Tag: sexual immorality

A Need for Repentance

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I was listening to a sermon by John MacArthur who is the pastor at Grace Community Church this evening and He quoted a scripture which caught my attention. For me this scripture is a direct reflection of what we see happening in our world today. This scripture reads;

Righteousness exalts a nation but
sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 14:34

What is righteousness?

Simply, it means to do what is morally right by the One, GOD, who gave us His divine law. He’s the same One who created the Heaven’s and the Earth and sent His Only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to teach us the right way to live.

What does this mean?

Basically it means, if the United States does not reverse it’s path from these world ideologies, if they don’t humble themselves and repent of their sins, America will cease to exist. People please wake up and repent of your sins before it’s too late. These world ideologies goes against everything Jesus taught and God Almighty will judge those who deny the Lord Jesus Christ.

While all sin goes against God it means we as Christians are NOT called to judge, condemn are ridicule non-believers. But we’re called to stand in God’s TRUTH and speak it in a gentle, loving manner regardless of who it offends. One of the scriptures which comes to mind reads;

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin a man does is outside his body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your Spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:18,19,20

Today, many claim the title of Christian but fail to live up to God’s TRUTH. Being a Christian myself I know I must be willing to evaluate my walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as all Christians should be willing to do the same. Ask yourself, Where do I stand in my walk with Christ? Am I walking in the footsteps of Jesus? Do I have the mind of Christ? Am I following the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ? Or, am I walking worldly trying to fulfill every lust, desire and passion?

Remember, God knows the heart and there is nothing hidden that will not be exposed!

Forgiveness and Demons

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There are things which the Bible speaks of that can affect us. Christians are called to read the scriptures and examine everything. To help emphasize this, there’s a parable which Jesus tells of the unforgiving servant. The Master had compassion on his servant, forgave his servant’s debt and released him. But this same servant went out to collect a debt that was owned him and instead of having compassion, and extending mercy to his debtor, he chose to treat him roughly then throw him into prison. The parable is found in Matthew 18:21-35. But notice the words spoken by Jesus in the last few sentences, they read;

Matthew 18:33,34 – Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due him. So my heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.

What’s the moral of this parable?

The Lord Jesus Christ tells us if we don’t forgive others who sin against us, His Heavenly Father also will do the same to us, meaning, we will be delivered to the torturers. Christ doesn’t say they will invade us, but, they will have the power to torture us. While forgiveness is a difficult thing, especially, for women who have been targeted by those who only had evil intent. It is necessary, it is a teaching Christ taught. For instance, as a child I was molested by 3 different people, one being a pastor. But the Holy Spirit showed me I needed to forgive so that I could be forgiven for my own sins. God is so merciful and helps us to understand the importance of forgiveness.

The Scriptures are also very clear that a “true born again believer” cannot have a demon residing in them. Because each person is responsible for their own sins, unfortunately, their are many religious leaders who teach that our sin is caused by demons. Many blame demons for their anger, lust, sexual immorality, filthy mouth or lying. This is not biblical, because the scriptures say;

James 1:13,15 – When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by His own evil desires He is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Matthew 15:18,19 – But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.

As someone who’s been molested, I knew the Spirit was speaking to me to forgive. While it was a very difficult thing to do, I now have peace within. While I’ve never spoke about what had happened to me until I was able to completely forgive, now I have no issues discussing it. Maybe it’s to help other women who have gone through such trauma and letting them know if you want peace, you must forgive. God gives us mercy when we forgive from the heart. He takes all those negative emotions and fills us with His peace.

It’s also important to understand that scripture teaches a “true believer” cannot be possessed by a demon. We can however, be influenced through our attitude and emotions, but it’s strictly from outside the body. A demon’s primary goal is to get you to reject God and from living a godly lifestyle so they can then inhabit you, only, when you reject God. Christians can also be deceived when we listen to teachings inspired by demons, but only from the outside. Scripture confirms this, which reads;

2 Corinthians 11: 13,15 – For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Of course, we also need to examine ourselves to ensure we are following the Scriptures as Jesus taught. Are we loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength? Are we loving our fellow man? Are we walking in the scriptures as Jesus taught? And remember, Jesus taught we are called to love our enemies also. We’re not called to condone a person’s ungodly actions and share in them, but, to love everyone including our enemies. Why? Because mankind is created in the image of God!

But there is another thing to consider, are you unequally yoked with someone? Are you hanging out with unbelievers? Living Worldly and accepting everyone believing your following Christ, regardless of someone else’s ideologies? We must stand on Truth! Scripture is clear, while we are called to sow and reap among unbelievers, we are not called to live with them or even associate with them other than from a witnessing standpoint. The scripture reads;

2 Corinthians 6:14,16 – Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ or belial? Or what does a believer have in common with a unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the Temple of God and idols? For we are the Temple of the living God.

The last thought I want to point out regarding the issue of forgiveness is holding on to a grudge. When we hold on to grudges we go against the spirit and walk in the flesh. Remember, the scriptures read;

Galatians 5:16,21 – So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Read this list carefully, because those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh. But it doesn’t mean everyone who walks by the flesh has a demon, but, it does mean we sin. The Scriptures read;

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we
live by the Spirit let us walk in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:24

Are you careful what you say, does it line up with biblical teaching? Are you careful with what you hear and what you watch? These are extremely important things to consider. We each need to examine ourselves to ensure we’re walking in the way of the Spirit.

Glory to God and God bless…

Who Will You Choose?

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For those of us who live in the United States we’ve never really experienced Christian persecution as a result of our Faith. Television, radio, and social media platforms are targeting those who believe in Jesus Christ and the message of Truth which He taught. But many Christians are failing to recognize the direction we’re headed and the decision each will have to make. While many Christians are more concerned with worldly issues instead of eternity, the scriptures teach us differently;

Do not love the world are the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15-17

But laws are being enacted which could make speaking God’s TRUTH a hate crime. And if you look at the chaos and lawlessness taking place within America today you know the world is about to change. For those who earnestly seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and worship God, there’s no doubt, we will be hated.

If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

John 15:18,19

But as a Christian, I’m not called to judge non-believers or even other Christians, but, I am called to speak God’s Truth in a loving manner to all people. And the Truth is;

For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish but have everlasting
life. For God did not send His Son into the
world to condemn the world, but the world
through Him might be saved.
John 3:16,17

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! But without repentance and deep sorrow over our sins toward God, it’s all in vain.

We must sincerely feel convicted over everything we’ve done which goes against God. All the lies, stealing, sexual immorality, filthy language, putting others before Him and living worldly. Once we confess all our sins to God we must believe in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Who left His heavenly home and took on flesh. He was born of a virgin, preached the Good News of the Kingdom, and was sacrificed on the cross for our sins, rose on the third day and appeared to His Apostles and over 500 brothers at once. Then, we must be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit.

This is the only way!

Going Against the Grain

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Everything transpiring throughout America’s culture with our children is absolutely disgraceful. Those who follow Jesus Christ know it’s part of Satan’s schemes to undermine God’s Ways. As parents we also bare a responsibility. The Scripture I’m referring to reads;

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

The scriptures clearly indicate we play a large part in our children’s future. Which means parents also must take some of the blame. But as a Christian I know this world’s false teachings and ideologies go completely against the Word of God.

But, please remember, we’re not called to judge those who follow this world’s false teaching, instead, we are called to speak God’s Truth through love in a gracious, respectful, peaceful manner. Then, the decision each individual makes is entirely up to them. Unfortunately, these false teaching are everywhere, schools, churches, hospitals, clinics, government offices, colleges, and the work environment. The scriptures read;

1 Timothy 4:1,2 – Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

2 Timothy 4:3,4 – For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

And remember, it’s not only the transgender ideology or the LGBQT community that are in error, but, ALL worldly temptations. If your a Christian and fall within one of these categories, please, REPENT! The reason being is because the scriptures read;

Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute
becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will
become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes
one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin
a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral
person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that
your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you
have from God? You are not your own, for you were
bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:16-20

Do Not Be Deceived

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Many times Christians tend to point fingers at others for their sin while completely disregarding their own. But as my momma used to say, you better clean up around your own doorsteps before telling others to clean up around theirs. Which is exactly what Jesus taught, remember, when He spoke about removing the plank from your brothers eye and ignoring the one in your own eye? Yes, Jesus taught against finger pointing, however, He did not teach against helping others see the error of their ways, as long, as it’s done in a gentle, loving manner and your own doorsteps are clean. Keep in mind what the scriptures say, which read;

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that He
will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption,
but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Galatians 6:7,8

Remember, God will not be mocked…Sin is sin and one of the worst is sexual immorality. Now, sexual immorality comes in many forms, everything from having lust in your heart for another, fornication, adultery, same sex relationships, Lewdness, Whoring or Prostituting, Rape, Exposing ones Private Parts or Voyeurism, and Incest. While this is not an exhaustive list it basically covers, everything experienced in our world today. As a Christian I’m not called to judge non-believers who are committing these sins, but, I am called to speak the Truth. As for Christians, we know sexual immorality is wrong and those who find themselves somewhere on the list, please repent because the scriptures read;

Flee sexual immorality, Every sin that a man does is outside
the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against
his own body. Do you not know that your body is a Temple of
the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from
God? You are not your own. You were bought at a price.
Therefore glorify God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:18–20

Sexual Sins

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Scripture memorization is extremely important to me to help when I’m fighting against Spiritual Warfare, so, I try to dedicate a portion of my day to learning scripture. Tonight as I was writing down scriptures I came across a few that really made me question where our culture is today. It’s no secret within the United States sin is completely off the charts, specifically, sexual immorality and lust. But it’s not just non-believers, unfortunately, there are many Christians struggling with this same issue. Whether it’s adultery, pornography, fornication, sexually promiscuous or the issue of lusting, it’s sin and considered wickedness to God. So as I was researching this topic I came across this scripture which reads;

Flee sexuality immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but
he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know
that your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God,
and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify
God in your body and in your Spirit which are Gods
1 Corinthians 6:18,19

It’s extremely important to remember who God is, He’s Holy, Divine and deserves respect along with our complete loyalty. Because He loved us so much He gave His only Son, the Lord Jesus, as a sacrifice for the penalty of our sin, death. It cost Christ His life just so we could be made right with God. If you’re a Christian please stop and think before you defile the body because scripture tells us God will destroy those who defile the body.

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that
the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the
Temple of God, God will destroy that person; for the
Temple of God is holy and that is what you are.
1 Corinthians 3: 16,17

Flee

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Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man
does is outside the body, but he who commits
sexual immorality sins against his own body.

1 Corinthians 6:18

There’s no doubt we’re living in a perverse generation according to what the Bible tells me. Because when I read and study the Scriptures, it becomes clear our society is completely breaking down. Man has decided to turn away from God instead of turning too Him. I know this because within our culture today sexual immorality of all kinds is prevalent. Everything from adultery, being promiscuous, living together, pornography, same sex relationships, and the list continues to grow daily. But out of all the sins spoken of in the Bible, the only one which goes against the body is sexual immorality. Why is this? Because our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Which means, everything we do, that does not align with scripture, we are putting the Holy Spirit through the same thing. Whether this is by thought, deed or watching these things in movies, we know it’s sinful. And as a Christian, this is absolutely mortifying to me.

My Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I approach Your throne of Glory and Grace, I pray for those who are struggling with sexual immorality of all kinds. I especially pray for Christians who are experiencing these issues and ask to open their eyes to this destructive, deadly path. Remove this stain from them so they can begin a time of healing filled with repentance. Lead them in your righteousness as they begin a new journey filled with love, praising, worshiping, praying and glorifying You. For those who are non-believers, I pray their hearts are humbled allowing them to realize just how much they’re in need of the Lord Jesus. All these things I pray, in Jesus name and through Him I pray…Amen

The Falling Away Has Begun

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Unfortunately, our society today is eager to embrace anything that is the exact opposite of God. Sports sponsors have paid millions to sports personalities to keep the name JESUS off of their hats or clothing. While other ideologies are nothing more but worldly fruit of those who are merely interested in living a life that glorifies themselves instead of God. So it’s not surprising to me that for the past couple of months I’ve noticed how more and more Churches are literally falling away from God’s Truth.

But what exactly does, “a falling away” mean?

According to the Strong’s Concordance the Greek transliteration is Apostasia. Which means to leave, departure, or literally, a leaving from a previous standing. If you scroll down to the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance it states, defection from the truth, falling away, forsake.

The defection from the truth seems to be what is happening all around the world, because, the latest to embrace these worldly ideologies is Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church who is embracing a same sex blessings policy. This literally means Pope Francis is advocating for the LGBQT ideology and means he has completely gone against God’s Word. While the bible is very clear, all have sinned, and we are called to help non-believers, it also teaches GOD’S CHURCH is to turn away from worldly perversions. If same sex blessings are given, then the Catholic Church is promoting sexual immorality, fornication, and worldly love which goes against the scripture which states;

Do you not know that you yourselves are
God’s Temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells
in you? If anyone destroys God’s Temple,
God will destroy him; for God’s Temple is
holy, and you are that Temple.

1 Corinthians 3:16,17

As a Christian I’m called to present God’s Truth in a loving manner without condemning, without judging or without criticizing. Just present the facts of God’s Truth and then it’s up to each person to decide.

However, the Bible gives a pretty good explanation and defines what’s behind this movement, and basically, why it’s being pushed. The scripture reads;

1 Timothy 4:1,2 – Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

2 Timothy 4:3,4 – For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Acts 20:28,30 – Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the Church of God, which He purchased with the blood of His own Son. I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

Matthew 24:9,11 – Then they will deliver you up to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My Name. At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will rise and mislead many.

From these scriptures alone, the falling away is caused by;

Deceiving Spirits and Teachings of Demons
False Teachers
Human Desires
Persecution

For additional understanding, the Book of Jude provides even more information and provides more insight as to “why” these people are rejecting Jesus Christ and living worldly. The scriptures read;

Jude 1:4 – For certain men had crept in among you unnoticed-ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the Grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:8 – Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.

Jude 1:10 – These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.

Jude 1:16,19 – These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.

Beloved, God’s Word has provided the TRUTH, but, it’s up to each of us to choose our path, worldly ideologies and false teachings or the ways of God.

The Sinful Nature

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As a Christian I believe it’s important to read and study the Bible daily. Because it’s here we learn God’s ways, the reason Jesus came in the flesh, who He is and the reason He died for us. It provides valuable insight into His crucifixion, His death, His resurrection and the reason we need to follow Him while living a Christian lifestyle.

But have you ever asked yourself, Is my lifestyle reflective of a Christian and what Jesus taught?

We’re told throughout scripture, those who follow Christ do not follow this world and it’s one of the recurring themes throughout the New Testament. Because those who follow Jesus will be hated since their thoughts, actions and deeds are not of the world, but, are inline with His. We’re told;

John 15:18 – If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

1 John 2:15,16 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

James 4:4 – You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

But what does a worldly lifestyle look like?

This morning as I continue my journey through the scriptures, I realized by replacing the word worldly with a more modern translation, sinful nature, the scriptures become easier to comprehend and understand. It also adds a modern feel and makes you question, if you’re really following the Christian lifestyle. The verses I’m referring to read;

Galatians 5:19,21 – When you follow the desires of your sinful youth, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:5,7 – So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.

Colossians 3:8,9 – But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

As one reads the scriptures, it’s extremely easy to comprehend exactly what Jesus was referring to. Because as followers of Christ we know we are to abstain from the sinful nature. Our thoughts are on the things of heaven and not the things of this earth.

So, if you find one or more character traits listed above, it may be time for a self-evaluation. Pray to God asking for His help with the issue and remember;

Those who belong to Christ Jesus
have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires.

Galatians 5:24

Dangers of Backsliding

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Several years ago I had a dream that shook me to my very core, needless to say, it woke me up and set me on a path of repentance. I had fallen from grace by backsliding. Although I still prayed to God every night, I wasn’t seeking His face, studying the Bible or growing spiritually.

So what exactly is backsliding?

Backsliding is when one reverts back into old patterns and behaviors. In Christianity it’s when we choose to go back to our old way of living, back to sin, and turn our backs on God instead of moving forward in our spiritual growth.

In the Old Testament, straying from God had dire consequences which often led to death. So I thought I would search the scriptures to see what I could uncover regarding this issue, and needless to say, I found exactly what I was looking for in the Book of Revelations.

The Church in Ephesus (Loveless Church) ~ But I have this complaint against you, you don’t love Me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. Revelation 2:4,5

The Church in Pergamum (Compromising Church) ~ But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Revelation 2:14-16

The Church in Thyatira (Corrupt Church) ~ But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman-that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet-to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality. Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds. Revelation 2:20-22

The Church in Sardis (Dead Church) ~ I know all the things you do, and you have a reputation for being alive-but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of My God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. Revelations 3:1c-3

The Church in Laodicea (Lukewarm Church) ~ I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from Me-gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from Me so you will not be ashamed of your nakedness, and oinment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Revelation 3:15-19

Five out of the seven Churches in Asia Minor would face God’s wrath if they didn’t repent and turn from their sin. As I was typing I noticed the issues that affected the Churches back in the Apostles days are some of the very same things which affect our Churches today, they are;

  • Lost their love
  • Idolatry
  • Sexual immorality
  • False Prophets
  • No Works
  • Thought they had everything they needed

These scriptures assure me if one backslides or falls away they can be redeemed. But it’s only by repenting of sin, asking for forgiveness and keeping ones’ focus on Christ. My hope, my belief, my trust and my heart is in Christ Jesus and His words are faithful and true.

So don’t hestitate, don’t put if off any longer, because our Lord Christ Jesus is coming and if you don’t repent, if you don’t ask for forgiveness soon, well, it may just be too late.

The Churches of Revelation Messages

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Just like many Christians, I struggle with Bible Prophecy. It can be difficult to understand, partly due to the translations of the languages and the ancient cultures found in the Bible. Since I’m naturally drawn to the different Prophecy sections in the Bible, I realized, the only way for me to comprehend these writings was to pray and ask God for wisdom and understanding. Today I found myself being led back to the Book of Revelations and the seven churches. Obviously, the Holy Spirit is letting me know there’s a message here that myself and Christians need to hear and obey. So let’s talk about the seven churches and the message Christ has for His people.

In the first chapter of the Book of Revelation, John was instructed to write on a scroll and to send it to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor. But today, I’m interested in what the actual message was that Jesus had for each of these churches.

Ephesus Church – After reading everything christ has to say about this church, He tells them they have left their first love, but, look what else He says;

Lost the Love for God, Loveless Church

But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore, remember where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent.

Revelation 2:4,5

Smyrna Church – Christ tells this church that some of them will be thrown into prison, will be tested and endure tribulations. But look at His message to them;

The Persecuted Church

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulations for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelations 2:10

Pergamum Church – Christ tells this church they held firmly to His name and did not deny His faith, even in the days of Antipas, His witness, His faithful one, who was killed among them, where Satan dwells. Christ says;

False Teachings, False Doctrines, Idol Worship, Compromising, Sexual Immorality Church

But I have a few thing against you, because you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. So you too, have some who in the same way hold to the teachings of the Nicolaitans. Therefore, repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will wage war against them with the sword of my mouth.

Revelation 2:14-16

Thyatira Church – Christ tells this church He knows their deeds, their love, faith, service and perserverance and their deeds now or greater than the first. But look what Christ says;

False Prophet, False Teachings, Sexual Immorality, Idol Worship, Compromising Church

But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit sexual immorality and things sacrificed to idols. But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them-I place no other burden on you. Nevertheless what you have, hold firmly till I come.

Revelations 2:20,24,25

Sardis Church – Christ tells the Sardis Church that He knows their deeds, you have a name( or reputation) that you’re alive, but, you’re dead. But Christ also says;

The Dead Church

Be constantly alert, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Then if you are not alert, I will come like a thief in the night, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. But you have a few people in Sardis who has not soiled their garments; and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:2-4

Philadelphia Church – Christ says to this church that He has put before them an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name. But Christ says something different here, look what He says;

Faithful, Perservering Church

Behold, I will make those of the Synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie–I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word of perserverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth. I am coming quickly; hold firmly to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Revelation 3:9-11

Laodicea Church – Christ tells this church that they are neither cold nor hot; and I wish they were cold or hot. But, because they’re lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, He is going to vomit them out of His mouth. But look what else Christ says;

The Lukewarm Church

Because you say, I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need for anything, and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

Revelation 3:17-19

As I was reading and typing each of these messages, I noticed a repetitive sentence. While it’s only a few short words, I believe it packs a punch! It says;

The one who has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The messages Christ sent to the churches of Asia Minor is also for us. As Christians we must be diligent, alert and love the Lord God with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind. Because when we do we’ll be faithful, able to persevere and do good works. It’ll be harder for us to be deceived by the false prophets, false teachings, false doctrines, Idolatry, sexual immorality, and compromises many churches today are making.

But something else to think about, Christ only told ONE CHURCH they would be spared from the hour of testing, the hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth.

Knowing what Christ said and seeing everything going on in our world today, the signs are everywhere. I’m even hearing about Christian persecution in America, and knowing this, guess my question is, are you ready?