TH160211/The Problem with Compromise

Harvest messages are brought to you by harvest partners to receive free email daily devotions or to become a harvest partner, please visit us online@harvest.org tonight were in the book of Revelation.

So grab your Bible paying the hard rights go all the way to the end stopped just short of the table of contents in your there last book of the New Testament, the book of Revelation, not revelations, as many like to call it. Revelation in the title of my message is the problem with compromise artist story about a hunter who went out bear hunting so he had his high-powered rifle and he found an unsuspecting there because rifle up cockpit to carefully was just getting ready to squeeze the trigger when the bear turned around to him and in a soft, soothing voice said, isn't it better to talk than to shoot. This is a two-story, by the way there went on to say, tell me the hunter what is it you want the hunter said well I want to first focus on coal that you know what I want I want a full stomach. Maybe we can negotiate and read some kind of compromise. So the hunter left is rifle again, leaning against the tree in he disappeared into the forest with the bear some time elapsed in the bear emerged from the forest alone.

Apparently negotiations a been successful. The hunter God. His fur coat and the bear got his full stomach.

That's how compromise works especially when you compromise with the devil. You're always going to lose.

Now were looking at the book of Revelation together and usually when we think of this book we think of words like antichrist, Armageddon.

Of course the tribulation. The rapture and much more. And that's all here in the book of Revelation. And I remind you again that the word Revelation means the unveiling the uncovering the revealing. It is not God's desire to conceal, but to reveal but what is Revelation unveiling, but for starters it's revealing Jesus Christ it's the Revelation of Jesus Christ we see the Lord risen sovereign in control and in control of all things that are to come in.

That's very reassuring in this chaotic world were living in today with there seems to be no rhyme or reason to what is happening. God says I'm in control when you read the book of Revelation you see that a great detail, but that's not all that Revelation reveals it also reveals the future. Of course, things ever get to come.

But the book of Revelation. Allred also reveals us to us.

Let me explain.

In the first chapters of Revelation we have the message of Christ of the Severin different churches, starting with the church of Ephesus, ending with the church of Leon to see basically Jesus is speaking to his church, knowing God sees the nation and trouble. He always starts with his people. We all know second Chronicles 714 were God said to Israel if my people, which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land and in the same way when we look at America were in a political cycle, and so many people say they have the plan they have the solution. We know ultimately the only way America is going to turn around is not the way political solution, though there is a place for politics, but ultimately it has to be a spiritual solution and that means America needs to turn back to God. So Jesus addresses his words to the church before he talks to the world and all that's going to happen. He has a few things he wants to say to his church to listen to this Jesus Christ is really in to the church and if you believe in him, you should be into the church to not to say that but into it like I am passionate about the church. Some people say oh I'm so over the church. You know what I'm so over people who are over the church that I'm over people saying there over things, I kind of hate that expression 'shut up don't say that. Please just don't. But you can't be all over the church because Jesus is in love with the church and we are part of the church you know some people say what we need to re-envision the church for today or redefining the church for culture around us. No, I don't think we need to re-envision the church. I think we need to rediscover the church we don't have to redefine what God is already defined. In fact, in the first century.

The book of acts were looking at the church. The change the world.

Sometimes I wonder if the church is changing the world is changing the church today more than the church is changing the world. This is the church first century. The turn the world upside out they didn't have technology.

Thomas did not tweet.

Peter did not have a Facebook page called it on Instagram. There were no cell fees.

There was no television, there was no radio but in short order they change the world. And that's because they were dependent on the Holy Spirit now were looking at the words of Christ. Of the seven churches.

We've already looked into Ephesus and Smyrna Ephesus. In chapter 2 verses 1 to 7 is the church leaving its first love. This basically is the church that was one generation removed from the first church of the Church of the apostles themselves so John was still around.

He was sort of the last of the lot of the handpicked Disciples of Christ and and we had that church that is already beginning to relax its grip a little bit there, leaving their first love their their trading. Their passion for just passivity and their worship is being replaced by words there inspirations being replaced by perspiration and Jesus is a guys that I have this issue with you your leaving your first love into them.

He says, remember from where you fall in repent and do the first works quickly, so the 3Rs getting right with God. Remember, repent, and repeat that we looked at the church of Smyrna. Remember that the suffering church.

There was a time in the history of the church early on when the waves are persecution coming from the Roman empire against the followers of Jesus Christ thousands and thousands of Christians died for their faith and instead of weakening the church.

It actually strengthened the church the persecution initially led by Saul of Tarsus was later to be converted to become the great apostle Paul was spread out and in a way it was a good thing because it persecution did not come they might've just had a little holy huddle and kept it all themselves in Jerusalem, but because Saul was chasing them down.

They went everywhere, and wherever they went.

The gospel went with them. So the church was spreading out.

But here's what we learn from history the church when it's persecuted, get stronger, not weaker. And so God will use persecution for his own purposes for the double sizing this up and is realizing that he can't destroy the church persecution now as we come to these next two churches we see the devil changing his tactics.

He is not going to attack them. No from the outside, is now going to infiltrate. Listen, the devil is no fool, and he operates by the adage. If it can't be them, join them. So the enemy comes in through imitation know Jesus told a parable, we call it the parable of the weeds and the tears and it's a story of a farmer who planted wheat and in the evening. He had a neighbor who hated him and wanted him to fail and then they were planted a Darnell seed identified the Bible as a tear but it's a darn Elsey that next to the week. So when the Darnell seed begins to break ground and looks just like we but then a little bit later. It actually uproots the weed and it's really a form of a we and so we find the neighbor coming in sewing tares among the wheat, so the idea is, the devil comes in through infiltration anyone in this church right now. It's very possible, even probable that there are people here that you think are Christians you know they have the lingo down there of a fine looking Bible. They just seem like a wonderful Christian person but there putting on an act.

And if you're that person you know who you are perfect. Stand up if you would know but it happens. That's what we see happening here in the church of forgiveness and fire Tyra. The two churches were get a look at we see how these imitations are in the church and compromise takes place in the think is next to the genuine know when you see an imitation you know that there's a real genuine article there somewhere, but a story about a guy who bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas this but he said well that meant superexpensive gift.

He said the with Dr. Whitehorn in one of those really cool 4 x 4 vehicles that wedding you get are one of those guys that were McKenna find a fake Jeep and also so there's a fake next to the genuine right so we want to make sure of is that were not if a Christian is not our job to find out if somebody else is not a genuine believer.

We want us to question Amaya genuine believer. So here we come now to Revelation chapter 2 starting at verse 12 to the angel of the church in Pergamum's right these things saith he, who has the sharp two-edged sword.

I know your works where you draw were Satan's throne is you might underline that will come back to it and you hold fast to my name and you did not deny my faith even the days in which antibusiness was my faithful martyr who was killed among you were Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have those there who hold the doctrine of being limp, who taught Baylor to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, anything sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. Thus, you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicollet attends which things I hate repent. Jesus says Ross I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

He was in the air, let him hear what the Spirit says that the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat and I will giving him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except him who receives it. There. Now the church of Pergamum's was located in Pergamum, which at this time was the capital of Asia. It was built on a rocky hill and there you could see the Mediterranean on a clear day of Pergamum was a cultural center, famous for its library, which was said to have 200,000 rolls of parchment now.

Needless to say, in these days that printing press is not been invented yet. So every book, every scroll was 10 letter so this is really significant fact. So impressive was Pergamum's library, the Mark Antony later said it is a gift to Cleopatra that also contain one of the wonders of the ancient world, which was the altar of Zeus, which was the largest and most famous ultra ball. It was shaped like a giant throne and other gods were worshiped in Pergamum. This is well godlike.

The onus is an S collect POs known as the Savior, God.

In fact, excellent videos or as S collect POs and open pronouncing that right I need Don Stewart here right now was regarded as the God of healing effect. People would come to the temple of this particular God, which was depicted as a snake and they literally had non-poisonous snakes slithering about and if you needed healing, you would lie down on the ground and hold them one of those snakes would crawl over you and it was believed that if that happened, you would receive healing from this gods are like a scene from Raiders of the lost Ark or something. So be them like snakes. This is a bad place to be. But this was also a place where Caesar was worship, they built the first temple for Caesar worship here in Pergamum and it was erected for Caesar Augustus.

So needless to say, this was 1 Wicked Pl. and that's why Jesus says this in verse 13. This is the place where Satan dwells. Now we need to remind you that the devil is a real spirit being.

These powerful he has no rival among humanity. The only one greater than the devil is God himself and perhaps an angel or two like Michael or Gabriel but is a high ranking angel beanies, not the equal of God.

He's not omnipresent like God is the devil can only be in one place at one time, and for some reason the devil hung his hat or maybe his horns and his pitchfork as you know, he doesn't have horns in the pitchfork, but I'm just illustrating he hung his hat he hung out in Pergamum. This was a place where he well and that is cited a couple of times in this passage in its clear, the devil is that hang out somewhere and he chose this particular place so we don't know why he chose this place. But we know he did know. Maybe you're in a dark place right now. Spiritually, maybe you're a part of a family that is largely hostile to the gospel.

Maybe you're the only Christian in your whole family and it's caused a bit of conflict in those family gatherings riverbed used to have such a great time getting drunk and telling dirty jokes and carrying on. And now you had to go and get converted and actually have the audacity to suggest you say grace before the meal, you're just raining on their parade what you're doing is being a light in a dark place and it's a hard thing for you. Or maybe you're in a workplace where you're the only Christian or maybe you're in a classroom where you're the only follower of Jesus and the teacher or the professor makes fun of you and your beliefs in front of the class or in your living in the city renowned for wickedness will know this, Jesus is fully aware of the challenges and the pressures and the temptations that you face. Look at verse 13. He says I know where you dwell clearly think I know it's hard for you guys are. I get that I'm aware of that and I'm with you and I want to commend you that despite the fact that your living in this hellhole so to speak. Your faith is intact despite the death of one of them. They held fast to their faith a diverse 13th you hold fast to my name. You did not deny my feet even the days in which enterprise was my faithful martyr who was killed among you were Satan dwells and purpose was one of the Christensen and he was kill.

Now another Christian was killed there was a part of the church of Smyrna believed to be the past.

Robert, his name was Polycarp. Polycarp was burned at the stake because he would not say Caesar is Lord.

And now here's and Tempest. One of the believers in this church was also put to death because he would not say Caesar is Lord, to at this point, the emperors regarded themselves as gods and you had to say Caesar is God and Christians, in good conscience, understandably, and rightly so, could not and would not make that statement. And so it is noted that this happened in this particular place you see words matter no more were in a court of law and maybe a forgiving testimony will maybe put her hand in the Bible we used to at least.

And we says swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God. That's taking your old run your wedding day you stand in front of the pastor and family and friends and you say to your husband or wife to be. I John taking Mary to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have in the holding on it goes. And this is a Bauer a commitment. We understand that words matter when we say I will, but there were problems developing minister tended stood for their faith. Problems that were seeping in compromise that was taking place.

Verse 15 you have those that hold the doctrine of the nickel, lay it delicate or some debate among scholars as to what this means exactly, but to the best of my understanding.

Let me give you my particular interpretation, it would seem that contextually has an historically the problem with this church, as many in it were starting to live a compromise life. Many believe that the Nicollet attends were connected to Nicholas, who was one of the seven chosen to be a deacon in the early church, along with Stephen. Apparently Nicholas fell away in front of the movement that spread false teaching and this teaching was you could still be a Christian and offer sacrifices in the pagan temple. You could still be a Christian and live a life of immorality. So the followers of Nicholas came to be known as the Nicollet attends. So basically, the Nicollet attends were people who believe that you could pretty much do whatever you want to still identify as a Christian. Now here's the question, are there any Nicollet attends alive today will yes there are.

They may not call themselves up at their living in this way, people that will say well I'm saved and in God's forgiven me in and why do I have to live under all these rules and regulations and they take the grace of God and use it as a license to sin to be very careful. It is true when you sin if you repent of your sin. God will forgive you. There's a difference between that other person says I want to go and sin. And then I want to send a little more than even a little bit more and I know God will forgive me know this is a problem because your developing a pattern of sin. Romans 61 says, shall we go on sinning that God's grace may increase or literally go down the drain.

By no means we who have died to sin. How can we live in it any longer. This sin of compromise is probably brought down more Christians than any other nobody falls away all at once. As I've said you before you call up your good Christian frenzy. He did want to backslide this weekend might be some moron who does that, but generally it's just, you know, backing off just a little, you know, when you came the cry should turn your back on the party scene you turn your back on drugs, which are your back, and pornography. You turn your back on drinking and all that stuff and you got committed to Christ, you were involved in church and but no some time is passing.

Maybe your sort of you know, dropping down some of those guards and in sin, will, maybe I can still do some of those things.

Some people say come on man, you know, lighten up. Don't be so legalistic what's wrong with a Christian having a few drinks.

Why can we experiment a little bit sexually.

What harm will a little immorality because well answer a lot because small things always turn into big things right.

Bunnies turn in the rabbits bunnies are so cute. I think little chicks turn into chickens and kittens turning the cats, so it was cute when it was small, is not so cute necessarily when it's larger and little sin. So call and will begin to call anything a little sin, but a little center would you think is not that bad of the sin will ultimately turn into a bigger sin and perhaps even worse of this is the problem with the small snakes. You know sometimes people might see a small rattler and those he only to this cute little snake and in the pick it up and holding it to the rattle attached the old to do do do do do do can give me the look you see it on the right, you little rattler. Britney yeah the little rattler still is venom.

You better be careful, you might underestimate what that can do so will sorta be toying with sending and I can handle this. And then one things turns into another things and that's the way compromise works and I've seen it happen. Far too many times when people were so passionate about their faith in Christ and suddenly other things started crowding him out. It wasn't all at once.

It was gradual but it was sure and they went in the wrong direction.

I read a story about a massive redwood tree that had actually been around for 400 years and it towered above all the other trees in the forest and one day without explanation, it came crashing to the ground with a tremendous thought and so experts recalled in the trying to figure out why this tree fell a lumberjack can bring it down a bolt of lightning didn't do it as a verse storm did not sell it affected and survived all those things and more so would cause the tree to suddenly collapse. And so, upon closer examination, they found out where the old tree had died.

They looked into the trunk and found out that Beatles had eaten their way into the tree and all the Beatles were just going to throw away into the trees.

No, not those Beatles was a beetle invitation by the way talking like a beautiful white non-Liverpool believe you know know the little insects eat their way through the fibers of the tree and eventually brought it down. That's how people often fall will see a Christian, standing so strong all of a sudden boom they get the grant would happen. Probably small compromise is taking place over a period of time. That's what you've got to nip these things at the bud to here's a problem we may be resisting the devil in one area and setting up house with him and another, we may have all these areas of our lives secure and right with God with us one little area over here. I have some compromise. Sorry to make you the compromise section but you just look know you.you look fantastic, but the fact is, you know, the one little area that well I'm not going to be as careful here and that will be the area that you will surely fall in notice. Also in verse 14 he mentions the doctrine of Baylon know we read a statement like that and often are clueless as to what it means, but it's very important. Baylon's name actually pops up quite a few times in the Bible the doctrine or philosophy of Baylon as mentioned by Peter by Jude and now by Jesus himself, so we certainly want to know what the doctrine of being limp isn't Baylee because also mentioned in this passage the let's go back to work the Old Testament and are mind for a moment and remember the story of Baylon, Baylon was a wicked king named malic and he hated the Israelites and he wanted to curse them so he looked for a profit and he found one for higher name Baylon I don't even know you find such a thing to the Google what you know and it seems like being the prophet is identified that way could dispel profit PROM IT because he seemed to be more of a profit for higher so Baylon hired Baylon, it's that I want you to curse Israel for me. Baylon said absolutely so he got on his donkey and he was on his way to go in bring a curse on Israel after God told him specifically not to use me. So as he's writing this donkey you know the story you don't.

This is a fun one. The donkey suddenly stops without any explanation.

Now what Baylon did not see was there was an angel of the Lord standing in front of the donkey with his sword drawn. The donkey saw the angel tree limb did not. So Baylon was frustrating to try to get the documents they start hitting the donkey and the donkey will still not move the go little bit further, another in a narrow little area where there's a wall again. The donkey sees the angel and stops in this kind of shoving peel them up against the wall and now Baylon is mad starts hitting the donkey with a stick.

The Bible says the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey and the donkey said to bail him. Why are you beating me know that's amazing, and animal talk, but what's even more amazing is Baylon starts talking to the donkey to get to what was done to just talk what any says well because you want to let I'm telling you to do and then the donkey says have and I always been a good donkey balances yeah you have a look. Here's a prominent meanwhile the angel probably thinking more.

Can you believe this guy then the angel makes himself visible and says you basically paraphrasing donkey had more sense and use good thing he stop trying to tell you don't: curse Israel but Baylon wanted to do it anyway. So we came up with the plans that look Baylon I really want to do what you want me to do and I certainly want that money but I'll tell you what, I can't go curse Israel like you want me to. So I have an idea when did you get your really hot Moabite women to go and entice those Israeli boys and get those girls to go and asked the boys to go to the tenants and and then the have sex with them, but before they will these Israeli boys have to bow down before your false God and if they do, that God will judge mature enough that plan worked in many of the Israeli young men fell for this in God judged Israel, but this was this sin of being so this sin. The Pergamum yeses ascended Baylon was the toleration of evil. If the idea that you know you wanted all I want to be a Christian.

I want my sins forgiven. I want to go to heaven when I die, but I want to live like hell. In the meantime, I so want to party and this is not an autobiographical statement just sort of quoting what people might say someone a party. I so want to get drunk. I still wanted commit a morality ally when necessary. I get revenge if I need to rip people off. I choose to do whatever I want but I want to know that I'm standing right with God. So I need a way to justify it. That is the doctrine Baylon similar to the doctrine of the Nicollet and the ideas I want to have my cake and I want to eat it to the web never understood that statement because I've had cake and eat what you know what it means you can have all and so the problem here is where we try to compromise and live this life that's the doctrine of the Nicollet attends. That is the teaching of Baylon, and here's what Jesus says in verse 16 repent or else I will come to you quickly and fight against some of the sword of my mouth. He that has an ear to hear that in here with the spirit is saying Jesus is Lissette. I'm not down with that I will not allow that you cannot live that way your my child then he offers a special promise to the person who avoids the compromise life for 17. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except him in the receives that's a fascinating verses in it. What is the hidden manna. We can only guess but I think we can remember that God for the Israelites with manna in the wilderness. It was called the food of angels, it would be waiting outside of their tent door every morning when they woke up in it was this wonderful provision from the Lord Jesus is. I'll give you the hidden man. It was sort of like bread but something probably like we've never known before it actually comes from the Hebrew Crispo Primo, there is no Hebrew Crispo Primo, sorry think you know where is no without one Krispy Kreme right in case you don't know, but I don't know about you but the one thing I have a very hard time resisting is hot bread. You know desserts I like desserts. But you know, if I say no to a desert. Something hard for me.

You bring hot bread and if there's butter nearby.

I love hot bread right so Jesus is a lesson I'll give you the hidden manna. What is that one John 631. Talking about manna and bread.

Jesus said I am the true bread that gives life to the world to.

Here's what I think Jesus is saying if you overcome if you live this compromise life. I will give myself to you.

I will be that man of the hidden manna and satisfy your deepest needs. He also offers a white stone. Now it's interesting to note that in the athletic games of the day, a small white stone was handed to the athletes, which was a particular past the end of the feast or celebration after the competition. The white stone or the golden ticket would get them in and then the same way God says I'll give you the Whitestone. I'll give you the golden ticket to paradise.

The golden ticket of the Whitestone to heaven years ago when we were having one of our crusades. My granddaughter Stella was very young at the time I saw me preaching there.

The big screen, and she calls me Papa and at one point I was using the illustration of having your ticket to get into heaven, I was saying.

Do you have your ticket and Stella had a little program and she held it up and yelled at. I've got my ticket, pop person was in the flyer. It's Christ living inside of you. So he says if you overcome this. I'll give you the hidden manna. I'll give you the golden ticket if you will, the Whitestone now the next church that is mentioned is via Tyra.

This follows very closely. The thought of the letter to Pergamum what subtle compromise and begun their was a full-blown tolerance of sin here. This letter shows what depths of sin, compromise will bring about starts with a little and it turns into a lot. Watch out that bearer of compromise will have you for lunch. So let's read somewhere versus Revelation 2, verse 18 and to the angel of the church and via Tyra right these things says the son of God was eyes like a flame of fire. His feet are like fine brass art glass rather than a brass sorry and I know your works, your love, your service, your faith and your patience.

And as for your words. The last are more than the first underlayment will come back to it. Nevertheless, Jesus as I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel called herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants, serpents, servants with you if I can read tonight to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent indeed I will cast her into a sick bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death and all the churches shall know I am he who searches the minds and hearts and I will give to each one of you according to your work. Now I have this to say the rest of via Tyra as many as do not have this doctrine would not known the depths of Satan, as they say. I will put on you no other burden. So hold fast what you have until I come and he will overcomes and keeps my works until the end, to him will give power over the nations will rule them with a rod of iron in the be dashed to pieces like the potters vessels as I have received from my father and I will give him the morning star.

He that is in the ears ear to hear them here with the spirit saying to the churches.

This is a phrase that is repeated many times by Jesus. He that is an ear to hear them listen put into the vernacular, listen up. Pay attention to what I'm saying. Give your attention with in tension. Notice in verse 19 before he corrects them. Jesus commends them. He got some things gone. He says I know your works.

I know your love and know your service and I know your faith and as for your work. The last are more than the first. One thing that's very impressive about the church of Thyatira was there grow their last words are more than their first event, he said of you are your best days as a Christian behind you or are you experiencing them right now. Listen, every Christian should be constantly learning and growing and changing and when you stop learning and growing and changing. That is when you go to start going backwards. Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica and he said in Texas does second Thessalonians 1. Three. Because your faith is growing abundantly in the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. So this is something that should be true of all of us in this church is commended for that interesting to contrast the church of Ephesus, Tyra Tyra, the church of Ephesus was weak in its love get people to judge false teaching.

They were discerning Jesus said to them, I know you try those who say there are apostles and are not, but I have this against you, your leaving your first love but yet in the church of via Tyra.

There were growing in their love listen. There were growing in their love but they were too tolerant of false teaching and immorality.

We must avoid both extremes. You know you can be biblically correct but be unloving and harsh and that is wrong. That was a problem with the Pharisees, you know the dot of the rise in the cross 13's and they had it all down perfectly but there they were just mean and condescending and judgmental and condemning and Jesus compare them to white wash tombstones.

He said you look good on the outside but inside your dad we going to be like that. But here's the other extreme, now where you can be quote loving"" carrying" but on biblical and accepting and tolerant of that which God is intolerant know tolerance is the watchword of the day, which will be tolerant, be tolerant. I actually believe that Christians are the most tolerant people I've ever met. True Christian my tolerant I mean look. We have our beliefs but if somebody is not living according to what we believe or biblical standards. We we don't want to silence them or hurt them or destroy them will affect what we want to do is reach them. We want to convince them that we want to lead them to Christ right sword tolerant will coexist with people who are different ideas and we have a will be loving toward them still.

But what the culture today wants is not tolerant what they want from us is acceptance and even more than acceptance.

They want us to endorse their sin.

So there's a note you must say what I'm doing is okay affect you need to say it's good reason, I can't say that it is sin. According to Scripture, so I'm tolerant all coexist with it, but that's not the right way to live but sometimes even tolerance is wrong. There are certain things that God is intolerant. I know were told no.

Be loving. Don't judge men don't judge me man you know I've told you before the nonbelievers favorite verse is Judge not lest you be judged. The of Noida what it means, but they love the quoted 20 Christian who dares offer who dares to offer a criticism of the lifestyle that they've chosen, but here's the way I look at it I must speak the truth in love. There's a timer I have to say things to people, they may not like live I saw somebody walking toward the edge of a cliff, and I knew if they continue to walk. Is it okay for me to say well I don't want to judge and you know I don't just go it will begin to die young, but I don't want to judge you. Well okay.maybe you need to warn them, so we do that as well so we have to be very careful because now this tolerance of sin in the church is producing something far worse. A malignant cancer spiritually is growing in the verse 20. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. Now we know in the Old Testament there was Queen Jezebel who is married to King Ahab. They were very wicked people, and the Queen Jezebel was someone who who brought great harm to the people that lived under rule she supported the false prophets she killed. True prophets and true followers of the living God, and God ultimately judged by the way when you're looking for names for your children. I think it's great when you go to the Bible by biblical names but please understand that every name in the Bible is a good name for a child don't mean your boy Judas Iscariot I know it's biblical but it's not a good thing. Don't mean your boy Ahab don't name them pilots don't name him Nimrod do not name him the Pharaoh or Satan or Lucifer and don't name your girls. I know there's going to be someone with this name is going to take offense with there I said don't name your girls Jezebel. This is little Jezebel. No don't call her Jezebel because Jezebel is a name that is synonymous with evil.

Now, this particular Jezebel I'm siding here was ultimately judged in fact she was fed to the dogs, but in the book of Revelation. Another Jezebel is being spoken about. Is this an actual woman that was in the congregation name Jezebel or is he just using the name is sort of a picture of wickedness. I'm not really sure what the answer would be, but it's clear that the sin here was the toleration of evil inside of the church and I am so Jesus is saying look I know what's going on there like in verse 18 to the angel of the church of via Tyra these things in the son of God was eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass whenever we read of the Lord. Having feet like brass and eyes like fire that is picturing the Lord coming to us in judgment and holy judgment so the Lord is coming in this way. To this church and imagine what it was.

The been like 2000 years ago. The been one of the disciples of Jesus and the look into the eyes of the baby Jesus, or the boy Jesus and certainly the man Jesus and realized I'm looking into the eyes of God. This is God in human form walking among us owner sometimes and Jesus was sleeping. He had wake up and all the disciples are just standing there looking at numbers. That's actually God.

God is right there.

God he was God. We read that he would look at people and sometimes it's translated he would look right through them.

When he called Matthew we read Jesus looked at Matthew, also known as Levi said follow me and I praise look at him could be translated look right through him. Have you ever had someone look right through you. Let me restate the question.

You have a mother figure out a little bit late. Got in come here want to talk to you walk-up yes yes mom look into my eyes on. Imagine looking to the eye into the eyes of Jesus is what Jesus is saying I'm looking at this church with eyes of flame. Nothing is hidden from you. I know what you're doing anything. I am intolerant of this set listen as a follower of Christ. You cannot live in two worlds. Here's what Galatians 519 says when you follow the desires of your sinful nature.

Your lives will produce those evil results, sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure.

Let me tell you again as I told you before anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the kingdom of God. Look, I'm not saying that a Christian can stumble and fall because they can and they do norm. I seen a Christian will not sin, because they will you will I will in fact the Bible even says if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in this. Having said that there's a difference between a Christian wanting to follow the Lord in stumbling and repenting and a Christian so-called who lives in a pattern of sin, who continues to sin and think they can live a life like that with no consequences is what God says, already read it to you if you do these things continuously. You will not inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus now gives a stern warning to those who live morally. Verse 22 and Tito cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. There is coming. The time to planet Earth known as the great tribulation. The last for seven years. The last part of the great tribulation. The last 3 1/2 years will be a time of God's judgment coming upon the earth. The tribulation period is inaugurated by the emergence of the antichrist and it ends with the second coming of Jesus Christ and during this time of the great tribulation. Evil is going to intensify and the devil is getting have his final heyday if you will. This is a time that I believe a true Christian will not have to enter into a lesson become a Christian during the tribulation. But if you put your faith in Christ. I believe that you will be called up to meet the Lord in the air in the rapture before the great tribulation begin, but having said that, look at this morning of Christ. Let's not miss this. He says if you live this way. This compromise life.

This immoral life will fully JEW into the great tribulation, unless you repent of your Luke chapter 12 Jesus spoke of the wicked servant who says my master is delaying his coming, and he begins to beat his servants, partying and getting drunk and Jesus says when the master will return this person will be caught off to organization the beginning. Revelation tells us about us and reveals what is happening deep inside we do not want to ignore what it says.

The reason God tells us about the future so we will know how to live in the present.

Then repeat that again.

The reason God tells us about the future so we will know how to live in the present so as we learn about these things that are coming. It should cause us to want to live godly lives because we realize how close we are potentially to these events happening before our very eyes. The blessing of Revelation that we talked about the first message the blessing that his promise to the person who opened this book up this threefold blessed is the person who reads cheers and keeps the words of this book.

First, you have to read it. We've done that and by the way, that word read means to read out loud, sometimes it's good to read your Bible out loud because sometimes your mind wanders, doesn't it. When you're reading Scripture. So first you read it out loud. Did you hear it, Jesus would often say he that has ears to hear, let them hear it's not enough to just read it.

No curate not just with your mind with your heart like I get this in processing it. And then lastly and most importantly, keep it do what it says this is not just an academic study of eschatology. This is not just a book we find about find out about the order of prophetic events.

This is a book that tells us that, but most importantly it tells us about Jesus and to be close to Jesus. So the question I should be asking is not how much can I get away with and still technically be a Christian when it said I should be asking because I'm a Christian because Christ is on so much for me.

How can I live so I will bring honor and glory to his name until he comes back again and you know when a person comes to me and says can you be a Christian and still fill in blank here, I've heard so many of these questions and to meet your already on a slippery slope trying to do this and still technically be a Christian. Why ask that question. Instead ask, how can I stay close to the Lord, what can I do to get stronger in my faith.

So Jesus will see of me as he said of this church.

Your later works are stronger than your first works to a lot of times we start off with a bang and the week end with a whimper. No start up with a bang and an explosion. Be faithful all the way to the end. That's why were more minded reminded by Jude and Jude 121. Keep yourself safe in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. As were waiting for the Lord return we should live holy lives. That's were told in second Peter 310 to 11 this is the deal.

The Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire in the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way. Listen what kind of people ought you to be. Here is the answer you want to live holy and godly lives so dear friends, since your looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

So how my lip as I wait for Christ to return. There is the answer right there in second Peter three make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with that describe you right now is that how you're seeking to live. If not, it's time to get right with God.

I fear that there could be some people who think they're Christians who really are not there just really good fakers there posers there actors there very convincing performers, but they don't convince God know you can full all of the people some of the time. You can full some of the people all of the time which you can full God. Any of the time the eyes of Jesus C and he knows anything this in the stop living this way. Otherwise you could be one of those ones would be left to face this horrible time known as the great tribulation. You know the only way you're going to be at peace with him is upper says is make peace with him.

Problem is, some of us are still fighting with God, or were running from God and what we need to do instead is trust in God, follow him and come into a relationship with him. I heard a story about a guy who was being pursued by an attorney and he knew he wanted to calm in the court for something and subpoena him and and so this guy you know agree that this lawyer he the lawyer chased him for years and years and the guy always was a few steps ahead of the attorney and he never had those papers served in one day the men grew very old. He was taken to a hospital and he only had days to live and who is wheeled up next to him is the attorney who is also very ill with Isis by giving the subpoena. Whatever it is you want to serve me with. I don't even care. The lawyer says subpoena was trying to tell you that you were left $5 million in someone's will. That's us running from God. All God wants that you know make my life miserable. God wants to wreck my life. God doesn't want me to have any fun know God just trying to tell you how much he loves you and how much he wants to bless you human running from him when you should be running to him.

So as we close tonight. There might be some of you that need to get right with God. Some of you that have been living the compromise life you call yourself a Christian but yet you have them in living as a follower of Jesus, you been doing things you should not be doing and you know what those things are.

And Jesus is saying stop it and come back to me and repent.

He said it right there. You need to churn from that thing. It's a God, I'm sorry. Forgive me, and you need to make a recommitment to camp and there's others here who maybe have never heard any of this before I know it little of the stuff on you tonight. Let me just simplify it now as we bring this message to Annette.

There's a simple message God loves you and you're separated from God by your sin, because he loved you so much that he sent his son to die on the cross. 2000 years ago for your sin, and he took all the judgment that should've come upon you, upon himself and then he rose again from the dead and Jesus who died and rose is now standing at the door of your life in Eocene. If you cure my voice and open the door, I will come in to see he wants to come into your life and forgive you of your sin will satisfy those deepest needs.

I talked about how Jesus is like that the hidden manna, you know, we can chase after all the things this world offers will always come up empty will always want more.

Jesus will satisfy you. You will need those things anymore. Anytime you want even want them, but you must say, Lord.

I'm sorry for my sin common. Forgive me know if you haven't done that. Do it tonight as we close in prayer to pray in a moment, and I'm in no extend an invitation to any of you who do not yet have this relationship with God to you that are not certain you'll go to heaven when you die, and also to you we been living a compromise life. It's time to stop negotiating with the devil, it's time to commit your life to Christ because he's coming back very soon.

Let's pray. Father, we perjure word now. I pray that your Holy Spirit will convict and convince anyone listening of their need for you and help them to come to you or come back to you.

Whatever their need, may be Elinor heads about their eyes are closed or praying together.

How many of you would say tonight Greg, I need Jesus Christ in my life. I want my sin forgiven.

I want to know that when I die I will go to heaven. I want my guilt taken away. I want this purpose. You've talked about.

I want this relationship with God. I want to be ready for the Lord when he comes back again pray for me. I'm ready to say yes to Jesus Christ right now if that your desire. If you want Jesus to come into your life and forgive you of your sin if you want to go to heaven when you die wherever your sitting would you just lift up your hand and let me pray for you Rob you are just lift up your hands and I want Jesus Christ and I approve you. God bless you lift your head up or I can see it please God bless you, bless you.

Anybody else raise your hand appropriate for you right now compass you anybody else review are just raise your hand, bless you, bless you to not say yes to Jesus is to say no to him. Is that what you want to say Jesus said your for me or against me were you, bless you. Anybody else given lifted her hand yet lift now.

I'll pray for you lifted a pirate can see it please bless you anybody else, bless what I had just about maybe some of you would say you know what I been living the compromise life. I know it's right.

I've been doing it been doing things I'm ashamed of things that are sinful and I want to change. I want to turn from that life and I want to completely re-commit my life to Jesus that your desire. If you need to make a recommitment to Christ. Raise your hand up right now. Got spoken to you wherever you are praying for you.

Raise your hand.

God bless anybody else bless you, bless you what else raise your hand now compass. Each one of you, ask if you would please everyone of you that is raise her hand want you to stand your feet and I'm in the lead you in a prayer of commitment or recommitment to Christ again you the raise your hand stand up phenomenally doing this for that's right, stand up, others are sending you will be alone. God bless you guys.

Understanding that's right, stand up. Don't be embarrassed you're among family and friends here tonight.

We love you were here to help you. This is the place to make this commitment. Anybody else raise your hand.

Even if you did not, but you want to make this commitment or recommitment to Christ.

Stand your feet on the lead you in a prayer.

Others are standing, you won't be alone stand up bless you anybody else down now I wait another moment. Stand now need to make this commitment to Christ or recommitment stand up, let me lead you in a prayer. Anybody else I come bless you that are standing as I pray this prayer want you guys to pray. It right where you stand out loud after me again as I pray pray this out loud right we are standing okay pray this after me now Lord Jesus, I know that I've send. But you died on the cross for that sin and paid the price for every one of those sins. I turn from my sin.

Now I repent of my sin.

I'm sorry for my sin and I ask you to forgive me.

Thank you for loving me. Thank you for calling me. Thank you for accepting me. I choose to follow Jesus from this moment forward as Savior and Lord his God and friend. Thank you Jesus in your name I pray, amen. God bless you guys to pray the prayer?