King James Bible Study Devotional
For: Friday December 24, 2010
Message Title: Jesus is Knocking
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-24

Details of Today's Chapters: Dead churches, a pillar in the Temple of God, patient churches, lukewarm Christians, the seven Spirits of God, the Book of life, a new Jerusalem, and the Lamb.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
Many churches boast on teaching the doctrine of the Bible, but they do not do anything to set an example for the church. As Christian's we not only represent the church we represent Christ as He is the Church. Jesus continues to speak to the seven churches of Asia. The Church in Sardis could boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they stopped doing anything for God. “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. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” - Revelation 3:1-3.

This is an example of a church or person who teaches the Word of God, but does not follow what he teaches. If we preach the Word of God we must practice what we preach. I am a Sunday School teacher of kids 4-8 years of age, I must set an example for them to follow, if I do not do what I teach them then they will question why we even go to church and fall away from God before they reach high school. It is vital that we animate the word of God. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:17,26.

The Church in Philadelphia probably seemed weak and insignificant as far as the world was concerned, their number was small and they had only a little strength within the church, but Jesus commended their little bit of strength. “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...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth...Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” - Revelation 3:8,10,12.

All who remain faithful to Jesus no matter what they face, and this includes times when all we have is the strength to say "Help Me, Jesus" can find comfort and peace as they patiently await for things to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye and all whom have put their faith and trust in Him will be saved from all the deceitfulness and wickedness that Satan is going to place upon the people of the world. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” - Hebrews 12:1.

The church of the Laodiceans prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing. “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 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.

Jesus much rather us not be devoted to Him at all then to try fit Him into our schedule. If we want things to change in our lives it is time to take a serious look at how we are living them. If we are in anyway compromising our relationship with Jesus in order to satisfy the world things will never change. We can not compromise with the world in order to fit in or live in peace with those who do, there is going to be conflicts between believers and non-believers. I commend those whom are believers and are married to or live with loved ones that are not, it takes a lot of strength to endure those kind of circumstances. However, unless things change you nor your family will get very far and you will never grow. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17.

Today, Jesus is still knocking on the doors of those whom have backslid, He is right there waiting for them to open the door. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:20,21.

Are you looking for Jesus? He is right there, waiting for you, He wants to help you with your burdens. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.

Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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