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Jesus' Letters to 7 Groups (Pt. 2)

Dennis McCallum
Revelation 2:12-3:5

Jesus's address to the churches continues with Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis. These three churches have a common flaw: passivity. Christ addresses this sin, which invokes careful consideration of what it looks like to be an apathetic or dead church and the dangers involved.

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Babylon The Harlot

Jeff Gordon
Revelation 17:1-6

John describes the next scene in his vision: a prostitute called Babylon. This prostitute will parade around like a false church, fooling others into turning away from each other. She is the ultimate counterfeit church, having worldwide influence, wealth, and political power. She will persecute true followers, and she will ultimately be annihilated. The way to avoid being trapped in a spiritual deception like this is to establish truth-based friendships.

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Letters to the Churches Part 1

Scott Risley
Revelation 2:1-10

It's surprising how quickly good groups can falter. We look at the church of Ephesus and how they had lost their "first love" and abandoned the excitement they had for loving each other and God. The church of Smyrna is encouraged to believe that suffering is real and short and that Jesus is in control. In both cases putting hope in Christ is more powerful than our problems.

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{"passage": "Revelation 2:1-10","passageabreviated": "Rev 2:1-10","passagetiny": "Rev 2:1-10","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": "...

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Jesus' Letters to 7 Groups (Pt. 1)

Dennis McCallum
Revelation 2:1-11

In John's vision, Jesus begins to address seven churches in Asia. The first address (or letter) is to Ephesus, and it encourages them on their work, toil, endurance, lack of tolerance for evil, and the examination of claims they hear. Christ then admonishes them for leaving their first love, which would be the love the Ephesians had for each other. Christ then prescribes solutions for this problem, reminding believers that love is the most important act.\r\n\r\nChrist's second address is to Smyrna, and he encourages them in the suffering they are enduring by promising them the crown of life for their faithfulness.

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{"passage": "Revelation 2:1-11","passageabreviated": "Rev 2:1-11","passagetiny": "Rev 2:1-11","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDate"...

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Spiritual Community

Ryan Lowery
Acts 2:42-47

The church of Acts bursts onto the scene in Jerusalem preaching the teachings of Jesus and sharing the Good News. The church was living alongside each other, steeped in prayer, and devoted to the teachings of Jesus. Gratefulness to God was the driving force in their community. God's grace is the motivating force that changes even the worst of us into loving self-giving workers for God.

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{"passage": "Acts 2:42-47","passageabreviated": "Acts 2:42-47","passagetiny": "Acts 2:42-47","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "10...

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Becoming a Spiritual Dynamo

Ryan Lowery
Acts 1:1-8

The author of Acts, Luke, is widely considered to be a historian of the highest class. We learn from his recordings of the accounts of the disciples as they were taught by Jesus after his resurrection. They are told to go to Jerusalem to wait for the Holy Spirit. Our community of Christians today is only possible due to this moment in history. The beginning of the spreading of the Gospel is about to begin.

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{"passage": "Acts 1:1-8","passageabreviated": "Acts 1:1-8","passagetiny": "Acts 1:1-8","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "10/06/20...

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Worship

Jeff Gordon
Revelation 4:1-11

Worship is a recognition of God's power and holiness. It develops from a humility that is born of a recognition of our standing before God. John's description of the angels' worship in this passage displays that worship is meant to be continual and out of gratitude.

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A Model Church

Doug Patch
Revelation 3:7-13

John's letter to the church of Philadelphia is one of encouragement and promise. Christ's recognizes their focus and faithfulness to His Word and their intent on sharing the gospel with others. Christ rewards their faith with four promises: 1) access to God and more opportunities to share their faith, 2) vindication from people who mock them, 3) protection in difficulties, and 4) "complete and lasting security" in His Kingdom! The dynamic between trust in God and His provisions is expanded upon, emphasizing the importance of meditating on Scripture.

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{"passage": "Revelation 3:7-13","passageabreviated": "Rev 3:7-13","passagetiny": "Rev 3:7-13","teacher": "Doug Patch","teachingDate": "09...

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Overcoming Spiritual Sloth

Doug Patch
Revelation 3:1-6

In a letter to the church of Sardis, John confronts their state of being a "spiritual sloth". Digging into the dangers of this state and how it offends Christ, Christ initiates a wake up call and initiates a treatment plan for Sardis and anyone stuck in this apathetic state. Christ calls people to respond by repenting, strengthen their involvement in what they are still doing correctly, remembering what they have heard and obeying it, and to be inspired by people who are going the distance for God.

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{"passage": "Revelation 3:1-6","passageabreviated": "Rev 3:1-6","passagetiny": "Rev 3:1-6","teacher": "Doug Patch","teachingDate": "09/15...

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