Adventure Day 10 - 3/3/09

The possibility of the United States of the future being identified as the beast in Revelation 13 is both troubling and intriguing. Yet the identity of that final evil empire is not as important as is the fact that someday Satan will vest his authority in a superpower that will rule the world. Jesus wanted his followers to know that history is moving toward such a time so that when it happens, the Church will remain true to him in spite of terrible persecution. Rather than fostering fear, I trust this study together is providing a clearer perspective on what has been prophesied about the End Time, and enabling us to prepare for what the Lord said would someday (perhaps soon) take place.

I hope our 50 Day Adventure experience is stretching you a bit, broadening perspective, and bringing a freshness in your relationship with the Lord. Because I'm convinced that during these weeks God will do a great work among us, you are in my daily prayers.

Today's study passage is Christ's letter to the church in Thyatira [Read Revelation 2:18-29]. Take a moment to write a list of the positive comments Jesus makes about this church. Now ask yourself, would Jesus be able to affirm these qualities in you? ...How about our church?

Also, when you read this passage, does it strike you as it does me that Christ is affirming these folks multiple times for "their works." Perhaps we'd like to think Jesus is only interested in our "faith," but let us not forget a living faith always expresses itself through loving works. A dead faith doesn't. If the "one who searces mind and heart" (v.23) does a check up on your faith today, how much life will he find?

God's Peace,
Pastor Paul