Faithful on Fridays Blog

Rev. 2:18-29

As we pray for our churches let’s take advantage of the character trait of Jesus in each of these seven churches. Here in Thyatira He’s pictured as the Son of God with purifying, fiery eyes, and slow-moving feet toward judgment. That’s the kind of God we serve; He sees everything, knows it all, and moves time toward His Return when we’ll be united once again.

The influence of Jezebel is the correction this church receives from Christ focused on two areas of sin: sexual immorality and idolatry. Today we need the same confrontation in our churches when the leadership neglects to call out sin and preach repentance. Jesus was clear; sex outside of the marriage of one man and one woman is sin and repentance is required. All the excuses doesn’t change God’s Word which warns us against the example of Jezebel who convinced not only the king, but the all the people to submit to her (1 Kings 16-22) sinful ways. That’s how Satan convincingly influences us to stay lukewarm on the hot topics: adultery, homosexuality, gender confusion, internet porn, and the like.  

Idolatry, the other sin listed here, isn’t bowing down to a statue in your home and worship it; it’s more stealthy today. Anything you trust for health and wealth, instead of God, is idolatry. It’s all about the heart and we can bring truth to those in our churches who get off track under the world’s influences. That’s what our enemy wants, Jesus called it the ‘deep things of Satan’ and it’s a well-packaged false teaching. We’re encouraged to be overcomers, Nike people, who recognize any demonic influences in our church and expose them. 

Jesus is called the Morning Star here, daily rising to bring help and encouragement to our lives. In the middle of any crisis in our families He’s there watching, with a tight hold as He guides us into victory. That’s the kind of faith He’s looking for in our churches, willing to go the extra mile to help those veering away from trusting God for the higher life.

Let’s pray for our churches,

Son of God, we recognize that You deserve the highest place in our church and ask that You empower Your people to daily depend on You and You alone for all of our needs. May the influence of Jezebel, in any form, be exposed and Your light shine on our people to understand the dangers of submitting to anything or anyone other than You. Strengthen our faith to seek You for the right direction for our church and for leaders to walk as Nike believers, overcomers through our union with You, rejecting any false teaching regardless of who’s speaking. Give us courage and boldness to declare You as Lord and Your Word as the final authority even when it’s hard to understand. Your ways are higher than ours and we submit to You. Thank you for loving us and help us to love others with truth. Amen

Remind Me

Whoever invented the little ‘post-it’ note deserves to be congratulated. They’re a great idea because we all need constant reminders in life. Whether it’s to pick up milk, check the mail, get gas, or even read the Bible; we need help remembering. The apostle Peter must have felt the same way since he mentioned it several times in his last letter to fellow believers right before his death. Listen to his words:

Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. 2 Peter 1:12-15 

Did you catch how many times he comments on reminders? It was important to this leader of the Church to draw attention to some vital truths he had learned and now desired to leave as his legacy. I taught a seminar a while back on the Return of Christ and asked a woman who attended what her thoughts were since she had been a Bible-believing Christian most of her life. She commented that yes, she knew a lot of what I was teaching, but she appreciated the reminder. That’s humility and that’s wisdom. She gave up an entire Saturday to learn more about God’s Word and be reminded of His Return; it shows value she placed on being reminded of His instruction, His promises, and His direction. Peter mentioned again the value of refreshing your memory:

This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 2  Peter 3:1-3 

Before you drift into sleep each night take a few moments to remember what God has done in your life that day; if you have trouble sleeping you’ll end your day with thoughts of thankfulness and peace will flood your soul.

… when I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night; Psalms 63:6 

And they remembered His words. Luke 24:8 

Be encouraged this week to remember the value of reading your Bible and spending time with God. Remember that God’s Word in your mind refreshes you, it’s your own little post-it note from God, and He remembers too.

… and I will remember My covenant with you and with all living creatures. Genesis 9:15a 

Revelation 2:12-17

Pergamum was the city that housed the Temple of Zeus, king of all gods, with mandatory worship, which Jesus called the ‘throne of Satan’. That was a problem for this church, however, He’s the true King reminding them of the Word of God to be spoken out of their mouths acting like a doubled-edged sword in their refusal to comply. With that said, Jesus corrected some in two areas: the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. 

Balaam used stumbling blocks to entice the Jewish nation into sexual immorality and idolatry which are clearly contrary to Scripture and faith in the One, true God (Num. 31:13-16). That slow seduction says things like sex outside of marriage is ‘no big deal’, God understands our world today, it’s fine. Even finances, cheat or lie ‘just a little’ to get ahead, the Bible says you deserve to be rich and powerful, that’s what’ll make you happy. Or does that sound more like the idolatry of money and sexual freedom? God is never OK with using your free will or liberty you have in Christ as freedom to sin and this is a sharp rebuke. 

Nicolaitans liked to slip in watered-down theology with no absolute truth and lack of emphasis on holy living. The church in Pergamum was battling against these teachings trying to stop the flow of toleration, inclusiveness, and compromise. We are also called to reject those attitudes and live within the bounds of His Word.

What was Jesus’ solution to this rebuke? It’s the same message from the beginning of His ministry: repent and believe. Our church leaders have the same mission to their congregations confronting what’s called ‘open-mindedness’, semi-Scriptural watered-down doctrine, or ‘feel good’ and politically correct messages. If the Pergamum Church could succeed in the midst of their pagan culture and persecution so can we in our world that’s also focused on sex and money for power and happiness. It’s a tall order, but the Holy Spirit promises guidance and power to stand in holiness unashamed and unafraid receiving daily manna from heaven for strength (vs. 17). Keeping our eyes on the prize of eternity with Him, like the white stone of victory, that conquerors or a Nike Church will receive an intimate, new name from the Lord is His promise.

Lord Jesus, in the midst of a world that’s full of seduction to idolatry and sexual immorality I ask for my church to stand strong in the truth of Your Word. May any words of deception be recognized and quashed so that Your Truth is clearly heard in every Sunday message, every small group, every prayer time, and every teaching. I repent for my church in areas where we’ve missed Your mark, and ask for your daily manna to feed our church leaders as the Scriptures are preached, taught, and prayed. We are Your Nike, overcoming Church, who are strengthened by Your Spirit to boldly declare truth to our people. In the power of Your Name I pray.

Finding Jesus’ Spiritual Identity

Mark 15 & 16

Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders all night and was then transferred to stand before Pontius Pilate who continued, “Are you the King of the Jews?” The inevitable answer is “Yes,” but for now prophecy must be fulfilled; Jesus had a higher goal to achieve.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open His mouth. Unjustly condemned, He was led away. No one cared that He died without descendants, that His life was cut short in midstream. But He was struck down for the rebellion of My people. Isaiah 53:7-8 

You know the story of the Passion but let me give you several upper stories to think about, starting with the release of Barabbas.

Barabbas was a convicted criminal who deserved punishment and death.

We are convicted sinners who deserve punishment and death (Eph. 2:1-3).

Barabbas’ name means ‘son of the father’ (John 8:44).

Our new spiritual identity in Christ makes us ‘sons of the Father’ (2 Cor. 6:18).

Barabbas’ life was saved because of an exchange.

Our lives are saved because of the Great Exchange.

Jesus was Barabbas’ substitute.

Jesus is our substitute.

Another lower to upper story is the method of crucifixion. The Greek word for ‘crucify’ and ‘cross’ means to be placed in an upright position: standing. Jesus died in that standing position, the lower story, but He didn’t stay there; He rose again, back to a standing position, upper story.

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain … Revelation 5:6a 

Satan thought he’d won when Jesus was declared dead, but a surprise visit awaited him in Hades when Jesus descended and declared Himself alive!

We close out this study of Mark’s gospel with some things to ponder. Peter chose to document Jesus’ rebuke for unbelief and hard hearts; I wonder if we can identify. When is it difficult to trust God: with your marriage, your kids, your job, or where you find yourself in life? Has your heart become impenetrable due to hurts or rejection? I have encouragement for you today; He’s alive and He loves you … so be patient, He isn’t finished yet.

Jesus also gave out assignments to believers. Proclaim your faith; let there be no doubt you trust Him. You are empowered by His Spirit to stand, as He did, against the schemes of the devil. Proclaim your faith to him as well; that’s a powerful way to cast him out. Don’t be afraid to pray for people’s healing; it’s not your job to heal but to believe they will recover (vs. 18).

Jesus’ final spiritual identity attribute is King and the question of the religious and political leaders is still valid today: “Is He your returning King?”

Revelation 2:8-11

Churches in America can’t understand the tribulations of the church of Smyrna simply because we haven’t experienced any persecution … yet. But what if a Christian in the Chinese underground church read this passage today; how would he react? Interestingly, Smyrna means suffering so John writes his prophetic message to bring comfort and encouragement (1 Cor. 14:3) to a troubled church (even in China today). It’s a reminder that Jesus died and rose again, therefore, remembering our forthcoming resurrection is comforting.

Pictured as walking around, Jesus is watching their handling of intense pressures, apparently we’re never to forget that Satan is also active since he’s mentioned twice. John declared Jesus as the beginning and the end, consequently, He knows their final destination is union with Him. This church is suffering from the Romans, but also inside where there are pseudo-Jews among them, legalistic law-followers, who slander the church leaders. For those of us praying for our churches we have to wonder if there are similar types among us? Are there those who ruin your community reputation when they disagree with decisions on the hot topics (maybe sexual matters or abortion), railing on your church leaders with their opinions. Some operate in the spirit of the Pharisees caring more about obeying rules than grace for people. Jesus encourages all of us: don’t fear the suffering, it’s only temporary. 

Spiritual warfare against churches often comes in the form you’d least expect. Struggles with finances, keeping staff, sin among the ranks, bad decisions, or those who criticize the music, the message, or other ministries. Jesus Himself warned them,

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

It’s said that if you’re not meeting the devil head-on then you must be going in the same direction. May the Spirit of God lead us in His direction during these struggles, pressures, and feeling like you’re out of options. Church, pray for all your ministry leaders to follow His lead, be faithful to His Word, and operate as overcomers in the face of opposition from any direction. 

Lord, thank You for the encouragement from this letter to Smyrna to stay strong and optimistic about my church. I know the enemy has targeted us, but You have built up our faith for these times of suffering. You’ve promised us the crown of life when we’ll rule and reign with You at Your Second Coming, but until then we’re hopeful for our local church. Help our leaders to be faithful, never give up, and listen to the voice of the Spirit ignoring the voice of strangers (John 10:5). You’re a Nike God, an Overcomer or Conqueror, and we are Your Nike people also victorious in life. As we share the gospel in our church help us remember that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope (Rom. 5:3-5). 

In Your name we pray.

Finding Jesus’ Spiritual Identity

Mark 13&14

As Jesus’ time on earth drew to a close and since His death was imminent He prioritized what was essential to know. Future believers would be hopeless without His encouragement as He described what was coming and how to prepare. He never says, “Don’t worry about it because we’ll all be raptured,” but, “Be prepared.” 

Interestingly, the Greek word for ‘tribulation’ means an internal, confined, or restricted place. It’s often persecution, anguishing distress, or confinement, consequently there’s always pressure that makes you feel ‘hemmed in’ with no way of escape. As Jesus gave the future signs that will increase with intensity and frequency He encouraged us that ‘the one who endures to the end will be saved’. Not redeemed, believers are already saved, but will be rescued or delivered (saved). We don’t know what it’ll look like, but we do know that He’s the Savior, the Rescuer.

One of the wonderful truths that Jesus spoke to His chosen, all believers (vs. 20), is that the time is shortened, the angels are sent to retrieve us, in heaven or on earth, and we’ll be reunited with Him. The warning is clear: be on guard (spoken 3 times) and stay awake (spoken 4 times) because He’s coming back for His bride! 

Chapter 14 brings us to a divine appointment with Mary, one of Jesus’ best friends, and His last Passover meal. His comment about Mary in verse 8 caught my attention:

She has done what she could.

Wouldn’t you like Jesus to say that about you?

When preparing for the sacred meal the disciples were given explicit instructions regarding the guest room, the kataluma. You may remember at Jesus’ birth there was ‘no room for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7b): kataluma. Jesus’ time was about to be completed, the goal reached, and there was a place prepared for Him. About thirty-three years earlier Satan tried to destroy God’s plan of redemption in Bethlehem, but now, in Jerusalem, there’s a room prepared for Him; the Lamb of God was ready to be sacrificed.

Jesus must’ve been feeling quite vulnerable, but after an extended time of prayer He was ready to meet His accusers. Since Peter undoubtedly dictated this writing he was brutally honest as he remembered his own words:

I will not fall away (vs. 28)

I will not deny You (vs. 31)

And yet he did: prophecy fulfilled.

Jesus admitted His deity (vs. 62) to the religious leaders and again prophesied of That Day when He’ll return with the clouds of heaven and that sealed the deal for the Suffering Servant of Is. 53.

We find Jesus’ spiritual identity in His warnings, His love, and His fulfillment of prophecy: He is Who He said He was. Jesus showed us the value of intimacy with God, fellowship with other believers, and courage to speak truth. He didn’t berate the disciples in their times of weakness, even Peter, but loved them all. That’s a wonderful truth for you as well.

Revelation 2:1-7

The Apostle John, lead pastor of seven churches along a mail/trade route in Asia, was exiled to a prison island for preaching the gospel. Using a plethora of symbols he was given a prophetic vision of what must happen before Jesus returns for His Bride (Church). Chapters Two and Three give us prayer strategies for our churches today; apparently we’re no different and God’s timeless Word is still alive and active when we pray it.

These highly symbolic, visionary passages show Jesus tightly holding His Church (the Seven Stars) for all time and in all places with His authoritative right hand while striding among them. Let’s seriously read the commendations, but also the corrections of each church and hear what the Spirit may be saying to our local church.

First of all, Jesus ‘knows’, He’s observed your church, He understands your enduring, hard work and you don’t give up. The gifts of the Spirit are in operation, particularly discernment (1 Cor. 12:7-11), or recognizing what’s evil or false and calling it out. The ‘works of the Nicolaitans’, which probably points to toleration, inclusiveness, and compromise is specified. Every spiritual gift is necessary to have a healthy church, that’s why the Spirit disperses them when needed. 

On the other hand, this church, and maybe ours, has lost the passion and love for Christ they had at the beginning. Their leaders (also translated messenger or angel) are called to remember and repent: so are we. Is the preaching at your church full of Holy Spirit anointing? Are the small groups passionate about prayer and intimacy with Jesus Christ? Are you following Jesus’ command to care for the poor, send the gospel to the nations, and re-present Him well? He loved people, told them the truth, and forgave those who humbled themselves. Do you sense some prayer points?

Every one of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3 were admonished to have ears that hear the voice of the Spirit. Are we listening? Let’s pray for our pastors and church leaders to lead us be a Nike Church, conquering the enemy’s deceptions so we’ll eat from the Tree of Life in God’s paradise at His Return.

Holy Spirit come and give my church leaders ears to hear Your commendation, but more importantly, where we need correction. We desire to remember the passion of our beginning and how far we’ve fallen; soften our hearts to repent. Give us new ways of serving You as we serve others with hearts that care for people. If we’ve tolerated false teaching give us truth. If we’ve neglected being different from the world and slid into inclusiveness, set us apart unto holiness once again. If we’ve compromised our beliefs and settled for less than the truth of Your Word enlighten our hearts and minds. In You we’re conquerors over the devil; he will not prevail against our church, and we’ll eat from Your tree bringing kingdom life to our congregations. In Jesus name I pray.

Finding Jesus’ Spiritual Identity

Mark 11&12

It’s the beginning of the end for Jesus as He entered the City of the Great King: Jerusalem. It’s all pomp and circumstance from the people; no one would’ve believed that just a few days later these same people would be shouting, “Crucify Him!” Hosanna in Hebrew means “Lord, save us!” and in Greek it’s a cry of praise, either way the people were glad He had arrived.

The next day Jesus encountered a fig tree and, interestingly enough, He spoke to it. Talking to trees; ok, that’s a new one. However, Jesus is showing us the lower and upper story yet again. The tree should’ve had not only luscious leaves, but also accompanying early, smaller fruit; it did not. That’s the lower story, but it was also prophesied:

… there is no cluster to eat, no first-ripe fig that My soul desires. Mic. 7:1

Leaves but no fruit (lower story) means it’s all show, like a masquerade, and Jesus cursed it and vehemently called down a message of doom. The upper story is that God expects fruit in our lives as well: spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-24). Our churches can’t be all about the show, but about a heart for helping people at every turn.

Jesus’ upper story explanation (vs. 20-26) leads us right into faith, prayer, and forgiveness. Isn’t that His spiritual identity on every page?

Since this is His last week on earth Jesus took every remaining opportunity to teach Kingdom Principles even directing the first one against the religious leaders (Ch. 12:1-12). They, in turn, continued their attempt to trap Him, but to no avail. It’s fascinating they used the topic of resurrection since they’re famous for not even believing in it! Cagey.

In His wisdom Jesus took them back to the Scriptures and their esteemed prophet, Moses and one of the scribes began to understand (vs. 28-34): one convert. 

If someone asked you what’s the most important commandment … how would you answer? Jesus directed them to the Scriptures and quoted the Shema: Dt. 6:4-5 and Lev. 19:18: Love God and Love people. Good summary of Christianity.

Jesus’ common pattern of stretching and challenging our faith continues to the end of Chapter Twelve. The people were very excited Jesus brought up David from Ps.110 and the upper story, but He also challenged their thinking regarding giving: how bold. The contrast of the rich and poor, yet again, is striking. This challenge causes all of us to remember that He’s not about the lower story, but about the heart. May our fruit (upper story) reflect that.

The Second Coming of Christ will take place in Jerusalem, the City of our God, and the King will be with us again, as He said He would, in the newness of all creation:

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2 

Oh, what a day!

Matt. 25:31-46

There is a day marked on the Father’s calendar when He’ll send the Son of Man back to earth to set up His eternal kingdom. We call that the Second Coming as heaven and earth are connected once again. In this glorious, splendiferous appearing, Jesus, accompanied by angels, takes His seat on this throne as the final King.

It’s a place we can visualize where Judgment Day is initiated, but more importantly, we are cautioned by Christ to be prepared and He told seven stories to help us in that effort:

• The Two Sons taught us the value of repentance leading to obedience (Matt. 21:28-32).

• The Wicked Tenants encouraged us to lead fruit-filled lives (Matt. 21:33-36).

• The Wedding Feast was the call of the chosen to righteousness (Matt. 22L1-14).

• The Fig Tree cautioned us to be watchful for this special day (Matt. 24:32-26).

• The Ten Bridesmaids showed us how crucial it is to be filled with the Spirit every day (Matt. 25:1-13).

• The Talents warned us to use our spiritual gifts to help others (Matt. 25:1-13).

Quite a tee-up to His final teaching on the separation of believers and unbelievers with His beautiful image of the Good Shepherd. With all the nations present, both dead and alive, those who’ve repented and trusted Him for salvation will recognize His voice and be positioned on the ‘right side’; they are the sheep. How fitting since it was a lamb who was chosen from all other animals to be the foreshadow of the Messiah who is the Lamb of God. We follow the Lamb into the Father’s blessing of inheritance in the final kingdom.

Unbelievers, those who refuse Him, are positioned on the left (as goats) and declared cursed making their departure to a place of eternal punishment. Interestingly, goats are pictured as symbols of devilish idols throughout history.

How does the King make His final decision? He clearly used the storyline of serving others in His Name. It wasn’t an exhaustive list, but great examples for us to follow: feed the hungry, welcome outsiders with hospitality, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and encourage the imprisoned with comfort and love. The disciples were like us, confused if this was literal or figurative, but Jesus qualified it for them: when you serve or minister to people in My Name it’s as if you did it directly to Me. That’s how serious He is about caring for the poor and needy.

Eternity literally awaits everyone from the beginning of time until the moment He appears again; the question is where is your destination and how do you know it? Jesus wants not only your words of faith, but your actions that prove you believe what you say you believe. Your life should be full of spiritual fruit, righteous living, watching and anticipating, daily filled with Him allowing the Spirit to move through you with the gifts He’s imparted to help others. 

These are the days to be on the ‘right side’.

Finding Jesus’ Spiritual Identity

Mark 9&10

Peter was there. He watched the transfiguration of Jesus, literally saw the inside of God revealed on the outside. The word is metamorphosis, like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly, the inner man changes as it’s manifested on the outer man. Peter knew what he experienced was a picture of what was available to all believers:

These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:4b

When we believe in Jesus we’re recreated into a new person … on the inside. It’s our mission to metamorph to the outside: we need to change. Displaying Jesus in our life shows the world that we’re different, consequently, our thoughts, words, and actions must change to re-present Christ.

The disciples were learning, as we are, to talk and act like Jesus but it didn’t seem to work in this one particular instance (vs. 14-29): a very strong demon. Jesus explained that all power is available to those who believe, but it begins with prayer. We find out from God what to do, where to go, and what to say; spending time in the presence of God is the only way. It seems they had left that part out; being busy in ministry can be a set-up for burnout. We need restorative time with our Savior to be effective.

After His second prediction of death and resurrection (and a third coming) Jesus continued His message of humility and servanthood as He walked the land and loved the people. 

Chapter Ten shows us how Jesus always pointed people to the Word of God. Whether it was controversial topics like divorce or wealth, humility would be required to enter the Kingdom of God. He explained to James and John (vs. 32-45) that anything short of a servant-mentality would keep that entrance closed. 

Peter was discouraged by Jesus’ explanation of entrance into the Kingdom of God, but Jesus reassured him again, there’s no power within man to experience kingdom living, however, ‘all things are possible with God’. He alone has all power.

Lastly, the story of Bartimaeus, son of high value, teaches us that we begin life as blind beggars, but Jesus was sent to ransom us by extending wholeness: body, soul, and spirit. He wants us to experience His saving rescue of our souls, but also our bodies since the same word is used: sozo (to save or rescue). God desires every part of us to be complete and made well. 

Bart had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment and his response to the Savior should be ours as well: have mercy. We’re encouraged to ‘get up’ and enter into Kingdom living by spending time with our Lord, gaining direction in life, and serving others. Your faith will make you well in order to follow Him. 

You’re not in this alone:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Acts 1:8a

Use His power well.