Hebrews 3 pt 2 – Finish well by faith

Today’s message from the heart of Hebrews 3 brings us God’s admonition to Finish Well by Faith, recognizing that after Christ has saved us, subsequent unbelief is a wicked act by those deceived by sin. And while our justification and eternal life cannot be lost, there is much to lose in this life and the next if we don’t trust and obey.

What the Spirit says VII – Laodicea, the apostate church

Revelation 3:14-22

Christ’s letter to the church of Laodicea shows He has tested a church in the latter days that thought that since it was rich and strong in the ways the world would define riches and strength, that they were His representatives on earth. The letter would shock them to learn they were destitute, sick and lame, and Christ Himself had been banished to the outside. He wished they were cold like the false pagan religions, instead of lukewarm—something that looks kind of like His followers but unsaved, apostate. While this church (which could be identified as the vatican and eastern orthodoxy in our generation) had dismissed Him from their presence, He still called them to repent, promising that any individual dying spiritually within the church’s walls for lack of knowing Christ at all, could hear His voice of invitation, open the door of their heart to Him, and He would save and have fellowship with them despite the fact that they might be alone with Him leaving most of the false church that raised them behind. What’s more, He promises those individuals who wake up, hear His voice (from the Bible), believe on Him, and fellowship with Him from that day on, that they will join all His faithful disciples in not just eternal life but reward in His kingdom.

The sermon video also includes a closing worship song at the end.

Worship songs from our church

My wife leads worship at the church I pastor here in Cluj, Romania.
Here’s a sampling of each of the songs from our worship service this past Sunday morning.
The last of the five songs is one she wrote, and it proclaims, “Your blood has saved me/ Your blood has cleansed me/ I’m cleansed, guiltless, spotless, before You!”

What the Spirit says VI – Philadelphia, the missionary church

Jesus provides strong encouragement to churches and Christians who are weak and feeling like their ministry life is inconsequential in this letter to the church of Philadelphia. By focusing on Who He is and the great power He holds to open opportunities for us, we can live fruitfully and be greatly rewarded in His soon-coming kingdom. No obstacle of man can stop it from happening.

Thyatira, the church of Jezebel’s corruption (Revelation 2:18-29)

What the Spirit says to the Churches IV – Thyatira, the church of Jezebel’s corruption. In Christ’s fourth of seven letters to the churches in Revelation, He commends Thyatira for its growing dedication to good works of service in the world, but finds a disturbing and destructive trend in them that they allow and listen to false prophecy that opens the doors for idolatry and fornication. That comes with important lessons for us as Christians today. If you have an ear to hear, listen to what the Spirit says.

Letters to the churches: Pergamum, the compromised church

Revelation 2: Pergamum, the compromised church. In Christ’s third of seven letters to the churches, He addresses Pergamum, a church that does well what it does right, but is spiritually compromised by the religious culture of the world. We learn from it for today, as well as from the story of Balaam that Jesus references in correcting them. Instructions for a church serving in a city where Satan dwells and reigns.

What the Spirit says to the Churches II–Smyrna, the Persecuted Church

In the second of Jesus’ letters to the churches, we get instructions on His plan in persecution and encouragement to endure with full assurance of everything being made right in the end. Christ’s instructions may well be just what we need in the near future. Let’s make ready.

Messages on Love and Marriage

Here’s a three-sermon Biblical series summarizing the pre-marital counseling I give young couples. It also may prove helpful for couples later in life looking to improve and strengthen their marriage relationships.

Happy Valentine’s Day.