Devotional

The Church


Acts 11:26 - And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.​​

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Foundation of the Church - the Family of God 


As instructed by Christ Jesus,


15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it


The Beginning of Christianity


The beginning of Christianity spread through the faith and oral

teachings of the Apostles and the celebration of the Memorial

of the Last Supper, the remembrance and renewal of deliverance

of His people thorough cross and resurrection of our Lord

Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, and continued through subsequent

Church leaders as described in the Acts of the Apostles, spreading

Christianity throughout the world.


PETER


Peter confessed to Jesus: "You are the Christ, Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:16).  Knowing that Jesus is the head of the body and church, also named Peter the "Rock,”  “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church” (v. 18). Jesus went further and promised to give Peter the “keys to the Kingdom of Heaven,” that is, authority to build the Church. Jesus also promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church because of Christ’s protection (read full scripture Matthew 16:13-18).

        

The risen Jesus spoke to a repentant Peter, who is filled with sorrow because of his triple denial of Christ, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Peter replied, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus repeated the question two more times, and Peter strongly professed his love. Each time Jesus commissioned him to feed his lambs and sheep, that is, the members of the Church. This scene complements the one in Matthew. There, Jesus called Peter to be the rock of the Church. Here, Christ summoned Peter to be a shepherd who loves Jesus and the Church’s people. Peter was one of the Twelve Apostles, all chosen by Jesus to be the foundation of his Church. (read full scripture John 21:15-17).


THE TWELVE DISCIPLES


The Holy Spirit appeared at Pentecost ten days after the Ascension of Jesus, to the Apostles and disciples in the Upper Room, and inspired them to proclaim the faith (Acts 1:13-2:4). The Twelve Apostles at the Pentecost were Peter, Andrew, James and John, Matthew, Philip, Thomas, Nathaniel Bartholomew, James son of Alpheus, Jude Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Matthias. This community of the followers of Jesus was the beginning of our Church. And continued with…


PAUL


A former persecutor of Christians converted on the road to Damascus when he saw the risen Christ (Acts 9:1-9) … became known as the apostle of the gentiles being first to introduce Christianity in Europe.



                                                  The Seven Churches


The letters to the seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 were real at the time that John the apostle was writing the book of Revelation. There is also spiritual significance for churches and believers today. The first purpose of the letters was to communicate with the churches and meet their needs at that time. The second purpose is to reveal seven different types of individuals and churches throughout history and instruct us in God's truth. Our focus should be on what message God is giving us through the seven churches:


(1) The Church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) 1st Love was the Church

• Acclamation: The church known for its works, labor and patience. Intolerant of the wicked and have tested false prophets and had perseverance.

• Jesus’s Rebuke: Although endured hardship for the sake of Jesus, yet had forsaken its first love.

• Jesus’ Counsel: Remember, repent and return to your first love and do the works that you had started.

• Reward: He who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the church. For him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the Tree of Life which is in the Paradise of God


(2) The Church of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) The church that remains faithful

• Acclamation: The church that would suffer persecution; known for its works, trials, spiritual riches even in poverty; blasphemy of false Jews

• Jesus’ Counsel: Do not fear suffering; remain faithful

• Reward: He who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the church. For him who overcomes, I will give you the crown of life. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all - Eternal life to ones faithful in death


(3) The Church of Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) The Church alive even in the midst of Paganism

• Acclamation: Works, living where Satan's throne, is has held to the Name of Jesus and faith even in the time of martyr

• Jesus’ Rebuke: There are one who works with doctrine of Balaam

• Jesus’ Counsel: The church needs to repent (2:16); or He will come and they will give the vengeance of his sword

• Reward: He who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the church. For him who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna, I will also give him a white stone with a name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

(4) The Church of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) The Church of Love and patience

• Acclamation: know your deeds, you works, love, service, faith, patience

• Jesus’ Rebuke: The church that had a false prophetess (2:20);

• Jesus’ Counsel: hold fast until I come

• Reward: He who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the church. For him who overcomes, I will give the right over the nations; He will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery just as I have received authority from my Father, I will give him the morning star


(5) The Church of Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) The church who was once vibrant and alive

• Acclamation: Have a few names undefiled; you were once alive in your ministries

• Jesus’ Rebuke: The church that had fallen asleep (3:2). Works imperfect

• Jesus’ Counsel: Remember what you have received, and heard, obey it and repent

• Reward: He who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the church. For him who overcomes, will be dressed in white and I will never blot out his name in the book of life but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.


(6) The Church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) The church who perseveres in Faith

• Acclamation: though little strength have kept God’s word and have not denied His name and have kept the command to persevere in faith

• Jesus’ Counsel: Hold on to what you have so that no one can take your crown. The Lord opens doors that no one can shut and shut where no one opens

• Reward: He who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the church. For him who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God; never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the City of my God, the New Jerusalem.


(7) The Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) The Church with lukewarm Faith

• Jesus’ Rebuke: The church with the lukewarm faith (3:16). You are comfortable in your life and have no needs…

• Jesus’ Counsel: For those I love, I rebuke and discipline – so be earnest and repent.

• Reward: He who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the church. For him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on the Throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his Throne.