TODAY’S PROPHETIC THOUGHT
I Am not concerned with your past. I care about your today and your tomorrow because I see you as complete and whole through the lens of Jesus’ sacrifice. You are Holy even when you have failed. Get up. Follow Me and claim My purpose for your life.
CLAIM YOUR REWARD
So if you want to know how Jesus rules and reigns in the midst of being persecuted, you need to read Revelation 2:8-11. This is where He writes to the church in Smyrna.
He says, “He knows their tribulations present and future” but encourages them to be faithful “unto death” so He can give them the Crown of Life. “He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
How does Jesus rule and reign in the midst of a situation and a people whose integrity is completely compromised? Read Revelation 2:12-17. It’s written to the church of Pergamos.
Jesus is unhappy that they’ve let untrue doctrines creep into their thinking. He tells them to repent. If they do, He will make them “overcomers” and reward them with “hidden manna and a white stone” to call them blameless.
How does Jesus rule and reign in the midst of a people, His people, who have a corrupt agenda? Read Revelation 2:18-29, His letter to Thyatira.
Guilty of sexual immorality and embracing a Jezebel spirit, He encourages them to hold fast to the truth and do Kingdom work. If they overcome, he will give them “power over the nations.”
What does Jesus do with a church that is dead, as it was in Sardis? Read Revelation 3:1-6 where Jesus tells them to remember “His teachings, to hold fast and repent”. If they can, He will “clothe them in white garments” showing they are blameless and will “not blot their names out of the Book of Life.”
How does Jesus rule and reign with a church that is weak, but they are faithful? Read Revelation 3:7-13. How does Jesus rule and reign in the midst of a people that are lukewarm? Read Revelation 3:14-22.
Do you see yourself in any of these churches? Are you persecuted or is your integrity compromised by something stupid you’ve done? Is your mind or life corrupted, or are you embracing immorality of some kind?
Maybe you’re lukewarm, weak or dead in your faith. If you see yourself here, REPENT! Turn away and let Jesus reward you like He promises to do in these scriptures. I promise it is priceless!
“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’” – Genesis 15:1
FROM MY SERMON SERIES FIRST THINGS