In Revelation 2:12-17, we meet the Church in Pergamum, a group of Christians that one has to admire for holding fast to the name of Jesus in a city that Jesus called “Satan’s throne,” and even after one of their number had been killed for his faith. Although they were steadfast in resisting outside attacks, they were less vigilant about the beliefs and practices of their own members, so Jesus urged them to repent by practicing church discipline, or else he would have to come and practice it himself. As with all the churches, he promised rich blessings for those who would hear his words and conquer by their faith.
The parable of the workers in the vineyard reminds us that entering the kingdom of God is not about our work but God’s generosity.
The conclusion to the first half of Ephesians is a prayer for believers to have strength to know Christ's love.
In the first of a two-part Christmas series, we studied the announcement in Luke 1:26-38 that the angel Gabriel made to Mary about the...