simple truth every city becomes known for something. good or bad we forever associate those...
TRANSCRIPT
Simple Truth
Every City becomes known for something. Good or bad we forever associate those characteristics with that city.
Simple Truth
Every Church becomes known for something. Good or bad we associate those characteristics with that Church and its people.
a tale of eight cities
Woven into the threads of prophecy in the book of Revelation is a tale of churches in eight cities. When we look at them we discover the characteristics, good and bad, by which they became identified.
Their tales of notoriety become a life lesson for every Follower of Jesus.
James 2:25-26
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies () and sent them off in a different direction?
Ephesus
Factors of Prominence– The first factor was economics. – Another factor was size. – A third factor was culture. – The fourth factor was religion.
Ephesus
Christianity at Ephesus – Priscilla and Aquila– Resident ministry – Silversmith's riot against Paul.– Timothy remained to combat false
teaching.
Revelation 2:1-7
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Revelation 2:1-7
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Revelation 2:1-7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Beware Diligence without Devotion
• Diligence is noteworthy– Concerning the Call
• Deeds – (energy) the effort you extend
• Hard work – the (cut) of your labor, cost
• Perseverance – cheerful endurance and constancy
Beware Diligence without Devotion
• Diligence is noteworthy– Concerning the Truth
• Intolerant of the wicked (depraved, injurious)
• Test the truth claims of others (test, scrutinize), try.
Beware Diligence without Devotion
• Diligence is noteworthy– Concerning Hardship
• Born hardship – carried it. Taken it up (choice implied)
• Grown weary – Not fainted
Beware Diligence without Devotion
• Devotion is Lacking
• Discipline is Curative– Remember– Repent– Redo