Christ Centered 12.23.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are beginning our studies on the book of Revelation, please read Chapters 1-2 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%201-2&version=9

Today we are reading about greetings to the seven churches; a vision of Jesus Christ; and His messages to the seven churches. Today's message focuses on the importance of making sure Chirst is at the center of all that you do.

The book of Revelation is the 27th and final book of the New Testament and contains 22 chapters. The author of the book is John and it ws written to the Seven churches in Asia and to all believers in general. The purpose of the book was to reveal God's plan for the world. What we are to learn from the book is that in the end, good is always victorious over evil. and God always accomplishes His established plan and purpose.

The seven churches of Asia Minor each received a letter dictated by Christ and recorded by John while he was on the island of Patmos. Since the character and conduct of churches and Christians is the same in every generation, the messages are just as vital and valid for us today. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:1-6).

Words of praise were given to the church at Ephesus for its sound doctrine. However, Christ reminded them that even though they were believers they left their first love, Christ. "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. " (2:1-5).

Losing devotion to Christ usually happens gradually. Some Christians become so involved in business, leisure activities, or even church responsibilities that the worship of Christ becomes mechanical and a mere formality. Therefore, it is of great importance that we make sure before we do anything that Christ is at the center of our lives. Praise God, that He is a forgiving God and once we repent we are released from any wrong doing.

The letter sent to the church at Smyrna acknowledged that they were suffering, but gave them assurance that they will overcome all tribulation. "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." (2:8-11).

Many people fear the book of Revelation because they think of it as the end of the world. However, it is only the beginning for believers, we will overcome all things because we have the best protection right with us daily and that is the Lord, Jesus Christ. Seek Him and we have nothing to fear.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you so much for sending us your son, Jesus and thank You Jesus for giving us life. Jesus, You are life's greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need of salvation. May we not be fearful but openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin's wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. In Jesus' name.........Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night!
God Bless you and Merry Christmas,
Christina

Visit: A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net