There are moments in life that never get old … Driving over the bridge to the beachside and seeing the ocean stretched out before me. Cruising down a country road lined with cotton, corn, and pastures, soaking in the beauty of creation. Catching a first glimpse of Augusta National in the spring – golf heaven … Continue reading Game of Thrones – Revelation 4:1-11
I was recently asked a question I hadn’t considered before: “What’s one thing you would like to see change at your church?”My answer was simple but weighty — I want to see the worship of our church become more consistently passionate. I want to hear the congregation sing. That might seem like a small thing, but … Continue reading The Revived Church – Revelation 3:1-6
In today’s culture, tolerance is often held up as the highest virtue. On the surface, that doesn’t seem so bad. Who wants to be harsh or hateful toward others, especially those with differing beliefs? Christians, in particular, are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Tolerance, in that light, can sound quite … Continue reading The Faithful Church – Revelation 2:18-29
Winter was coming. A hunter went into the woods, hoping to find a bear from which he could make a warm coat. As he quietly moved through the snow-covered forest, he spotted a bear coming toward him. He raised his gun and took aim. “Wait!” the bear said, “why do you want to shoot me?” … Continue reading The Compromising Church – Revelation 2:12-17
The goal of the Christian life is not to escape death—but to be faithful to Jesus. That’s a sobering statement. Yet it cuts through the distractions and comforts that often lull us into spiritual complacency. The church in Smyrna, one of the seven churches addressed by Jesus in Revelation 2, knew this all too well. … Continue reading The Persecuted Church – Revelation 2:8-11
In the bustling city of Ephesus, a thriving commercial hub at the intersection of major highways and home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, stood a church with an impressive pedigree. Founded by Paul, nurtured by Timothy, and likely shepherded by John, this congregation seemed to have it all. From the … Continue reading The Loveless Church – Revelation 2:1-7
MichaelStovall 