Sunday Re-Cap 02 May 2010

Jesus Christ: the Faithful and True Witness
By Pastor Abel Phillips

Revelation 2–3 reveals what Christ said to the seven churches, a select group in a circular loop. His message to them speaks across the centuries to us today.

• Ephesus, the careless church, left their first love. Christ said to them, “Come back to Me!”
• Smyrna, the crowned church, suffered persecution. Christ said to them, “Be
faithful to the end!”
• Pergamos, the compromising church, tolerated evil. Christ said to them, “Separate yourselves!”
• Thyatira, the corrupted church, joined the world. Christ said to them, “Divorce
yourself from the world!”
• Sardis, the feeble church, wasn’t on guard. Christ said to them, “Wake up before it is too late!”
• Philadelphia, the faithful church, was pleasing to God. Christ said to them, “Keep on keeping on!”
• Laodicea, the foolish church, needed nothing. Christ said to them, “Find what you need in Me!”

What He said to the seven churches also applies to individual Christians.
Therefore, I exhort you to ask the Lord Jesus to apply His letter to the seventh church to your own heart!

Rev 2:14“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
Faithful & True Witness = He is trust worthy/ in the totality of His life and words in His ways. He can be trusted & relied upon. Faithful means He is credible.

1. A Witness is an Observer
a) Jesus has seen the Glory and the Splendor of God.
b) Jesus has seen all the demonic and devilish intentions (Jn 10:10)
c) Jesus has seen all that is going on in the world.
d) Jesus has seen everything about us.

2. A Witness Speaks and Testifies
a). Jesus is a Trusted Speaker.
b). Jesus speaks what He has Observed from the Father.
c). Jesus speaks Clearly and Boldly.
d). Jesus’ testimony contains Spirit & life ( Jn 6:63)
e). Jesus’ words have penetrating power.

His speech is so powerful with this life giving source and so accurate with power of the spirit.
a) The Centurion – received the word and his servant was healed.
b) The Disciples saw even the storm obey his words and became calm.
c) Doubting Thomas – life was changed the moment he heard the Lord spoke to him.
d) The disciples- at his words let their net on the side of the boat and experienced a great catch.

WHEN HE SAYS Come unto me you who are weary & heavy laden and I give you rest, let the penetrating power transform absolutely unload the burden we have been carrying.

WHEN HE SAYS- Trust in me, or WHEN HE SAYS Cast all your cares on Me; and let the penetrating power of the LORD come upon us.

So, let’s TRUST IN THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS and in His words/ promises today and experience the spirit led lives for His Glory! God Bless.