The Millennial Maze

Revelation Chapter 20 raises the issue of the ‘1000 year reign of Christ.’  Christians have long debated the precise meaning of this phrase found in Chapter 20, verse 4.  Division and discord among believers are common over this chapter, which has been called, ‘the most popular chapter in all of Revelations!’

Historically, the first 300 years of the Christian Church found the Church Fathers in fierce opposition to each over of the specific meaning of the Millennium.  Augustine in the Fourth Century A.D., presented a view that claimed the Millennial reign as purely symbolic and not a literal 1000 years.  Augustine’s position remained the majority view of Christians up until the 1700’s.  The 18th Century American Preacher Jonathan Edwards held to a view of Christ returning after the Millennium called ‘Post-Millennialism’, and today many conservative Christians hold to a view of Christ returning before the Millennium, or ‘Pre-Millennialism.’

Here is a quick overview of the three main positions as well as my opinion.

1. Pre-Millennialism - This view states that Christ will return to earth, destroy evil and then will reign for 1000 years.  At the end of the 1000 years, Satan is cast into Hell, and then the New Heaven and the New Earth begins.
2. A-Millennialism - Christians who hold to this view see the discussion of the Millennium as symbolic of the Church Age.  This view claims that the ‘Millennium’ refers to the time between the First Coming of Christ and the Second Coming of Christ.  This in-between time is not a literal 1000 years but a symbolic reference- representing the Church.
3. Post-Millennialism -This view believes that the 1000 year reign of Christ will be a time when the Gospel triumphs in the world; leading to a period of peace and world-wide prosperity.  After this time of Christian growth and the Gospel’s expanding influence, Christ will return and bring with Him the New Heaven and Earth.

As Christians we hold certain truths with closed fists and other truths with open hands.  The things we hold tightly are the non-negotiables of the faith: the divinity of Jesus, brokenness of humanity, the sacrificial death and bodily resurrection of Christ, the infallibility of God’s Word, etc... But there are other issues that the Bible is not that clear on -issues where Christians have contrary opinions.  I believe that the Millennial question is a secondary belief, one that should not cause divisions among believers and one that we should hold with a gracious open hand.

With this in mind, it appears that the the Pre-Millennial position is the clearest reading of Revelation 20.  Christ will return to earth and will bind Satan for a period of 1000 years.  After this Satan is released, then committed to Hell.  God will judge the world and this will be the end of Satan, Evil and the forces of Darkness. 

While I hold the Pre-Millennial view, I also affirm that my personal view of the Millennium is not really the main point of this passage.  Revelation 20 teaches us so much more than whether the Millennium is literal or symbolic!  Revelation 20 shows us that God is sovereign, that Satan’s actions are futile and that Believers in Christ will ultimately be victorious.  Whatever Millennial position we hold- we all can agree with this truths and say, ‘Amen and Amen!’

What is your view and why do you hold to this position?  Write in your comments and let’s continue the discussion...

Sunday Left-Overs July 8th, 2012 or 'Doing the Electric Slide with Moses!'

Today at Southbrook we turned our attention to Revelation Chapter 19.  This passage takes us on a tour, beginning with Heaven.  When you think of Heaven, what images or ideas come to your mind?


Four times in this passage, heavens inhabitants shout 'Hallelujah' -literally 'praise to God,' for His mighty acts of justice and righteousness.  The author, John, describes Heaven as a 'wedding banquet!'  Now just think about that for a moment... Heaven isn't a boring place, but it is filled with the excitement and joy that we would find at a Wedding Party!  


In verse 11 a shift occurs, and we see Jesus as a mighty warrior, coming to avenge evil and injustice.  Jesus' clothes are covered in blood and a sword comes from His mouth.  He arrives to fight and comes in a victory formation!  I love this middle section of Revelation 19, because we see Jesus arriving as if the battle has already been won.  This isn't arrogance; rather it is holy certainty! For when Jesus rose from the dead, conquering the power of Sin, Satan's ultimate defeat was just a matter of time....

Two Invitations are issued, Two Dinners are held, and Two Destinies are at stake...!

Now, as you read through Revelation Chapter 19, what stands out in your mind?  Send in your questions and let us continue discussing this life-changing section of Scripture!

Warrior Jesus Imagery -Revelation 19

Think of Jesus, go ahead think of Him right now.  More than likely the image is common and reassuring: like Jesus holding a lamb or a child.  While these images are accurate, they probably say more about how we want Jesus to be than about how Jesus actually is!

In Revelation Chapter 19 we meet Warrior Jesus.  No cute lambs or bushy haired children are present.  Instead Jesus comes with a sword and a bloodied robe.  He comes ready for battle and for destruction.

Revelation 19.11-13 depicts Jesus with powerful terms and images.  We find seven different themes in this sobering view of Jesus.  Let's take a deeper look at the story behind each image...

1. Jesus is called 'Faithful and True.'  This phrase builds off of Chapter 1.5 and Chapter 3.14.   Jesus is shown to be faithful in His actions and true in His justice.  As His followers are called to be faithful in a hostile world, Jesus exists as the purest example of faithfulness!

2. 'With justice he judges and makes war.' Since the Dragon and the Beast have made war against God, Jesus goes to war against them.... This is the law of retribution that is found so strongly throughout the book of Revelation.

3. 'Eyes are like blazing fire.' This phrase refers to Daniel 10 verse 6.  One commentary states that the fiery eyes, 'refers to the penetrating vision by which God discerns all and the fiery judgment that will result from his all-seeing discernment.'

4. 'On his head are many crowns.'  This phrase is a direct attack on the Roman Empire and Caesar's rule. Caesar wore an earthly crown, but here Jesus wears the true crown and is the only 'King of Kings!'

5. 'Name that no one knows except himself.'  We remember that Jesus promised the residents of Pergamum (2.17) a 'new name.' Various interpretations exist to what this name means.  It very well could be a name of Jesus that is revealed only in the End Times.

6. 'He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood.'  Is this Jesus' blood -a reference to his sacrifice on the cross, or the blood of the martyrs, or the blood of His enemies?  All are great possibilities, but the context is a battle, and so we assume that this refers to the blood of His enemies.  See Isaiah 63.1-3 for more insight on this possibility.

7. 'His name is the Word of God.'  This is the only place in the New Testament where Jesus is called 'The Word of God!'  This title shows that He is speaking for God and that His message comes from God.

These images are packed together to show the power and authority of the Warrior Jesus.  He comes to vindicate the saints, to right past wrongs and to exercise divine judgment upon the forces of evil.

Armageddon: Bruce Willis and Revelation 16

It is surprising that one of the most esoteric verses in the New Testament is so well known within our American popular culture.  We read in Revelation Chapter 16 verse 16:  'Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.'

A fascination with the end-of-the-world propelled this verse into the forefront of our cultural consciousness.  Bruce Willis' 1998 move, 'Armageddon' brought in over $200M at the domestic box office.  From the WWF to our common lexicon, the word 'Armageddon' is embedded deep into our way of life.

But what is it?  Do Christians truly understand Armageddon?

Armageddon literally means 'Mt. Megiddo' and Megiddo is a site in modern day Israel.  It is actually a valley where many famous battles occurred.  The first major battle was with the Egyptian king, Thutmose III who fought against the Canaanites in 1468BC.  The last battle was in AD 1917 with the British conquest of Palestine.

There is no Mountain named Megiddo; however nearby is Mt. Carmel, where Elijah fought the prophets of Baal.  History records dozens of locations for this end-of-the-world battle.  From the Mississippi river valley, to the Ukraine, France and different locations in the Middle East.

While some commentators have done extensive work to show the specific geographical location of this final battle, others see it in more symbolic terms -the decisive battle where God defeats His enemies.

My opinion is that the geography and lexical clues are sufficiently vague enough to warrant much humility on identifying a specific location.  However the point of Revelation 16v16 is to show that God will triumph over his enemies.  Whether God does this in a battle that takes place in France, the Ukraine  or in Wisconsin -really doesn't matter..., what matters is that God's Team Wins!

Finding meaning in Revelation 16

Revelation Chapter 16 describes 'The Beginning of the End' for the world's powers who oppose God.  The previous chapter sets up the rationale for this last blast of judgments.  We see in Chapter 15 that the 'Bowls of Wrath' come from God's Temple in Heaven.  This helps the reader to see that these judgments are not from a capricious God, but rather from a God who is Holy and Just.

The Seven Bowls of Wrath contain many echoes that link back to the Plagues of Egypt during the time of the Exodus.  God designed this intentional link to remind us that just as He vanquished a World Power centuries earlier, He will do it again.

Many Old Testament allusions help the reader to see that Chapter 16 is the outworking of God's longstanding plan to deal with a rebellious world.

Isaiah 66.6 reminds us that God's wrath flows from His Temple, linking us to Revelation 16.1.
Isaiah 49.26 shows us that God's enemies will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine, linking us to Revelation 16.6.
Psalm 78.44 points to the truth that God will eventually turn His enemies rivers to blood, as in Revelation 16.4-7.

Questions arise, are these events to be taken literally or figuratively....?  And the answer is "Yes!" Revelation is rich in symbolism, to this all commentators agree.  Revelation 16 describes the final battle, -the final stand of humanity opposed to God.  God will judge this people and we know it will be terrible; far greater than words can describe.

If only we would turn to God rather than curse him....

Digging into Revelation 15

Revelation 15 is a transitional chapter as it sets up the final act of God's judgment towards those who oppose His followers.  Here we see the justification for the final bowl judgments that are about to be unleashed upon the world.  We are given a vision of heaven, of seven angels and upon the heavenly temple.


In the middle of this vision, John sees victorious Christians, those who have been persecuted, singing a song of praise to the Lord.  Scholars note that the song of Revelation 15 is a compilation of many Old Testament references.  Here are a few Old Testament links to this emotional and powerful song.

God's Character 15v3-4a

'Great and marvelous are your deeds...'       Psalms 111v2

'Lord God Almighty'                                         Amos 3v13 and 4v13

'Just and true are your ways'                         Deuteronomy 32v4

'King of the nations'                                        Jeremiah 10v7

'Who will not fear you O Lord'                       Jeremiah 10v7

'and bring glory to your name'                       Psalms 86v9

'For you alone are holy'                                   Psalm 99

Our Response 15v4b

'All nations will worship before you'                     Isaiah 2v2-4

'For your righteous acts have been revealed'    Psalms 98v2

Sunday Left-Overs Revelation 12 May 6, 2012

'Happy, Happy Bed Time Story.'  Wow, read through Revelation 12 and will soon see that this is not your average Bible Story!

God uses this section of Revelation to tell the true story of the world -the behind the scenes actions- that are normally off limits to all of us. The first century after Jesus saw Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire. The cult of emperor worship increased in prominence, forcing many Christians to become martyrs for their faith.

To all who were going through trials and sufferings, God reveals how the world will end. Revelations Chapters 12-14 gives us a backstage pass to understand Satan and his motivations for attacking Christians.

A few thoughts to help us understand Chapter 12.

• The issue isn't the 'when' but the 'what.' It is natural to ask questions like, 'When did this happen?' and 'How long ago was Satan cast out of heaven?' But Revelation 12 and indeed the entire book is more concerned with us understanding The Story rather than chronology.
• Old Testament themes reinforce the images found in Revelation 12. Allusions to The Exodus, Leviathan, Ezekiel, and Joseph's dreams make this chapter rich with ancient Jewish history.
• Theology is best taught with story than with books or lectures! We know this to be true from our own experiences, and Revelation 12 supports this thought. We are given a graphic and brutally honest story of Satan fighting against God, losing and then attacking God's people.
• The goal of seeing this new perspective on life is to help embattled followers of Christ see that while Jesus' death and resurrection won the war, battles still continue...

Today we read Revelation 12 with an awareness that Satan is truly at work. How else can we ascribe the self-destructive patterns and behaviors of our friends and neighbors? How else can we make sense of parents who kill their children, or those who die through addictions. The good news is that Salvation and Power has arrived through the authority of Christ!

As you read through Revelation 12, what questions or comments come to your mind?

Revelation Chapters 12-14: The Holy War

On Sunday May 6th, 2012 our Southbrook Church sermon series turns to Revelation Chapters 12-14. This is a powerful section of Revelations, filled with rich and awe-inspiring imagery.  These chapters are often called 'the heart of Revelations.'

A few hints to help us understand this section of Revelations.

1. Read through Revelations 12-14 as a unit and try to look past the chapter headings and verse divisions.

2. Read various translations of this section.  A good resource is www.Biblegateway.com This site allows you to select multiple versions and you can arrange them next to each other.

3. Chapter 12 shows us a glimpse of the story of our world. We are brought behind-the-scenes to see the spiritual reality of the cosmos. In Chapter 13 John describes how Satan will bring a Holy War on earth through the two beasts. And in Chapter 14 John shows us that the final outcome of this Holy War results in a Triumphant Lamb.

4. We are introduced to three main characters: The Dragon, The Woman and the Child.
The Dragon represents Satan, and his efforts to destroy God and His people.
The Woman represnts God's people, both Israel and the Church.
The Child represents Jesus.

Read through Revelation 12-14 and send in our questions and comments!

Sunday Left-Overs Revelation 10 April 22, 2012

On Sunday we continued our tour of Revelation by focusing on Chapter 10. Chapter 10 and 11 are interludes -pauses in the final drama of Christ's return. The complexity of Revelations reminds me of the multi-dimensional chess game featured on Star Trek. There are many different levels to the action, and the End Times unfolds on these different levels.

Chapter 10 is filled with Old Testament images and allusions that are re-appropriated to the context of the Roman Empire. To fully understand the command to 'eat the scroll' we need to turn back to the Book of Ezekiel- specifically Chapters 2 and 3. 600 years before Christ -Ezekiel is told to eat a scroll which would taste like honey to his lips. This command is designed to show that Ezekiel must internalize the message. In Revelation Chapter 10, God gives John the same command: 'eat the scroll!'

Revelation Chapter 10 tells us that John will deliver a message that will be both pleasing and disturbing. This is the great truth of God's Word: it is both a message of hope and foolishness. The message of the Cross is sweet. Freedom from past sins, redemption, forgiveness -all provided by Christ. And at the same time the message of the Cross is bitter. I must die to myself, surrender everything and allow Christ first-place in my life.  This is a difficult pill to swallow.

Who makes up the 144,000 found in Revelation 7?

Let's be honest -interpreting Revelations is difficult! We routinely meet an array of images and sounds that stretch our minds to their furthest limits. In Revelations Chapter 7 and verse 4 we meet the 144,000. Who are these people and what does it mean to us today?

There are two main views regarding the identity of the 144,000.

The first view is that the 144,000 represent Jewish people who follow Christ.  Within this view there are some take the 144,000 as symbolically representing the entirety of the Nation of Israel. Others claim that this number literally refers to the specific amount of Israelites who will follow Christ: 144,000.

Biblical evidence for this view is that in the Bible the term 'Israel' always refers to the Jewish Nation, and the phrase 'every tribe' is very specific language -pointing towards real Jewish People.

The second view is that the 144,000 represents The Church.  Proponents of this view show how the numbers given in this section (7.4-8) '12x12x1000' are symbolic -representing 'completeness.' They also show how the list of 12 Tribes found in Chapter 7 are unlike any list of the 12 Tribes found in the Bible. Historically they note how 10 Tribes were lost in the Assyrian invasion of 732BC and the remaining Tribes were dispersed with the fall of Jerusalem in 70A.D.

What does it matter to us?
Jehovah's Witnesses view Revelation Chapter 7 as stating that there will only be 144,000 people who are saved for heaven. This provides the impetus for their door to door evangelism. They need to do a lot of good actions to be claimed in the relatively small group of 144,000!

My opinion is that the 144,000 refer to believers of every stripe and not just Jewish believers. The thrust of the New Testament is that God is pulling together a new people not bound by ethnic or geographic identity, but by our common allegiance to Jesus the Christ. In Paul's letter to the Galatians, he states, 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.' The list of the 12 Tribes found in Revelation 7 is constructed to show their symbolic importance much like the reasoning behind Jesus choosing 12 disciples.  For those who love to dig into the details, Chapter 7's list omits the Tribe of Dan and includes the Tribe of Levi.  Also 10 of the Tribes disappeared with the Assyrian invasion of 732BC while the remaining two tribes were dispersed with the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD.

Certainly this is a contentious passage and one that has been debated for the past 2000 years. What is your opinion on this issue, and why do you hold your view?

Sunday Left-Overs Revelation 6 March 11 2012

Today we meet the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  As Jesus opens the scroll and its first Four Seals, John sees Four Horsemen riding across the pages of History.  The Four Horsemen represent the Lust for more/Conquest, War, Famine/Economic hardship, and finally Death.  They show the effects of our sin; as the cycle of the the Four Horsemen has continued from the first bite of the apple -till today.

It is easy to identify how the Four Horsemen have galloped across empires and civilizations.  It is easy to see their pernicious actions in countries and institutions.  The challenge for us is to look inward and see how the Four Horsemen are at work in our lives, in our actions, in our hearts.  The Book of James, Chapter 1, verse 15 tells us that sin always leads to death.  This is true on a physical level (just look at the news for the latest sports/celebrity hero who died due to drugs or alcohol abuse).  But the reality is that there are many ways to die: physically sure, but there is emotional death, relational death, and even spiritual death.

The good news is found with the Sixth Seal, as God promises to return and to upend the world.  This is the 'Day of the Lord' that is prophesied in the Old Testament and that Jesus himself spoke about.  When Jesus returns he will banish death and there will be no more pain or suffering.... Only praise and worship of the Lamb who is Worthy!

As you study Chapter 6, what question or comments do you have?  Leave them in the comment section and let's continue our Journey together through Revelations!

Revelation 6 The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Even the casual reader of the Bible knows something about The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. For some unknown reason the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have ridden into our cultural consciousness. From the legendary linemen of Knute Rockne’s 1924 Norte Dame Football Team, to the professional wrestlers of 1980’s; we all seem to know the Four Horsemen.

But who are they and what are their origin?  We first meet the Four Horsemen in the Old Testament book of Zechariah, specifically chapters One and Six.  In Zechariah they are metaphorically sent out to find ‘peace and rest’ around the earth, while in Revelation they are shown to be forces of God operating throughout history.  

The first rider, who sits on a white horse while wearing a crown, is the most troublesome of the bunch.  Because Jesus is described as riding a white horse in Revelation 19, many have assumed that the first Horseman is actually Jesus.  Scholars credit 15th century woodcarver, Albrecht Durer, as being the first to realize that it couldn’t be Jesus.  Not only are there too many dissimilarities to Revelation 19, but Jesus is in heaven opening the scrolls, not riding on a horse throughout the earth!

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse represent Conquest, War, Famine and Death.  These forces have always been at work; in civilizations and nations, and in families and individuals.  They appear on the scene because one of the four living creatures calls them forth.  They are not to be viewed as God unleashing destruction upon the earth.  Rather they are to be seen as the natural results of humanity’s sin nature.

How about you?  When you think about the Four Horsemen, what are your thoughts and comments?

Sunday Left-Overs Revelation 5 March 4, 2012

Albrecht Durer, the famed 16th century German engraver carved this view of Revelation Chapter 5. The images of Revelation captured Durer and drove him to artistic feats of beauty and creativity.  Durer's masterpieces show his reverence for God's Word.

Revelation Chapter 5 continues the Throne Room vision that Jesus offered to John in Chapter 4. In Chapter 4 the focus is on God who sits on the throne. In Chapter 5 the focus is on Jesus, who is described as the 'Lamb that was slain.'  In rather unusual fashion, Jesus is described as a Lion and a Lamb.  He is also described as having seven Horns and seven Eyes.  If we were to try and picture this image, we just may be repulsed!  The key is to understand the symbolism of the horns and eyes.  The term 'horn' in the Bible always refers to 'power' and the multiple eyes refers to 'wisdom.'  So, for the Lamb that is Jesus, the seven Horns means that Jesus is all-powerful and the seven Eyes means that Jesus is all-knowing!

Where is the Holy Spirit in Revelations?  The Spirit is present in Revelations, but we do need to do some work to find Him.  The Spirit appears in the very beginning in Chapter 1, verse 4 and at the end of Revelations in Chapter 22, verse 17.  The Spirit actively communicates with the local churches of Chapters 2 and 3, and does so again in Chapter 14.  And we find all three members of the Trinity in Revelation Chapter 22, specifically verses 16-18.

After reading through Revelation Chapter 4 and 5, what images stand out to you, and why?

Revelations Chapter 5 'The Lion is the Lamb!'

In Revelations Chapters 4 and 5, John is brought up into heaven.  He is taken behind the scenes to see the beauty and glory of God and Jesus.

The vision of these two chapters overwhelms us, as image upon image collide with thunder and lightning.  The sights, the sounds, the heavenly creatures... this is too much for our minds to comprehend!

The main focus of Chapter 5 is upon Jesus, as He alone is worthy to open the scroll that reveals how the world will unfold.  A range of Old Testament images are used to describe Jesus; all of which show how Jesus resolves the Story of Israel.  Jesus is initially described as a Lion, which draws us to Genesis 49.  He is also referred to as the 'Root of Jesse' -which comes from Isaiah 11.  Lastly Jesus is described as a Lamb, which again comes from Isaiah 53.

It strikes me that the first time Jesus came to earth, He acted as the Lamb; and the next time Jesus returns to earth, He will act as the Lion!

This chapter also serves as a great reminder that humanity is incapable of changing its own destiny.  Our fallen state has corrupted us to the point that we are unable to fix ourselves.  Certainly if we had the ability to do so, we would have already!

When you read through Revelations Chapter 5- what images, ideas, or themes stand out to you?  And why?  Leave your comments below...

Sunday Left-Overs Revelations 4 February 26, 2012

In Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelations John records all that he experienced in his vision of Heaven.   Many scholars claim that this vision is one of the greatest found in the Bible.  Truly John's trip to Heaven stretches John to the farthest boundaries of his imagination and vocabulary.

God is the central figure, though John takes careful pains to not describe Him. Next to God, the Throne receives the most attention and serves as a counter-weight to all earthly thrones.  John wants us to see the contrast between God on the True Throne, and those who sit in power and judgment while on earth.

I fear that that we could talk all day and still not catch the total glory and beauty of God as found in Revelations 4!

Drop in your comment and questions about this mind-blowing Chapter, and let's continue our journey through Revelation!

The All-Access VIP Pass

Have you ever had the chance to go behind the scenes or were given an All-Access VIP Pass?  With a VIP Pass -restricted areas are opened and celebrities are now accessible!  You get to see and experience events and people that others can only dream about.

During college I had the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at a funeral home in Charleston, West Virginia.  A friend's father owned the business and they granted me access to everything, including watching the embalming process on a recently deceased man.  During those same college years I volunteered in the Racine, Wisconsin County Jail's Chaplain's Office.   It was fascinating to see how a Jail daily operated.

We view these times as more than just cool experiences; for they give us a deeper appreciation and perspective on life that we would usually miss.  It is in this light that we view Revelation Chapters 4 and 5.  In these two chapters John is given an All-Access VIP Pass into Heaven!  Imagine how he felt and what he saw!  Revelations Chapter 4 and 5 are jammed packed with amazing imagery, head-scratching creatures and the brightest of colors!

Our human post-enlightenment mindset is to ask questions such as, 'Why do the creatures of Revelation Chapter 4 have eyes all over their bodies?'  'What is the meaning of the rainbow surrounding the Throne?'  Why do the creatures have 6 wings each? etc...'

These are all great questions and we have a right to ask.  But the vision John describes for us is not meant to be broken down into its individual parts.  We are best to stand back -and look -and be amazed at the glory and wonder of God on His Throne!

This is a challenging chapter so read it through, pray over what you read, and then drop in your questions and comments!

Sunday Left-Overs -Revelation 2.18-3.22 -February 19, 2012

Jesus finishes His letters to the Seven Local Churches by writing a stinging indictment of the Church in the town of Laodicea.  This was the Church of the 1%.  The town of Laodicea and the Christian Church were incredibly wealthy.


Laodicea was a city of professionals: physicians, bankers and business owners.  Their problem wasn't the wealth, but rather the self-reliant attitude that came with their material success.

Laodicea was so wealthy that they turned down Rome's offer of financial support to rebuild after the great earthquake of 60AD.  Laodicea was so wealthy that they didn't need Rome and in the same way the Christian Church in Laodicea had so much materially -that they didn't need Jesus!

Jesus found himself on the outside of His Church, knocking on the doors hoping to be let in.  The image of Jesus being kept outside of His Church is one that we need to remember.

The question that all Christians need to ask is: 'Are we like the Church in Laodicea?'  Do we have so much that we have failed to trust in Christ? Has our material success caused us to only go to Jesus when things fall apart? Is He on the outside of our Church, banging on the door, hoping to be let in?

I'm convinced that the Holy Spirit knows what He is doing.  For the past 2000 years the Holy Spirit has been active in guiding and convicting and challenging us to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ.  May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and direct His Church!


What questions or comments about Laodicea do you have?  Leave them in the comments section and let's continue our journey through Revelations!

Entering The End

Honestly, the book of Revelations has always scared me. Its not the dramatic images or haunting themes, but rather the wide range of opinions and ideas that it elicits. From the very beginning, Christians have differed over how to interpret this powerful book. To complicate matters even more, today there are plenty of people who claim to be experts; many of whom disagree with one another! So it is with great humility and some trepidation that we enter The End.

Before we begin our study of Revelations, what are some big-picture questions that you have about this book?