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Episodes
Sermons preached at the Hinckley Evangelical Free Church (Hinckley, MN)
Episodes
Monday Oct 03, 2016
Monday Oct 03, 2016
Letters to the Church: Thyatira
Revelation 2:18-29
Thyatira (v. 18a)
· Located on a vast plain
o The modern city of Akhisar
· Ancient defensive city for the kingdom of Pergamum
· Known for their trade guilds
o Lydia (Acts 16:14, 40)
o Including their metal working
A Vision of Jesus (v. 18b)
· Jesus is described as being the Son of God
o Having eyes of fire: All-knowing
o Feet of burnished bronze: Symbol of strength
· Daniel’s Ancient of Days (Dan. 10:6)
“I know…” (v. 19)
· Jesus commends the church for their:
o Love
o Faith
o Service
o Endurance
o Maturity: They had not become stagnant (2:4-5)
o But were growing in their relationship to Christ
“But I have this against you…” (v. 20-23)
· Thyatira’s sin was tolerance of false teaching and immorality
o Much like Pergamum
· This came via a false prophetess called ‘Jezebel’
o May be an allusion to Ahab’s wife who encourage idol worship and led Israel astray
· This represents the dangers of assimilating to the culture around us
· Jesus claims that judgment will come upon her and those who follow her
o Though He desires repentance (v. 21 & 22b)
o The result of such judgment is to act as an example to the Church (v. 23)
“But to the rest…” (v. 24-25)
· Jesus gives comfort to the faithful
o Who have not fallen under such false teaching
§ “Deep things of Satan”: Probably a reference to Jezebel’s teaching and/or Gnostic heresy
· He encourages them to continue doing the good work in which they have been growing
The Call to Conquer (v. 26-29)
· To those that persevere in their faith in Christ, Jesus offers:
o The authority to rule* with Him (see Ps 2:9; Isa 30:14; and Jer. 19:11; see also Mark 25:21; Rev. 20)
§ Sharing in Jesus’ authority from the Father
§ Rule: To shepherd or pastor
o The Morning Star: Jesus Himself (22:16)
So What?
· Are we assimilating to our culture?
o Going along with idolatry and immorality of the world around us
o Or are we acting as lights in the darkness?
· Are we letting Jesus prepare us to shepherd like He does?
· Do we live like Jesus Himself is our great reward?
Meditation Verse: Revelation 2:28
Monday Sep 26, 2016
Monday Sep 26, 2016
Letters to the Church: Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17
Pergamum (v. 12a)
· Located about 10 miles inland from the Mediterranean
· Contained an ancient citadel and fortress
· Atop the citadel was the temple to “Zeus the Savior”
o Also known as the throne of the city
· It also contained the temple to “Aesculapius the Savior”
o The Greek god of healing
o Which included a hospital
o And a doctrine of personal salvation
A Vision of Jesus (v. 12b)
· Jesus describes Himself as having a “sharp two-edged sword”
o A reference to His role as conqueror (see 1:16; 2:16)
“I know…” (v. 13)
· Jesus assures the Church that He understands their circumstances
· They dwell where “Satan’s throne” is
o Possibly a reference to the temple to Zeus or Aesculapius
· Yet, they remain true to their faith in Christ
o With some (Antipas) even dying as a result
“But I have this against you…” (v. 14-16)
· Yet, Jesus reprimands the Church for a few things
· They have some in their midst who have fallen under false teaching
o Balaam (see Num. 22-24; 31:15-16)
§ Eating food sacrificed to idols & engaging in sexual immorality
o The Nicolatians
§ Possibly a form of Gnosticism
• Salvation through secret knowledge
§ And/or a group of false Apostles
· Jesus’ concern is not just with Orthodoxy, but with Orthopraxy
o Orthodoxy: Right belief
o Orthopraxy: Right practice
The Call to Conquer (v. 17)
· Jesus promises that those who overcome by persevering in their faith in Him will receive:
o Hidden manna: God’s provision (see Ex. 16:32-34)
o White stone: May be a reference to the stone used in a vote of acquittal (see Acts 26:10)
§ Or a reference to an invitation to the Jesus’ banquet (see 19:9)
§ Or to being a stone in the Temple of God (see 3:12)
• White marble was only found in temples in Pergamum
o New name: Either a reference to believer’s new identity in Christ
§ Or the name of Jesus Himself (see 3:12; 14:1; 19:12; 22:4)
So What?
· Are we known for our orthodoxy & orthopraxy?
· Is our identity found in Christ?
Meditation Verse: Revelation 2:17
Monday Sep 19, 2016
Monday Sep 19, 2016
Letters to the Church: Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11
Smyrna (v. 8a)
· A major city in Asia Minor
o Ismir, the third largest city in modern Turkey, is built on the rubble of ancient Smyrna
· Contains a protected harbor and was built upon the slopes of Mount Pagus
· Contained temples to Cybele, Apollo, Aesculapius, Aphrodite, and Zeus
· It was the center of Imperial worship for all Asia
A Vision of Jesus (v. 8b)
· Jesus describes Himself as “the First and the Last” (see Rev. 1:8, 21:6; 22:13)
o A reference to His eternal nature
o Which stands against the temporality of the Church’s suffering
· He is the one who ‘has become dead’ and lives again
o A reference to His ultimate victory
o One in which the Church will share (v. 11b)
“I know…” (v. 9)
· Jesus commends the Smyrnan Christians for their:
o Endurance under persecution
o Perspective in their poverty
§ Because they are rich in Christ
o Fortitude while being slandered
· “Synagogue of Satan”
o Possibly a reference to the “Curse of the Minim” (c. 90 AD), which expelled Jewish Christians from synagogues
Encouragement (v. 10)
· This letter has no correction
· But rather, an encouragement to continue to endure under the growing hardships the Church will face
o Including imprisonment
o And even death
§ Gladiator games
§ Martyrdom of Polycarp (Feb. 23, AD 155)
The Call to Conquer (v. 11)
· Those who endure such tribulation will experience need not fear death
o Because Jesus has conquered it
So What?
· Are we known for our faithful endurance? Have we ever really experienced tribulation?
Meditation Verse: Revelation 2:11
Monday Sep 12, 2016
Monday Sep 12, 2016
Letters to the Church: Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-7
Ephesus (v. 1a)
· City on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea
· Center for commerce
· Center for the Imperial Cult and the Temple of Artemis
· Center for the spread of the Gospel in Asia Minor (see Acts 18-20; Ephesians)
o Also closest city to Patmos, the island where John wrote Revelation (Rev. 1:9)
A Vision of Jesus (v. 1b)
· Jesus is portrayed as being holding the churches in His right hand and walking among them
o A symbol of both His power and His presence
“I know…” (v. 2-3)
· Jesus commends the Ephesians for:
o Their hard work
o Their patient endurance
o Their impatience for evil
o Their sound doctrine
§ Especially by testing those who would claim to be in authority
· The Nicolaitans (v. 6)
· Would Jesus commend us for these things?
“This I have against you…” (v. 4-5)
· The Ephesians have lost sight of their first love
o This may be a reference to love for:
§ God Himself
§ One another
§ The Lost
· They are called to return to the basics
· They lost their focus
o Have we?
The Call to Conquer (v. 7)
· The Ephesians are called to conquer* through truth, unity & love
o Conquer: a play on the name ‘Nicolaitan’
§ Not conquering people
§ Conquering lies, division and apathy
So What?
· How are we doing as a church? Have we lost our focus on loving God, each other, and the lost? Are we defined by truth, unity and love?
Meditation Verse: Revelation 2:4-5a
Wednesday Sep 07, 2016
Wednesday Sep 07, 2016
Chasing the Wind: The End of the Matter
Ecclesiastes 11 & 12
Invest Wisely (11:1-8)
· Solomon commends us to divest our interests (v. 1-2, 6)
o Both financially and otherwise
· Because life is unpredictable & uncontrollable at times
o Like the rain and the wind (v. 3-4)
o Like how a child is formed in the womb (v. 5a)
o Mysterious and perhaps unknowable
· But these reflect the way God works in the world (v. 5b)
o Thus, we should invest in eternal things
· We should not waste time worrying about what might happen (v. 4)
o But rather deal with things as they are
· Thus, we should live life to the fullest (v. 7-8a)
o While remaining aware of the risks (v. 8b)
On Aging, Death & Contentment (11:9-12:7)
· Solomon encourages us to enjoy life while we can
o To make the most of opportunities (v. 9a)
· While remaining aware of our standing before God (v. 9b)
o Thus, we ought to live with eternity in mind (v. 10a)
§ In a way that pleases God
§ And gives freedom from stress
· He reminds us that our youth is fleeting (v. 10b-12:7)
o Using various illusions to the process of aging (loss of eyesight, hearing, teeth, strength, sexual desire)
· These are the reflections of an aged man who lives with regrets
o His advice: Make God honoring choices now, so you have nothing to regret later
The End of the Matter (12:8-14)
· Solomon concludes by repeated his call of hebel (vanity)
· He reflects on his own desire to share wisdom (v. 9-10)
· Claiming that wisdom is meant to move us forward (goads), and anchor us (nails) (v. 11)
o While coming from God alone (one Shepherd)
· But even wisdom has its limits and should be pursued in measure (v. 12)
· What is not hebel, what has real meaning is God alone (v. 13)
o Thus we should revere and love Him
o And live with eternity in mind (v. 14)
So What?
· Are we living wisely by making the most of opportunities and investing in eternity?
· Are we finding our life’s meaning in God alone?
Meditation Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13
Wednesday Aug 31, 2016
Thursday Aug 25, 2016
Monday Aug 15, 2016
Monday Aug 15, 2016
Chasing the Wind: Wisdom & Politics
Ecclesiastes 9:18b-10:20
Wisdom & Folly (9:18b-10:7)
· Solomon continues his reflection on wisdom
o Where earlier it was better than strength (9:13-18a)
o Now it shown that even a little folly can ruin great wisdom (9:18b-10:1)
· Foolishness will always be found out (10:3)
o Though it can rise to great position (10:4-7)
o Slaves/princes: Not a comment on social status
§ But one’s moral character
On Schemes (10:8-11)
· Solomon uses metaphors to describe the pitfalls of scheming
· Those who seek gain by evil schemes find that they often backfire on them (v. 8)
· But even the hard work of the wise can cause them harm (v. 9)
o But these dangers can be minimized by preparation and foresight (v. 10-11)
On Counsel (10:12-15)
· The wise use their words to benefit others and themselves (v. 12a)
o And keeps their words few
· The foolish use their words to benefit only themselves (v. 12b-15)
o And they use many words, thus multiplying their foolishness
o They do not have true insight to give
§ Not even directions to town (v. 15b)
On Rulers (10:16-20)
· The mark of good leader is their wisdom
· Those who have no self-control and act childish will ruin the land
o Child/Princes & Nobility: Again, not a comment on social status
§ But one’s moral character
· Solomon’s comments on sloth is both personal and national (v. 18)
o When we are unwilling to do hard work, our household/nation suffers
· “People prepare food for pleasure, and wine makes life joyful, but money pays for both.” (v. 19)
o “The point is that at least some money is essential for enjoying life, and steps must therefore be taken to ensure that the economy (be it national or personal) is sound.” –Duane Garrett
· Because of one’s connection to the state of the nation
o We should be cautious in how we speak of those in positions of power (v. 20)
§ Even in private, since we don’t know who may hear
So What?
· Are we seeking wisdom, and showing it in how we speak to others, or in what we do NOT say?
· Is our worldview bigger than our own life? Do we see how the fate of our nation affects us?
Meditation Verse: Ecclesiastes 10:12
Monday Aug 08, 2016
Monday Aug 08, 2016
Chasing the Wind: The Fate of All
Ecclesiastes 9:1-18a
On Death (v. 1-6)
· Reflecting on the unfathomable work of God, Solomon approaches the subject of death (8:15-17)
· Death is a certainty for all humanity (v. 2-3)
o Whether we are righteous or wicked
· Which seems evil at first glance
o One could think that death is an example of injustice
· However, death actually is the great equalizer (v. 6)
· Yet, life is better than death
o Because while we are alive, we have hope (v. 4)
On Life (v.7-12)
· The solution to the inevitability of death* is to enjoy life(v. 7-10)
o Because it is fleeting
o Sheol (v. 10): the grave, the place of the dead
§ Not hell
· We are called to be joyful and enjoy the blessings of God
o Including our spouses and family
o And our work
· Wise reflection also leads to the conclusion that our strengths and gifts do not assure success in life (v. 11-12)
o They will fade and fail us
· The only guarantee in life is that it will end in death
o This would be depressing, if death was the end
o But it is not!
Wisdom vs. Strength (v. 13-18a)
· Solomon reflects that wisdom is superior to strength
o Though, ironically we often refuse it
o Seeking it only when we are desperate
· We need to seek wisdom over strength
o And before we are in dire need
So What?
· Since life is fleeting, are we enjoying what blessings we have in the Lord?
· Are we seeking wisdom in times of peace; so that we can recall it during times of stress?
Meditation Verse: Ecclesiastes 9:10
Monday Aug 01, 2016
Monday Aug 01, 2016
Chasing the Wind: The Work of God
Ecclesiastes 8:1-17
Obey the King (v. 1-10a)
· Solomon advises us to remember how the world works
· Those in positions of authority are to be obeyed (Rom. 13:1-5*; see also 1 Pet. 2:13-15)
o Though not when they are in opposition to God’s explicit commands (See Ex. 1:17-21; Josh. 2:1-7; 1 Sam. 14:45; 1 Kings 18; Dan. 3; Dan. 6; Acts 4:19-21; 5:29; Rev. 13:15)
· However, Solomon advises that when they are in the wrong, we must be tactful and diplomatic (v. 3-4)
· And he reminds us that even kings’ powers are limited and fleeting (v. 6-9)
o And ultimately God will end the reign of tyrannical and self-righteous rulers (v. 10a)
On Injustice (v. 10b-15)
· Solomon reflects on the seeming injustice of this world
· When justice is delayed it can contribute to more sinfulness
· Likewise, the righteous can sometimes suffer
o While the wicked prosper
· However, one needs a long-term view (v. 13)
o Justice will be executed by God
o Thus it is best to live in reverence to Him
· This view can lead to an enjoyment of one’s life now (v. 15)
o Even in the midst of injustice
The Work of God (v. 15-17)
· Solomon concludes that despite one’s desire to gain wisdom and understanding, humans are limited
· We cannot fathom all that God is doing
o We cannot know the future
· Thus we need to trust Him
So What?
· When we experience injustice, it should act as a reminder that the world is not as it should be
· Do we trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see Him?
Meditation Verse: Ecclesiastes 8:17