Will He Still Forgive Us?
"And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living."-Luke
15:13
Have you ever wondered whether God would forgive you or extend a second chance? Maybe you think that because of the sins you've committed perhaps you
have gone too far.
Jesus told the story of the prodigal son who ran away from home. He took the money he received through his inheritance and squandered it on prostitutes
and parties. Then, after the money ran out and his friends went away, the prodigal came to his senses and returned home. He was graciously welcomed back and forgiven by his father.
Jesus told this story to give us a picture of God. We are like that prodigal who has run away from God. But if we will turn from our sin and return to
Him, He will forgive us.
But what if, after a few months of being home, the prodigal son got tired of hanging around with his dad and told him, "I'm leaving again." Let's say
that he went out and did the same things again and then returned home. Do you think his father would have forgiven him a second time? Yes. But let's say he went out a third time and did it again. Do you think the prodigal would have been forgiven a third time?
Yes. What if he did it a fourth time? What if he did it a fifteenth time? Would he have been forgiven? Yes, yes, and yes.
In the same way, we might ask, "If we sin against God, will He forgive us?" Absolutely. What if we've blown it more than once? Will He still forgive us?
Yes. He will forgive us again, and again, and again.
No matter what you have done, no matter what sins you have committed, God stands ready to forgive you if you will come to Him.
"And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living."-Luke
15:13
Have you ever wondered whether God would forgive you or extend a second chance? Maybe you think that because of the sins you've committed perhaps you
have gone too far.
Jesus told the story of the prodigal son who ran away from home. He took the money he received through his inheritance and squandered it on prostitutes
and parties. Then, after the money ran out and his friends went away, the prodigal came to his senses and returned home. He was graciously welcomed back and forgiven by his father.
Jesus told this story to give us a picture of God. We are like that prodigal who has run away from God. But if we will turn from our sin and return to
Him, He will forgive us.
But what if, after a few months of being home, the prodigal son got tired of hanging around with his dad and told him, "I'm leaving again." Let's say
that he went out and did the same things again and then returned home. Do you think his father would have forgiven him a second time? Yes. But let's say he went out a third time and did it again. Do you think the prodigal would have been forgiven a third time?
Yes. What if he did it a fourth time? What if he did it a fifteenth time? Would he have been forgiven? Yes, yes, and yes.
In the same way, we might ask, "If we sin against God, will He forgive us?" Absolutely. What if we've blown it more than once? Will He still forgive us?
Yes. He will forgive us again, and again, and again.
No matter what you have done, no matter what sins you have committed, God stands ready to forgive you if you will come to Him.
The Trap of Discouragement
Habakkuk 1:2
Do you feel stuck in discouragement? If so, you are not alone.
At some point everyone experiences dashed hopes. Disappointment--an emotional response to a failed expectation--is the normal initial reaction. But allowed to linger, it can turn into discouragement, which hovers like a dense cloud. When that�s the case,
there is no sense of joy or contentment, no matter what you do.
The circumstances that trigger these emotions may be unavoidable, but the way we respond is a choice. We can either let sadness overwhelm our souls or face the situation with courage and bring it before the One who can help us.
Living in discouragement will divide the mind, making it hard to focus on anything besides our pain. Then as anger becomes habitual, we�ll look for someone to blame--whether God, people around us, or ourself.
Frustration that isn�t handled well may develop into depression, which in turn can estrange us from others--people do not enjoy the company of someone who�s bitter and defeated. This isolation leads to a low self-esteem. Finally, in a fog of discouragement,
we can make poor decisions based on crushed emotions instead of truth. Obviously, choosing this self-destructive path is not God�s best for our lives.
Though we�ll all face disappointment from time to time, believers are not to wallow in it. Instead, God wants us to trust Him with everything--even our unmet expectations and deepest sadnesses. Remember, there is divine purpose for everything He allows to
touch His children�s lives (Rom. 8:28).
Permissive Pergamos
�And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; . . . I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even
where Satan�s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith . . . . But I have a few things against thee.� (Revelation 2:12-14)
Retaining a clear identity as a church of the Lord Jesus in an evil environment is worthy of commendation. And indeed, this body of believers at Pergamos held fast to its Christian name�even in a city that was known (at least by God) as the place where Satan
had his �seat.� One of their members, Antipas, was killed for his faith. Yet, the church at Pergamos remained faithful with a spiritual testimony, a small light in a sea of wickedness.
But perhaps because of the pressure surrounding them, the Lord warned them that they were allowing two destructive doctrines to flourish among them. The first was compromising with �wages of unrighteousness,� exemplified by Balaam, which had become entrenched
among the church (2 Peter 2:15). The second was the �doctrine of the Nicolaitanes,� which their sister church in Ephesus also confronted (Revelation
2:15, 6).
Balaam was a well-known prophet who willingly accepted an assignment with an enemy of God�s people so that he could receive a large sum of money (Numbers
22). And, even though God would not permit Israel to be cursed, as the enemy wanted, Balaam continued to promote his �error,� and Israel lapsed into grave sin (Jude
1:11).
Not much is written in Scripture about the Nicolaitanes. The word basically means �conquer the people.� This early teaching developed into a strong hierarchy of church polity over the next decades, and by the end of the second century, it was well established
in the major cities. Jesus taught against such leadership (Matthew 20:26-27) and clearly said that He hated it (Revelation
2:6). HMM III
Dead 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.� (Revelation 3:1)
The church at Sardis received the saddest of the Lord�s seven letters in Revelation. Sardis seemed to want to remain known as a �live� church, but the Lord saw their real testimony and reputation and concluded that they were �dead.� Many such places around
the world today are enshrined with stained glass, statuary, crosses, and inscriptions that have the �name� of Christianity emblazoned throughout their property, yet they are dead spiritually. Such churches might be compared to the monuments and gravestones
erected in cemeteries to honor the memories of faithful men and women of past generations who were alive for a time with a solid reputation for godliness yet whose families have drifted away from the Lord.
Yet, �even in Sardis� there was a small number who had remained faithful in spite of the drift of the church itself, as there are also in families now adrift but with a Christian heritage. The advice to Sardis (and certainly to families as well) is this:
�Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent� (Revelation 3:3).
The Philippian church received the same counsel: �Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you� (Philippians
4:9). The verb is �do.� Heritage is wonderful, but each church�and each of us�will be held accountable for what is actually done. HMM III
Breaking Down the Faith Barrier
Exodus 4:1-13
A faith barrier is made up of attitudes that short-circuit our trust and prevent us from obeying the Lord's will. A negative self-image can hinder us in this way, as can ignorance of God's character and promises. Three other attitudes can also trip us up:
doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and fear of failure.
Moses doubted that the Israelites would believe he had been chosen by the Lord to lead them. But God graciously provided reassurance--in the form of evidence that He could accomplish everything He'd promised (Ex. 4:1-5). When doubt invades our minds, it
can be overcome with diligent study of Scripture and persistent prayer, which will dislodge uncertainty and replace it with biblical truth.
Moses wasn't eloquent, and a perceived lack of skill left him feeling inadequate for the job--he was afraid trying to speak would make him stumble. God patiently reassured him of divine help in that task. The Lord often chooses unlikely people to carry out
His plan because He looks at the heart, not human qualifications (1 Sam. 16:7). He can overcome all our inadequacies.
Sadly, Moses did not embrace what God promised but instead asked to be relieved of the assignment. A fear of failure can prevent us from saying yes to the Lord.
Carrying out God's will requires a heart that trusts Him, a soul that steps out in obedience, and a mind that leaves success or failure to Him. As we break down the faith barrier, we will be able to see the evidence of God's presence and power--and experience
the joy of obedience.
Tolerant Thyatira
�And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; . . . I know thy works, and charity, and service, and
faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee.� (Revelation 2:18-20)
The Lord Jesus� letter to the church at Thyatira is the longest among the seven recorded in Revelation. Although they were faithful in their works to the city, had a strong charity among themselves, and were evidently growing in their reputation and perhaps
even in number, the Lord Jesus used some very harsh language to rebuke their behavior.
Whether or not the woman who held influence in the church was actually named Jezebel, she had entrenched herself as a prophetess. Her namesake in the Old Testament (1 Kings) was the wicked queen and wife of King Ahab of Israel during the days of Elijah.
Her evil deeds are recorded throughout seven chapters�more than any other woman in Israel�s history!
The Jezebel of Thyatira had been allowed �to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols� (Revelation 2:20).
It is not clear if the Lord spoke of physical fornication among the church members, but the practice of sacrificing to idols was a serious rebellion against the second commandment and a clear violation of God�s Word (Exodus
20:4-5).
Those who were committing �adultery with her� (Revelation 2:22) had entered into �the depths of Satan� (Revelation
2:24). Whether this behavior was a physical practice or not (as was common among the pagan religions of the day), it is most certainly identified as spiritual adultery when those who name the name of Christ worship other gods (Jeremiah
3:1, 20;
Hosea 9:1; etc.). May God protect us from such horrible leadership. HMM III
Dangerous Assumptions - By Greg Laurie -www.harvest.org
The great evangelist Billy Sunday said the problem with a lot of people is they treat sin like a cream puff instead of a rattlesnake.
Have you ever seen a baby rattlesnake? They are actually kind of cute. They have a little snake body, a little rattler, and little fangs. Someone might
say, "Look at that little baby rattler. He's so cute."
Let me tell you something about that baby rattler. He might be smaller in size than an adult, but his venom is actually more potent, drop for drop, than
the venom of an adult rattlesnake. And if that little rattlesnake were to give you a little bite, you would die if you couldn't get to a doctor quickly.
Make no mistake about it. Sin is powerful. It is elusive. It is tricky. And it can appear so appealing on the outside. I have seen people who knew better,
Christians who have walked with the Lord for years and know His Word well, fall into sin and be deceived by it.
We must be very careful, especially when it comes to seemingly small sins in our estimation. Sometimes we look at something and say, "That isn't a big
deal. It's just a small sin. Surely it won't do that much harm in my life." Watch out. Dynamite comes in small packages.
We are told in Hebrews 3:12-14, "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort
one another daily, while it is called 'Today,' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end."
We must be careful and not let sin harden our hearts.
Strong Philadelphia
�And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; . . . I know thy works: behold, I have set before
thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.� (Revelation 3:7-8)
Philadelphia and Smryna are the only churches that did not receive warnings from the Lord in the seven letters recorded in Revelation. Philadelphia had �a little strength� because they had built their church on the two foundations of the Word of God and
the name of the Lord Jesus.
The foundation of Jesus Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation of the writings of the �apostles and prophets� (Ephesians
2:20) that are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) make the church �the pillar and ground of the truth� (1
Timothy 3:15). Philadelphia had faithfully held these eternal principles and was therefore given an �open door.�
The Lord�s introduction to Philadelphia cites the �Key of David,� suggesting a reference to the treasure house of the king (1 Kings 7:51) and to Christ�s
authority as the heir to the kingdom (Isaiah 22:22). The treasure of the eternal Kingdom is not physical riches but the gold, silver, and precious stones
of God-ordained work for the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).
But just as the talents and the pounds granted to the servants in the parables (Matthew 25;
Luke 19), the open door is an opportunity to use the resources of the King for His benefit�not a guarantee of success. The Lord grants the resources, but the work and the use of those resources are our responsibility. We will be held accountable.
If we use those resources well, even those of the �synagogue of Satan� will �come and worship� (Revelation 3:9) and �every tongue [will] confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father� (Philippians 2:11). HMM III
Hope for Prodigals
Habakkuk 1:2
Do you feel stuck in discouragement? If so, you are not alone.
At some point everyone experiences dashed hopes. Disappointment--an emotional response to a failed expectation--is the normal initial reaction. But allowed to linger, it can turn into discouragement, which hovers like a dense cloud. When that�s the case,
there is no sense of joy or contentment, no matter what you do.
The circumstances that trigger these emotions may be unavoidable, but the way we respond is a choice. We can either let sadness overwhelm our souls or face the situation with courage and bring it before the One who can help us.
Living in discouragement will divide the mind, making it hard to focus on anything besides our pain. Then as anger becomes habitual, we�ll look for someone to blame--whether God, people around us, or ourself.
Frustration that isn�t handled well may develop into depression, which in turn can estrange us from others--people do not enjoy the company of someone who�s bitter and defeated. This isolation leads to a low self-esteem. Finally, in a fog of discouragement,
we can make poor decisions based on crushed emotions instead of truth. Obviously, choosing this self-destructive path is not God�s best for our lives.
Though we�ll all face disappointment from time to time, believers are not to wallow in it. Instead, God wants us to trust Him with everything--even our unmet expectations and deepest sadnesses. Remember, there is divine purpose for everything He allows to
touch His children�s lives (Rom. 8:28).
Permissive Pergamos
�And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; . . . I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even
where Satan�s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith . . . . But I have a few things against thee.� (Revelation 2:12-14)
Retaining a clear identity as a church of the Lord Jesus in an evil environment is worthy of commendation. And indeed, this body of believers at Pergamos held fast to its Christian name�even in a city that was known (at least by God) as the place where Satan
had his �seat.� One of their members, Antipas, was killed for his faith. Yet, the church at Pergamos remained faithful with a spiritual testimony, a small light in a sea of wickedness.
But perhaps because of the pressure surrounding them, the Lord warned them that they were allowing two destructive doctrines to flourish among them. The first was compromising with �wages of unrighteousness,� exemplified by Balaam, which had become entrenched
among the church (2 Peter 2:15). The second was the �doctrine of the Nicolaitanes,� which their sister church in Ephesus also confronted (Revelation
2:15, 6).
Balaam was a well-known prophet who willingly accepted an assignment with an enemy of God�s people so that he could receive a large sum of money (Numbers
22). And, even though God would not permit Israel to be cursed, as the enemy wanted, Balaam continued to promote his �error,� and Israel lapsed into grave sin (Jude
1:11).
Not much is written in Scripture about the Nicolaitanes. The word basically means �conquer the people.� This early teaching developed into a strong hierarchy of church polity over the next decades, and by the end of the second century, it was well established
in the major cities. Jesus taught against such leadership (Matthew 20:26-27) and clearly said that He hated it (Revelation
2:6). HMM III
Faithful Smyrna
�And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; . . . I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty,
(but thou art rich) . . . . Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer . . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.� (Revelation
2:8-10)
The Lord Jesus recognized this struggling church, which is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament, as one of only two churches mentioned in the book of Revelation that did not receive any warning or condemnation.
He saw them very differently than our �church growth� movement might today. Many tend to envy the churches with big auditoriums or grand building programs. Most of the world praises those churches that are �emerging� from the restraints of godliness and churches
that are �driven� to attract and please the ungodly.
Smyrna was poor, troubled by those who hated God�s message, and suffered tribulation for their works. Some were thrown into prison for their willingness to be identified with the truth. Generations have passed since anything like that has happened to churches
in the Western world. Those countries that persecute Christians today seem only like scattered incidents that have little bearing on the day-to-day life of �civilized� nations. May God protect us from such attitudes.
But the One who walks among the �candlestick� churches of Revelation (His churches) saw Smyrna as rich and worthy of a crown of life. He praised this little church and encouraged them to remain �faithful unto death� (Revelation
2:10). When the King gives out His rewards from the great judgment seat, these faithful, poor, persecuted, troubled, and imprisoned souls will enter eternity with great riches and joyful liberty in the �general assembly and church of the firstborn� (Hebrews
12:23). HMM III
�And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; . . . I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty,
(but thou art rich) . . . . Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer . . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.� (Revelation
2:8-10)
The Lord Jesus recognized this struggling church, which is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament, as one of only two churches mentioned in the book of Revelation that did not receive any warning or condemnation.
He saw them very differently than our �church growth� movement might today. Many tend to envy the churches with big auditoriums or grand building programs. Most of the world praises those churches that are �emerging� from the restraints of godliness and churches
that are �driven� to attract and please the ungodly.
Smyrna was poor, troubled by those who hated God�s message, and suffered tribulation for their works. Some were thrown into prison for their willingness to be identified with the truth. Generations have passed since anything like that has happened to churches
in the Western world. Those countries that persecute Christians today seem only like scattered incidents that have little bearing on the day-to-day life of �civilized� nations. May God protect us from such attitudes.
But the One who walks among the �candlestick� churches of Revelation (His churches) saw Smyrna as rich and worthy of a crown of life. He praised this little church and encouraged them to remain �faithful unto death� (Revelation
2:10). When the King gives out His rewards from the great judgment seat, these faithful, poor, persecuted, troubled, and imprisoned souls will enter eternity with great riches and joyful liberty in the �general assembly and church of the firstborn� (Hebrews
12:23). HMM III
Dead 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.� (Revelation 3:1)
The church at Sardis received the saddest of the Lord�s seven letters in Revelation. Sardis seemed to want to remain known as a �live� church, but the Lord saw their real testimony and reputation and concluded that they were �dead.� Many such places around
the world today are enshrined with stained glass, statuary, crosses, and inscriptions that have the �name� of Christianity emblazoned throughout their property, yet they are dead spiritually. Such churches might be compared to the monuments and gravestones
erected in cemeteries to honor the memories of faithful men and women of past generations who were alive for a time with a solid reputation for godliness yet whose families have drifted away from the Lord.
Yet, �even in Sardis� there was a small number who had remained faithful in spite of the drift of the church itself, as there are also in families now adrift but with a Christian heritage. The advice to Sardis (and certainly to families as well) is this:
�Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent� (Revelation 3:3).
The Philippian church received the same counsel: �Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you� (Philippians
4:9). The verb is �do.� Heritage is wonderful, but each church�and each of us�will be held accountable for what is actually done. HMM III
Breaking Down the Faith Barrier
Exodus 4:1-13
A faith barrier is made up of attitudes that short-circuit our trust and prevent us from obeying the Lord's will. A negative self-image can hinder us in this way, as can ignorance of God's character and promises. Three other attitudes can also trip us up:
doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and fear of failure.
Moses doubted that the Israelites would believe he had been chosen by the Lord to lead them. But God graciously provided reassurance--in the form of evidence that He could accomplish everything He'd promised (Ex. 4:1-5). When doubt invades our minds, it
can be overcome with diligent study of Scripture and persistent prayer, which will dislodge uncertainty and replace it with biblical truth.
Moses wasn't eloquent, and a perceived lack of skill left him feeling inadequate for the job--he was afraid trying to speak would make him stumble. God patiently reassured him of divine help in that task. The Lord often chooses unlikely people to carry out
His plan because He looks at the heart, not human qualifications (1 Sam. 16:7). He can overcome all our inadequacies.
Sadly, Moses did not embrace what God promised but instead asked to be relieved of the assignment. A fear of failure can prevent us from saying yes to the Lord.
Carrying out God's will requires a heart that trusts Him, a soul that steps out in obedience, and a mind that leaves success or failure to Him. As we break down the faith barrier, we will be able to see the evidence of God's presence and power--and experience
the joy of obedience.
Tolerant Thyatira
�And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; . . . I know thy works, and charity, and service, and
faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee.� (Revelation 2:18-20)
The Lord Jesus� letter to the church at Thyatira is the longest among the seven recorded in Revelation. Although they were faithful in their works to the city, had a strong charity among themselves, and were evidently growing in their reputation and perhaps
even in number, the Lord Jesus used some very harsh language to rebuke their behavior.
Whether or not the woman who held influence in the church was actually named Jezebel, she had entrenched herself as a prophetess. Her namesake in the Old Testament (1 Kings) was the wicked queen and wife of King Ahab of Israel during the days of Elijah.
Her evil deeds are recorded throughout seven chapters�more than any other woman in Israel�s history!
The Jezebel of Thyatira had been allowed �to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols� (Revelation 2:20).
It is not clear if the Lord spoke of physical fornication among the church members, but the practice of sacrificing to idols was a serious rebellion against the second commandment and a clear violation of God�s Word (Exodus
20:4-5).
Those who were committing �adultery with her� (Revelation 2:22) had entered into �the depths of Satan� (Revelation
2:24). Whether this behavior was a physical practice or not (as was common among the pagan religions of the day), it is most certainly identified as spiritual adultery when those who name the name of Christ worship other gods (Jeremiah
3:1, 20;
Hosea 9:1; etc.). May God protect us from such horrible leadership. HMM III
Dangerous Assumptions - By Greg Laurie -www.harvest.org
"For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end." -Hebrews
3:14
3:14
The great evangelist Billy Sunday said the problem with a lot of people is they treat sin like a cream puff instead of a rattlesnake.
Have you ever seen a baby rattlesnake? They are actually kind of cute. They have a little snake body, a little rattler, and little fangs. Someone might
say, "Look at that little baby rattler. He's so cute."
Let me tell you something about that baby rattler. He might be smaller in size than an adult, but his venom is actually more potent, drop for drop, than
the venom of an adult rattlesnake. And if that little rattlesnake were to give you a little bite, you would die if you couldn't get to a doctor quickly.
Make no mistake about it. Sin is powerful. It is elusive. It is tricky. And it can appear so appealing on the outside. I have seen people who knew better,
Christians who have walked with the Lord for years and know His Word well, fall into sin and be deceived by it.
We must be very careful, especially when it comes to seemingly small sins in our estimation. Sometimes we look at something and say, "That isn't a big
deal. It's just a small sin. Surely it won't do that much harm in my life." Watch out. Dynamite comes in small packages.
We are told in Hebrews 3:12-14, "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort
one another daily, while it is called 'Today,' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end."
We must be careful and not let sin harden our hearts.
Strong Philadelphia
�And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; . . . I know thy works: behold, I have set before
thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.� (Revelation 3:7-8)
Philadelphia and Smryna are the only churches that did not receive warnings from the Lord in the seven letters recorded in Revelation. Philadelphia had �a little strength� because they had built their church on the two foundations of the Word of God and
the name of the Lord Jesus.
The foundation of Jesus Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation of the writings of the �apostles and prophets� (Ephesians
2:20) that are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) make the church �the pillar and ground of the truth� (1
Timothy 3:15). Philadelphia had faithfully held these eternal principles and was therefore given an �open door.�
The Lord�s introduction to Philadelphia cites the �Key of David,� suggesting a reference to the treasure house of the king (1 Kings 7:51) and to Christ�s
authority as the heir to the kingdom (Isaiah 22:22). The treasure of the eternal Kingdom is not physical riches but the gold, silver, and precious stones
of God-ordained work for the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).
But just as the talents and the pounds granted to the servants in the parables (Matthew 25;
Luke 19), the open door is an opportunity to use the resources of the King for His benefit�not a guarantee of success. The Lord grants the resources, but the work and the use of those resources are our responsibility. We will be held accountable.
If we use those resources well, even those of the �synagogue of Satan� will �come and worship� (Revelation 3:9) and �every tongue [will] confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father� (Philippians 2:11). HMM III
The Source of Our Adversity
Isaiah 45:5-10
When we experience hardships, we usually wonder why God allows these painful situations to come our way. It just doesn't seem to fit with His role as our loving heavenly Father. We struggle to reconcile our suffering with His love for us and His power to
prevent or stop it. In order to understand what's going on, we need to consider the possible sources of adversity.
A Fallen World: When sin entered the world, suffering came with it. God could have protected us from these harmful effects by making us like puppets who could not choose sin, but that would mean we'd also be unable to choose to love Him,
because love must be voluntary.
Our Own Doing: Sometimes we get ourselves into trouble with our foolish or sinful choices. If the Lord stepped in and rescued us from every negative consequence, we'd never grow into mature believers.
Satanic Attack: The Devil is our enemy. To hinder anything the Lord wants to do in and through believers, Satan will never cease to harass us. His goal is to destroy our lives and our testimonies, thereby making us weak and useless for God's
purposes.
God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, the Lord is in charge of all adversity that comes our way. To deny His involvement contradicts His power and sovereignty over creation.
For us to accept that God allows--or even sends--afflictions, we must see adversity from His perspective. Is your focus on the pain of your experience or on the Lord and His faithfulness? As believers, we're assured that no adversity comes our way unless
He can use it to achieve His good purposes.
Isaiah 45:5-10
When we experience hardships, we usually wonder why God allows these painful situations to come our way. It just doesn't seem to fit with His role as our loving heavenly Father. We struggle to reconcile our suffering with His love for us and His power to
prevent or stop it. In order to understand what's going on, we need to consider the possible sources of adversity.
A Fallen World: When sin entered the world, suffering came with it. God could have protected us from these harmful effects by making us like puppets who could not choose sin, but that would mean we'd also be unable to choose to love Him,
because love must be voluntary.
Our Own Doing: Sometimes we get ourselves into trouble with our foolish or sinful choices. If the Lord stepped in and rescued us from every negative consequence, we'd never grow into mature believers.
Satanic Attack: The Devil is our enemy. To hinder anything the Lord wants to do in and through believers, Satan will never cease to harass us. His goal is to destroy our lives and our testimonies, thereby making us weak and useless for God's
purposes.
God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, the Lord is in charge of all adversity that comes our way. To deny His involvement contradicts His power and sovereignty over creation.
For us to accept that God allows--or even sends--afflictions, we must see adversity from His perspective. Is your focus on the pain of your experience or on the Lord and His faithfulness? As believers, we're assured that no adversity comes our way unless
He can use it to achieve His good purposes.
Hope for Prodigals
"They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that
none of them were of us." -1 John 2:19
none of them were of us." -1 John 2:19
I remember when pot-bellied pigs were quite popular, and I knew someone who had one as a pet. He told me he would take his pig to the beach, but he had to put sunscreen
on him because pigs can get sunburned.
on him because pigs can get sunburned.
You could take a pig and shower him, put some nice cologne on him, and even make a little outfit for him. You could sit him down at your table and have a meal together.
But the first chance that pig gets, he will make a beeline from your dining room table back to the slop, because that is where he really wants to be. Why? Because he is a pig, and he wants to hang out with his pig friends and do pig things.
But the first chance that pig gets, he will make a beeline from your dining room table back to the slop, because that is where he really wants to be. Why? Because he is a pig, and he wants to hang out with his pig friends and do pig things.
In the same way, a prodigal always will return home, because a prodigal is a child of God who has gone astray. But a pig always will go back to his element.
We all know people who have supposedly fallen away from the Lord. Maybe we have seen them make a decision for Christ and even noticed some immediate changes in their lives-or
what appeared to be changes. Then a few weeks later they bailed. They threw in the towel and fell away. And we said, "That is so sad. They backslid."
what appeared to be changes. Then a few weeks later they bailed. They threw in the towel and fell away. And we said, "That is so sad. They backslid."
It just might be that many of these people never were true believers to begin with. A true believer always will come back home eventually. But a person who is not a true
believer never will. If they never come back, they never were true believers. If they do, they probably were.
believer never will. If they never come back, they never were true believers. If they do, they probably were.
There is a difference between the person who stumbles spiritually and wants to get up again and the person who could really care less. Which one are you?
Lukewarm
Laodicea
�And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; . . . I know thy works, that thou art neither
cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.� (Revelation 3:14-16)
Laodicea
�And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; . . . I know thy works, that thou art neither
cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.� (Revelation 3:14-16)
The Lord Jesus used intense language to rebuke this church, the last of the seven He had John write to in the book of Revelation. Laodicea was dangerously near the brink of being disavowed by He who is the Head of the
church.
church.
Such churches believe they �have need of nothing� (Revelation 3:17). Worldly wealth, extensive property, and popular
recognition blinded these members and their leaders to their true spiritual condition. They failed to understand that, from the Lord�s perspective, they are �wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked� (Revelation
3:17).
recognition blinded these members and their leaders to their true spiritual condition. They failed to understand that, from the Lord�s perspective, they are �wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked� (Revelation
3:17).
The cause of this terrible spiritual destitution is being spiritually tepid. It�s like expecting a glass of cold water or a cup of hot tea but finding everything at room temperature. This church �tasted� just like the
world around them. They were neither godly nor in rebellion�just �nice people� who blended in well with the community. Their spiritual reputation did not smell either like life or death (2
Corinthians 2:16).
world around them. They were neither godly nor in rebellion�just �nice people� who blended in well with the community. Their spiritual reputation did not smell either like life or death (2
Corinthians 2:16).
Despite the Lord�s distaste for such a condition, He loved and counseled them to �buy� from Him the gold of the Kingdom�s true wealth, righteous clothing that would cover their shameful exposure of worldly behavior,
and to anoint their spiritual eyes so that they could see eternal values rather than temporal things.
and to anoint their spiritual eyes so that they could see eternal values rather than temporal things.
As the Lord graciously closed His letter, He �stands at the door� of the church, waiting for anyone to open and let Him in (Revelation
3:20). Tepid spirituality keeps the Lord outside. What a shame that such could ever be said about any church. HMM III
3:20). Tepid spirituality keeps the Lord outside. What a shame that such could ever be said about any church. HMM III
Peace, Joy, and Contentment
Nehemiah 2:1-8
Discouragement can rob peace, joy, and contentment. But I have great news if you feel disheartened: You�re not stuck!
I�ve known people who appeared to be in an impossible situation. A few years later, however, they were in a terrific place, either in terms of their circumstances or their emotions. The reason? They never gave up. Instead of sulking in self-pity, they chose
to believe God, step out in faith, and climb out of the emotional pit.
Nehemiah is a good example. He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble. After receiving news that the city wall had been destroyed, this man of God acknowledged profound disappointment and grieved. Though pain flooded his soul,
he didn�t allow himself to stay in that low place. Instead, Nehemiah cried out to God, seeking direction.
Sadness in the presence of royalty was punishable by death. But the Lord answered Nehemiah�s prayer with amazing power, prompting the king to notice his servant�s sad countenance and then toask what he could do to help. This miracle led to the rebuilding
of the wall and the redemption of God�s people.
The Lord can take an impossible situation--no matter what it is--and move in ways mightier than you can imagine.
Do you live in eager expectation of what the Lord will do? Or have you chosen to linger in the depths of despair? Like Nehemiah, turn your disappointment into a petition for God�s help. He can restore your hope and prevent negative emotions from gaining
a stranglehold on your life.
God Shapes His Servants
Compassion matters to God. This is the time for service, not self-centeredness. Cancel the pity party. Love the people God brings to you. This test will be your testimony. Second Corinthians 1:4 reminds us, �God comes alongside us when we go through hard
times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who�s going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us� (MSG).
You didn�t sign up for this crash course in single parenting or caring for a disabled spouse, did you? No, God enrolled you. Why? So you can teach others what He has taught you. Rather than say, �God, why?� ask, �God, what?� What can I learn from this experience? Your
mess can become His message!
Developing Faith through Adversity
2 Corinthians 11:23-30
It doesn't seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn't just a question about Paul; it's an issue we face today.
In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from hardships, but He doesn't necessarily do so.
Maybe our reasoning is backwards. We think faithful Christians don't deserve to suffer, but from God's perspective, suffering is what produces faithful Christians. If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials, or pain, we'd never really know God,
because we'd never need Him. Like it or not, adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will.
I'm not saying we don't need to know Scripture; that's our foundation for faith. But if what we believe is never tested by adversity, it remains head knowledge. How will we ever know the Lord can be trusted in the midst of trouble if we've never been challenged
by hardship? God gives us opportunities to apply scriptural truths to the difficulties facing us, and in the process, we find Him faithful. For example, how would Paul ever have known the strength of Christ if he had never been weakened by pain, persecution,
and adversity?
Depending on your response, trials can be God's greatest means of building faith or an avenue to discouragement and self-pity. If you'll believe what Scripture says and apply its principles to your situation, your trust in God will grow, and your faith will
be strengthened through adversity.
Nehemiah 2:1-8
Discouragement can rob peace, joy, and contentment. But I have great news if you feel disheartened: You�re not stuck!
I�ve known people who appeared to be in an impossible situation. A few years later, however, they were in a terrific place, either in terms of their circumstances or their emotions. The reason? They never gave up. Instead of sulking in self-pity, they chose
to believe God, step out in faith, and climb out of the emotional pit.
Nehemiah is a good example. He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble. After receiving news that the city wall had been destroyed, this man of God acknowledged profound disappointment and grieved. Though pain flooded his soul,
he didn�t allow himself to stay in that low place. Instead, Nehemiah cried out to God, seeking direction.
Sadness in the presence of royalty was punishable by death. But the Lord answered Nehemiah�s prayer with amazing power, prompting the king to notice his servant�s sad countenance and then toask what he could do to help. This miracle led to the rebuilding
of the wall and the redemption of God�s people.
The Lord can take an impossible situation--no matter what it is--and move in ways mightier than you can imagine.
Do you live in eager expectation of what the Lord will do? Or have you chosen to linger in the depths of despair? Like Nehemiah, turn your disappointment into a petition for God�s help. He can restore your hope and prevent negative emotions from gaining
a stranglehold on your life.
God Shapes His Servants
Compassion matters to God. This is the time for service, not self-centeredness. Cancel the pity party. Love the people God brings to you. This test will be your testimony. Second Corinthians 1:4 reminds us, �God comes alongside us when we go through hard
times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who�s going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us� (MSG).
You didn�t sign up for this crash course in single parenting or caring for a disabled spouse, did you? No, God enrolled you. Why? So you can teach others what He has taught you. Rather than say, �God, why?� ask, �God, what?� What can I learn from this experience? Your
mess can become His message!
Developing Faith through Adversity
2 Corinthians 11:23-30
It doesn't seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn't just a question about Paul; it's an issue we face today.
In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from hardships, but He doesn't necessarily do so.
Maybe our reasoning is backwards. We think faithful Christians don't deserve to suffer, but from God's perspective, suffering is what produces faithful Christians. If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials, or pain, we'd never really know God,
because we'd never need Him. Like it or not, adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will.
I'm not saying we don't need to know Scripture; that's our foundation for faith. But if what we believe is never tested by adversity, it remains head knowledge. How will we ever know the Lord can be trusted in the midst of trouble if we've never been challenged
by hardship? God gives us opportunities to apply scriptural truths to the difficulties facing us, and in the process, we find Him faithful. For example, how would Paul ever have known the strength of Christ if he had never been weakened by pain, persecution,
and adversity?
Depending on your response, trials can be God's greatest means of building faith or an avenue to discouragement and self-pity. If you'll believe what Scripture says and apply its principles to your situation, your trust in God will grow, and your faith will
be strengthened through adversity.
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