There is perhaps no book in the Bible that engenders more debate and speculation than the book of Revelation. To understand the proper context of Revelation requires us to identify the seven churches in chapters two and three and the time frame in which those churches are addressed.
To make all men see….. Ephesians 3:9
To make all men see….. Ephesians 3:9
Posts by Tracy Plessinger (Page 2)
The fourth church to which John writes is the church at Thyatira.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
As we look around us today, we see a society that seems to be falling apart. The streets in many of our cities are becoming more and more like war zones. Confidence in our elected officials and other people in positions of authority are at an all-time low. Half of all marriages end in divorce which causes many children to come home to single parent families. Worse yet, many other children are in situations where they are abused in all kinds of evil ways. From the highest halls of government, to our own dinner tables, the evidence of a society in crisis is clear. Although the problems seem to be clear, the solutions to those problems seem to be complicated and illusive. Governments, schools, psychologists, social workers, etc., etc., all seen to be powerless to find a way to stem the tide of violence and hopelessness that afflicts our society today.
In the eighth chapter of Romans God offers believers some of the most comforting verses in all of His Word. These verses allow believers to face the trials and tribulations of life with confidence and victory. They are easily remembered because they all contain the number 8. These verses are Romans 8:18, 8:28, and 8:38.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Today there are many opinions among believers as to how we should view our relationship with government. Some teach that we should have nothing to do with government and politics, but should concentrate only on “spiritual matters”. Others believe that Christians should become very politically active and “claim our government for Jesus” by reforming it from within. Still others see a virtual “holy war” of revolt against our government as the only way to rid ourselves of what they perceive to be the root of all evil in our nation. Obviously, all of these widely differing viewpoints cannot be correct. The Bible has much to say about the believer’s relationship to government. We need to not be confused about how we should relate to the governmental authorities that rule over us.
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, Acts 13:9
This verse illustrates one of the most amazing and wonderful works of God in all of history. Saul, the blasphemer, becoming Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles marked a distinct change in God’s dealings with man. In considering Paul’s own statements as recorded in his epistles and by Luke in the book of Acts we will learn more about this marvelous truth.
God has a purpose. It is a purpose that He conceived before the world began to be fulfilled in the dispensation of the fullness of times.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: . . . Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Ephesians 1:3,4,9,10
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he gives a heartfelt admonition to the Body of Christ.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. II Corinthians 6:1
Paul’s beseeching of the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain reminds us of a very important aspect of our salvation. Our salvation frees us from the vain existence of fallen man. Our salvation allows us to live with meaning and purpose instead of the purposelessness of our natural existence.
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. II Timothy 2:22
In this passage we see Paul’s admonition to Timothy to grow in his maturity in the faith. Later in his letter he points Timothy to the source of that maturity.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16,17