Reviews and Views

…in my opinion.

Book of Revelation – Chapter 2

The letters that John wrote to the seven individual churches apply to all churches of all ages, for these seven churches represent seven stages of church history. Let us see what the Lord had to say.

Ephesus church covers the approximate period of 33 A.D. to 100 A.D. Christ commends that local assembly before scolding them for their sins. Notice that it is not wrong to judge someone when that individual’s doctrine is heretical, or wickedness fills a person’s life. We are to “Try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1). The church at Ephesus was strong when it started but slipped from its original moorings and was on the way down. Though busy and outwardly sound, it shifted away from its love for Christ. Ephesus lost its first love. They may have been too busy serving and not taking time to fellowship with Jesus. When one is so active that they have no time for Bible study and prayer, they are too busy. Been there and done that! Let us not lose our first love. Remember, repent, and do the first works. 

Smyrna church covered 100 A.D. to 312 A.D. when the most significant persecution in all Christianity took place. This church had works of faith that brought great tribulation and material poverty. Yet, they spread the Word of God to the entire Roman Empire. They experienced martyrdom with an estimate of nearly 5 million killed. Death was commonplace. Regardless, the church flourished and grew during the Smyrna period. However, the church developed ritualism or a deliberate Judaizing of Christianity. False professors of religion brought much heartache. We should beware of those who claim to be Christians but deny the deity of Christ (1 John 4:3). Also true of those who mix law and grace in their teachings. Smyrna was experiencing persecution from within and without. When our hour of trial comes, we are not to fear but to keep our eyes on Jesus and the eternal rewards He promised (James 1:12).

Pergamos was the faltering church, extending from 312 A.D. to 606 A.D. Materialism, self-indulgence, and worldliness described the church in Pergamos. You might say that it was adrift or had backslid; a marriage of the church and the world. Of necessity, the believer in Christ is in the world. They must constantly guard against becoming involved in the world’s ungodliness. There appeared to be two false creeds in the church:
(1) the doctrine of Balaam – “Let’s be more relaxed in our loyalties.”
(2) the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes – “Let’s be more restricted in our leadership.” An example is when the ministry or leader says, “I am the head, and you have no choice in the matter,” allowing laymen no voice in the church’s affairs.

Christ’s call is always to the individual believer in these churches. Let’s keep ourselves from immorality and refuse to partake in the loose living around us. Be an overcomer. The white stone represents the changeless purity of Christ. 

 Thyatira church covers the years of 606 A.D. to 1520 A.D. It started with a commendation from the Lord. She was known for her good works, love, service, faith, patience, and last works, loaded with excellent service and unusual deeds. This church outdid itself. Many scholars believe that this church is still found in the world today until the revived Roman Empire destroys it in Revelation chapters 17 and 18. The church resisted doing what was right and expected. Judgment always comes. The Lord Jesus Christ searches the minds and hearts and will give every one according to their works. Consider that we don’t lose those rewards we have earned (2 John 8). Even here at Thyatira, a remnant remained faithful despite the deterioration of their local church. In verse 28: Christ has promised faithful believers three rewards upon His return to the earth:

  1. Rulership over the nations during the Millennium (chapter 20, verse 4),
  2. Sharing in this glorious time of perfect righteousness resulting from Christ’s enforcement and order (Psalm 2:8,9), and
  3. The abiding presence of the blessed Savior throughout time and eternity as Christ himself, the bright and morning star, reigns (chapter 22, verses 14, 16).

Next, we will continue with the other churches.

January 3, 2024 Posted by | Culture, Last Days, Life, Religion | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Great Stories! One perspective…

What follows is a conversation that took place many years ago in a far away place. But if we listen carefully to what is being said, we may find ourselves in that same place at this current time.

It is like in the great stories. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end, because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened?

But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you that meant something.

Even if you were too small to understand why. Folks in those stories had lots of chances of turning back. Only they didn’t. They kept going, because they were holding to something. There is some good in this world and it’s worth fighting for.

By now you have probably guessed that this was part of a conversation between Sam and Frodo in the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. You may not recognize this time of our as a “darkness” that we are fighting our way through. Remember that you who are of the faith and believe in Christ and His Word are a light in this darkness. Let not the evil keep us from telling the truth both loudly and clearly. For many are not seeking the truth and few are uncovering it. But don’t let that be said of you most valiant of warriors!

October 6, 2021 Posted by | Allegory, Culture, Life | , , , | Leave a comment

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Section 4 of the Flag Code states:

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.”

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag is a formal promise of loyalty to the United States of America. It should be recited in English to have its full meaning. On July 4, Independence Day, with all the flag waving, parades and fireworks, let us remember our promise of loyalty to the United States of America, and to honor those brave souls, living and dead, that preserve this privilege to us and future generations.

July 4, 2021 Posted by | Culture, Life, Security & Safety | , , , | Leave a comment