Revelation 1:9-11 (NIV)
9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”
9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”
The Lord used John, a disciple of Jesus, to send some
important messages to the churches that existed in various cities. These
messages were important for they told the churches what they were doing right
and most importantly what they were doing wrong. Jesus wanted to keep these
churches on solid ground for they would be the light shining to the world
illuminate the purpose of why Jesus died.
This morning The Pope sent this message to the world
through Twitter, “At the end of the year, we pray that the Church, despite her
shortcomings, may be increasingly recognizable as Christ’s dwelling place.” The
Pope in his message acknowledged The Church is not perfect -- for it is filled
with imperfect people. But the church does represent one who was and is perfect
-- that is Jesus Christ. No other man lived a perfect life as Jesus did. It was
because of His love for The Church that He freely gave His life so that all who
believe in Him and repents from their sin will live an eternal life with Him in
heaven. This is the church Jesus created and it is this church that shows others
how they can also know Jesus and also experience the wonderful gift Jesus has
for them.
Christmas is one of the times we remember Jesus because
of His birth. Let us all ensure we give credit to our savior by giving Him the
honor he is due. Some may say Happy Holidays, but I say to them Merry
Christmas. I want them to know I am celebrating the birth of my savior who I
love dearly because He gave his life for me.
There are many who will stand before God one day and God
may ask this simple question, “Why should I let you into my Kingdom of Heaven?”
Are you prepared for that question? I pray you know this – Jesus Christ lived a
sinless life. Jesus Christ freely died on a Roman Cross as a sacrifice for sin.
Jesus rose back to life defeating death and took His rightful place as King of
all kings in heaven and here on earth. For those who truly believe in Jesus and
are willing to repent of their sin and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior --
Jesus will be your advocate. For Jesus is the propitiation of sin who speaks up
on our behalf and says, “This child is one of mine. They are an adopted brother
or sister into the kingdom of heaven; therefore they belong here with us.”
Knowing Jesus is taking up for you the answer should be obvious, “It is because
of Jesus I am here and because of Jesus I can ask to enter heaven.”
Heavenly Father there are so many who do not understand
or know your love, grace and mercy. Father you want to free people from sin and
give them new and exciting lives. I pray Father these people would turn their
lives over to you. I know it scary giving up control to another, but you Lord
are perfect in every way and watch out after us as one of your children. Father
let everyone experience your mercy, grace and love. Let them know the true
Jesus and let them experience His grace mercy and love. Amen
Note this time of year I take off from writing to reflect
on the Lord and enjoy time with my family. God bless each of you. Have a safe
and Merry Christmas and I will resume writing after the first of the year.
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