Revelation 3:1 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. The seven spirits refers to the Holy Spirit (Revelation 1:4). This metaphor speaks to the deity and completeness of the Spirit, as well as His omnipresence. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:16) in connection to the church leadership. Jes

Revelation 2:18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: Thus says the Son of God, the one whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze In this letter to the church in Thyatira Jesus is called the Son of God. This title of Jesus is seen in the Gospels and speaks to His unique relationship with God the Father. This also alludes to Psalm 2 where as the King/Messiah He will rule and judge with great power and authority. Jesus is also described here

Revelation 2:8 Write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: Thus says the First and the Last, the one who was dead and came to life Jesus as the First and the Last is indeed the LORD, Himself (Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; 48:12). This speaks to His eternality, as well as His deity as God. Jesus as the one who was dead and came to life speaks to His resurrection from the dead during His earthly ministry. Thus, He alone is victorious over sin and death! Jesus comforts the church in Smyrn

Revelation 2:1 - Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus: Thus says the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands Jesus’ message to this first century church in Ephesus shares some important truths about His relationship to the church and His call of the church. Jesus is identified as “the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand” and also as the one “who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” The seven stars

Galatians 5:6 - For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love. Too often even those who profess to be Christians feel as though they must do a work or accomplish a task to please God. Here, the Apostle Paul reminds the believer that the only thing that matters is faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is the only thing that pleases God (see Hebrews 11:6). The Christians in Galatia were being persuaded that

Matthew 5:48 – Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect. One of the most common phrases we hear when someone does something wrong is, “No one is perfect.” Honestly, this is usually said when they want to be excused for their sin without repentance or taking personal responsibility. The first problem with this attitude is that it is wrong; Jesus was Perfect! The second problem is that it goes directly against what Christ has called us to do. Jesus makes this s

2 Corinthians 5:19 - That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Jesus’s life, death, burial, and resurrection was not just a great demonstration of God’s love for mankind. It was not just example of selflessness for us to follow. The finished work of Jesus Christ actually accomplished something, namely, the reconciliation of mankind back to God. In Genesis

John 19:30 - When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. One of the greatest moments in human history is found right here as Jesus died! This may sound crazy when you first read that sentence. But it’s true! When Jesus spoke the words “It is finished” as He died, at that moment the work of paying for the sins of the world was complete. Jesus lived the perfect, sinless life for me and you. And yet, while being

Matthew 4:19-20 - “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. The call to follow Jesus is Urgent! These disciples were professional fisherman, working their craft when they received the call to follow Jesus. Their call was to leave what they knew behind. This meant to leave their livelihood, their security and to trust Jesus with all of their provisions. Make special note of the word, “Immediately.” The

John 13:14 – “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” What an awesome lesson and display of humility and servanthood. John 13:4 is a very important verse in understanding the significance of Jesus’ actions. Jesus knew His relationship with the Father and that the Father had given all things to Jesus, and that He was going back to the Father, namely His ascension after His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Thus, J

Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 15: 5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing wi

John 10:9 – “I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.”