SOME THINGS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER - 10
Strength In Times Of Trouble. The Misunderstood Book Of Revelation. The Meaning Of Faithfulness
STRENGTH IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
“4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:4-6, KJV).
Loved ones, not the size of the struggle, but the strength of the mind determines whether we will be faithful to God. When trials and difficulties arise, the mind often grows weak. As one proverb says, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” A more modern version says, "If you give up when trouble comes, it shows that you have very little strength" (Proverbs 24:10).
So, the question is this: How Can The Christian Remain Strong When Troubles Come?
The apostle John wrote the book of Revelation to the seven churches in the region of Asia (Revelation 1:4). First Century New Testament Christians in that area were suffering persecution because of their faith. By means of a vision given to him by God, John showed these disciples that a greater battle was going on in the invisible, spiritual world.
The Christians were few in number, with limited resources. The Roman government appeared to have the upper hand. But this battle was weighted greatly in favor of the church of Christ. Their spiritual advantage was far greater than what their physical disadvantage appeared to be.
In the beginning of his letter, John reminded these Christians of three important spiritual facts that would help them to remain faithful to Jesus. Even in an age so far removed from theirs, remembering those facts will also keep our minds firm when we face trials.
1. Jesus is the One “that loved us" (Revelation 1:5). Suffering for the sake of the gospel should never cause us to doubt God's love for us. God's own Son suffered the horrible death of crucifixion in order to save many people. We may be sure, therefore, that when God allows His people to suffer it is in order that many may be saved.
2. Jesus is the One who (in His death) “washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Revelation 1:5). God has therefore forgiven our sins. Our sufferings should never cause us to doubt that we have been pardoned and welcomed back (reconciled – Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18) into God's fellowship.
At times, you might think that something you have done in the past still causes God to let you suffer. It is true, of course, that forgiveness often cannot remove the consequences of sin, but it does remove the guilt. The message revealed through John in Revelation is a reaffirmation to all Christians that forgiveness is real, even though we may undergo great trials.
3. Jesus has made us to be a kingdom of priests who serve God his Father (Revelation 1:6). When Jesus saved us at our baptism and added us to His church (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:47), we became a part of His spiritual kingdom (Colossians 1:13). This means we obey Him as LORD in everything. He is King, and we are His faithful subjects.
It also means that we work to build up His kingdom (cf. Matthew 16:19). John says that we serve God. His work is to save more and more people from sin (Luke 19:10). When we suffer persecution, we must remember that our work still must be done (Matthew 28:19-20). We cannot let our difficulties keep us from teaching others that only Jesus saves (Acts 4:12). In fact, we should expect to be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). Showing the power of God when we are under trials is a part of our work.
From the very beginning of his letter of Revelation, John shows us how to remain faithful when we are persecuted. He moves our attention away from ourselves. He directs our thoughts to the person of Christ. This apostle reminds us of Jesus' love, of His forgiveness of our sins, and of His call for us to serve God in His kingdom.
If we remember these things, we will be firm and strong to the very end. No problem, no matter how large, will be able to move us away from Christ.
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THE MISUNDERSTOOD BOOK OF REVELATION
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3, KJV).
Loved ones, God's last revelation to us in called Revelation. This last book of the Bible is unknown to many and misunderstood by many more. It is a shame it has become a paradise for fanatics, a playground for eccentrics, and charlatans calculate farfetched fantasies from its figurative language. Others tend to ignore it.
Our text says that those who read and hear the words of this prophecy, “and keep those things that are written in it," will be blessed (Revelation 1:3). Have you been missing this blessing?
Revelation is a book that tells of great rewards for the righteous. It gives the faithful Christian optimism. It also tells us that Christ knows of all our trials and works. He with us and expects us to trust Him as we overcome the physical and spiritual things of life (READ chapters 1-3). It may be dark now and a lot darker later, but you can know the final victory is already won in heaven, and you must simply CHOOSE WHOSE SIDE YOU ARE ON and live accordingly.
Much can be learned, in the brief 22 chapter Book of Revelation, about heaven and hell, Christ and Satan, good and evil. Christians can find great comfort in knowing that Christ has conquered earth, hell, and the grave, and is exalted on the right hand of God as King of kings and Lord of lords. IN Him, when we remain "faithful unto death, we will receive a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
Visualize what John saw. It is a series of moving pictures full of action and constantly changing scenes, each becoming more climactic. This cosmic drama involves the entire universe. The best of Cinerama or any other man-made pageant is cheesy in comparison. At first the plot appears to say that Satan is winning, but the ultimate ending shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that the faithful live happily ever after.
Notice the cast of millions. Hear the choral anthems that are even greater than Handel's Messiah. Christ's voice like a trumpet (Revelation 1:10) far surpasses anything Pete Fountain ever accomplished. Revelation 19:6 describes multitudes praising God with sounds like many waters and thundering saying, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." The total sound effects are superior to anything man will ever come up with, and the visuals are dazzling beyond comparison. Talk about a high! Drink deeply from Revelation's spiritual imagery. It is a masterpiece. When I read it carefully, I can hardly wait to get to my eternal home!
Use the entire Old and New Testament to help you correctly interpret every phrase and symbol. Do not get out on a weak limb of disastrous date-setting and speculative superstition that will put you into a box you cannot get out of without embarrassment. Do not add to or take away from the wonderful eternal words of this book (Revelation 22:18-19). Get the main theme and thrust of the revelation. In a movie you do not scrutinize every frame; you look for the overall message of the film.
Finally, know that Christ is pictured as being triumphant over all foes. That had meaning for the Christians in the 1st century, the 11th century, and in the 21st century, and for as long as God chooses to let this world last. Revelation Is For Christians Today.
For yourself, choose to remain true to our Lord through every difficulty Satan can hurl at you. Just read Revelation right and regularly. In doing so you will reap a rich reward.
https://edentoeden.wordpress.com/revelation-study/
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THE MEANING OF FAITHFULNESS
"It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2, KJV).
Loved ones, faithfulness is not an option. As Christians we have certain responsibilities, both as individuals and as a congregation. Our purpose as a church is evangelism (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16), followed closely by benevolence to the saints (Galatians 6:10). These responsibilities are of individual Christians, but also of congregations where a group of Christians work together.
When we speak of faithfulness, our text speaks of the individual as a steward of God's economy. Some seem to think faithfulness is nothing more than attending services. I heard of a man who had been active in a congregation by leading prayer, serving at the Lord's Table, etc., until it was discovered he had been involved in several love affairs. The person relating the story ended by stating, "And all the while he was a faithful member of the church." His thought equated attendance to being faithful.
Others think faithfulness involves attending the assemblies, but also involving oneself in some of the work of the church. Of course, we are commanded to "be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Is it not true, though, that one can do "many wonderful works" in Christ's name and still be lost (cf. Matthew 7:21-23)? Just because I preach from the pulpit and teach a Bible class is no guarantee that I am faithful.
It takes a complete life of action and attitude for one to be faithful. Jesus said our worship must be in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This involves actions as well as attitude. Someone once gave this illustration: A man attends all the assemblies, attends the Table, leads prayer, but does not teach. He says, I know I should teach. I have the ability; I just do not do it." He has the attitude but not the action (cf. James 4:17).
A second man attends, and does teach a Bible class, but says, "I do not care if I'm effective or not. I do not care if my students learn or not." He has the actions without the attitude. Neither is faithful according to Scripture.
Someone says, "Well, God knows I'm not perfect." We are not speaking of perfection, but faithfulness. My deceased wife and I were blessed to celebrate our 38th anniversary. In all of those years she never expected me to be perfect, but there was not one single day that she did not expect me to be faithful.
Jesus said, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Forgiven of every sin, one is perfect in God's sight. Even though we still make mistakes, God counts us as faithful. I cannot live perfection as did Christ, but I can be faithful. And being faithful in all we do, with a good and honest heart we "walk in the light as He is in the light ...then the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses [continues to cleanse] us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
We close with five questions that will help you determine your faithfulness. If you must answer NO to any, you fail the test of faithfulness.
1. Are you living daily for Jesus (see Revelation 2:10)?
2. Do you stand foursquare on the teachings of the Bible (see Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 28:19-20; 6:24; 1 Peter 1:5-11)?
3. Do you possess the spirit of obedience? Again, we are not speaking of perfection, but faithfulness. One must have the attitude of, "Speak, Lord, and I will obey your command."
4. Do you love the church for which Jesus died (Acts 20:28)? Test your answer by comparing your actions to Matthew 18:20 and Hebrews 10:25.
5. Are you trying to lead others to Christ? You may not have the ability to personally teach, but you can be instrumental in setting up studies for your preacher or another who is capable.
Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35) – 15 September 2026