27th August 2017 - Revelation to the church in Philadelphia Rev 3 v 7-13 (Sola Osinoiki)

Philadelphia was a city in modern-day Turkey, which was rebuilt in AD 17 and was on the route of a major highway to other places.  The church was the youngest of those written to, and is labelled “the faithful church”.

John’s letter to the church is really a letter about Jesus.  Let’s see what it reveals about Him.

Jesus is The Holy One

“These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David” v7.

“I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.  I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead” (Is 43 v 4).

Jesus is our saviour, who has redeemed us, he is alive now and is the Holy One.  Out of revelation of His holiness we also are called to be holy (1 Pet 1 v 16). 

Jesus is The True One

“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” 1 Jn 5 v 20.  We shall know the truth and the truth will set us free (Jn 8 v 32).

When we know and believe the truth about salvation we have salvation, when we know and believe the truth about healing we have healing.  When we know and believe the truth in any area we are freed in that area, but actually it is not just knowing God’s word that does this, it is knowing Jesus, who is God’s word and who is the truth.

Jesus holds the Key of David

Jesus “holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” (v7).

“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” Is 22 v 22.

Jesus has the key, the authority, to open things for us, and to shut things.  We often live our lives as if this is not true, we need to believe God can open things for us, and shut things for us.

Jesus lays before us an open door

“See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” v8.

If we follow Jesus in the best way we can, with the strength we have, He will assist us and help us, and lay before us a wide-open door.  It may be a door of healing, of miracles, or of wisdom.

Jesus works when we do not deny Him

God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, for when we are weak then in Christ we are strong (2 Cor 12 : 9-10).

We must keep His word, walk with Him in difficulty, and not deny his name.  We must not deny the truth of his word, i.e. not deny Jesus the opportunity to work.  For example, when we see a sick person it is an opportunity for Jesus to heal them through us.

Jesus reveals himself to others through us

“I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you” v9.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” Ps 23 v 5.

People will see Jesus in us, and acknowledge this, recognising that we are loved and blessed by God.  Jesus loves us, we can run to Him.  There is no need to hang back and keep Him at a distance.

Jesus protects us

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth” v10.

This is a promise from Jesus to keep us from the hour of trial, no matter whether that trial is tomorrow morning or at the end of the age.  Our confidence is in Jesus, no matter what our circumstances are.

Jesus has a victor’s crown for us

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” v11.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” Jam 1 v 12.

Don’t let anybody rob you of your crown.  Don’t let anyone talk you out of believing the truth you know, or out of believing that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph 3 v 20).

Jesus marks us with His name

“I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name” v12.

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘“‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.’”  ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’” (Num 6 v 22).

Jesus loves us and puts His name on us and blesses us.

Jesus calls us closer

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” v13.

The job of the Holy Spirit is to reveal Jesus.  The Holy Spirit is calling each of us to listen to Him, to draw nearer to Jesus so that we have fresh revelation of Him.

Questions

1. Jesus is the One who is holy and true (v7) and knowing the truth sets us free.  What truths have brought you new faith and freedom in recent months?

2. Jesus says “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (v11).  Is there an area where you feel something is trying to rob you of your crown (victory)?

3. Jesus says “I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (v8).   Where do you feel you have little strength, but need to act in faith and so not deny Jesus the opportunity to work?

4. Jesus opens things no one can shut, and shuts things no one can open (v7).  What do you need Jesus to open or shut for you?  [Spend some time praying for each other].

13 August 2017 - Letter to the church in Thyatira - Leon Johnson

13 VIII 2017 [Preacher: Leon Johnson]

Leon sets the scene and talks about bringing up his children. As a Dad, he finds himself asking: “Am I going to let them [my children] get away with that [bad behaviour]?” He doesn't want to be a strict or intolerant father.

> How would you feel if someone called you intolerant? 
> What do you understand by the word?

(In)tolerance is a big issue in today's society - its definition has been ‘changed’: it seems as though if you don't accept everyone's beliefs and support them, you can be accused of being bigoted or similar. There is a pressure to accept, without challenge, every view, lifestyle and so on that is dissimilar to your own. Today's tolerant society is very intolerant of having a (strong) view or conviction.

The letter to the church in Thyatira [Revelation 2:18-29] shows the church’s struggle with this issue. [*see bottom of page for extended notes*]. The church was being compromised from external pressure (society/trade guilds) and internal pressure (Jezebel). Leon makes reference to an OT story about another ‘Jezebel’: Jezebel persuaded her husband (Ahab) to build an altar to Baal, and then a further altar to another god. Jezebel raised up hundreds of false prophets. Her message was one of compromise - living for God and living for Baal. She knew the message she was spreading wasn't true [1 Kings 18:21].

Jezebel in this (Revelation) passage was doing something similar. Jesus says the tolerance of this false teaching is unfaithful to him. He offers her time to repent, but on her refusal He strongly condemns her [v.21 & 23]. In the gospel the church is warned to ‘watch out for false prophets’ [Mt 7:13-15].

> Do you see this happening in your life?
> Where/How have you compromised your relationship with God?
> What part of it is suffering as a result?
> What steps could you take to stand your ground for Christ?

Jesus calls us to become holy, sanctified. He calls us to be set apart. Jesus calls us to love. He was so intolerant of our failings (sinfulness) that he left heaven, became a man, took on sin. He came to show us another way to live. Jesus operates on a level higher than intolerance - one of love. He doesn't call us to be intolerant of beliefs, but he does ask us to stand up and propose our beliefs to the world.

> How do we love people we disagree with?

Jesus was/is an instrument of hope to the world. We’re not called to mimic the world, but to be loyal to Jesus in whatever place or circumstances we find ourselves. It starts with us. Hold on, hold fast to what you have until He comes again. Don't compromise [v.24-25]. When the ‘morning star’ [v.28] (Jesus) appears he brings the kingdom of God in behind him - fix your eyes upon Him.

> How can you seek out God in all of life's circumstances? 
> What practical helps can you share with the group that help you to 'hold on' in the midst of life's struggles? 

Leon’s references:

Revelation 2:18-29
Hebrews 4:13
1 Kings 18:21
Matthew 7:13-15
1 Peter 4:17


*EXTENDED NOTES*

Read the passage and/or listen to Leon’s full message here: http://kerith.church/media/sermons.php)...but first, note:

> Jesus identifies himself as the Son of God - emphasising His divinity. He is all seeing, all knowing and the judge.
> Jesus’ eyes that are ‘blazing fire’ [v.18] see everything. He sees the good and the bad in our lives. ‘Nothing in creation is hidden from God’s sight’ [Hebrews 4:13]

The church in Thyatira are comprising themselves by tolerating Jezebel. They’re not just tolerating it/her, but rather they are living happily, absorbing it. The idolatry, the sexual immorality [v.20]. They were doing some good things too [v.19] - and growing in their faith - but they were conforming to live a certain way. As Christians, they were trying to swim against the tide but they were struggling against the pressure of the ‘real world’.

By following Jesus they were going against the grain as they lived in the city of Apollos (the god of sunlight). Christians were ‘forced’ to get involved in the culture of the city: It was a prosperous city, but it was difficult to get a job if you weren't a skilled person - you had to be a member of the trade guild. The guild heavily influenced the lives of people in the city. Idolatry was part of it as were sacrifices to false gods.

6th August 2017 - Letter to the Church in Pergamum - Simon Benham

Kerith Sermon: 6^th August 2017

Sermon Title: Letter to the Church in Pergamum

Preacher: Simon Benham

Bible Verse: Revelation 2: 12-17

The letters that we have been looking at over the previous weeks follow a similar pattern. They each i) reveal Jesus, ii) praise the church iii) warn the church and finally detail the promise if the church endures.

Revealing Jesus: In this scripture it talks about the sharp double edged sword: The word of God that is alive and active, that is so sharp that it can split souls and spirits. The word of God is powerful and has the power to change us all, if we let it. However, this requires us to get to know it by regularly reading the Bible. It does you good. However, when you read His word, you need to listen and be taught.

We need to remember that all scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, correcting etc. This is true not only of Jesus’s word (in red font) but of all of the Bible. God inspired all of it.

Praising the Church: In this letter the Church was praised for  remaining true and not renouncing His name and for enduring through persecution.

The scripture talks about Antipas who was martyred in boiling oil, and how the in the face of this adversity they  endured. We need to praise God during adversity and struggles.

The Warning: We all need to remember that there is an enemy against us. We need to recognise his existence but not by having an unhealthy interest in the devil. However, we should also not deny his presence. The devil is here to steal, kill and destroy you in any way he can. We need to be aware of this, as attacks do come. But we need to understand there is an enemy who is against you but that God is greater.

Pray protection over the areas of attack in your life, particularly when you step out in His name. Remember Satan is defeated and will be destroyed. Know we are going to win the war, and that there are only a few battles left. He is defeated and Jesus has overcome when he died on the cross and rose again. Remember the devil is limited in what he can do (Luke). God has greater purposes.

Simon discussed that there are three ways that the devil attacks:

1. Persecution: which leads to discouragement and dismay. Don’t become timid but step out during these times. Continue and overcome. Don’t let fear over take always press through and preserve.  Kerith has recently gone through a season where three pillars of our community have gone to heaven. We could become discouraged and lost in grief. However we should step out of this and step forward. Be thankful that we knew the individuals, and have had the blessing that we had them to in our lives. Let’s step forward and let their legacy speak through us. They will be cheering for us from heaven. Let’s step forward.
2. Compromise: The scripture warns about the teaching of Balaam. (Numbers 25). This was about compromising Gods word and works and settling for less.  The devil tempts us to compromise in the world i.e. materialism, sexual morality. Let’s set the bar high in terms of personal morality. Keep true to His word.
3. Holding to the teaching of Nicolaitans :the corrupted version of the word of God. Don’t doubt the word of God. In Genesis Eve said …’did God really say we shouldn’t eat’. Don’t doubt Gods word !   Know God’s word.

All of these attacks are at work in the church today. We must resist with all we have, personally and corporately. Do not be discouraged or fearful but stand firm on His word.

The Promise: The scripture discusses hidden manna and a white stone.

White stones: Pergamum’s buildings were made of black stone and the white stones would be used to inscribe messages on the buildings as it stands out against the dark background.  White stones were also used as party invites. Today - you are also invited to a party … the white stone invites you, and gives you permission to enter His Kingdom, and Heaven.

The hidden manna: Manna was the food provided by God when the Israelite’s were wandering in the wilderness. In John 4 Jesus talked to the disciple’s about ‘food’ people know nothing about. The food He was referring to was the will of God and his work. God has sent us to do work on this Earth. In the face of opposition and attacks, you are encouraged to just keep doing the work of God: to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ This is Gods work.

Let’s be thinking about this in the context of Alpha. It is your responsibility is to invite people. It is their responsibility to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. This is the work of God.

Conclusion: We stand here as victors in His freedom. Remember the victory that you live in.

Questions/Practical’s for Small Groups:

1. Know the word: - Each find a verse in the bible that means something to you – each read out the verses and explain how this has impacted your life
2. Are you compromising your faith in anyway ? – share with the group areas in your life you feel like you ae compromising.
3. Are you facing something really difficult – share the situation with the group and then the group can Pray protection over the areas of attack in your life. He is defeated and Jesus has overcome when he died on the cross and rose again. Remember the devil is limited in what he can do (Luke). God has greater purposes.