Genesis 1:1-5 (NASB):
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.
How much do you know about your family's history? In the mid-1970's, many people got excited about genealogy and family research. Why? Because they read Alex Haley's novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family, or they watched the Emmy-winning TV miniseries based on that book.
Much of Haley's novel was a work of imagination. By contrast, the Book of Genesis in the Bible tells the earliest history of the entire human family. In Genesis, God revealed the roots, or origins, of all things except God Himself, who is eternal. Among the many firsts are the first humans, the first sin, the first Sabbath, the first sacrifice, the first murder, the first global catastrophe, the first cities, and the first languages. Another key first in the book is the first prophetic glimpse that God would one day send a Savior to redeem sinners and restore the sin-cursed world (Genesis 3:15).
Author: Most conservative, evangelical scholars agree that Moses was the human writer of Genesis, as well as the four books that follow Genesis: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Collectively, these books are sometimes called the Pentateuch, a term meaning "five scrolls." The Hebrew word for these books is Torah, which means "law," "teaching," or "instruction."
Theme-The overall theme of Genesis points to the formation of a covenant people-initiated through the call of Abram/Abraham-through whom God would bless all the peoples of the earth. That blessing would culminate in the sending of Jesus Christ as a descendant of Abraham to provide the only way of salvation from sin. The story of God's plan to redeem fallen humanity begins in Genesis and unfolds throughout the remaining books of the Bible.
Date-In discussing the date of any Bible book, two perspectives should be kept in mind: first, the date (or time frame) of events described within the book, and second, the date of the book's writing. In the case of Genesis, the time frame of events spans from the creation (when time began) until the death of Joseph around 1804 B.C. In terms of the book's writing, the writer's life span (Moses) can be dated around 1526-1406 B.C. Moses likely wrote down the Book of Genesis (and the other books of the law) not long after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt around 1446 B.C.
Let me ask you a question. Have you ever stopped to consider the ways in which people experience blessings, the start of something new or different? We mark the beginning of new days, new months, and new years. School-age children know about beginnings when they start a new school year and meet new teachers. Married couples might recall their first date and first kiss. Talented musicians might be able to remember the time they played their first notes on an instrument. Everything in our lives has a beginning.
The opening words of Genesis invite us to reflect on the beginning of the universe and, more specifically, on the origin of the amazing world where we live. God, who existed before our beginning, is introduced as the One who brought into existence out of nothing the universe and everything in it. Genesis makes no attempt to prove or explain God's existence. It simply declares that He is there in the beginning. He, in fact, creates the beginning.
Read: Genesis 1:1-2. God brought the universe into existence out of nothing. This marks the start of time. Prior to the beginning, only God existed. He had no beginning. God revealed His power by creating the universe and everything in it. These opening words set the eternal God of Scripture uniquely apart from all the mythical deities in pagan creation stories (see Jeremiah 10:11).
Earth quickly becomes the focus of the Genesis account because it is the stage on which God's redemptive plan will be fulfilled. Before God's powerful creative activity, the earth could only be described as a shapeless, empty, watery void. All of that changed as "the Spirit of God" hovered over the surface of the watery void, ready and able to bring order and chaos and fullness out of emptiness (see Deut. 32:11).
Apply the Scriptures: How can this dark picture of the Spirit of God help someone whose life feels chaotic, empty, and dark?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Monday, August 31, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
The Lamb is Praised (Revelation 12:10-12)
Revelation 12:10-12 (NASB):
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12 For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”
The DVR has become very popular in many homes. It allows you to set up ahead of time to record certain television shows, movies, or sporting events. This gives you tremendous freedom. Now, you can go out, run errands, go to that soccer game or school play and not have to fret about missing "your show" or "the game." Many people will say to me, "Don't tell me what happened on (fill in the blank). I haven't watched it yet!" Here in these verses, John has DVR'ed for us what is going to happen at a point in the future. Since we know the outcome, we don't have to worry about events surrounding us.
In these verses the apostle John is focused on the loud clear message, not on the announcer. The proclamation declared vocally the same reality that John saw in 12:7-9. From heaven's viewpoint, the war has been decided. It's over. Satan and his evil minions are defeated and doomed. The one who unceasingly accuses God's people before the Lord has been conquered.
The victory came through God's salvation...power...and kingdom in the saving work of His Messiah. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose again, Satan can no longer accuse God's people (see Romans 8:32-33). Moreover, as Revelation 12:11 declares, the redeemed share in the reality and power of Christ's victory by their faith in Jesus. They conquer Satan by the blood of the Lamb. They defeat the devil's schemes by the word of their testimony. Even in the face of martyrdom, believers taste the sweet victory of Christ (Revelation 2:10).
In Revelation 12:12, John saw that Christ's victory prompted rejoicing in heaven. Yet is signified a short time of increased adversity on the earth. As though John were watching the "replay" of a fiercely fought contest, the final result was already known, although the struggle would continue to play out until the final horn.
Obeying the text: In what ways does knowing about Satan's ultimate defeat give you confidence in living each day for Christ?
Serving God, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12 For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”
The DVR has become very popular in many homes. It allows you to set up ahead of time to record certain television shows, movies, or sporting events. This gives you tremendous freedom. Now, you can go out, run errands, go to that soccer game or school play and not have to fret about missing "your show" or "the game." Many people will say to me, "Don't tell me what happened on (fill in the blank). I haven't watched it yet!" Here in these verses, John has DVR'ed for us what is going to happen at a point in the future. Since we know the outcome, we don't have to worry about events surrounding us.
In these verses the apostle John is focused on the loud clear message, not on the announcer. The proclamation declared vocally the same reality that John saw in 12:7-9. From heaven's viewpoint, the war has been decided. It's over. Satan and his evil minions are defeated and doomed. The one who unceasingly accuses God's people before the Lord has been conquered.
The victory came through God's salvation...power...and kingdom in the saving work of His Messiah. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose again, Satan can no longer accuse God's people (see Romans 8:32-33). Moreover, as Revelation 12:11 declares, the redeemed share in the reality and power of Christ's victory by their faith in Jesus. They conquer Satan by the blood of the Lamb. They defeat the devil's schemes by the word of their testimony. Even in the face of martyrdom, believers taste the sweet victory of Christ (Revelation 2:10).
In Revelation 12:12, John saw that Christ's victory prompted rejoicing in heaven. Yet is signified a short time of increased adversity on the earth. As though John were watching the "replay" of a fiercely fought contest, the final result was already known, although the struggle would continue to play out until the final horn.
Obeying the text: In what ways does knowing about Satan's ultimate defeat give you confidence in living each day for Christ?
Serving God, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Jesus Defeats Satan (Revelation 12:1-9)
The grandest structure that archaeologists unearthed in the ruins of ancient Ephesus was an outdoor theater capable of seating 25,000 patrons. We don't know if the apostle John ever attended the great theater while he lived in Ephesus in the first-century A.D. But we can safely assume that he knew about it. He also knew that the Roman emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96) often exploited the mythical tales of Greco-Roman gods to promote his own claim of divinity. These tales may well have been dramatized on the stage at Ephesus.
For John and other believers, however, the cultural pressure to worship the emperor was a non-starter. Consequently, the officials of the emperor cult often targeted believers for persecution. In fact, that is probably the reason John was confined to the island of Patmos. Yet God used John's confinement to show him-and us-the true story of what God has done, is doing, and will do to bring His creation to its full purpose.
Revelation 12 portrays that story in a dramatic fashion. In the panorama of end-time events, chapter 12 may be seen as a pivotal chapter, a microcosm of the entire story of creation, salvation, and restoration from heaven's viewpoint. Let me share one big truth with you today for you to think on.
1. Satan is defeated (Revelation 12:1-9).
The first sign John saw was a pregnant woman in the throes of labor pains. The woman's celestial clothing and the crown of 12 stars are clues to her identity, yet Bible students differ in their conclusions. The predominant view (and the view I adhere to) is that the woman represents Israel.
The woman's pregnancy points to Israel as the people through whom the Messiah came into the world.
John then saw another sign, a great fiery red dragon. His color red suggests a bloody, murderous nature. The seven heads speaks of wisdom, and the 10 horns of power (see Daniel 7:23-25), and the seven diadems of authority. All of these attributes were darkly stained by the dragon's killer nature.
John described the dragon as having swept away a third of the stars in heaven. Some Bible scholars connect this scene to the rebellion of Satan and other angels in heaven and their subsequent banishment from there (see Luke 10:18; 2 Peter 2:4).
In verse 4b, John described a repulsive scene in which the dragon positioned himself at the birth stool, ready to devour the woman's newborn Child. It is not difficult to see in this description an allusion to Herod's murderous decree when Jesus was born (see Matthew 2:16-18).
The male Child born to this woman clearly refers to Jesus Christ. John described Him as the One who will shepherd all nations with an iron scepter. This is a picture from Psalm 2, a messianic psalm extolling the rule of God's Son, the Messiah (see Psalm 2:9). The dragon's evil scheme to destroy Jesus was thwarted as all that happened to Jesus in His incarnation, life, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension was by the will and power of God, not by the schemes of Satan. Verse 6 is a vivid picture of God's providential protection of His people.
Then in verse 7 John saw war break out in heaven. Michael is the only "archangel" (ruling angel) mentioned in Scripture (see Jude 9; compare Daniel 10:13; 12:1). John saw Michael lead an army of God's angels against the dragon and the dragon's angels. Some Bible scholars see this battle occurring in the end times. Others see it as a "flashback" to the angelic rebellion in which Satan was cast down to earth. In both views the point is clear. Satan is no match for God.
John made clear in this scene the identity of the dragon. He named him. The Greek term for Devil means "slanderer." The Hebrew term for Satan literally means "accuser." These names well describe Satan's desire to deceive and destroy the whole world. Thankfully, because of Jesus Christ, the accuser is a defeated foe.
Obeying the text: List situations in which you need to see Jesus as victorious and Satan as defeated. What actions can you take to live in light of Jesus' victory?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
For John and other believers, however, the cultural pressure to worship the emperor was a non-starter. Consequently, the officials of the emperor cult often targeted believers for persecution. In fact, that is probably the reason John was confined to the island of Patmos. Yet God used John's confinement to show him-and us-the true story of what God has done, is doing, and will do to bring His creation to its full purpose.
Revelation 12 portrays that story in a dramatic fashion. In the panorama of end-time events, chapter 12 may be seen as a pivotal chapter, a microcosm of the entire story of creation, salvation, and restoration from heaven's viewpoint. Let me share one big truth with you today for you to think on.
1. Satan is defeated (Revelation 12:1-9).
The first sign John saw was a pregnant woman in the throes of labor pains. The woman's celestial clothing and the crown of 12 stars are clues to her identity, yet Bible students differ in their conclusions. The predominant view (and the view I adhere to) is that the woman represents Israel.
The woman's pregnancy points to Israel as the people through whom the Messiah came into the world.
John then saw another sign, a great fiery red dragon. His color red suggests a bloody, murderous nature. The seven heads speaks of wisdom, and the 10 horns of power (see Daniel 7:23-25), and the seven diadems of authority. All of these attributes were darkly stained by the dragon's killer nature.
John described the dragon as having swept away a third of the stars in heaven. Some Bible scholars connect this scene to the rebellion of Satan and other angels in heaven and their subsequent banishment from there (see Luke 10:18; 2 Peter 2:4).
In verse 4b, John described a repulsive scene in which the dragon positioned himself at the birth stool, ready to devour the woman's newborn Child. It is not difficult to see in this description an allusion to Herod's murderous decree when Jesus was born (see Matthew 2:16-18).
The male Child born to this woman clearly refers to Jesus Christ. John described Him as the One who will shepherd all nations with an iron scepter. This is a picture from Psalm 2, a messianic psalm extolling the rule of God's Son, the Messiah (see Psalm 2:9). The dragon's evil scheme to destroy Jesus was thwarted as all that happened to Jesus in His incarnation, life, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension was by the will and power of God, not by the schemes of Satan. Verse 6 is a vivid picture of God's providential protection of His people.
Then in verse 7 John saw war break out in heaven. Michael is the only "archangel" (ruling angel) mentioned in Scripture (see Jude 9; compare Daniel 10:13; 12:1). John saw Michael lead an army of God's angels against the dragon and the dragon's angels. Some Bible scholars see this battle occurring in the end times. Others see it as a "flashback" to the angelic rebellion in which Satan was cast down to earth. In both views the point is clear. Satan is no match for God.
John made clear in this scene the identity of the dragon. He named him. The Greek term for Devil means "slanderer." The Hebrew term for Satan literally means "accuser." These names well describe Satan's desire to deceive and destroy the whole world. Thankfully, because of Jesus Christ, the accuser is a defeated foe.
Obeying the text: List situations in which you need to see Jesus as victorious and Satan as defeated. What actions can you take to live in light of Jesus' victory?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Righteous in His Generation
Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1 (NASB):
Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 The Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord...Then the Lord said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time."
Have you ever thought that things could not get any worse? Believe or not, they have. When God singled out Noah to help keep human history afloat, He was asking him to be obedient in a world where everyone was "evil all the time."
If we are not careful, we can almost forget that Bible heroes like Noah were real. When Noah was faitfully building a boat longer than a football field, he had no idea his face would be on everything from weather vanes to wallpaper. Still, he preached God's grace against impending doom for 120 years without a single convert, wiping his neigbhors spit from his face for insinuating they were the ones who needed help. A superman would have made it look easy. It took an ordinary man to make it look like God.
These days of darkness are also days of opportunity. But what makes them days of opprotunity is the power of light-of Christians on fire for the Kingdom of God-to pierce and dispel the darkness. Our cultural crisis is at the same time a cultural opprotunity.
Jesus said of Himself, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12 NIV). Amazingly, He also said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14 NIV). Of course, our light is totally dependent on His. He is "the true light that gives light to every man" (John 1:9 NIV).
As Christians concerned about our culture (as all should be), we must ask ourselves, "How can I make the most of the opportunity that is before me to shine as Jesus would? How can I best treat the present crisis as an opportunity, and focus my beam into the present darkness?"
It needs to be said continually: the first task of every Christian is to be like Jesus. We are to give ourselves wholly to the pursuit of Christ likeness. We dare not urge in public life what our private lives deny.
Apply: Ask yourself when you will finally be ready to forsake everything that keeps you from being faithful to God's calling on your life. If not now, when?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 The Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord...Then the Lord said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time."
Have you ever thought that things could not get any worse? Believe or not, they have. When God singled out Noah to help keep human history afloat, He was asking him to be obedient in a world where everyone was "evil all the time."
If we are not careful, we can almost forget that Bible heroes like Noah were real. When Noah was faitfully building a boat longer than a football field, he had no idea his face would be on everything from weather vanes to wallpaper. Still, he preached God's grace against impending doom for 120 years without a single convert, wiping his neigbhors spit from his face for insinuating they were the ones who needed help. A superman would have made it look easy. It took an ordinary man to make it look like God.
These days of darkness are also days of opportunity. But what makes them days of opprotunity is the power of light-of Christians on fire for the Kingdom of God-to pierce and dispel the darkness. Our cultural crisis is at the same time a cultural opprotunity.
Jesus said of Himself, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12 NIV). Amazingly, He also said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14 NIV). Of course, our light is totally dependent on His. He is "the true light that gives light to every man" (John 1:9 NIV).
As Christians concerned about our culture (as all should be), we must ask ourselves, "How can I make the most of the opportunity that is before me to shine as Jesus would? How can I best treat the present crisis as an opportunity, and focus my beam into the present darkness?"
It needs to be said continually: the first task of every Christian is to be like Jesus. We are to give ourselves wholly to the pursuit of Christ likeness. We dare not urge in public life what our private lives deny.
Apply: Ask yourself when you will finally be ready to forsake everything that keeps you from being faithful to God's calling on your life. If not now, when?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Let Them Hear Part 3
Last time we looked at the promises of eternal life and provision to those who overcome. Finally, let us look at:
The Promise of Purpose
Revelation 2:26-29:
"He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Jesus promised overcomers in Thyatira that they would receive authority over the nations. He further explained that authority by using language from Psalm 2:9. Psalm 2 was used at the coronation of Israelite kings, yet is also foreshadowed the Messiah's coronation as the eternal King of kings. Thus, Jesus promised His faithful followers a role of tremendous authority in His coming kingdom. Overcomers will participate in Jesus' messianic rule over the nations.
Victorious believers will exercise the power of a shepherd, not that of a military conqueror. The Greek verb translated will shepherd refers literally to tending and guiding sheep. Thus, overcomers will find their authority not in the steel sword but in the sword of the Spirit, God's Word (see Ephesians 6:17). This is the same authority Jesus received from the Father and exercised during His time on earth. It is an authority that can shatter spiritual opposition as if it were brittle pottery.
Jesus prayed in John 17:13-19:
"But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth."
Apply: In what ways does the promise of a purpose in Christ's kingdom impact your view of the work you do today?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
The Promise of Purpose
Revelation 2:26-29:
"He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Jesus promised overcomers in Thyatira that they would receive authority over the nations. He further explained that authority by using language from Psalm 2:9. Psalm 2 was used at the coronation of Israelite kings, yet is also foreshadowed the Messiah's coronation as the eternal King of kings. Thus, Jesus promised His faithful followers a role of tremendous authority in His coming kingdom. Overcomers will participate in Jesus' messianic rule over the nations.
Victorious believers will exercise the power of a shepherd, not that of a military conqueror. The Greek verb translated will shepherd refers literally to tending and guiding sheep. Thus, overcomers will find their authority not in the steel sword but in the sword of the Spirit, God's Word (see Ephesians 6:17). This is the same authority Jesus received from the Father and exercised during His time on earth. It is an authority that can shatter spiritual opposition as if it were brittle pottery.
Jesus prayed in John 17:13-19:
"But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth."
Apply: In what ways does the promise of a purpose in Christ's kingdom impact your view of the work you do today?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Promise of Life
Revelation 2:7 (NASB), "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God."
Jesus issued the first of seven challenges (one in each letter) for Christians to hear and obey the voice of the Spirit in God's Word. In this context, to have an ear means to recognize that Jesus Christ, the Lord and King, is speaking. Thus, hearers are to listen in faith and respond in obedience.
Victors, or overcomers, in Scripture are not people who save themselves or live in their own strength. Rather, victors have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and live by faith in Him.
1 Peter 1:18-21 (NASB), "...knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."
Jesus promised the victors in Ephesus that He would give them access to the tree of life, which is in God's paradise. The ancient Persian word for paradise referred to a beautiful garden. Signficiantly, the worship of the pagan goddess Artemis thrived in ancient Ephesus (see Acts 19:26-28). It featured a large tree-shrine in the center of the temple garden. Yet from thier Old Testament roots, Christians knew of a genuine tree of life that was located in the garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:24). Access to that tree had been lost when Adam and Eve sinned. However, Jesus promised believers that, in Him, access to a real tree of life would be restored.
Revelation 2:11 (NASB), "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death."
Jesus assured the church at Smyrna that He knew they were being targeted for persecution, probably by Jews from the local synagogue. He encouraged them to remain faithful even to death (see Revelation 2:8-10). Jesus further promised that His faithful followers would never be harmed by the second death.
In Scripture, the first death is physical death, when our bodily functions cease. Jesus taught His disciples not to fear the one who can kill the body, but to fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell (see Matthew 10:28). This is the second death. It is also referred to as the lake of fire, the final destiny of all whose names are not found in the book of life (Revelation 20:14-15).
Revelation 2:17 (NASB), "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it."
Jesus promised overcomers in Pergamum at least two things. First, He would give them some of the hidden manna. Manna was the food God miracoulsy provided for the Israelites during their years in the wilderness (see Exodus 16:31-35). Christ assured His faithful followers that He would likewise provide for their needs in ways they perhaps could not see at the time.
Jesus also promised to give victors a white stone with a new name written on it. In ancient times, judges used stones to indicate a verdict. A white stone meant the accused was pronouned "not guilty." Similary, Jesus assured His people they woudl stand justified before God and display the purity of Jesus' righteousness (see Romans 3:24-26).
Romans 3:24-26 (NLT), "Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus."
Apply: Review the promises made to overcomers above. Which promises about life do you especially need to be encouraged by today? Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the promises you identified.
Jesus issued the first of seven challenges (one in each letter) for Christians to hear and obey the voice of the Spirit in God's Word. In this context, to have an ear means to recognize that Jesus Christ, the Lord and King, is speaking. Thus, hearers are to listen in faith and respond in obedience.
Victors, or overcomers, in Scripture are not people who save themselves or live in their own strength. Rather, victors have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and live by faith in Him.
1 Peter 1:18-21 (NASB), "...knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."
Jesus promised the victors in Ephesus that He would give them access to the tree of life, which is in God's paradise. The ancient Persian word for paradise referred to a beautiful garden. Signficiantly, the worship of the pagan goddess Artemis thrived in ancient Ephesus (see Acts 19:26-28). It featured a large tree-shrine in the center of the temple garden. Yet from thier Old Testament roots, Christians knew of a genuine tree of life that was located in the garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:24). Access to that tree had been lost when Adam and Eve sinned. However, Jesus promised believers that, in Him, access to a real tree of life would be restored.
Revelation 2:11 (NASB), "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death."
Jesus assured the church at Smyrna that He knew they were being targeted for persecution, probably by Jews from the local synagogue. He encouraged them to remain faithful even to death (see Revelation 2:8-10). Jesus further promised that His faithful followers would never be harmed by the second death.
In Scripture, the first death is physical death, when our bodily functions cease. Jesus taught His disciples not to fear the one who can kill the body, but to fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell (see Matthew 10:28). This is the second death. It is also referred to as the lake of fire, the final destiny of all whose names are not found in the book of life (Revelation 20:14-15).
Revelation 2:17 (NASB), "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it."
Jesus promised overcomers in Pergamum at least two things. First, He would give them some of the hidden manna. Manna was the food God miracoulsy provided for the Israelites during their years in the wilderness (see Exodus 16:31-35). Christ assured His faithful followers that He would likewise provide for their needs in ways they perhaps could not see at the time.
Jesus also promised to give victors a white stone with a new name written on it. In ancient times, judges used stones to indicate a verdict. A white stone meant the accused was pronouned "not guilty." Similary, Jesus assured His people they woudl stand justified before God and display the purity of Jesus' righteousness (see Romans 3:24-26).
Romans 3:24-26 (NLT), "Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus."
Apply: Review the promises made to overcomers above. Which promises about life do you especially need to be encouraged by today? Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the promises you identified.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Let Them Hear
Revelation 2:7-17; 26-29
Main Idea: Those who overcome by faith in Jesus Christ will reign with Him in eternity.
Let me ask you a question: If you were to experience a sudden loss of hearing, how would it impact your daily life?
You might find yourself having to ask others to repeat themselves or to speak louder on the phone or in a conversation. In a restaurant, you might find it difficult to pick out what someone is saying amidst all the noise. Chances are, we won't fully appreciate the ability to hear until hearing becomes a problem.
In Revelation, Jesus addressed letters, or messages, to His churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. In each letter, Jesus challenged believers to listen to what the Holy Spirit was saying.
Hearers had to deal with background noise from the culture around them-and from problems within some congregations-that demanded careful listening to know what the Spirit was teaching.
Christ-followers and churches today face challenges similar to those of the churches in Revelation 2-3. If we listen carefully to what the Spirit said to the churches in the first century, we will hear Him speaking to us today as well.
Our approach to interpreting the Book of Revelation understands the seven churches to represent not only all types of churches, but also seven distinct stages of church history. That is, the letters show a progression of the Church's response to its mission in the world from the first century until the return of Christ. That being said, it's important for us to remember that Jesus initially instructed John to send the Revelation to seven actual congregations in the province of Asia.
The province of Asia was awash in paganism at the end of the first century. The churches in provinces such as Asia faced the threat of persecution if they refused to acknowledge or participate in the state "religion." The letters in Revelation 2-3 also address specific concerns in each church's local context: concerns such as false teachers, conformity to the world, and spiritual complacency.
The letters all follow a pattern: (1) a description of the Sender; (2) a compliment to the recipients and/or; (3) a criticism; (4) a command for action; and (5) a promise to all who overcome.
For today, read Revelation 2:7-17. Ask yourself these questions: What are the roadblocks in my life that may need to be removed in order to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to me and my church? What steps are needed in order to remove those roadblocks. Write down your responses.
Main Idea: Those who overcome by faith in Jesus Christ will reign with Him in eternity.
Let me ask you a question: If you were to experience a sudden loss of hearing, how would it impact your daily life?
You might find yourself having to ask others to repeat themselves or to speak louder on the phone or in a conversation. In a restaurant, you might find it difficult to pick out what someone is saying amidst all the noise. Chances are, we won't fully appreciate the ability to hear until hearing becomes a problem.
In Revelation, Jesus addressed letters, or messages, to His churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. In each letter, Jesus challenged believers to listen to what the Holy Spirit was saying.
Hearers had to deal with background noise from the culture around them-and from problems within some congregations-that demanded careful listening to know what the Spirit was teaching.
Christ-followers and churches today face challenges similar to those of the churches in Revelation 2-3. If we listen carefully to what the Spirit said to the churches in the first century, we will hear Him speaking to us today as well.
Our approach to interpreting the Book of Revelation understands the seven churches to represent not only all types of churches, but also seven distinct stages of church history. That is, the letters show a progression of the Church's response to its mission in the world from the first century until the return of Christ. That being said, it's important for us to remember that Jesus initially instructed John to send the Revelation to seven actual congregations in the province of Asia.
The province of Asia was awash in paganism at the end of the first century. The churches in provinces such as Asia faced the threat of persecution if they refused to acknowledge or participate in the state "religion." The letters in Revelation 2-3 also address specific concerns in each church's local context: concerns such as false teachers, conformity to the world, and spiritual complacency.
The letters all follow a pattern: (1) a description of the Sender; (2) a compliment to the recipients and/or; (3) a criticism; (4) a command for action; and (5) a promise to all who overcome.
For today, read Revelation 2:7-17. Ask yourself these questions: What are the roadblocks in my life that may need to be removed in order to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to me and my church? What steps are needed in order to remove those roadblocks. Write down your responses.
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