Thyatira was a church that was steeped in sin. They had a female prophetess who unabashedly led the people into idolatry and sexual sin. While there were those in the church that rejected her false doctrines and lifestyle, the Elders of the church turned a blind eye to the sin. This warning from Jesus Christ goes to every church in every generation to rid sin from the church. A failure to do so will result in exacting judgment. The overcomers, however, will be rewarded beyond measure.
Pergamos was a city centered in pagan religion. The church there began to compromise with pagan beliefs which led to a stern rebuke by Jesus Christ. Today this message from Christ serves as a warning to our churches not to compromise with false teaching and sinful living. Those churches and believers who stay loyal to Christ will be rewarded greatly.
Smyrna was a church under heavy persecution in the first century. Christ commended them for enduring through the thick and thin. Today our churches are not facing this kind of tribulation yet, but many churches around the world are. This message will encourage believers to pray and support those persecuted churches since they as part of the body of Christ.
Jesus addresses the Church at Ephesus and commends them for their works and discernment. But He also reveals that they lost their first love for Him and they must repent. This is a warning to all churches of all time that we must keep our passion and zeal in loving the Lord our God supremely.
On his dying bed, David gives instructions to Solomon and anoints him as King of Israel. By doing this he puts down the rebellion of Adonijah and preserves the royal line through which the Messiah will come.
Near the end of his life David encourages his son to build the Temple for God and do it with a heart of gold. In this speech to Solomon and the nation of Israel, David models for us his own heart of generosity and love for God and His glory.
In this message we learn the importance of putting God at the center of our lives. David has a heart for God and demonstrated that by preparing Solomon to build the Temple. David models for us a heart of worship in reverence and awe.
David comes to his latter years and falls in pride. However, David is a man who could admit he was wrong and David repents of his sin and makes it right with God. This message will focus on what it means to be a humble person of God.
Getting weary is part of life under the sun. Believers face trials and tribulations just like unbelievers, but Jesus Christ has overcome the world. David is a model for believers to keep pushing on trusting God even when life continues to be difficult.