The Church in Thyatira was a church under pressure. Many of the believers were blackballed from the trade guilds of Thyatira because they refused to participate in the pagan cult rituals which were infused in the guilds. It was also a church that was being split by the immoral influence of a false teacher Jesus calls Jezebel. Jesus commends the believers who stood firm and rebukes those who rejected biblical morality and embraced lawlessness. This sermon deals with false teachings like the hyper-grace movement which elevates grace to the point where morality no longer matters.
“Being used by God
is not confined to pastors, preachers or teachers. Anybody can be an instrument
in God's hands.”
God can use anybody, believer or nonbeliever.
The Purpose of The Church #5 “Evangelism”Rick Peterson
The Purpose of The Church #5 “Evangelism” Jeffery Anselmi http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=60867&Sermon%20The%20Purpose%20of%20The%20Church-%20Evangelism%20by%20Jeffery%20Anselmi
Chapters 2 & 3 of the teaching series on the Bible Book of Revelation.
Notes are mostly adapted from Gorden Ferguson’s Revelation Series, “Death before Denial”
This is a slideshow of some of the prophecy illustrations from our website - http://SanctuaryofYeshua.wordpress.com.
You can go there to learn more about the Bible prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and about the Sanctuary, or Tabernacle. The fact that the Bible prophecies have been so accurately fulfilled by history shows that the prophecies which apply to the future will also be very exactly fulfilled. You will find much more about this o the website, as well as an illustrated timeline of all the prophecies in Daniel and Revelation so you can see visually how and when they were/are going to be fulfilled.
“Being used by God
is not confined to pastors, preachers or teachers. Anybody can be an instrument
in God's hands.”
God can use anybody, believer or nonbeliever.
The Purpose of The Church #5 “Evangelism”Rick Peterson
The Purpose of The Church #5 “Evangelism” Jeffery Anselmi http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=60867&Sermon%20The%20Purpose%20of%20The%20Church-%20Evangelism%20by%20Jeffery%20Anselmi
Chapters 2 & 3 of the teaching series on the Bible Book of Revelation.
Notes are mostly adapted from Gorden Ferguson’s Revelation Series, “Death before Denial”
This is a slideshow of some of the prophecy illustrations from our website - http://SanctuaryofYeshua.wordpress.com.
You can go there to learn more about the Bible prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and about the Sanctuary, or Tabernacle. The fact that the Bible prophecies have been so accurately fulfilled by history shows that the prophecies which apply to the future will also be very exactly fulfilled. You will find much more about this o the website, as well as an illustrated timeline of all the prophecies in Daniel and Revelation so you can see visually how and when they were/are going to be fulfilled.
Palm Sunday sermon - 4 Essentials to worshiping God. Understand that God deserves to be worshiped. We were created to worship. We must worship Jesus as both Savior and Lord. We must worship God with our whole lives.
The church at Ephesus "the loveless church" the church at Smyrna "the resilient church" the church at Pergamum "the compromising church" The church at Thyatira "the corrupt church!"
Tomorrow we are starting a new series of study:
“The New Man” is a seminar that will focus on the spirit of man, its soul and its body.
We will learn the properties of each one of these three parts of man.
Our spirit is called to be the ruling part of us, actually, our spirit is the main part of our being, and is the place where the spirit of God dwells in.
We meet in Room #3 at CTF Toronto Wednesdays from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. I invite you to come and participate with us in this discovery of how to let our spirit become the ruler of our life.
What is unique about the "great tribulation" to the typical trials of life or the holocaust and other cataclysms and tribulations? When will it occur? Why? Is there hope? How should those who identify with Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and have His Spirit dwelling within them respond?
Make Me A Servant
Make me a servant Lord, make me like you
For you are a servant, make me one, too.
Make me a servant, do what you must do
To make me a servant, make me like you.
To love my brother, to serve like you do.
I humble my spirit, I bow before yo.
And through my service, I'll be just like you.
So make me a servant, make me like you.
Open my hands Lord and teach me to share
Open my heart Lord and teach me to care,
For service to others is service to you.
Make me a servant, make me like you.
God gave us His Word for a purpose. God wants us to be with Him in heaven. To do this we must change from serving Satan to serving God. God gave His Word so we would know how to live our lives. God gave His Word so we would change.
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
We can use the power of the blood of Jesus for our benefit. Claiming His blood daily, builds up a shield of protection around you, your household and your ministry.
This sermon will look at Jesus' letter to the church at Philadelphia in Revelation 3. This is one of the two churches that received no word of rebuke from Jesus, only commendation. It was a persevering church. Jesus lavishes great promises on this church, including a new name and that they would be spiritual pillars of the church.
Palm Sunday sermon - 4 Essentials to worshiping God. Understand that God deserves to be worshiped. We were created to worship. We must worship Jesus as both Savior and Lord. We must worship God with our whole lives.
The church at Ephesus "the loveless church" the church at Smyrna "the resilient church" the church at Pergamum "the compromising church" The church at Thyatira "the corrupt church!"
Tomorrow we are starting a new series of study:
“The New Man” is a seminar that will focus on the spirit of man, its soul and its body.
We will learn the properties of each one of these three parts of man.
Our spirit is called to be the ruling part of us, actually, our spirit is the main part of our being, and is the place where the spirit of God dwells in.
We meet in Room #3 at CTF Toronto Wednesdays from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. I invite you to come and participate with us in this discovery of how to let our spirit become the ruler of our life.
What is unique about the "great tribulation" to the typical trials of life or the holocaust and other cataclysms and tribulations? When will it occur? Why? Is there hope? How should those who identify with Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and have His Spirit dwelling within them respond?
Make Me A Servant
Make me a servant Lord, make me like you
For you are a servant, make me one, too.
Make me a servant, do what you must do
To make me a servant, make me like you.
To love my brother, to serve like you do.
I humble my spirit, I bow before yo.
And through my service, I'll be just like you.
So make me a servant, make me like you.
Open my hands Lord and teach me to share
Open my heart Lord and teach me to care,
For service to others is service to you.
Make me a servant, make me like you.
God gave us His Word for a purpose. God wants us to be with Him in heaven. To do this we must change from serving Satan to serving God. God gave His Word so we would know how to live our lives. God gave His Word so we would change.
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
We can use the power of the blood of Jesus for our benefit. Claiming His blood daily, builds up a shield of protection around you, your household and your ministry.
This sermon will look at Jesus' letter to the church at Philadelphia in Revelation 3. This is one of the two churches that received no word of rebuke from Jesus, only commendation. It was a persevering church. Jesus lavishes great promises on this church, including a new name and that they would be spiritual pillars of the church.
Unfortunately, at times even a church can condone sexual immorality. It happens every day now as churches redefine and explain away God's definition of marriage. In his letter to the church of Thyatira, Jesus tells us how seriously he views us calling sin simply "alternative" or "acceptable" or "tolerant" views. In particular, pornography is destroying nations.
Teaching Elder Duke Shelley of Black Forest Chapel continues a series on Revelation. Part 14 explores further the letter to the Church at Philadelphia.
This presentation moves verse-by-verse through the first chapter of Revelation and sets the stage for Christ's seven letters to His seven churches of the ancient world.
Who was Jezebel (1 Kgs. 16:30-31; 18:4,19; 22:25-26; 2 Kgs. 9:22)? What are some examples of modern-day Jezebel’s in the church? What will be the results for her and for those who follow her if she continues in her lack of repentance? What lesson can we learn from this? What are some possible meanings to the phrase, “the deep things of Satan”? Give some examples of occultic beliefs and practices in "Christian" churches.
THE SEVEN PERSONALITIES IN THE CHURCH prt2
I. THYATIRA — The Open-Minded Man (REVELATION 2:18-29)
A. Advantages: (Rev 2:19)
1. A Worker,
2. A giver
3. A server
B. Disadvantages: (Rev 2:19)
1. A self-righteous worker
2. Acceptance of false doctrine (Rev 2:20)
3. Aphonic Religion (Revelation 2:20)
C. Remedies: (Rev 2:25)
1. Dedication
2. Diligence (Rev 2:26)
II. SARDIS — Rigid Man (REVELATION 3:1-6)
A. Advantages: (Rev 3:1, 4)
1. In the Right Family
B. Disadvantages: (Rev 3:2)
2. Work done for Man not God
C. Remedy: Rev 3:3
1. Remember
2. Retain
3. Repent
III. PHILADELPHIA — The Faithful (REVELATION 3:7-13)
A. Advantages: (Rev 3: 8-11)
• Respect God’s word as supreme,
B. Disadvantages: (Rev 3:8, 11)
1. Small strength
2. Easily taken advantage of
C. Remedy: (Rev 3:10)
• Follow God’s word with patience,
IV. LAODICEA — Common Christian- no extremes (REVELATION 3:14-22)
A. Advantages: (Rev 3: 15, 18, 20)
1. Does not go to extremes of evil,
2. Special investment offer
3. Gets a personal call from God he can understand
B. Disadvantages: (Rev 3:17)
• Sees no need to improve
C. Remedy: (Rev 3:19-20)
1. Repent
2. Listen for God’s voice
The Catholic Church is in the midst of a great crisis. In fact, many commentators in Catholic media are already saying that the Church is perhaps already in the midst of a de facto schism. On one side, you have high-ranking liberal prelates pushing for major changes in the Church: same-sex unions, cohabitation, contraception, tolerance towards abortion, and many others. On the other side, you have faithful Cardinals and bishops fighting to preserve the True Traditional teachings of the Catholic Church.
We are living in the midst of the Great Apostasy in the End Times foretold so long ago. We are living in the period of a massive loss of the True Faith, just prior to the Second Coming of Our Lord.
In this 3-day online conference, we will cover in extensive detail this prophesied Great Apostasy in the End Times.
This sermon focuses on Jesus' final letter to the churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2-3, the Church of Laodicea. This church receives no commendation from Jesus... just rebuke. He accuses the church of Laodicea of being lukewarm and having a useless form of Christianity.
Kingdom Building Seminar | 2013
"Conflict and Unity in God's Church"
November 9, 2013 at Hillsborough Baptist Church, NB
Talk: The Road Ahead
Speaker: Rev. Dr. John Weiler
To see the Slides from the presentation go to:
Sponsored by the Albert Association of Convention Baptist Churches (www.acbaptist.ca)
Bio:
John was born in Ontario and received Christ as Lord and Saviour through the witness of a godly mother and Christ-centered Church. Believing God called him to pastoral ministry he prepared at Ontario Bible College (Toronto, ON) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Deerfield, ILL, USA). John has served as Senior Pastor of churches in Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He served the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches as a Regional Minister in Eastern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island for over 12 years. After retiring from full time ministry in Dec. 2011 John has served as interim pastor in three churches. John married Jane in 1967. Their daughter is married to Geoff and they are serving in St Martins Baptist Church.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Prophecy of Enoch in Jude 14-16_.pptxStephen Palm
In Jude 14-16 Jude cites one of the most cryptic characters in the Book of Genesis, Enoch, the man who never died! Jude quotes Enoch, but the words are not found in Genesis nor anywhere else in the Bible. Jude is actually quoting from a pseudepigraphical book named 1 Enoch. In this sermon we will take a close look at Enoch, consider the way that biblical authors at times cited non-biblical books as illustrations and how Jude applied these words to the false teachers of our day.
Jude: The Acts of the Apostates: Waterless Clouds (vv.8-13).pptxStephen Palm
Jude continues to paint a portrait of false teachers by piling up Old Testament examples of rebels who rejected God-given authority. This week we will consider the bad example of Satan and three men he worked through: Cain, Balaam and Korah. These examples continue to help us identify what false teachers are like and how to quickly identify them.
Jude: The Acts of the Apostate: High Handed Sins (vv.5-7).pptxStephen Palm
One of the key characteristics of Jude as an author is that he frequently alludes to or directly quotes Old Testament texts. He assumes knowledge of these great stories of the Hebrew Scriptures and without some solid understanding of the Books of Moses, in particular, Jude is almost indecipherable.
In this sermon, we will use a category of sin described in the Book of Numbers, the High-Handed Sin, as a way of organizing Jude 5-7. The High-Handed sin is the sin of the apostate, those who raise their fists against God. Jude, who loves triads, will share three "high-handed sins" committed by unruly mobs. Each of these OT stories are intended to demonstrate the true severity and danger posed by false teachers. In the process of considering these background texts to Jude's words we will grapple with some of the most confusing and even unnerving texts of scripture. Prepare for a wild ride!
Jude: The Acts of the Apostates (Jude vv.1-4).pptxStephen Palm
In this sermon Pastor Ryan Shannon introduces a new sermon series on the Book of Jude entitled, "The Acts of the Apostates". Apostates are the earliest "deconversion" stories of the New Testament. These are false teachers who rejected a truth that they once felt some affinity towards. They preached another gospel and posed a great danger to the early church. Like the first century, the 21st century church faces this same real risk. False teachers are often attractive, charismatic and incredibly positive in their message. But they reject the hard teachings of Jesus and offer a message that offers affirmation without correction. There is nothing sadder than someone who believes a lie and stakes their eternal destiny on that lie that our sin is something God winks at. In this series we will learn the importance of discernment coupled with a bold commitment to stand up, stand out and stand firm for the gospel.
This sermon will explore the broad topic of bioethics from a Christian perspective. The sermon is organized around three points borrowed from bioethicist Dr. Nigel Cameron and Charles Colson: Taking Life, Making Life and Faking Life. We will observe how current innovations offer great hope for healing major diseases but also pose the risk of creating dystopic nightmare scenarios. We will see what God's Word has to say on these relevant topics.
This is the concluding message in the series Trivial Pursuits and the fifth message of "Meaningful Pursuits." This message considers the pursuit of obedience. Shockingly, the words "obey" and "obedience" are not found in all of Ecclesiastes. However, the concept appears in a variety of expressions such as Pleasing God, Doing good, Walking in the "Sight of the Eyes" and Keeping the Commandments. We will explore each of these key phrases and the texts in which they appear, and we will explore what "keeping the commandments" means for the New Covenant believer. We will also explore the "God-rail" of judgment and what the believer in Jesus can expect on the "Day of Judgment."
Meaningful Pursuits_The Fear of God.pptxStephen Palm
In Proverbs Solomon says that "The Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom." The idea of fearing God is peppered throughout Ecclesiastes. It is found in some texts that we have explored in this series and some that we have not. In this message we will bring five key texts concerning the Fear of God that identify five key reasons why we are wise to Fear Him. We will also investigate the Hebrew word that lies behind this concept of fear in order to gain a more accurate view of this important biblical concept.
This sermon is part of the Easter Apocalypse series in which we are looking forward to the Book of Revelations for a sense of the sequel to the Easter story, Jesus in Heaven and King of kings and Lord of lords. In this message we will contrast Jesus' "veiled glory" during His earthly ministry including his post-resurrection appearances and Jesus' full display of his glory in John's vision in Revelation chapter 1.
Today we launch our Easter series entitled "Easter Apocalypse". This Palm Sunday we are going to study a moment from the Book of Revelation where a great multitude, much larger than the crowd in Jerusalem, will worship Jesus, waving palm branches. This amazing moment is found in the seventh chapter of the Book of Revelation. We will look at the entire chapter with a special focus on the middle of the chapter where this scene plays out in heaven.
Ecclesiastes 4: The Pursuit of Companionship.pptxStephen Palm
In Ecclesiastes 4 we find another meaningful pursuit sandwiched between two meaningless pursuits, as is Solomon's style. The Meaningful Pursuit is the pursuit of companionship. This passage contains the great statement that a cord of three strands is not easily torn apart. We will explore the primary meaning in context and then explore an additional meaning that the n+1 formula in this text suggests, that the plus one is also a reference to God. He is the one who truly provides enduring strength to our human relationships, whether we are looking at a marriage or a friendship. Excluding God leaves us "under the sun" and fending for ourselves.
The Pursuit of God's Timetable_Ecclesiastes 3.pptxStephen Palm
This week marks the shift from Trivial Pursuits to Meaningful Pursuits. This week we will look at Pursuing God's Timetable, embracing God's understanding of time and eternity. However, we will see that the jaded side of Solomon continues to intersperse rain clouds of doubt and cynicism. He bears the spiritual and emotional scars of a man who spent too much time in Trivial and sinful pursuits.
Culture Clash_Reasserting the Gospel to a culture that wants to reshape its m...Stephen Palm
This sermon is entitled Reasserting the Gospel to a culture that wants to reshape its message. In this sermon we will look at some key aspects of the gospel which clash with our culture, 5 common distortions of the gospel and finally 3 biblical examples of how to contextualize the gospel without compromising or confusing its message.
The Pursuit of Self Sufficiency_Ecclesiastes 9:11-12.pptxStephen Palm
In Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 Solomon bemoans how random chance falls upon mankind. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race. The smartest person doesn't always get the scholarship; life doesn't operate purely on the basis of fairness. The "under the sun" solution is self-reliance. In this sermon Mike Bealer demonstrates that the mathematics hard-baked into the universe suggest that God does not operate randomly. He creates a purposeful universe and one of His purposes is that we will rely upon Him rather than rely upon ourselves and our meager understanding of God's purpose and plan.
In this service, we will celebrate a child dedication. Then we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together, and finally believers baptism by immersion. Each section will include a brief devotional focusing on the scriptures that inform and inspire these practices of the Christian faith.
Trivial Pursuits - The Pursuit of Riches_Contentment.pptxStephen Palm
This sermon is a tag team preaching. Pastor Steve Palm will begin with the bad news concerning the "Trivial Pursuit of Riches" in Ecclesiastes 5:8-17. We will look at several active "taxes" that siphon wealth: the Corruption Tax, the Consumption Tax and the Calamity Tax. Those who love money struggle to have enough. Cole will preach on the flip side of the coin in Ecclesiastes 5:18-20. The answer to the love of money is not more money and things. The true answer is contentment.
The Pursuit of Worldly Pleasure_Ecclesiastes 2.pptxStephen Palm
In Ecclesiastes Chapter 2 Solomon is convinced that he can run a dangerous experiment, safe-guarded by his great wisdom. The experiment is to explore every conceivable pleasure taken to inconceivable extremes and yet be unscathed. However, the experiment goes badly and leaves him jaded and empty. In the last three verses he finally allows a little of God's light to shine through. In this sermon we will contrast Solomon's life of empty pursuits with Jesus' balance life. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and set us an example of how to live beyond the "daily grind."
The Pursuit of Worldly Wisdom_Ecclesiastes 1:1-18.pptxStephen Palm
The book of Ecclesiastes is one of the least taught least preached and least read books in the Bible. However, it has one of the most relevant messages for our day. It is a rich tapestry of opposing threads, horizontal threads of an "under the sun" perspective that is worldly-wise and vertical threads of an "under God's Heaven" perspective that reflects the wisdom of God. Which perspective you embrace will determine whether life is a chore or a blessing. Man's wisdom leads to meaninglessness. God's wisdom leads to significance and true joy.
Culture Clash_Antisemitism and the Abrahamic Covenant.pptxStephen Palm
Antisemitism has spiked by 400% in the United States since the beginning of the Hamas/Israel War. However, antisemitism, the hatred and persecution of Jews, has been spiking since 2017. Antisemitism has been described as a "light sleeper" that has awakened yet again. In this sermon, we will look at two definitions of antisemitism, explore the history of antisemitism including the history of Christian antisemitism and then explore what God has to say by examining the Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12, 15 and 17 and other prophetic texts. Pastor Steve will assert that the Abrahamic Covenant is an essential lens through which Bible-believers view history and current events. We will also learn what a "trope" is and then explore several insidious antisemitic tropes which are the fuel on the fire of antisemitism.
Christmas List - Jesus: Prioritizing Mission over Everything Else.pptxStephen Palm
4. Jesus: Prioritizing Mission over Everything Else. (Dec. 23 & 24) John 1:1-18
John’s gospel begins at an earlier point than the other gospels. Mark begins at Jesus’ baptism and adds nothing to the Christmas story. Matthew and Luke begin with the circumstances of Jesus’ humble birth. But John begins in Heaven with the story of the pre-incarnate Son of God. Heaven’s Prince was a partner with His Father in the work of Creation; “without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3). He was worshipped by angels and shared in the same divine essence possessed by the Father and the Holy Spirit. As the ancient creed says, “He was God of God, Light of light, true God of True God”. In order to accomplish His Father’s Redemptive Mission, to redeem mankind, he voluntarily chose to forego the heavenly privileges of his throne at His Father’s side, and came to earth, was confined to the womb of a young Jewish girl and then was born and placed in a feeding trough, likely in a cave used for birthing lambs. We know so little about Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men whom we have been studying. We are left with the challenge of piecing their lives together. But we have four gospels that describe the miraculous life of Jesus. We see through their four accounts a common picture of a man who consistently prioritized God’s Mission over everything else, culminating in His crucifixion and death. His was a hard life lived perfectly. The challenge before us is whether we will choose to accept His Great Co-Mission, to join Him in prioritizing serving God over security, reputation, comfort, and everything else this world esteems that God sees as less than?
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
10. Revelation 2
18 “And to the angel of the church in
Thyatira write: ‘The words of the
Son of God, who has eyes like a
flame of fire, and whose feet are
like burnished bronze.
11. Revelation 2
19 “‘I know your works, your love
and faith and service and patient
endurance, and that your latter
works exceed the first.
12. The Church in Thyatira faced a
difficult challenge!
•Pagan religions had penetrated and
pervaded the trade guilds.
•True Christians were in danger of
being black-balled in the
workplace.
13. Jesus commended the Thyatiran
believers for identifying themselves with
Him despite the consequences.
•Their faith was real.
•Their faith was tough.
•Their faith was growing.
17. Revelation 2
20 But I have this against you, that
you tolerate that woman Jezebel,
who calls herself a prophetess and
is teaching and seducing my
servants to practice sexual
immorality and to eat food
sacrificed to idols.
18. Revelation 2
21 I gave her time to repent, but she
refuses to repent of her sexual
immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw
her onto a sickbed, and those who
commit adultery with her I will
throw into great tribulation, unless
they repent of her works,
19. Revelation 2
23 and I will strike her children dead.
And all the churches will know that I
am he who searches mind and
heart, and I will give to each of you
according to your works.
20. Queen Jezebel •Key sponsor of
Baal cult.
•Ruthless
murderer
•Threatened
God’s prophets
with death.
21.
22. Revelation 2
24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira,
who do not hold this teaching, who
have not learned what some
call the deep things of Satan, to you
I say, I do not lay on you any other
burden.
23. 2 Peter 3
15 And count the patience of our
Lord as salvation, just as our
beloved brother Paul also wrote to
you according to the wisdom given
him,
24. 2 Peter 3
16 as he does in all his letters when
he speaks in them of these
matters. There are some things in
them that are hard to understand,
which the ignorant and unstable
twist to their own destruction, as
they do the other Scriptures.
25. 2 Peter 3
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing
this beforehand, take care that you
are not carried away with the error
of lawless people and lose your
own stability.
26. New Expressions of Antinomianism
“It is high time for the
church… to get back to
proclaiming the only
message that matters—and
the only message we have—
the Word about God’s one-
way love for sinners.
Tullian
Tchividjian
27. New Expressions of Antinomianism
It is time for us to abandon,
once for all, our play-it-safe
religion and get drunk on
grace. Two-hundred proof,
unflinching grace.
Tullian
Tchividjian
28. New Expressions of Antinomianism
It’s shocking and scary,
unnatural and
undomesticated, but it is
also the only thing that can
set us free and light the
church—and the world—on
fire.”
Tullian
Tchividjian
30. Revelation 2
24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira,
who do not hold this teaching, who
have not learned what some
call the deep things of Satan, to you
I say, I do not lay on you any other
burden.
31. Revelation 2
25 Only hold fast what you have until
I come. 26 The one who conquers
and who keeps my works until the
end, to him I will give authority over
the nations,
32. Revelation 2
27 and he will rule them with a rod
of iron, as when earthen pots are
broken in pieces, even as I myself
have received authority from my
Father.
33. Revelation 2
28 And I will give him the morning
star. 29 He who has an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit says to the
churches.’
34. Psalm 2: A Messianic Psalm
7 I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my
Son; today I have begotten you. 8
Ask of me, and I will make the
nations your heritage, and the ends
of the earth your possession.
35. Psalm 2
9 You shall break them
with a rod of iron and dash
them in pieces like a
potter’s vessel.”
36. The Star
"I see him, but not now; I behold
him, but not near; A star shall come
forth from Jacob, A scepter shall
rise from Israel, And shall crush
through the forehead of Moab, And
tear down all the sons of Sheth.
(Numbers 24:17)
Editor's Notes
The Church of Thyatira
The Church Under Pressure
“The longest and most difficult of the 7 letters is addressed to the least known, least important and least remarkable of the cities.”
Ruins along old Roman Road in Thyatira. Very little remains of this ancient city.
Thyatira was established as a military outpost by Seleucus I, one of Alexander the Great's five generals.
Thyatira had no natural fortifications. Thus, it relied exclusively on its army for its defense. This proved inadequate when they faced the superior army of Rome in 190 BC. Thyatira was defeated and ascribed to the loyalist kingdom of Pergamum, and later to the Roman province of Asia.
Pliny the Elder referred to “Thyatira and other unimportant cities.”
Thyatira was a union town!
There were more trade guilds in Thyatira than in any other town of its size in Asia.
From coins it is evident that guilds of bakers, bronze smiths, wool workers, potters, linen weavers and tanners were active in the city.
First Point
Jesus affirms the church that perseveres under pressure.
Revelation 2
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
The Church in Thyatira faced a difficult challenge!
Unfortunately for the Church at Thyatira, the pagan religions had penetrated and pervaded the trade guilds. Idolatry and religiously sanctioned immorality were an integral part of business. The key god was called Tyrimnos, and equivalent of the Greek Apollos, who was the son of Zeus.
3. Thus, the true Christian was in danger of being black-balled in the work-place.
4. To this city of Christians, in danger of losing their livelihood because they refused to worship the son of Zeus, the true Son of God speaks. He presents himself as the one having eyes of flame and legs of bronze, a picture of penetrating perception and limitless strength.
Jesus commended the Thyatiran believers for identifying themselves with Him despite the consequences.
1. Their faith was real. Faith is a nebulous thing. We cannot see faith. However, we can see the things which faith produces. Jesus commends this church for its deeds, deeds of Christian ministry.
2. Their faith was tough. They are commended for their perseverance.
3. Their faith was growing. Jesus remarks that their latter deeds were greater than the former. There is vitality in this church; a living church is a growing church. It stretches toward new and more difficult things. This church was not sitting in neutral, reminiscing on the exploits of the past, like so many churches that we know. They were pressing forward.
Illustration: Josef Tson's greatest lesson.
The communist government issued a new law that any children of Christian parents must either sign a document denying their faith and participate in atheistic instruction. Failure to do so would result in being black-balled from the universities. Thus, they would be destined for a life of poverty. Several of the young people in Josef's church at Oradeia asked him what to do. He perceived that their real question was "Pastor, what can you do for us?"
1. Despite the fact that he had no university age children, Josef took up their cause. He wrote letters to the Helsinki commission reporting this violation of human rights, and to a number of Western democracies. As a result, Josef was arrested, tortured, and stripped of his ministerial license.
2. After the initial torture, he was subjected to months of interrogation by a major in the army. Josef's initial response was to undergo these interrogations. For six months he preserved his life in this way, but lost all quality of life.
3. After these six months of interrogation, the Lord told Josef not to answer this man's questions. He came to the major and told him he would answer no more questions, but preferred to be "crushed." Initially, the major was enraged. However, later he was shamed by this man who was willing to die for his faith. Josef was released from the interrogations and permitted to preach, despite the fact that He had no license. In fact, he was more free than any licensed minister subject to constant scrutiny by the communist military.
Josef said that on that day he learned the lesson Jesus taught in Matthew 16:25:
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Second Point
Jesus sternly warns those within the church who tolerate evil.
20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,
23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
Queen Jezebel
Key sponsor of Baal cult.
Ruthless murderer
Threatened God’s prophets with death.
Persuasive teacher misleading her church.
Pagan meals.
Orgies.
Jezebel had been given time to repent, but her time had run out. She would soon be cast into bed, not the bed of her immorality, but the bed of disease.
The "John's" of this spiritual prostitute are threatened a great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.
The harshest threat is spoken to her children, those from the church who had followed her into paganism and immorality. In the Greek, it says, they will be killed with death.
This redundancy is a Hebraism meaning to "slay utterly." The Lord may have intended for his audience to recall the story of the death of Ahab and Jezebel's sons. In II Kings 10 we are told that the 70 sons of Ahab were beheaded by the elders of Samaria, who then put the heads in baskets and presented them to Ahab's enemy, Jehu. Perhaps the Lord intended this image. If you do not repent of Jezebel's sin, your heads will be in the basket.
24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden.
2 Peter 3
15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
New Expressions of Antinomianism
“It is high time for the church… to get back to proclaiming the only message that matters—and the only message we have—the Word about God’s one-way love for sinners.
It is time for us to abandon, once for all, our play-it-safe religion and get drunk on grace. Two-hundred proof, unflinching grace.
It’s shocking and scary, unnatural and undomesticated, but it is also the only thing that can set us free and light the church—and the world—on fire.”
Third Point:
Jesus promises those within the church that resist evil a place of authority at His side.
In order to rule with Christ we must be uncompromising in our allegiance to Him.
24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden.
25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,
27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’