligence Destroys Intelligence 1. They had a name "Alive", but were dead 2. They had works, but the works were not perfect 3. Jesus said that if this continued, when He comes, they will not know.... A. A Negligent Christian is a Fool 5 Foolish Virgins - negligent about the oil, negligent about the time of the groom (1Thess 5:2,4) B. A Negligent Christian is Not Diligent The Diligent - Constant in effort to accomplish something - Attentive and persistent in doing anything - Someone who works in a careful and thorough way (Prov.10:4; 22:29; 2Pet.3:14) C. A Negligent Christian is Indisciplined 1Cor.9:27; 2Tim.2:1-5

Rev.2:18-27 Thyatira - The Corrupt Church. The city was famous for dyeing. Lack of Authority Destroys Integrity Rev.2:19. Jesus always began with a positive note. He got something to praise about, but He introduces Himself as the Judge (Rev.2:18) Rev.2:23,24: Division: Judgment on Jezebel. No burden on others. But they were responsible because they allowed (Rev.2:20) Jezebel in the Church - Rebel 1. She was a Stranger to God ("that woman") 2. She was a self-made, self-declared prophetess 3. She was a teacher-seducer of God's servants (deception) 4. She was unrepentent (Rev.2:21). She crossed the deadline of repentance. 5. Her doom was pronounced. Submission to authority is important. (Num.16:1; 1Sam.15:22-23)

Rev. 2:12-17 Pergamos was a Compromising Church. The city was a head quarter of Satan. One Dead Fish Pollutes the Pond Balaam's Error: Tolerated Beware of 3 Polluting Elements 1. The Old Leaven. The leaven of malice and wickedness. The leaven of tolerated sin (1Cor.5:7) 2. The Root of Bitterness. The bitter root of unbelief (Selling Birthright) (Heb.12:15) 3. The Garment Spotted by Flesh. The garment covering of carnality (Jude 1:23) Smyrna: Satan's Synagogue Pergamos: Satan's Dwelling Place, Throne Warning: Rev.2:16; 1Cor.3:16 Promise: Hidden Manna, Hidden Name on White Stone (Not parchment, which Pergamos was known for).

Rev.2:8-11 Smyrna was a Persecuted Church. It was where Polycarp was leader and was martyred in 155 AD The Letter exhorts Smyrna Church to be Courageous The Bold Get the Crown The Kingdom of God is Taken by the Aggressive Courage is the Virtue of the Warrior. He Never Turns Back. There is no armor for the back. Matt.11:12; Dan.11:32; Prov.28:1; 2Tim.1:7 7 Reasons Why We Must Be Courageous 1. He is the First and the Last: A & Z Your beginning and your end are in Him. The battle belongs to the Lord. He is in control 2. He Conquered Death and Came to Life Death shall not have dominion: Where is your sting, power, O Death? 3. He Keeps a Record of Your Suffering ("I Know....") (Ps. 56:8; Job 23:8) 4. He Keeps a Record of What You're Going to Suffer (Rev.2:10) (Acts 9:16) 5. He Wants Us to Pass the Tests (TESTED) Don't give up midway (Heb.10:32-39) 6. He Wants to Give Us the Crown of Life  Second Death Can't Hurt. 7. It's His Command (Eph.6:10)

You are responsible for your affections (2Cor.6:12) 7 Incredible Facts Revealed by Jesus (Rev.2:2,3) 1. You can be an  active  Christian and yet be a failure. (works) 2. You can be a laborious Christian and yet be a failure. (labor) 3. You can be a patient  Christian and yet be a failure. (patience) 4. You can be a righteous  Christian and yet be a failure. (cannot bear those who are evil) 5. You can be a wise and discerning  Christian and yet be a failure. (tested those who say they are apostles...) 6. You can be a perseverant  Christian and yet be a failure. (have persevered) 7. You can be a tireless  Christian and yet be a failure. (have not become weary) 3 Facts About Love 1. Love is the key that opens the heart of God (Jn.14:23; 2Cor.6:12) When God measures a man, He puts the tape around his heart - not around his head. - Guideposts 2. Love is the wall that keeps the enemy out (Song 4:12) 3. Love is the stronghold of victory already got. Love God...

The jailer pushed the youth into his prison cell with utter disgust. The youth had been convicted for attempt to rape, a serious crime, and even more serious when committed in the premises of a government official’s residence. From their cells, the other prisoners gazed at the youth with astonishment and contempt. He snuggled into a corner. There were whisperings and comments in tones and terms that would send chills down the spine. And, they continued for long and long till the heavy rug of the night dampened all sight and sound. After a while, only the guards could be heard walking with their spears tapping on the ground. The taps were being mixed with rhythmic snores buzzing through the cells. In his locked corner, the youth sobbed with hushed tears. He groaned in between snivels in a language different than that spoken in this land: “Why is this happening to me?” “What have I done to deserve this injustice?” “Now, I’m hated by my family and also by the world for no wrong?” The worl...