The two shortest letters in the bible today. Blink and you’ll miss them!
Second letter of John: Walking in the truth
2 John 1-13
Third letter of John: Gaius commended
3 John 1-8
Concerning Diotrephes and Demetrius
3 John 9-14
The book of Revelation: Introduction
Revelation 1:1-8
John’s vision
Revelation 1:9-20
Message to the church in Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-7
In Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11
In Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17
In Thyatira
Revelation 2:18-29
2 John warns against false teaching. 3 John names one individual who is not living in a Christian way: Diotrephes. Two others are praised: Demetrius, and Gaius to whom the letter is addressed. So, arguments in the church are nothing new.
And on to Revelation. At last, the final book in the Bible. Back when I started, I didn’t honestly think I’d be reading this in December - more like February! But I’ve managed to keep up all year, and it’s been a rewarding experience.
It is a letter written to seven churches in Asia, but a letter composed in the manner of a vision. A lot of what John wants to say would have been read as seditious by the Roman Empire, and it’s author, and anyone found in possession of it, would likely have been arrested and killed. So, it’s written in code. The Romans won’t understand it, but Christians, with their Jewish background, will. Let’s see how I get on.
It opens with a vision of Jesus glorified in heaven. Not gentle Jesus meek and mild, but a powerful divine figure, holding the fortunes of the churches in his hand. And he has words to say to those churches.
The message to Ephesus is “You’re doing well, but you’re beginning to slack off. Keep going, or you’ll lose your place in my blessing.” To Smyrna he says “Tough times are coming, but hang in there. Endure imprisonment, even death, and you will receive your reward.”
Pergamum get warned against false teachers - the Nicolaitans, whoever they are, and the teaching of Balaam. It seems that the prevailing culture in Pergamum is influencing the church to turn away a little from Christ, and they are encouraged to stay faithful.
Finally for today, Thyatira have one individual, a woman, who is spreading false teaching and even sexual immorality. They need to deal with her.
Second letter of John: Walking in the truth
2 John 1-13
Third letter of John: Gaius commended
3 John 1-8
Concerning Diotrephes and Demetrius
3 John 9-14
The book of Revelation: Introduction
Revelation 1:1-8
John’s vision
Revelation 1:9-20
Message to the church in Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-7
In Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11
In Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17
In Thyatira
Revelation 2:18-29
2 John warns against false teaching. 3 John names one individual who is not living in a Christian way: Diotrephes. Two others are praised: Demetrius, and Gaius to whom the letter is addressed. So, arguments in the church are nothing new.
And on to Revelation. At last, the final book in the Bible. Back when I started, I didn’t honestly think I’d be reading this in December - more like February! But I’ve managed to keep up all year, and it’s been a rewarding experience.
It is a letter written to seven churches in Asia, but a letter composed in the manner of a vision. A lot of what John wants to say would have been read as seditious by the Roman Empire, and it’s author, and anyone found in possession of it, would likely have been arrested and killed. So, it’s written in code. The Romans won’t understand it, but Christians, with their Jewish background, will. Let’s see how I get on.
It opens with a vision of Jesus glorified in heaven. Not gentle Jesus meek and mild, but a powerful divine figure, holding the fortunes of the churches in his hand. And he has words to say to those churches.
The message to Ephesus is “You’re doing well, but you’re beginning to slack off. Keep going, or you’ll lose your place in my blessing.” To Smyrna he says “Tough times are coming, but hang in there. Endure imprisonment, even death, and you will receive your reward.”
Pergamum get warned against false teachers - the Nicolaitans, whoever they are, and the teaching of Balaam. It seems that the prevailing culture in Pergamum is influencing the church to turn away a little from Christ, and they are encouraged to stay faithful.
Finally for today, Thyatira have one individual, a woman, who is spreading false teaching and even sexual immorality. They need to deal with her.
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