Daily Bible Devotionals

“And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:1-3 (NKJV)

Keep this list to practice and teach others The Ten Commandments!

1st COMMANDMENT: “I am the Lord thy God...thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3 (NKJV)

Hold up your pointer finger. Look at your finger and say, “There is only ONE God.”

2nd COMMANDMENT: “You shall not make for yourself any carved images...” Exodus 20:4 (NKJV)

Hold up two fingers like a peace sign. Look at both fingers and say, “If there is only ONE God, there shouldn’t be two, so I won’t make anymore.”

3rd COMMANDMENT: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain...” Exodus 20:7 (NKJV)

Hold up three fingers (like a “W” for Wiggins). Say to yourself, “Do not use the Lord’s name in vain,” which refers to Spiritual adultery. **Also, remember Commandment #7

4th COMMANDMENT: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:10 (NKJV)

Hold up four fingers, look at them and say, “Commandment #4: Remember the Sabbath day and set it apart for God, because that’s what it’s there FOUR (for)!”

5th COMMANDMENT: “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

Hold up one hand in a “High-Five” and say, “Honor your father and mother, and you will live long in the land the Lord is giving you.” Then, wave your hand down at about knee-level, like you’re spanking a kid! Because at my home, we were spanked if we disobeyed mom & dad.

6th COMMANDMENT: “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13 (NKJV)

Hold up a “High-Five” in one hand and hold up the “pointer finger” of the other. Then, point the pointer finger (like a gun) at your best friend and say, “Don’t commit murder!!!”

7th COMMANDMENT: “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 (NKJV)

Hold up a “High Five” in one hand and a “Peace sign” in the other. Say to yourself, “Don’t commit adultery.” (Relational Adultery) **Remember Commandment #3

8th COMMANDMENT: “Thou shalt not steal.” Exodus 20:15 (NKJV)

Hold up a “High-Five” in one hand and three fingers in the other hand. Say, “Commandment number 8: I stole the bread, and I EIGHT (ate) it!

9th COMMANDMENT: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16 (NKJV)

Hold up a “High-Five” on one hand and a “High-Four” on the other, and say, “Commandment number Nine: no lying!” “Nine” and “Lying” sort of rhyme…

10th COMMANDMENT: “Thou shalt not covet...” Exodus 20:17 (NKJV)

Hold up two “High-Fives” and say, “Number Ten is the end: We LOVE IT! But we still don’t covet.”

“Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16 (HCSB)

“Do not covet your neighbor’s house; do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female slave, his ox, his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20: 17 (HCSB)

“Celebrate Good Times,” balloons & confetti!) Good times, indeed. It is always a good idea to recite these commandments among friends & family. This practice is intended to encourage one another and a positive testimony to any onlookers. We want to communicate that we are serious about knowing the Lord, as well as seeking His requirements for the people who bear His Name.

9th COMMANDMENT: Hold up a “High-Five” on the one hand and a “High-Four” on the other, and say, “Commandment number Nine: no lying!” “Nine” and “Lying” sort of rhyme…

“Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16 (HCSB)

Today, we finish the 10 Commandments! (Cue the Pointer Sisters’ “Celebrate Good Times,” balloons & confetti!) Good times, indeed. It is always a good idea to recite these commandments among friends & family. This practice is intended to encourage one another and a positive testimony to any onlookers. We want to communicate that we are serious about knowing the Lord, as well as seeking His requirements for the people who bear His Name.

9th COMMANDMENT: Hold up a “High-Five” on the one hand and a “High-Four” on the other, and say, “Commandment number Nine: no lying!” “Nine” and “Lying” sort of rhyme…

“Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16 (HCSB)

Pretty much everyone knows that lying is a sin, but as with the other commandments, this one goes deeper than the general pedestrian understanding. God foresaw a time when the people of Israel would take each other to court and lie about the evidence. ( Surely, that would NEVER happen today. Ha!) We see this sin most prominently displayed in the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin. Some Pharisees convinced people to testify falsely against Jesus, but none of their stories could be corroborated. When we consider the idea of what modern Christianity calls “witnessing” (or sharing your faith), the command not to “Bear false witness” carries extra gravity. After all, don’t we sin when we profess to love Jesus, yet our lifestyles bear witness that we really love the World?

10th COMMANDMENT: Hold up two “High-Fives” and say, “Number Ten is the end: We LOVE IT! Don’t covet!”

“Do not covet your neighbor’s house; do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female slave, his ox, his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20: 17 (HCSB)

The correct understanding of coveting is somewhat foreign to our culture. Coveting is not simply wanting something your neighbor has. That is no sin. If your neighbor gets a new car, for instance, and you want one too, all you have to do is simply work hard and buy one like your neighbor’s. Coveting is more like an evil craving to have something INSTEAD of your neighbor. Coveting is the deep compulsion to envy and hate your neighbor for having some “thing” instead of you, and it generates the desire to destroy your neighbor, if necessary, to obtain that “thing.” It is the root of all spiritual and relational adultery. It is the root of all sorts of greed, thievery, malicious intent, and warring.

So, now can you recite ALL 10 Commandments by memory??

“Do not murder.” Exodus 20:13 (HCSB)

“Do not steal.” Exodus 20:15 (HCSB)

“High-Five” in one hand and hold up the “pointer finger” of the other. Then, point the pointer finger outward at your friend (or family member) and say, “Don’t commit murder!!” Then say, “Lucky for you, this thing wasn’t loaded.” (That part is optional! Ha!)

Today, we are focusing on Commandments 6 & 8. If you remember, we already learned Commandment #7 when we learned #3 because they both deal with infidelity. (#3 deals with spiritual adultery, while #7 deals with physical adultery.)

6 & 8 are my kids’ favorites. Let dig-in.

6th COMMANDMENT: Hold up a “High-Five” in one hand and hold up the “pointer finger” of the other. Then, point the pointer finger outward at your friend (or family member) and say, “Don’t commit murder!!” Then say, “Lucky for you, this thing wasn’t loaded.” (That part is optional! Ha!)

“Do not murder.” Exodus 20:13 (HCSB)

There is an ongoing debate among pacifists concerning the 6th Commandment and how it is to be interpreted as pertains to War and the Death Penalty. To be exact, the Commandment does not prohibit killing. It does not say, “Thou shalt not kill,” as many wrongly assume. Commandment #6 does prohibit murder. It says, “Do not murder.” This is entirely different from when the government punishes a heinous crime versus when a soldier fulfills his duties. There are times when taking another human life is absolutely necessary and lawful in the eyes of God. I recall an interview with U2 lead singer Bono when he commented on this very issue. He described how his personal political views, and his alignment with pacifist organizations like Amnesty International, did not always jive with the realities of imminent danger. He said he always considered himself a pacifist until he saw a man with a gun in his backyard. He told the reporter how he grabbed a knife and would have used it to defend his family. He said he did not doubt that he would have killed the intruder if necessity demanded it.

8th COMMANDMENT: Hold up a “High-Five” in one hand and three fingers on the other hand. Say, “I stole the bread, and I EIGHT (ate) it!

“Do not steal.” Exodus 20:15 (HCSB)

Images of Les Misérables come flooding in…stealing bread in times of trouble. Seriously, do we have to go into the intricacies of stealing? It is simply taking what is not yours.

So, how are you doing so far? Can you recite all of them so far? #1…..#2….#3…..#4…..#5…..#6……#7……#8…..

“Remember the Sabbath day, to set it apart for God. You have six days to labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord your God. On it, you are not to do any kind of work – not you, your son or your daughter, not your male or female slave, not your livestock, and not the foreigner staying with you inside the gates to your property. For in six days, the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them; but on the seventh day, He rested. This is why the Lord blessed the day, Sabbath, and separated it for Himself.” Exodus 20:8-11 (CJB) ‍

“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

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“Commandment #4: Remember the Sabbath day and set it apart for God… ’cause that’s what it’s there FOUR! (For)”

Today, we are focusing on Commandments 4 & 5. They are not as intimately related as the 1 & 2 and 3 & 7, so let’s consider them individually.

4th COMMANDMENT: Hold up four fingers, look at them and say, “Commandment #4: Remember the Sabbath day and set it apart for God… ’cause that’s what it’s there FOUR! (For)”

“Remember the Sabbath day, to set it apart for God. You have six days to labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord your God. On it, you are not to do any kind of work – not you, your son or your daughter, not your male or female slave, not your livestock, and not the foreigner staying with you inside the gates to your property. For in six days, the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them; but on the seventh day, He rested. This is why the Lord blessed the day, Sabbath, and separated it for Himself.” Exodus 20:8-11 (CJB)

A friend once asked me how well I observe the Sabbath, as the Lord has directed us: A total day of rest. I had honestly never considered the question before. I guess I’m too busy trying not to break the other Commandments that I simply overlooked the command to do nothing! Today I want to challenge you with the same question. How well are you obeying God’s command to set aside a day of rest? I’m not talking about setting aside a couple hours to attend a church service. I’m not talking about setting aside a day to play because, in our extreme sports culture, we work at our play. I want to challenge you to set aside a day where you simply do NOTHING. Try it. It’s harder than you think!

5th COMMANDMENT: Hold up one hand, like a “high-five,” and say, “Honor your father and mother, and you will live long in the land the Lord is giving you.” Then, wave your hand down at about knee-level…as if you’re spanking a kid. Because at my house, we got a spanking if we disobeyed mom and dad!

“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

Our generation has lost much of its sense of honor and respect, even in my lifetime. Perhaps, the Asian culture is the last holdout for honoring elders. The Biblical command to “honor your father and mother” means much more than simply obeying them. It means to live a life that brings honor to them…which is impossible apart from a life wholly devoted to God through a relationship with Jesus. As a matter of fact, if your parents are against your following Jesus, you actually bring honor to them by disobeying them in that regard. Between the ages of 18-25, people generally detach themselves from their parent’s authority and set out to find their own way. They are developing their own value systems. Make sure you fulfill the 5th Commandment (and reap its articulated blessing) by establishing your value system fully and completely upon God’s Word.

"Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain..." Exodus 20:7a (NKJV)

"You shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14 (NKJV)

I know what you’re thinking: Shouldn’t we be learning 3 & 4?  Well, I was educated in Arkansas, and that’s how we count! Ha!

In reality, I teach 3 & 7 because they are closely alike. They both deal with infidelity, or “adultery.” Also, because 3 & 7 are Biblical numbers associated with God.

The number 3 reminds us of the Trinity (or tri-unity) of God: Father, Son, Spirit.

The number 7, as we learned in the book of Revelation, is the Biblical number of “completion.”

That being said, the Third Commandment deals with SPIRITUAL infidelity, and the 7th deals with RELATIONAL infidelity.

3rd COMMANDMENT: Hold up three fingers (like a “W” for Wiggins). Say to yourself, “Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.”

“Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7 (NKJV)

Remember how the Bible says Jesus is the Bridegroom and WE (the Church) are the Bride? Imagine a man & woman marrying. In a wedding ceremony, the woman takes the man’s name for her own. The two become “one.” But what if, afterward, she decides to cheat on the man, leave him, and live with another man while claiming to be the first man’s wife? She would have taken that man’s name in vain. Her life did not match up with her vow.

God is telling us that it is a sin to receive His Name, claim to be His “Bride,” and then live our lives devoted to the World. It is SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. He is saying to Israel, in a sense, “If you are going to be a people, called by My name, you had better live like it!”

7th COMMANDMENT: Hold up a “High Five” in one hand and a “Peace sign” in the other. Say to yourself, “Don’t commit adultery.”

“You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 (NKJV)

Number 7 is pretty cut & dried. Be faithful to your spouse. Sadly, this is a hard one for our culture. Again, just as Commandment #3 dealt with SPIRITUAL infidelity, #7 deals with RELATIONAL infidelity. That’s why we teach them together.

So, review for yourself: #1….#2….#3….#7.

“When He had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God.” Exodus 31:18 (HCSB)

A while back, I was asked to speak at a men’s conference in the Northeast. There were about 400 men in attendance. The topic and text of my message was “Book Of The Law Found,” 2 Chronicles 34:14-21. (I suggest you take the time and read that passage.) See, I believe the Church-at-large has largely lost the Bible. That is, the Bible is often treated as a “resource” instead of “the Source” in that so few churches reinforce the urgency for God’s people to aggressively pursue His Word. To establish whether my message was even applicable to the group, I asked that everyone who could recite the Ten Commandments would stand and do so. Only about 1/3 of the men stood up. When I asked who could recite the Commandments in order, every man sat down.

I was guessing there wouldn’t be many who could recite them, but I was blown away to discover not a single man could do it with confidence! Could you?

For this week (before we begin reading the Old Testament next week), I would like to teach you the Ten Commandments. This is the same method I use to teach my children.

“He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:2-3 (NAB)

FIRST COMMANDMENT: Hold up your pointer finger. Look at your finger and say, “There is ONE God.”

“Do not have other gods besides Me.” Exodus 20:3 (HCSB)

SECOND COMMANDMENT: Hold up two fingers (peace sign). Look at both fingers and say, “If there is only ONE God, there shouldn’t be two. I shouldn’t make anymore.”

“Do not make any idols for yourself” Exodus 20:4a (HCSB)

**Now, there is more verbiage to commandment #2, so I suggest you read it all. That said, we’re covering the gist as one would teach a child.

OK. That’s it for today. Memorize those, and we’ll cover two more tomorrow.

One more thing: It would be good for you and your friends and family to learn & recite the Commandments together. It would be an encouragement for each other, as well as a testimony to anyone looking on, wondering if you are truly serious about God’s Word.

“Then I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea existed no longer.” Revelation 21:1 (HCSB)

The Bible depicts Creation as warring against itself. For instance, light conquers darkness:  

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 (HCSB)

But the sea is also allied with the darkness. Therefore, the sea had to be contained and limited. This is done on the second day of Creation. (Genesis 1:6-10) Consider God’s statement to Job:

“Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket when I determined its boundaries and put its bars and doors in place, when I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; your proud waves stop here’?” Job 38:8-11 (HCSB)

The sea is active in bringing destruction and death through the flood of Noah, an event mentioned five times in the New Testament. But the sea is under God’s control, as seen clearly in the Exodus, where God’s “strong hand and outstretched arm” turned the Red Sea into a means of salvation for the Israelites. God also used that same sea as a means of destruction for the Egyptians. Furthermore, Isaiah prophesies God’s vindication of Israel when He defeats a great demonic sea beast.

“On that day, the Lord with His harsh, great, strong sword, will bring judgment on Leviathan, the fleeing serpent – Leviathan, the fleeing serpent – Leviathan, the twisting serpent. He will slay the monster that is in the sea.” Isaiah 27:1(HCSB)

Because the Bible speaks so much about judgment by “sea,” a Jewish superstition arose that claimed evil spirits lived at the bottom of deep bodies of water. To the average Jew, when Noah’s flood receded, those eternal evil spirits of that generation, judged by God, rested like dregs in the deep. The same was assumed for Pharaoh and his army’s souls. This is possibly why the disciples thought Jesus was a ghost when He came walking on water. It is, perhaps, why demons (begging to be cast into the pigs) ran into the Sea of Galilee. That action, no doubt, reinforced this superstition among Jesus’ disciples.

Today’s chapter indicates that in the new Heaven and Earth, just as there is no darkness for light to compete with, neither do such deep waters exist. The point is that both Creation and mankind will again be at peace with each other and God.

“Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and Heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. Then the sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead; all were judged according to their works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. And anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15 (HCSB)

I have heard it said by some “new age” and liberal religious types that all roads lead to God. The foundation of their statement is heresy, which assumes that all religions will eventually lead to some kind of eternal salvation. To them, it doesn’t matter which road you choose because they will all arrive at the same destination.

According to today’s passage, though, their assumption has some truth. All roads eventually DO lead to God. That is to say, all roads lead to the judgement of God. We will all, great & small, stand before the Lord’s judgment. The real question should be, “Which road gets me past God’s Judgment?” There is only ONE true way, and if the “narrow path” had a street sign at its entrance, it would read: “MESSIAH JESUS”…or perhaps, “THE Way.”

Some skeptics would argue that such an exclusive assumption is a New Testament fable, an idea that Judaism doesn’t teach. While there are many Old Testament references to the “Day of the Lord,” the “Last Day,” “The Judgment,” etc., consider this one from the prophet Zephaniah:

“Therefore wait for Me – the Lord’s declaration – until the day I rise up for plunder. For My decision is to gather nations to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out My indignation on them, all My burning anger; the whole earth will be consumed with the fire of My jealousy.”  Zephaniah 3:8 (HCSB)

The Bible gives a symmetrical picture of salvation history. In its first two chapters, at the beginning of history, a sinless World is described. At the beginning of the third chapter (Genesis 3:1-7), Satan entices Eve and Adam into sin, resulting in damage to humanity and the World. From the beginning, God’s plan was to remedy this damage through the death and resurrection of the Messiah—the remaining 1256 chapters of the Bible deal with the outworking of this plan.

At the end of history, in the third-to-last chapter, Satan is judged, with the wicked condemned to the lake of fire. Then, the final two chapters of Revelation present a newly created earth and humanity restored to Eden-like sinlessness. But there is one asymmetry: Satan and the first man, Adam, cause sin at the beginning, while God the Father and the second man (aka 2nd Adam), Jesus, cause sinlessness at the end.  (1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Romans 5:12-21)

“Let us be glad, rejoice, and give Him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. The fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:7-8 (HCSB)

Jesus, as the “Bridegroom,” is found in many places in Scripture.  

The Song of Solomon describes the intimate and passionate love between Solomon, the King of Israel, and his Shulamite wife. Most Bible commentators have seen The Song of Solomon as a typical representation of the loving relationship between the Messiah and His people.

In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus taught the parable of the King who gave a wedding feast for His Son. This is an apparent reference to the union between Himself and His believers.  

Matthew 25:1-13 gives another parable of the ten virgins who met the bridegroom, typifying the Church going out to meet Jesus when He returns.

John the Baptist said of Messiah, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice.” John 3:29 (NKJV)

The apostle Paul wrote, “For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2 (HCSB)

Today’s passage in Revelation describes the marriage ceremony between Jesus and His bride.  

Often in the Bible, the unfaithfulness of God’s people is referred to as infidelity or spiritual adultery. Everyone has sinned and been unfaithful to God. That is why Messiah’s redemption is so valuable… “in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.” (Romans 3:23). Perhaps another reading of Hosea is in order.  

God's great grace allows us (collectively, His bride, the Church) to be clothed in white linen despite our past infidelities. His grace is not simply a cover-up. Upon receiving the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, we are literally washed white by His blood and are considered spiritually “virginal” to God. So, at the marriage of the Lamb, will you be among those wearing white or sackcloth?

“All this will happen because your merchants were the nobility of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery, and the blood of prophets and saints, and of all those slaughtered on earth, was found in you.” Revelation 18:23b-24 (HCSB)

The idea that the “Great Prostitute” would seduce and collect kings & merchants is not new to Scripture. Jeremiah records that Babylon’s king, Evil-Merodach, “pardoned King Jehoiachin of Judah and released him from the prison. He spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon.”

Babylon’s king Nebuchadnezzar often captured & imprisoned the kings and officials of nations he defeated. Then, he redistributed those nations’ people throughout the Babylonian kingdom. His purpose was to kill cultures by creating melting pots of nationalities.

Mystery Babylon dominates the World by enticing, enslaving, and assimilating mankind into her adulteries. How do nations, merchants, and kings become deceived by “Mystery Babylon”? They willingly choose to be enslaved by succumbing to her enticements. They sell themselves into bondage and then respond with appreciation when their “master” promotes them within her system.  

“But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.”  James 1:14 (HCSB)

Mystery Babylon’s methods are very different from God’s. He certainly doesn’t want men to live in forced bondage because He gives us the freedom to choose Him.  God does not tempt men. Nor does He desire that they sin and undergo judgment.  

“The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)

It isn’t until we feel the impact of our fall and recognize our powerlessness to recover that we cry out for God. When we repent in humility and sincerity, He answers gracefully and mercifully.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)

We do not have to live in the bondage of this World. We are free to choose whether to serve God or the World, which the Lord has now revealed to us as the great enticer and “Mystery, Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots…” (Revelation 17:5)

“Look, I am coming like a thief. The one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame is blessed.” Revelation 16:15 (HCSB)

“…for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (NIV)

Have you ever had anything stolen from you? I have. I remember coming out of the Mall one day, getting into my car, turning on the radio, and…no sound. I turned around to discover that someone had stolen my car stereo speakers!! Serves me right for leaving the convertible top down. My dad warned me it would happen someday. Nevertheless, I was totally shocked on the day I got ripped off.  

So, it will also be for unbelievers on the Day of the Lord. Despite the warnings, many will be totally surprised when it actually comes. Friends, there is a reckoning forthcoming. A final and harsh lesson awaits all who reject the Lord, who have refused to be clothed in His righteousness.

“I greatly rejoice in the Lord, I exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10b (HCSB)

Remember the story of Adam & Eve, how they lived in the Garden of Eden before the fall? Their flesh had not been corrupted by sin, so they had nothing to hide. Their nakedness bore witness to their sinlessness.  

“Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.” Genesis 2:25 (HCSB)

After Adam & Eve sinned, their corrupted flesh bore witness to their sinful act. So, they attempted to cover themselves.  

“I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” Genesis 3:10 (HCSB)

Listen, it is impossible to hide our sins from the Lord. We cannot cover ourselves with enough good deeds. Sin is a mark, impossible to rub off. It is a disease that is impossible to self-medicate and recover from.

In the days of Adam & Eve, the Lord clothed their sinful flesh with animal skins…but this was only to “cover their shame.”  It didn’t permanently atone for sin. Nor did it change their inner conditions or impending judgment.

When Jesus took the sin of the world upon Himself, He paid the penalty we deserve for our personal sin conditions. The Salvation Jesus offers clothes us with His righteousness. The day of the Lord will come, like a thief, upon the whole world. Only those clothed in Messiah’s righteousness will be able to stand without shame. Would you receive His atonement, His “garments of righteousness” today? Admit (to Jesus) that you are a sinner and tell Him you want to receive the atonement He freely offers.

“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up from the abyss and go to destruction. Those who live on the earth, whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the World will be astounded when they see the beast that was, and is not, and will be present again.”  Revelation 17:8 (HCSB)

One of the best ways for a company to grow is to diversify. Take the soft drink industry, for example. Many years ago, there were two main soft drink brands: Coke & Pepsi. Soft drink buyers were polarized. So, what did these companies do to take away business from each other? They began to diversify.  

Let’s focus on Coke. Coke doesn’t only want to sell you a Coke, per se; they’re after your beverage-buying dollar. Today, whether you purchase Dr. Pepper, Sprite, A&W, Nescafe, or over 400 other brands worldwide…the money goes back to Coca-Cola. To compete with Pepsi, all Coke had to do was introduce new brands into the marketplace and get out of the way. People who may have had a negative opinion of the Coke brand would have a higher probability of buying one of these other products instead of Pepsi. No problem. Coke still makes money.      

Some people are surprised when they discover that Coke manufactures their favorite beverage, like Dasani water, for example.  

There is a notion in our culture that following Jesus is one choice among many gods & religions. The reality is that the followers of those so-called gods & religions will be astonished to see the originator of their belief systems was Satan! Satan diversified.

In Revelation 17, the angel reveals that Satan “was, is not, and will be present again.”  This is opposed to God, who “was, and IS, and is to come.”  While God’s presence has remained constant throughout history, Satan’s approach has been stealthier. Satan’s goal is to increase mankind’s “options” for religious choice. Instead of choosing between God and Satan, mankind can choose between several religious opinions. Then, Satan hid himself because only a crazy person would choose to worship Satan outright! Only in the end will Satan be revealed as the father of ALL false religions.  

If Satan had a name for his “parent company,” it would be “Mystery Babylon.”  Described as a prostitute, Mystery Babylon has made the nations drunk with idolatry and false religion.

Satan’s downfall is his pride; he is jealous of worship. Of course, ALL worship belongs to God alone. Soon, it will not be enough for Satan to lure worship away from God. Eventually, Satan will expose himself as the originator of all false religions by demanding all men worship him directly. This will effectually destroy “the Prostitute.”

In the end, everything comes back to only two choices for the worshipper: God or Satan. Since only Messiah Jesus leads to salvation, why not choose Him today?

“And he requires everyone – small and great, rich and poor, free and slave – to be given a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark; the beast’s name, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom: the one who has understanding must calculate the number of the beast, because it is the number of man. His number is 666.”  Revelation 13:16-18 (HCSB)

Much has been made about this passage and the mysterious meaning of “666”. To add further drama, there are no numbers, per se, in Hebrew. Therefore, each letter has a numerical value. So-called “end times experts” have gone to great lengths to develop computer programs that look for “666” patterns in numerical and literature worlds. My favorite is the guy who determined that if A = 100, B = 101, C = 102, etc., the numerical value of the name Hitler totals “666”!  

It all makes me wonder what else these people could do with their time to be more productive for the Kingdom. Shouldn’t we spend more time sharing the Gospel instead of trying to convince our neighbors that their dog has the “mark of the beast” because the veterinarian placed a micro-chip in Fido?

Here’s what we know. As we learned earlier in Revelation 1, the number 7 is the number of completion. The number 6 is the number of Creation. The Lord took 6 days to establish Creation. He rested on day 7: Completion. Whenever we see the number 6 in Scripture, it is generally related to something that man originated and is usually compared/contrasted to what God had intended. For instance, there were 6 steps to Solomon’s throne. The number 6 is used 273 times in the Bible.  

So, there are two distinct images we are focusing on today: Where the mark is attached and what the mark means.

John tells us the beast’s mark is seen on the hand and the forehead. This is a direct mockery of the tefillin (phylacteries) (Matthew 23:5) that Jewish people were commanded to wear. The “forehead” represents our mind/thoughts, and the “hand” represents our actions.

“You shall bind them (God’s commands) for a sign on your hand, and they shall be frontlets for your eyes.” Deuteronomy 6:8 (NKJV)

Now, about the three sixes. This represents a mockery of the tri-unity of God. It is Mankind’s attempt to be their own judge & savior and to define their own truth. When you combine the beast’s number with its placements on the non-believers’ bodies, it becomes clear that those bearing the “mark of the beast” are simply those whose minds & actions testify that they have forsaken the Father, Messiah, and the Holy Spirit in exchange for Satan, the Flesh, and the World.

“Then I saw another angel flying in mid-Heaven, having the eternal Gospel to announce to the inhabitants of the Earth – to every nation, tribe, language, and people. He spoke with a loud voice: “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the Maker of Heaven and Earth, the sea, and springs of water.”  Revelation 14:6-7 (HCSB)

In this chapter, God is shown working behind the scenes of history, preparing rewards for His people and punishments for those who disobey Him.  Believers are warned against falling away and encouraged to remain faithful.

It is not easy to suffer, all the while blessing God. The whole scenario of “God-willed” suffering is askew with much of what the modern Church has adopted as doctrine. But it is important to remember that the suffering of believers is Scriptural and thus good. We suffer for several reasons. God teaches us the depth of our faith when situations He ordains demand that we either trust Him or seize control. God rebukes the Enemy when we faithfully endure trials, such as is the case with Job. Our shared suffering with non-believers is a beautiful opportunity to witness the objects of our faith: peace, joy, and a right standing with God.

Until now (in the book of Revelation), what has seemed like God’s judgment, compared to our present-day life existences, has actually been intended to provoke people to repentance. Consider these verses in light of the angel’s testimony in today’s passage:

“Even now – this is the Lord’s declaration – turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him so that you can offer grain and new wine to the Lord your God.”  Joel 2:12-14 (HCSB)

“The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the Heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the Earth and the works on it will be disclosed.”  2 Peter 3:9-10 (HCSB)

Before the bowl judgments, even at this late hour of this World’s season, there is a final plea for salvation addressed to anyone who would accept the message of the Gospel.

Have you come to the point in your spiritual life where you know for certain that you have eternal life? The Lord has delayed His return so that as many as possible might believe. But there is coming a time when that invitation will be withdrawn, and it will be as if a thief had stolen your moment away. Don’t let that “thief” be your own stubbornness. Turn to Jesus today and plead with others to join you!

“Then I heard a voice in Heaven say: The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Messiah have now come, because the accuser of our brothers has been thrown out: the one who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death.”  Revelation 12:10-11 (HCSB)

When I was a kid, I used to fake being sick so that I could watch TV at my Grandparents’ house. My folks didn’t have cable, but my grandparents did. One of my favorite old cable TV shows was “Perry Mason.” Forgotten by most, “Perry Mason” was a show about an attorney…the old school “Law & Order.” No matter what the case, Perry Mason always had a way of winning. Back in the days when “Matlock” (Andy Griffith) was still “Sheriff Andy Taylor,” Perry Mason was the man.

The key to portraying a good courtroom drama is to make the spectator believe the innocent client will be found guilty and that evil will win over justice. But right at the end, when all hope is lost, new evidence and a surprise witness show up. Based on this new evidence and testimony, the judge has no option but to throw the case out of court. Then truth and justice prevail. That’s good TV!

This is similar to what happens in Revelation 12. Satan is the Accuser, and Israel & the Church are the accused. There is irrefutable evidence of our sin, set against the backdrop of God’s standard. Finally, there’s the last-minute evidence of the Blood of the Lamb atoning for the sins of Believers. The last-minute evidence is coupled with the eye-witness testimony of the Messiah’s act of redemption by those who love the Lord above their own lives in the face of death. These are the Martyrs and those who were willing to testify on behalf of the Messiah to the point of their personal physical death.

The Lord’s Judgment is to throw the whole case out of court, along with the Accuser, holding him in contempt. Did you know that your Accuser is before the Lord at this moment? Are you confident that Jesus is your Advocate (attorney), or are you attempting to defend yourself before the Righteous Judge (God)? Do you know what they say about the man who defends himself in court? He has a fool for a client.

**Images to consider when reading this chapter:  Verses 1-5 depict Jesus’ birth and ascension into Heaven after being resurrected. The “woman” in the narrative is not Mary (Jesus’ mother). (Compare Isaiah 66:7-10, 26:17, and Micah 4:10) Instead, the “woman” is Israel, from whom Abraham’s “seed” came forth. (Gen 17:7, Luke 1:55) The Dragon is, of course, Satan. And the “rest of her children” are the Gentile believers. After failing to destroy Jesus, Satan seeks to destroy both Israel (Messianic and non-believers) and the Church, which bears Jesus’ Name.

“Then I was given a measuring reed like a rod, with these words: ‘Go and measure God’s sanctuary and the altar, and count those who worship there. But exclude the courtyard outside the sanctuary. Don’t measure it, because it is given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.’”  Revelation 11:1-2 (HCSB)

The apostle John was given the task of measuring God’s sanctuary, altar, and worshipers. To accomplish his mission, John was given a measuring rod…the standard by which all things are measured. This represents God’s Word, the Bible. The plans given to Moses concerning the Holy of Holies are precisely written in the Torah. And in a greater sense, God’s standard for all humanity is written in Scripture.  

God’s Heavenly sanctuary and altar are up to His standards, but what about His people? What about yourself, for that matter? How do you measure up to God’s requirements? If a “building inspector” were to observe your life, would you be “up to code”? The follower of Jesus need not be afraid of such a measurement, for He has fulfilled the Torah’s requirements on our behalf.

That being said, 2nd Peter and 1st John are solemn reminders that TRUE followers of Jesus believe by faith and seek to obey His commands. We should never cease from seeking God’s Word, the standard by which mankind will be judged, to conduct ourselves in such a way that honors Him, Who saved us.    

There is a tendency among some believers to measure the Church against the World’s standards for righteousness—a bad idea.  

Some Christian leaders say that the Church would never do “the World” better than the World does “the World.” Their point is that when it comes to secular standards of art, music, and media, and how they minister to the flesh, believers in Jesus simply cannot compete. Sure, the Church may occasionally send a music hero, actor, or filmmaker into international prominence, but that is hardly making a dent in the darkness.  

On the other hand, the World will never do “Church” better than the Lord commands His Church to operate on earth. By way of worship, what the World offers consistently fails to live up to its hype. It always leaves us short of what we truly desire at the soul level.

Who knows what our effect on the Kingdom of Darkness would be if we simply determined to conduct ourselves by God’s requirements? The Enemy has no effective long-term defense against a sold-out believer!

“Then I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I ate it, my stomach became bitter. And I was told, “You must prophesy again against many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.” Revelation 10:10-11 (HCSB)

A few years ago, I was lying on an emergency room gurney with bright lights overhead and hospital staff swarming around me. My heart is beating a zillion miles an hour, and there’s a tight pain in my chest. A nurse said, “Mr. Wiggins, put this little pill under your tongue,” so I did.

Then the nurse asks, “Mr. Wiggins, can you tell me exactly what you’re feelinnnnnzzzzzzzzz….”  

Her voice became metallic, and my vision diminished to a pin-sized hole. I was fading fast. Then, slowly, the world started coming back like a boomerang:

“….zzzzznnnnnnaaaare you with us, Mr. Wiggins?” the nurse asked.  

I was back. I nodded, “Yes.” One nurse turns to another, “He’s not having a heart attack. Must be stress.”

I felt a little embarrassed for taking up their vital ER time, but I was relieved to know my worst fears were invalidated by the news that all I needed was a vacation! Sadly, that was not the case for others in the cardiac unit that night. Many folks had developed severe symptoms that they sweetly passed off as heartburn. Later, they were rushed by ambulance to the hospital, where family members were given the bitter news of their loved one’s passing.

I have shared in the sweet experience, alongside the Apostle John, of having received the Gospel. I have received the sweet gift of salvation (which the Gospel offers through faith in Jesus) with great joy, but salvation has a bitter aftertaste in that it carries the reality that many will reject it. It is bitter because I know that on the Day of the Lord, bitter judgment awaits all who are found without Messiah’s atonement. It is bitter because the means of deliverance were so easily obtainable. God’s Grace is offered freely to all who would accept it!

Often, people will violently reject the messenger of the Gospel. That is the bitter downside of having received (and committed to sharing) God’s Word. Yet, we press on because our salvation experiences prove that people are out there, hungry to taste the Gospel’s sweetness. People like us need people like us to share the Gospel with us!

“The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshipping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which are not able to see, hear, or walk. And they did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts.” Revelation 9:20-21 (HCSB)

For those without a Catholic upbringing, Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”) is the day before the day Catholics observe as Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter.

On Ash Wednesday, a priest smudges the foreheads of worshippers with black ash in the sign of a cross (Reminiscent of the “seal of the Lord” placed on believers’ foreheads in The Revelation). This act echoes the Near Eastern and Biblical tradition of throwing ash over one’s head, signifying repentance before God. The minister offers the worshipper an instruction while applying the ashes, such as:

“For you are dust, and you will return to dust.” Genesis 3:19b (HCSB)

Getting back to Mardi Gras, this celebration basically mocks Lent by communicating, “We are going to gorge ourselves, fat with worldliness before God makes us act humble.”  The fact that “Fat Tuesday” is an annual holiday for some people reinforces the insincerity of their Lent fasting. For the Mardi Gras celebrant, Lent is not a voluntary turning from sin but a reluctant duty.

Mardi Gras is celebrated in several cities worldwide, including Rio de Janeiro, Venice, Bahia, Mazatlan, Mobile, Alabama, and most famously, New Orleans.

I bring all this up to focus our attention on post-hurricane Katrina New Orleans. After all the apocalyptic-type conditions we witnessed on television (America’s lowest humanitarian moment), what was the response of the city’s leaders once the dust settled? Was it humility, self-reflection, or repentance? No.

The city’s official response was to get Bourbon Street up and running in time for Mardi Gras. They wanted to send the world a message: The party continues!

What is your response to the Lord’s warnings of impending judgment? Have you determined to abandon your sins and turn to Him? A reckoning is forthcoming. The Bible exhorts us to be “broken” before the Lord in anticipation of His Judgment so we will not harden our hearts towards Him in response to it.

“The person who falls over this stone (Messiah Jesus, the Cornerstone of our faith) will be broken to pieces, but it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” Matthew 21:44 (ISV)

“After this, I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  Revelation 7:9-10 (HCSB)

Some believe that the Church has replaced Israel in the heart of God. They would go as far as to say the Church “is” Israel, and those whom Scripture once considered “Israel” are now just numbered among the multitude of unbelievers.  

Don’t be fooled by this argument. God’s Old Testament promises to Israel are listed as “forever” so often in the Bible that they are too numerous to mention. In the passage preceding the Scripture above, John testifies to having seen 144,000 “sons of Israel” with God’s seal on their foreheads.

Making a distinction between Gentile believers and those believers from Israel who will be saved, John also observes an innumerable “vast multitude” of believers “from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” This is excellent news because it tells us that God is not exclusively Jewish or Gentile. His promise of salvation is for ALL who believe by faith in Messiah Jesus. Still, God makes a purposeful distinction (between Jewish and Gentile believers) in Scripture.

Contrary to the teachings of certain “Christian-themed” cults, John does not give an exhaustive accounting of all the people who will be in Heaven. The 144,000 are a specific number of Jewish evangelists sealed for the service of God. John immediately observes the result of their evangelism when a vast number of believers appear. These new believers are “the ones coming out of the Great Tribulation.” (Revelation 7:14)

Perhaps you are suffering a difficult season of life, a tribulation, as it were. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Jesus understands your situation. He cares about you and extends His grace & mercy (in this season) to all who will accept it. In short, The Revelation is not just a detailed account of God’s Rejection of unbelievers but also the story of His acceptance of ALL who would believe by faith.  

“The One seated on the throne will shelter them: They will no longer hunger; they will no longer thirst; the sun will no longer strike them, nor will any heat.”  Revelation 7:15b-16 (HCSB) (See also how Revelation 7:14-17 matches up with Psalm 23 and Mark 6:30-44)

“When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”  Then another horse went out, a fiery red one, and its horseman was empowered to take peace from the earth, so that people would slaughter one another.  And a large sword was given to him.”  Revelation 6:3-4 (HCSB)

Several years ago, someone in my family researched our “roots.”  For as far back as we can search, someone in my family has been at war.  In the 1700s, the Wiggins fought in the American Revolution.  In the late 1800s, they fought in the Civil War.  They fought in WWII, and my dad is a retired Lt. Colonel in the Air Force.

These days, the world is at war again.  When I lived in California, occasionally, I led music for the Marine boot camp chapel at Camp Pendleton.  And every time I attended those chapel services,  I witnessed what seemed impossible for a Marine: surrender.  That is, many young soldiers surrendered their lives to Jesus’ command.  

A growing number of Religious scholars believe these are the last days.  Perhaps you have wondered if things could get worse.  Well, they can get worse.  And they will.

The Bible speaks of a time when the Lord will command that peace be taken from the earth.  Peace won’t be momentarily suspended or diminished to only reside in remote communities.  Peace will be taken entirely away.  People will slaughter each other.  This is not the kind of slaughter that pits political opponents.  It is that kind of desperate mayhem that we caught just a glimpse of in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans—complete chaos.

After the rapture of the Church, the Lord will withdraw His Spirit from the earth.  All mankind will be so completely and selfishly unrestrained that they lose control.  As bad as modern Islamic terrorism may seem, God’s Spirit still restrains evil from mankind for the most part.  

Our world comprises mostly simple, hard-working people who want to earn a living, raise a family, and live peacefully.  They can do so because they perceive that there is hope that their law-abiding efforts will advance their station in life and provide a better future for themselves and their families.  The Holy Spirit’s message to the world is that there is hope.  Hope in Jesus.  Without the Spirit’s message of hope, even the simplest of men will resort to unthinkable evil.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:3, Paul states that when people say “Peace and safety,” sudden destruction will come.  

Friends, know that while there is a general “peace” in the world today, it won’t always be so.  Furthermore, there is no true Shalom (Heb. “peace”) aside from the Grace and mercy of God through a saving relationship with Messiah Jesus.

“When He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and you redeemed people for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them a kingdom, and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.”  Revelation 5:8-10 (HCSB)

As a musician, I am overjoyed by the fact that there are instruments in Heaven because I’ll likely have a job! I love music and how it resounds with us emotionally. Alongside prayer, music is a natural human conduit for worship. When people feel happy, they sing. When they are sad, they sing. When celebrating victory, mourning a loss, or in the heat of competition, people look to music to facilitate the experience.

As a songwriter, I am glad to know there is songwriting in Heaven. The apostle John describes a “new song” being sung in the Heavens as God’s prophecy unfolds. It makes sense because if singing is a natural form of worship, then each time God reveals something new about Himself, we respond with a “new song.”

I used to live under the assumption that once people enter Heaven, they are somehow immediately fully aware of everything about God. I don’t know why, but I believed everyone would be eternally frozen in a perpetual state of worshipful awe. Obviously, they aren’t because John describes some varied activities that he witnessed going on in Heaven.  

Perhaps that is a glimpse of what our time in Heaven will be like. Instead of standing in a circle, frozen in worship, maybe eternity with the Lord will be more…kinetic, with God revealing facets of His infinite greatness to us. I would assume that we would continually sing a new song in response. Either way, we’ll know when we get there, and we’re sure that we’ll get there if our faith is in Jesus’ atoning righteousness!  

In a sense, the experience of God’s revelation happens to us already. Paul said that before Love and Spiritual Gifts, we should seek prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:1) That is to say that we should seek that God would reveal Himself to us through His Word, the Bible, so that we could worship Him deeper and share Him with others.  

Just when we think we have God figured out and we’ve fathomed the depths of the Bible, He reveals something new about Himself. Then we’re blown away all over again. Now, there is something new to sing about!

“…the 24 elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, worship the One who lives forever and ever, cast their crowns before the throne and say: ‘Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.’”  Revelation 4:10-11 (HCSB)

I’ve had the privilege of leading music at several funerals. There is great ministry opportunity at funerals. Of course, the funeral of a Christian has a bittersweet element. Bitter because a loved one is no longer with us, and sweet because we know they are with the Lord.

The funeral of a non-believer is a different story. It’s simply bitter.

A thing to remember about funerals is that the ceremony is not really for the deceased. Funerals are for those of us left behind. They help us mourn by giving us a chance to say goodbye. Before our memories begin to fade, funerals give us a chance to memorialize the departed.    

After the death of an unbeliever, the family will often ask the minister if their loved one is in Heaven. I once heard a pastor wisely answer that question. He said, “I am certain that wherever they are, your loved one would tell you to trust in Jesus!”

Heaven and Hell are not merely theological concepts. They are real places. I could see why you might not trust the testimony of the average person. But at least consider the testimony of those who are there! Those in Heaven would say that trusting Jesus was the best decision they ever made! Those in Hell would say rejecting Him was their worst mistake.

The apostle John was enabled to see Heaven through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He saw 24 elders worshipping God. These elders were once people like you and me living on earth. When they passed, they joined the Father and the Son in Heaven. By their own admission, they received salvation and honor only because of God’s grace. The same grace is extended to us. It is free and immediate if you would only choose to turn from your sin and accept it.

“The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:14b-16 (HCSB)

What a bummer to be the church of Laodicea! They are forever known as the “lukewarm” church. I have performed over 1000 concerts around the world. Most of them were in church ministry settings. Sadly, I have seen far too many “lukewarm” ministries. The church of Laodicea, while barely showing signs of life, is still alive, well-marketed, and well-attended in our generation.

Here’s what I mean. Let’s say a preacher moves to a city. He gathers a group of believers, buys a building & sound equipment, and advertises to the community, “Come!”  But when people show up, the preacher never teaches the Bible to be understood comprehensively; he never exposes sin, warns of the coming wrath, or challenges with urgency that people must believe in Jesus.  

Afraid of scaring people away, that pastor only highlights the positive aspects of the Gospel…love, acceptance, and peace. While this approach may draw a sizeable crowd with interesting topics, highly involved productions, and activities, nobody’s life is being “transformed.”  The congregation eventually becomes more like a Bible-themed club.

That’s a lukewarm church. It’s not entirely “Cold” because it utilizes Biblical principles. But it’s not “Hot,” either, because it denies the power & the passion of God’s Spirit to move boldly.

While it’s reasonably easy to understand why God would want people to be Hot with zeal, why would He wish anyone were Cold? I believe God would desire a Cold person because a Cold person is under no delusion that they are saved!  

Cold people live for themselves. They’re in the World, and they know it. A Cold person is more likely to become a believer because when confronted with the Gospel, they can compare it to their lives and see a marked difference. Eventually, they may hear the Gospel, backed up by the white-hot testimony and lifestyle of a passionate believer. In response, the non-believer would be more likely to trade their worldliness for God’s righteousness, becoming a faithful follower of Jesus. Are you yet to believe in Jesus? Have you traditionally been “cold” to the Gospel? I pray you will believe it today! Because while Jesus is the only Way, He liberally offers salvation to anyone who would turn from their sins and believe. “...today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

But if you are already a believer, living a Worldly lifestyle, consider Joshua:

“But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve….” Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)

“Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in God’s paradise.” Revelation 2:7 (HCSB)

“Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor will never be harmed by the second death.” Revelation 2:11 (HCSB)

“Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.”  Revelation 2:17 (HCSB)

“Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 2:29 (HCSB)

There is an old saying, “Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once.”  “Born once” means rejecting the gospel and living only for this world. When such a person dies, they actually have died twice because they were dead in their sins while alive, and now, through physical death, they are dead for all eternity, separated from God.

When a person is “Born twice,” it means they have recognized they were born, dead in sin, and have received the “New Life” offered by Messiah…who died on our behalf. That person “lives twice” because they were given life on earth, plus eternal life with the Lord in Heaven. In today’s passage, the apostle John speaks of the benefits of listening to God’s Spirit and following the Messiah. He is speaking of being “born twice” or, as the Bible puts it, “born again.”  

The believer (called a “victor” because, through Jesus, they have obtained victory over death) lives forever with God. This is illustrated by the image of eating from the “Tree of Life.” It carries the idea that whoever eats from it has life and will never cease eating from it. Again, John writes the “victor” will never be harmed by “second death.” Concerning being a victor, referencing Psalm 44:22, Isaiah 53:7, and Zechariah 11:4-7, in his epistle to the Romans, Paul said:

“No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him Who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (HCSB)

John goes on to say the victor will be given “hidden manna,” which represents God’s miraculous provision and sustaining of His people.

Finally, we are to receive “a white stone” inscribed with a new name, signifying that God will remember us…not for who we were (our old name) but for who we have become (new name) by grace, through faith in Messiah Jesus.