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A Prepared Vessel

LORD, please make me a vessel unto honor!

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

Many doing ministry today are heavy on the performance and yet light on the preparation.

Jesus was in prep for 30 years to perform a 3.5 year ministry. Today we want to prepare for a brief time for decades of ministry. Not God’s way.

YOUR PRAYER: Father, please make my life count for You! Please use me as a messenger of Your great love and rich mercy toward all men. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

IF our hearts, minds, and mouths are not loaded to overflowing with God’s written Word, that’s the clear sign that we are not yet called to preach for Him. So, preparation! Study, read, learn, memorize, meditate upon Holy Scripture.

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21

The only way to learn to walk and talk Biblically/biblical is to study God’s Word like He told you to (2 Timothy 2:15). Do it now.

If you won’t be faithful to learn God’s Word, He can’t use you to minister it – because you don’t know it (2 Timothy 2:15). And if you go forth trying be minister, you’ll be a false witness.

“Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.” Proverbs 24:27 

Prepare in private and God will use you in public (Matthew 6:6).

God’s Word cannot be in me unless I am in it – daily in reading, study, meditation, and obedience.

We can only speak the truth into the hearts of men and dispel the opposing arguments if we know the truth so well that the truth is the only thing that flows from our lips (Proverbs 22:17-21; 1 Peter 3:15).

Until a man’s heart and mind are filled to the full with the counsel of God, the written Word, having walked it out through years in Christ, he is not yet qualified to be in an eldership calling in Christ’s body. He is still a “novice” “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6).

ALL who desire God to use them, for God’s Word to flow through them, are filling up daily with His Word (Proverbs 22:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 4:11). Are you being prepared to be mightily used of God? (Daniel 11:32)  Anyone who says they want to be used of God and yet is not deeply, diligently, daily devouring God’s Word, is a liar.

“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:13-14 

It is more than obvious to the diligent Bible student that a large percentage of those men who lead in the apostate modern church world, are babes, novices.

Until a man is deeply seasoned by the knowledge of and obedience to the Word of God, he is not ready to lead. This takes many years involving seasons of testings, trials, purgings, corrections, humblings, repentances, and chastening. No one who truly walks with Christ escapes (John 15:2; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 12:5-12; 1 Peter 1:5-7). There are no short cuts.

“Christ’s words must abide or continue in us. We must study His words, fairly devour His words, let them sink deep into our thought and into our heart, keep them in our memory, obey them constantly in our life, let them shape and mold our daily life and our every act.” R.A. Torrey

GOOD NEWS: If God is purging you, that proves that you are truly in Christ and have born good fruit and now He is purging you so that even more good fruit will be produced in your life! Victory!

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:2-3

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

For the way God works in and then through men, study the disciples of Christ and the Old Testament men of God and the progression of their spiritual maturity in Christ. This gives us much hope that if God could work in them, He can work in us – if we, like David, choose daily to be men after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

True disciples who walk with God, like beloved David, know what it means to fall, to sin, to repent, to re-turn to the LORD, and to be restored by the LORD. They therefore help you, they encourage, they admonish, and warn you to hasten to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and grace!

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 

YOU may not be acting it out BUT if it’s an un-crucified iniquity in your heart, God sees it just the same! We better get a kingdom clue saints! See Matthew 5:28; 1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 4:13.

Has the Word of God, the very “sword of the Spirit” cut you deep? (Ephesians 6:17) Is it circumcising your heart – cutting away the evil?

“For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. 4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. … 14 O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?” Jeremiah 4:3-4, 14

True, seasoned disciples are “furnished” not only with the head knowledge of God’s Word but also a performance of the workings of God in their own daily lives. They are “doers of the word, and not hearers only” and therefore “by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14; James 1:22).

“Furnished” – Are you putting the furniture of God’s Word in your heart daily? Are you furnishing the vessel?

“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly FURNISHED unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:17

This word “furnished” here means fully equipped. And according to this passage, the only way to be “throughly furnished” is by being full of God’s Word.

ONLY if we are devouring God’s Word daily, will we be able to speak His words (Proverbs 22:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:!5; 4:2; 1 Peter 4:11).

ANY leadership curriculum that isn’t literally the Scriptures – and learning THEM – is a scam! (See Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21, etc.) How long shall we prop up the wolves and their self-agenda “ministries”? How long shall we be be deceived?

Be aware that clever men, operating as Christian pastors, authors, singers, etc., can make nearly anything look biblical. This is done in part by over emphasizing certain things while ignoring others. We must ask, we must test the spirits by asking whether or not their doctrine is expressly, directly, explicitly stated in Holy Scripture, or not – just exactly as the Berean disciples did (Acts 17:10-11). Again, nearly anything can be extrapolated using select Scriptures and yet, is that what the whole of Scripture communicates? Test. Discern.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23

“Amen brother, this is such a beautiful and powerful verse. Jesus shows here that true love for Him is not merely words or emotions, but a life that treasures and obeys His teachings. Loving Christ and obeying Him are deeply connected. If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15 What amazes me most is the promise that follows obedience and love. Jesus says that the Father and the Son will make their abode with the believer. What an incredible picture of fellowship, communion, and nearness with God. The Christian life is not simply following rules, but walking in relationship with the living God daily. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8 I also think this verse reminds us that obedience flows from love, not from fear or empty religion. When our hearts truly love Christ, we desire to follow Him, hear His voice, and walk in His truth. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 Thank you for sharing this brother. It is such a beautiful reminder that God desires not distant religion, but a close abiding relationship with those who love Him sincerely.” Raju sambattula

“Walk worthy”

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Ephesians 4:1   

Discipleship

You were made by God and placed on this HIS earth for such a time as this. Will He have to bring deliverance, ministry to those around you through another vessel? Or, will you obey Him? Esther 4:14

STORE | Support | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast] | Where to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Parable of the Talents [podcast] | Proving Jesus Matters [podcast] | Money, Material Wealth, and Riches | Rusted Gold and Fire Untold [podcast]

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Articles

The Communication of Thy Faith

Excerpt from the book Revolutionary Evangelism

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:6

Is God concerned how much we sweat or hurt ourselves in order to communicate His truth? I think not. I believe that He is simply desirous that we communicate His Word, no matter what available legitimate method(s) we might choose. The key in the LORD’s economy is “the communication of thy faith.”

Captured in the verse below, seems like the beloved Job is referring also to the refreshment that comes from opening our lips and testifying of our LORD’s great goodness!

“I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.” Job 32:20 

With this truth in mind does it not behoove each and every believer to find ways to confess Christ to others who need Him?

OSWALD J. SMITH stated: ”For more than thirty years I have prayerfully considered the problem: How can we evangelise the world in the space of one generation? I do not believe we ever can send out enough missionaries; but there must be a way. After travel and study in fifty-three countries, I have come to the conclusion, the only way we are going to be able to carry out the Great Commission – ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature’ (Mark 16:15) – will be by means of the printed page.”

The end is near. What seed have you sown to reach the lost? What will you tell the Master in the end about how you spent your life on this earth (the life He gave you)?

“I believe our Gospel literature is having a greater impact for Christ on Africa than the coming of five thousand new missionaries.” Dr. Guy Playfield – Sudan Interior Mission

For nearly 500 years now, Gospel tracts have been used to reach the lost with the message of the Good News. No doubt that salvation tracts, also referred to as Gospel or silent messengers, are ordained by God as one of the primary methods/tools to evangelize the world.

“Unquestionably the most economical and effective method of world evangelism is the printed page. Ninety percent of the reported conversions to Christianity in Latin America are the result of sound Gospel literature. One good Gospel tract or Bible study booklet given careful, prayerful, wide distribution may easily reach more people than all the sermons one could preach in a lifetime. And after we are gone, they remain, like Longfellow’s ‘Footprints on the Sands of Time’ streams of blessing that will flow on forever.” J.E. McKEE

By divine inspiration, the modern printing press was invented about the time of the great reformation in order to communicate the grace of Jesus Christ to the world. As a result, in the 16th century, the Gospel message blazed across Europe, evangelizing those who were previously locked up by the devil in the dark ages of false religion. The great reformer stated:

    “Printing is God’s latest and best work to spread true religion throughout the whole world.” Martin Luther

Today, more Word tracts are printed and distributed in the world than any previous time in human history. Could this be as a result of the orchestrating of the Holy Spirit due to Christ’s soon return?

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 

Are you a soul winner? Do you have a systematic program to distribute God’s Word via the printed page? Do you have a willing heart? Need Gospel literature?

The message of salvation through Christ, printed in a brief format and easy to distribute, makes it more than feasible for every true Christian to “confess” Christ (Lk. 12:8-9) while communicating His message. With this in mind, will there be any excuse on Judgment Day for having ignored the Great Commission command and the precious lost souls for whom Christ died?

Good News for the disciple: Gospel tracts, which contain the salvation message of holy Scripture, make it possible for every believer to “Do the work of an evangelist.” (2 Timothy 4:5) Good tracts are available to those who desire to be about their Father’s business in winning the lost. Beware of tracts without the direct life or death message Jesus and His original apostles presented (Lk 13:3,5; Mk 16:16, 2 Cor. 2:16, etc.).

You can order Gospel tracts on this site which present the most important elements of Scripture to the lost; Holiness of God, sinfulness of men in breaking His holy law, the necessity of repentance and being born again into the body of Christ through Jesus Christ alone.

PRAYER: God, in the name of Jesus we ask You now to grant this world more Gospel workers (Matt. 9:37-38). Cause each of us to be obedient in this matter LORD. Forgive our coldness and selfishness in disobeying your Great Commission command and for not being considerate to those who don’t yet know you by hiding You from them in not sharing Your message with them. Forgive us for the excuses we have made up and how we have been ashamed of You towards those who need Your love so desperately. I am Yours LORD, please use me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

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Abiding

The Weapons of Our Warfare [podcast]


Fighting Vertically (seeking His face continually) Guarantees that God will take care of the Horizontal

Your ground game will never work until you push praise to the One who made and saved you. Today is your day to train upward. The outward will follow. Verticaly praise to our LORD guarantees horizonal victory. The cross.

“Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalms 149:5-9 

Dealing a crushing blow to your enemies – sin and Satan – requires kisses blown to Jesus Christ, the “first love” of your life! (Revelation 2:4-5) Like David, it will be the worshippers who will be God’s warriors!

“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Psalms 2:12

Seeking the face of the LORD is to be “continually.” The victory Jesus died to procure for you, to bless you to walk in, will evade all who do not “seek his face continually.”

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 

The only way to get up swinging, get up winning, is to set your heart to seek the face of your Savior! Simple prescription. Do it. Your plan is set in stone. You arise each morning with joyful praise, hands and heart and tongue pointed, aimed at Heaven, lifting the name of Jesus Christ!

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.” 1 Chronicles 16:22

The only ones the LORD is going to powerfully use to “build” His kingdom in the hearts of men, are those who “set” their soul to seek His holy face.

Is your obedience being fulfilled? Are you filled with love and therefore obedience to the Savior?

The “weapons of our warfare” are:

  • The Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
  • Prayer and persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
  • The name of Jesus (Acts 14:13-14; 16:23-24; Acts 3:16, etc.).

OUR GREATEST WEAPON IS THE WRITTEN WORD, PRAYER, AND THE NAME OF JESUS SAINTS. FRET NOT.

In the wilderness Jesus defeated the enemy by speaking forth the Word (Luke 4). He pulled out specific ammo for the enemy to address specific attacks, On all points, against every weapon of the enemy, Jesus had ammo with the devil’s evil name on it. And in doing so, He gave us the knowledge and example of how the enemy is defeated in our own lives. The Word of God is “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” and is “sharper than any twoedged sword” (2 Corinthians 10:4; Hebrews 4:12).

Studying, knowing the Word of God is like building the military, the arsenal of your life, in order to defeat the enemy. Without a strong arsenal of weapons and ammo, and the expert ability to use those weapons, you will be naked in the battle and lose. God’s Word is your arsenal – that which you have in you – the knowledge and performance thereof. Nothing is more important to your life today than seeking God in His Word and prayer. Jesus is Heaven’s Mighty Warrior, He is “a man of war” and is coming back “in flaming fire…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16, etc.).

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

We are in a war and must fight to win! “FIGHT the good fight….”

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 

Jesus demonstrated exactly what “the weapons of our warfare” are when He faced Satan in the wilderness. That weapon is the Word of God.

David, who was first a worshipper, was also an expert warrior. His life is a great example to the New Testament saint. David was learning to walk with the LORD, faithfully seeking Him in the pasture as he tended to sheep. He was building up his arsenal. And because he truly knew and sought the LORD, having been diligently training for warfare, the LORD, who is “a man of war,” directed him in choosing the specific ammo from His arsenal to take out Goliath (Exodus 15:3).

The “good soldier of Jesus Christ” is entrenched in the business of war, of winning the war. His Master, Jesus Christ, has never lost – and never will. Yet that blessing is reserved exclusively to those of His saints, His holy soldiers, who “strive lawfully.”

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5 

Striving “lawfully” simply means striving or working God’s way, according to His instructions and wishes, and not your own. Such includes to:

  • “endure hardness.”
  • realize you are a “soldier” which means you are in a war.
  • not be entangled with this world.
  • seek to please the LORD, who is “a man of war” and has chosen you to be His “soldier,” waging His war.

The LORD has and is bringing His true disciples to the understanding that this truly is a WAR, a fight to the death. You must “FIGHT the good fight of faith” or you will be a needless casualty of war! (1 Timothy 6:12) And so a military, a militant stance, posture, must be assumed by the disciple who will endure to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:10-14, etc.).

 

Spiritual Warfare | Fake Bibles Exposed

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of GodThe Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Abiding

A Fresh Look at Jesus’ 7 Letters to the Churches [podcast]


Did Jesus tell even one of the seven churches He addressed that they are as sure for Heaven as if they were already there due to being initially saved by Him?

Did Jesus give conditions for being with Him in eternal glory?

Can someone please help me figure out where un-conditional eternal security/OSAS fits in with the 7 letters of Jesus to the churches of Asia? Is it anywhere mentioned? No.

Can anyone find OSAS/eternal security in Jesus’ 7 letters to CHURCHES in Revelation 2 and 3? No. No such thing. Instead He gives conditions to overcome, to endure to the end, to abide, remain, and continue in Christ, in faith and obedience.

No such thing as “eternal security” in Christ’s kingdom until AFTER you are in Heaven. Such heresy is the bait of Satan as it was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17 > 3:4). Only moral cowards who make excuse for sin instead of being crucified with Christ daily as Jesus commanded. Bite on this bait (Luke 9:23-25). Eternal hell awaits. Time to repent and get “honest” (Luke 8:15).

Satan’s First Doctrine is a Lie. Yet Many Claim it’s Part of the Gospel of Jesus. Beware of these Wolves.

No such thing as a born again AND presently abiding saint who is not fruitful, who is not bearing good fruit. Otherwise why did Jesus instruct His people to know themselves and others “by their fruit”? See Matthew 7:16, 19. Such a notion as is heretical. Anyone who Jesus saves and then they don’t endure to the end, they don’t continue abiding in Christ, is no longer the LORD’s and going to hell. Read John 15:1-6 and stop believing the Devil’s very first lie—OSAS (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

“If a man abide (continue, remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6

WHEN YOU ARE IN YOUR MIND beginning to make excuse for sin, you KNOW it’s your un-crucified flesh and Satan that are in control. You know then that repentance, re-turning to the LORD who is Holy, is necessary.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

When you are tempted to believe in the satanic heresy of “eternal security,” otherwise known as “once saved always saved (OSAS),” you know SATAN is seeking to seduce you (Genesis 2:17; 3:14).

Concerning these 7 letters of Jesus to the churches, one source notes the following:

“Revelation chapters 2 and 3 contain seven individual messages from Jesus Christ to seven historical churches in Asia Minor. The letters share a common pattern: an address to the church’s angel, a description of Christ, an evaluation of the church’s spiritual state, a call to repentance or perseverance, and a promise to those who overcome.”

Overview of the Letters

  • Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, and Laodicea receive direct rebukes for forsaking their first love, tolerating false teachings, dead orthodoxy, or lukewarmness, alongside urgent calls to repent.
  • Smyrna and Philadelphia face intense tribulation or persecution yet receive no rebuke, and are encouraged to hold fast to their faith. 
  • Promises to Overcomers: Each letter concludes with eternal assurances for “him that overcometh” such as the tree of life (Revelation 2:7), the crown of life (Revelation 2:10), and exemption from the second death (Revelation 2:11).

    The Notion of Eternal Security Expelled

    Some interpret the repeated conditional commands to “overcome” and “hold fast” as evidence that eternal salvation requires ongoing faithfulness and endurance to the end, suggesting that warnings against unrepentance involve real spiritual risk rather than unconditional security.”

    For Example, Jesus’ letter to the church at Sardis:

    “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
    2  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
    3  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
    4  Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
    5  He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
    6  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:1-6

    Also:

    “… confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

    “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved …. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22; 24:13

    Concerning Jesus’ 7 Letters and OSAS, once commentator notes:

    “The seven letters of Jesus in Revelation 2-3 challenge absolute eternal security (“once saved, always saved”) by repeatedly commanding repentance, warning believers that unfaithfulness carries severe consequences, and conditioning eternal promises on actual endurance. 

    Warnings and Conditions in the Letters

    • Ephesus: Jesus warns that if the church does not repent for leaving its first love, He will “remove thy candlestick out of his place” (Revelation 2:5). [1]
    • Smyrna & Philadelphia: The promise of the crown of life and inclusion is explicitly tied to being “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10) and holding fast what they have “that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11). 
    • Thyatira: Jesus warns He will cast those committing adultery into great tribulation and will “kill her children with death” (Revelation 2:22-23). 
    • Sardis: Jesus tells those who do not watch that He will come upon them “as a thief” (Revelation 3:3).
    • Laodicea: The lukewarm church is threatened with rejection: “I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16). 

      The Promise to the Overcomer

      • In every letter, rewards like eating from the tree of life or being clothed in white raiment are promised specifically “to him that overcometh” (Revelation 2:7, 3:5).
      • Supporters of eternal security point to Christ’s assurance in Sardis—“I will not blot out his name out of the book of life” (Revelation 3:5)—as proof of permanent keeping, while critics argue the conditional phrasing implies names can be blotted out for failing to overcome.”

      The Return of Jesus

      Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of GodThe Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ

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