Read Revelation 10

So many wrong predictions have been made about Christ’s Second Coming that there is a Wikipedia page devoted to the topic. Hippolytus of Rome, for example, predicted that Christ would return in AD 500. More recently, a cult leader predicted He would come back on Pentecost in 2019. They are only two examples of many who have been proven wrong!

Jesus said that only God the Father knows the day or the hour (Matt. 24:36). Just as there was an interlude before the seventh seal, so now there is an interlude before the seventh trumpet. A “mighty angel” appears, straddling land and sea and holding a “little scroll” (vv. 1–4). He’s met by “seven thunders,” but John is forbidden to write down what they said. What they said, and even why it was hidden, remains a mystery. No one should ever be able to think that they have God’s plans all figured out!

The angel raises his right hand—just as we do in a modern court when promising to tell the truth—and swears by the Creator that there will be no more delay (vv. 5–6). “The mystery of God will be accomplished” (v. 7). Our redemption will soon be completed. The end of history is nearly here. All prophecies are about to be fulfilled. This oath would have been a tremendous encouragement to John’s original readers.

John is told to go and take the “little scroll” from the angel’s hand (vv. 8–11). He eats it, and as he was told, it tastes sweet, though it sours in his stomach. Ezekiel had had a similar experience (Ezek. 3:1–4). This means that John’s vision is not yet over. He must continue to watch and write down the end times prophecies he sees.

Go Deeper

We’ve seen several references to Ezekiel already in the book of Revelation. What parallels have you observed between Ezekiel and John as prophets and in their writings?

Pray with Us

As we wait for Your coming, remind us to take heart that Your plans are higher than ours! We wait in eager expectation to see the redemption of the world.

The mystery of God will be accomplished.Revelation 10:7

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Read Revelation 8:6–9:21

We’ve all experienced times in our lives we might label as a crisis, either personal or in our community, our nation, or even the world. The word permacrisis is defined as “an extended period of instability and insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events.”

At this point in Revelation, we see what qualifies as a “permacrisis.” The second round of judgments in Revelation 8 is marked by an increase in their severity. As with the seal judgments, the first six trumpets are sounded, followed by an interlude. The first trumpet leads to natural destruction (8:7). It becomes increasingly difficult to understand what is happening. Is it a volcano erupting? Or is it a worldwide epidemic? Is an asteroid falling into the sea? Or are the events purely symbolic? In any case, the consequences are horrifying.

The second trumpet brings oceanic destruction, including both sea creatures and ships (8:8–9). The third trumpet affects water, but this time, freshwater as a blazing star falls on rivers and springs and turns them bitter (8:10–11). With the fourth trumpet, the scope of disaster becomes astronomical, as the sun, moon, and stars are “struck” (8:12).

The fifth trumpet introduces demonic affliction (9:1–11). Satan or perhaps another powerful demon is allowed to open the “Abyss” and loose a swarm of “locusts.” These demons are given the power to torture unbelievers with painful bites. The sixth trumpet unleashes large-scale death in war (9:13–19). Natural, human, and supernatural causes blend in the apocalyptic imagery. The people experiencing these judgments do not repent but actively pursue idolatry, sexual immorality, and other sins (9:20–21).

Go Deeper

For those reading this devotional, there’s still time. Do you need to repent and trust Christ for salvation? Go to moodybible.org/knowing-christ to accept the gift of salvation today!

Pray with Us

God, we fear Your name, as You are a God of justice and love. We thank You for providing a way to know You and reconcile our relationship with You through Jesus!

The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.Revelation 8:6

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Read Revelation 8:1–5

William Blake, an English poet and artist, drew a well-known picture titled “Angel of the Revelation.” In it, a tall, powerful angelic being towers over John, who is recording his apocalyptic vision. The angel holds a book in one hand and is making a commanding gesture with the other. His feet are burning (like Christ’s in Revelation 1). This is how Blake imagined the significant role that angels play throughout the book (especially chapter 10).

In chapter 8 of Revelation, the seventh seal is opened and there is a half-hour of silence in heaven (v. 1). What is the purpose of this? One reason is preparation. After the seven seal judgments, there will be a second round of seven trumpet judgments (v. 2). Some see the silence as dramatic, increasing the suspense and anticipation. The silence also likely signifies the momentousness of what is about to occur. Finally, silence in the Bible also often indicates another form of respect and worship. For example: “Let all the earth be silent before him [God]” (Hab. 2:20). “Be silent . . . the day of the LORD is near” (Zeph. 1:7).

Next, an angel takes a golden censer or firepan containing incense, representing “the prayers of God’s people,” and offers these prayers as worship to the Lord (vv. 3–5; compare Ex. 30:1–10). Then he fills that same censer with fire from the altar and hurls it upon the earth. The resulting “peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake” symbolize God’s wrath and judgment. This is a kind of poetic justice: The same golden censer that held the prayers of the saints also delivers justice from God’s throne.

The seventh seal, then, mainly introduces the next sequence of seven judgments and reminds us of the book’s central themes of worship and justice.

Go Deeper

Have you ever pictured your prayers as incense before the throne of God? What changes might you make in your prayer life as a result?

Pray with Us

Lord, we praise You for access to You through prayer. We respect You and worship You with our lips. May we also take time to be silent in Your presence and listen to Your voice.

There was silence in heaven.Revelation 8:1

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Read Revelation 7

What is the “seal” in today’s reading? While we don’t know exactly what, we do know why. In John’s day, a seal represented authority, protection, and ownership. Someone who carried a seal acted with the authority and under the protection of someone greater. The seal was a guarantee that the “someone greater” stood behind the person with the seal.

At this point in the narrative, the opening of the seven seals on the scroll of judgment is paused. Four angels, standing at the four corners of the earth, who have been given power to harm land and sea and nature (represented by trees), are told to stop temporarily (vv. 1–3).

The purpose of the pause is to “seal” or choose and commission 144,000 evangelists from Israel, including 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes (vv. 4–8). These numbers might be symbolic, but the reference is to ethnic Israel. This is one reason why the restoration of Israel as a nation in 1948 was so significant.

Next, John sees “a great multitude… wearing white robes” and holding palm branches. They lead heaven in praise, proclaiming, “Salvation belongs to our God.” The angels, 24 elders, and four living creatures join in, falling on their faces to worship (vv. 9–12).

But who are they? An elder explains, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation” (vv. 13–14). Some see them as believers who trusted Christ during the Tribulation and were martyred. Given the vast size of the multitude, though, they might be the church, raptured out before the Tribulation began. Either way, everything that is said about them is true of redeemed people in general, including the beautiful blessings of verses 15–17 (see also Isa. 25:8; 49:10). These believers contrast vividly with the sinners fleeing God’s wrath in the previous chapter (Rev. 6:15–17).

Go Deeper

What does “seal” mean in Ephesians 1:13–14? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in these verses?

Pray with Us

Almighty God, we rejoice in our future with You for eternity in Your kingdom. Help us by Your Spirit to live in this world, full of hardships, trials, and tears, as citizens of heavenly kingdom.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.Revelation 7:17

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Read Revelation 6

In 2004, a devastating tsunami swept across the Indian Ocean at the speed of a jet airplane. A train in Sri Lanka was driven off the tracks. A boat off the shore of Thailand was thrown more than a mile inland. Triggered by a magnitude-9.1 earthquake, the tsunami killed nearly 250,000 people.

Natural disasters give us an idea of the catastrophic scenes recorded by John in his vision. In today’s chapter, the Tribulation begins as six of the seven seals are opened. The first four seals reveal the “four horsemen of the apocalypse”—conquest, war, famine or economic disaster, and Death (Zech. 6:1–7). First is a white horse with a rider who is given a bow for conquest (vv. 1–2). Next is a red horse with a rider who is given a sword to take peace from the earth (vv. 3–4). Next is a black horse with a rider who is given scales or balances, representing hunger and poverty (vv. 5–6). Finally, there is a pale horse whose rider is Death itself (vv. 7–8). The color “pale” is best thought of as the color of a corpse. Death is allowed to kill one-quarter of the world’s population.

When the fifth seal is opened, there is a pause in the action (vv.  9–11). Christian martyrs call for justice, lamenting, “How long?” They’re told to wait but assured that the time is drawing near. This scene no doubt provided encouragement to persecuted believers in John’s day and has done so throughout history.

Finally, the sixth seal is opened and, in the words of the Moody Bible Commentary, the world experiences “cosmic upheaval” (vv. 12–17). Though sinners recognize God’s wrath, they do not repent or seek His mercy, but instead foolishly try to hide or escape.

Go Deeper

Psalm 13 and others give us the words to call for God’s help and justice. How do we see these themes in our world today?

Pray with Us

How long, Lord, until You restore all things? Remind us through our reading today that although You will exercise Your wrath, You will also exercise mercy and deliver Your children from evil.

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals.Revelation 6:1

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Read Revelation 5

Scripture often pictures God as our Shepherd (Psalm 23), including Jesus as our Good Shepherd (John 10). John the Baptist also called Him “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This is probably a reference to the Passover lamb, which foreshadowed Christ (1 Cor. 5:7; Isa. 53:7).

These images are the biblical background for the Lamb in Revelation 5. Now that God’s throne room has been described in Revelation 4, the drama of the end times is set to begin. What will happen is written in a scroll with seven seals… but who is worthy to open this scroll (vv. 1–4)? As the tension rises, John weeps because apparently no one can be found.

Then one of the elders tells him that the Lion of the tribe of Judah is worthy (vv. 5–7). This and the Root of David are Messianic titles. John turns and unexpectedly sees “a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne.” The seven horns symbolize strength, while the seven eyes symbolize knowledge and wisdom. He takes the scroll from the hand of God.

Three waves of praise follow. First, the four living creatures and the 24 elders play harps, holding golden bowls of incense that represent prayers, and sing of the Lamb’s worthiness, as He has accomplished God’s mission of redemption (vv. 8–10). Second, hosts of angels join in praising the Son’s worthiness to take the scroll and initiate God’s eschatological judgments (vv. 11–12). Third, “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them” join in a thunderous and triumphant doxology for both Father and Son, with the four living creatures saying “Amen” (vv. 13–14; Phil. 2:9–11).

Go Deeper

Scripture often connects creation and salvation, as happens in the songs of Revelation chapters 4 and 5. What are the theological links between these two doctrines? Why are they so important?

Pray with Us

Jesus, You are the Lion and the Lamb. Remind us of Your role in creating all things, and that salvation is through You alone! Thank You for providing us with hope for eternity.

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain.Revelation 5:12

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Read Revelation 4

Church tradition for various reasons has assigned four symbols to the four Gospels: Matthew is a man. Mark is a lion. Luke is an ox or calf. John is an eagle. Historically, these pictures are found in illuminated manuscripts, paintings, and church architecture details. Together all four are called the “tetramorph.”

Do these symbols sound familiar? They’re based on the four living creatures found in Revelation (vv. 5–8). These are likely angels, since similar living creatures are described in Ezekiel 1 and 10, and these are cherubim. In some ways, the descriptions also resemble the seraphim in Isaiah 6:2–3. Like those, the four living creatures here sing “Holy, holy, holy!” to the Lord.

Revelation 4–5 introduce and set the tone for the rest of the book. In chapter 4, John sees a vision of God on His heavenly throne (vv. 1–3, 5–6). In the throne room of heaven, the consummation of history is about to begin! Words aren’t enough, and John uses images of radiance, color, and precious jewels to depict God’s glory, and images of thunder, smoke, and lightning to convey His power and awesomeness. Many of these are references to Old Testament passages in which God appears, such as Exodus 19 and Ezekiel 1.

Around the throne, also on golden thrones, are 24 elders (v. 4). These are likely human beings. They’re dressed in white, signifying purity and righteousness. Some believe that the number 24 indicates twelve from the tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Just as the four living creatures praise the One on the throne, so do the 24 elders (vv. 9–11). They lay their crowns before Him, giving Him all the glory. Their praise focuses on His worthiness to be worshiped as the Creator, a theme found in the Psalms (see Psalm 19).

Go Deeper

Revelation 4, verses 8 and 11 have inspired worship music throughout church history. How many hymns and songs connected with these verses can you think of?

Pray with Us

Holy, Holy, Holy are You Lord! We are in awe of Your glorious presence that we will one day see face to face! Until then, give us hearts of adoration for You.

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory.Revelation 4:11

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Read Revelation 3

If you located the seven churches of Revelation chapters 2 and 3 on a map, they would form a rough geographical circle, starting at Ephesus and going clockwise to Laodicea. This is also the order a courier or messenger would likely have delivered the original copies of this book. The Roman province of Asia today is western Turkey. Sadly, these seven churches have mostly vanished, as this area is now largely Muslim. As we continue through the remainder of the seven letters, this fact is a warning to take their contents seriously.

The fifth letter is to the church in Sardis (vv. 1–6). The congregation’s high reputation is undeserved. They need to wake up and repent! Yet there is a faithful remnant, counted worthy to walk with Christ. The sixth letter is to the church in Philadelphia (vv. 7–13). This congregation is praised for their faithfulness and patient endurance. As with the church in Smyrna, no sins or weaknesses are pointed out. The seventh is to the church in Laodicea (vv. 14–22). Tragically, they receive no words of commendation from the Lord. They’re portrayed as lukewarm, complacent, and prideful. They need to accept God’s loving discipline and repent.

The rewards described in the letters are both specific and general. They’re specific in that they fit well with the strengths and admonitions in each letter. But they’re also general in that they’re available to all believers. This is because most of the rewards have to do with eternal life and our relationship with Christ. While the letters focus on “what is now” from the perspective of the original readers, there are timeless truths for us as well. The rest of the book will deal with “what will take place later” (Rev. 1:19), that is, end-times events that are still in our future.

Go Deeper

Revelation 3:20 is a verse often used for evangelism. It was originally addressed to the church in Laodicea. What does it mean? How might it best be interpreted?

Pray with Us

God, help us listen to Your voice! Your Word is a guide for our lives that leads us to repentance. May we not dismiss the warnings You give us in Scripture.

These are the words of him who is holy and true.Revelation 3:7

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Read Revelation 2

Doubtless, we’ve all read one or more of the 21 letters, or epistles, in the New Testament. In each one, the author was writing to a specific church, including greetings, personal names, and specific spiritual issues. The “mini-epistles” we find in Revelation 2–3 are shorter but otherwise the same. These letters from Christ are aimed at specific churches, while also being aimed at readers throughout church history, including us.

These letters include five main ingredients: (1) something about Christ, the author of the letters—typically a quality already mentioned in chapter 1; (2) something good or praiseworthy; (3) a weakness or area for improvement; (4) a call to hear and respond rightly; and (5) rewards for those who are “victorious.” Not every letter has every ingredient, but the pattern is consistent. While we cannot exhaustively discuss each letter here, we’ll hit the highlights.

The first letter is to the church in Ephesus (vv. 1–7). The believers there are praised for their hard work, perseverance, and hatred of wickedness and false teaching. But they’re admonished to repent of their cold hearts to return to their “first love.”

The second letter is to the church in Smyrna (vv. 8–11). This congregation is recognized for their endurance of afflictions and poverty, slander and persecution from others. Impressively, no weaknesses are mentioned.

The third letter is to the church in Pergamum (vv. 12–17). They are praised for being faithful and true under pressure, even to the point of martyrdom, though some do follow false teaching and need to repent. Culturally, the “white stone” reward probably symbolizes admission to the Messianic banquet (Isa. 25:6; Rev. 19:9).

The fourth letter is to the church in Thyatira (vv. 18–29). They do well in love, faith, service, perseverance, and good deeds, but they’re much too tolerant of a certain false teaching.

Go Deeper

What letter might Christ write to you or your church? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Which of His qualities are most precious to you?

Pray with Us

Father, Your instruction to the churches is a reminder for us to examine our own walk with You. Show us where we need to grow and give us the strength to remain faithful to You.

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.Revelation 2:7

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Read Revelation 1:9–20

John Newton, eighteenth-century slave-ship-captain-turned-abolitionist and hymn writer, wrote of Jesus, “In [Christ], I have an offering, an altar, a temple, a priest, a sun, a shield, a Savior, a Shepherd, a hiding place, a resting place, food, medicine, riches, honor, wisdom, righteousness, holiness, in short, everything.”

The Apostle John also was deeply moved by the glorious vision of Christ. John was in exile, a brother and companion in persecution alongside his original readers (vv. 9–11). For the sake of the gospel, they shared in “the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus”—a striking phrase. On the Lord’s Day, Sunday, the day Christ rose from the dead, John was worshiping “in the Spirit.” He heard a voice “like a trumpet” instructing him to write down what he was about to see and send it to the seven churches.

Naturally, he turned around to see who it was. There stood “someone like a son of man” (an allusion to Daniel 7:13), the Messiah, Jesus Christ (vv. 12–16). He wore a robe and a golden sash, indicating royalty. His white hair symbolized wisdom and eternality. His eyes blazed fire, indicating His penetrating insight and omniscience (Heb. 4:13). His feet of glowing bronze stood ready to trample His enemies. His voice sounded like rushing waters, powerful and beautiful. He held seven stars, the angels of the seven churches (v. 20). Out of his mouth came a double-edged sword, the Word of God (Heb. 4:12). His face shone like the sun (Num. 6:24–26). He is “the First and the Last,” “the Living One,” and holds the keys to everything.

John fell on his face in worship (vv. 17–18). Jesus, however, said, “Do not be afraid,” and told him again to write “what is now and what will take place later” (vv. 19–20).

Go Deeper

In what ways is the worship-filled “fear of the Lord” different from human fears? In what other Bible passages do people respond as John did in today’s reading?

Pray with Us

Lord, You cause us to fall to our knees in worship. We are in awe of Your glory. As we reflect on the wonders of this book, give us hearts that revere Your name.

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!Revelation 1:18

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Read Revelation 1:4–8

The author of Revelation, John, was one of the original twelve disciples called by Jesus. John and his brother James, along with Peter and Andrew, were fishermen whom Jesus invited to follow Him—“I will send you out to fish for people” (Matt. 4:18–22). John became “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20) and wrote a Gospel as well as three epistles.

John had been walking with Jesus for nearly a lifetime by the time he wrote Revelation (v. 4). That’s why there is great spiritual depth even in his simple greeting in today’s reading. He offers “grace and peace” from the entire Trinity: God the Father, God the Holy Spirit (v. 4), and God the Son (v. 5). As the NIV note attests, “seven spirits” can be rendered “sevenfold Spirit,” which makes more sense. The number seven, here and throughout the book—it appears 54 times!—represents divine perfection.

The focus is on God the Son, Jesus Christ. He is the “faithful witness” who died to save us, the “firstborn from among the dead” who conquered death and rose again (Col. 1:18), and the sovereign “ruler of the kings of the earth.” John cannot help breaking into a doxology of praise here for Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice and for how He has made us “to be a kingdom and priests” (vv. 5–6; Ex. 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9). Worship will be a major theme in this book.

The key theme and message, though, is Christ’s Second Coming (vv. 7–8). Christ is the telos or purpose of history, the “hinge” of God’s entire plan of redemption. The prophecies of Revelation are continuous with Old Testament prophecies: Jesus will return “with the clouds of heaven” (Dan. 7:13; 1 Thess. 4:16–17). “They will mourn for him” (Zech. 12:10; Matt. 24:30), the One they had pierced (Isa. 53:5).

Go Deeper

What has been your previous experience with the book of Revelation? What did you learn today that gives this study context?

Pray with Us

God, we thank You for the inspired Word that tells us about who You are. Open our eyes to see that You are worthy to be praised! We worship You.

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come.Revelation 1:4

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Read Revelation 1:1–3

In Eat This Book, Eugene Peterson warned: “[W]e live in an age in which the authority of Scripture in our lives has been replaced by the authority of the self: we are encouraged on all sides to take charge of our lives and use our own experience as the authoritative text by which to live. The alarming thing is how extensively this spirit has invaded the church.”

In the opening chapter of the book of Revelation, the Apostle John strongly asserts the authority of Scripture. How was this book written? Christ sent an angel, who showed John visions of “what must soon take place” (v. 1). Then John testified to all that he saw (v. 2). At the time, about AD 95, John was in exile on the island of Patmos, a Roman penal colony.

The book of Revelation is an “apocalypse,” that is, an account of the end of the world. The term apocalypse means an “unveiling” or “disclosure.” This literary form consists mainly of symbolic visions and can be confusing or even overwhelming. This book also includes prophecies, narratives, and doxologies of praise. Though some see the events of the book as mainly in the past, a futurist interpretation will be taken here.

The main purpose of the book, for the original readers as well as for us today, is encouragement. This is why John offers a blessing for reading this book (v. 3). Revelation encourages us to stand firm in the face of persecution from Satan and the world. We should take its message to heart, implying a response of faith and obedience. We can be encouraged primarily because of the imminent return of Christ (1 Thess. 4:16–18). “Imminent” means Christ could return at any time. In a very real sense, “the time is near.”

Go Deeper

We don’t know when Christ will return, but we do know that He could return at any time. What difference might this truth make in our everyday lives?

Pray with Us

Dear Lord, as we begin to study this book, grant us encouragement and strength to face difficulties in the world around us. We trust that You will return to make all things new!

The time is near.Revelation 1:3

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Read 2 Timothy 3:14–17

The end of every journey provides a moment for reflection. You’ve arrived at your destination. If you’ve been on this two-month journey with us, I encourage you to take a moment and consider what you’ve learned. We have touched almost every book of the Old Testament and every book of the New Testament.

We’ve seen God create the world and work to redeem it. We’ve seen Him make promises and fulfill them. We’ve seen the tragedy of sin in people’s lives, but we’ve also seen the power of the gospel to transform those lives. We’ve seen the faithless receive judgment, and the faithful a reward. Finally, we’ve seen the hope of redemption: Christ will return!

As we close this series it’s good to remember that we’ve just scratched the surface. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul reminds his spiritual son to remain faithful by not leaving the things he has learned and had committed himself to (v. 14). He trusted the Scriptures, and Paul wants him to continue to do that. Paul reminds him that the Scriptures are “God-breathed” (v. 16), meaning that God is their source. Yes, He used people to write the words, but He made sure they wrote what He wanted them to write.

As a result, Scripture is of ultimate usefulness. Any time invested in studying God’s Word will equip the believer to teach what it says. Knowing the Bible gives us confidence to speak the truth, to challenge, and correct. It teaches us how to live righteously. Christians need to be able to do these things for others and for themselves. Attention to the Scriptures equips us. So, don’t stop now. Lean into your study of the Word of God and continue to equip yourself for every good work!

Go Deeper

How will you continue in God’s Word this year? Do you have a plan? Sign up for Today in the Word’s daily email or download the app and study the Scripture daily all year. Extended Reading:

2 Timothy 3

Pray with Us

As we conclude our overview of the Bible, may we stay in the Word, study it more deeply every day, open our hearts to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and grow in love for our Lord and Savior. Amen!

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.2 Timothy 3:16

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Read Revelation 21

The best stories, the ones we delight in, end well. At the end of the story, evil is vanquished and courage rewarded. The future looks bright. But on this earth, there is a pervading sadness to even the most satisfying ending. Sin mars true happiness, leaving lingering dissatisfaction.

But that is not the way the Bible ends. Since Genesis, we have watched God work out His plan to restore what was lost in the Garden of Eden. Now, in the book of Revelation, we see the result: a new heaven and a new earth! These words are meant to echo the original Creation account before the world was marred by sin. That creation was good, but not perfect. Sin was a possibility.

But this new heaven and earth will be different. They are fit for a holy city, Jerusalem, and for God to dwell among His people (v. 3). What is more, the consequences of sin, death and the mourning, crying, and pain will be gone (v. 4). They characterize the way the world used to work. God declares that the old order of things is no more when He says, “I am making everything new!” (v. 5).

Chapter 21 of Revelation describes that future reality. How would the readers in the first century have known they could trust it to come to pass? How can we, today, know and look forward to it? God declares that it is trustworthy and true (v. 5). The hope of everyone with faith in Christ for salvation rests on these words. They are true. God has committed Himself to restoring the world we live in. The work of Christ secured that future for us. This is our hope. This is our victory. The story ends the best possible way it could.

Go Deeper

Where is your hope for the future? Do you look forward to the end when all things will be made new? Stay tuned in March when we will study the entire book of Revelation. Extended Reading:

Revelation 19-21

Pray with Us

King Jesus, we rejoice in the wonderful new reality You show us in the book of Revelation. It is trustworthy and true! We are looking forward to this hope and victory, to seeing You face to face.

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”Revelation 21:5

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Read Jude 1

If you live in a city, you know that road rage is real. Judging by the behavior of some drivers, that inch of space separating your car from the car in front of you was worth the price of their car and your life. To some, the penalty for not driving quickly enough is risking their lives to ride your bumper until you get the hint. When I see an instance of road rage, I wonder, Was the fight worth it?

Jude, the brother of Jesus, wrote his letter to remind Christians that, indeed, some fights are worth it, especially the fight for faith. In a world that assaults our confidence in Christ and the gospel, it is important to expend energy to keep our faith strong. This type of fight is willing to say “no” to certain things. As Titus 2:12 encourages, we are to “say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Jude’s readers were at risk because individuals had secretly infiltrated their community and were living contrary to the faith. Jude calls these people ungodly because by their behavior they were abusing God’s grace. They believed forgiveness meant they could live immoral lives (v. 4). By doing so they denied the authority of Christ! These people were a significant danger to the community. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor. 15:33). Sinful conduct could spread throughout the community.

What should Jude’s readers do? He calls them to fight for faith (v. 3). In this case it means saying “no” to ungodliness, protecting themselves and their community from those who would lead them astray. Now, that is a fight worth fighting!

Go Deeper

How will you fight for the faith? Are you willing to say “no” to ungodliness in your family, your church, or your community? God is with you in this fight every step of the way. Extended Reading:

Jude

Pray with Us

Lord, we accept Jude’s challenge to fight for our faith. Sometimes the most difficult fight is within our own hearts! But we believe that You will “present [us] before his glorious presence without fault” (Jude 1:24).

Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.Jude 1:3

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Read 3 John 1

Christian fellowship is an amazing thing to behold. There is nothing quite like the experience of meeting a total stranger and finding out they are a believer in Christ. There is a bond between Christians that the Bible describes using familial language. When you meet someone who knows the Lord, you are meeting a brother or sister. Salvation unites us as a family.

In a world where Christians left their homes to preach the gospel, it was necessary for them to depend on the hospitality and welcome of other Christians. But hospitality came at a cost, and from time to time, Christians needed encouragement to be hospitable (Rom. 12:13). John wrote this letter to his friend, Gaius, encouraging him to keep up the good work. Gaius had a habit of serving brothers and sisters in Christ, even if they were strangers to him (v. 5). These men and women went on to tell others about his kindness, described by John as love (v. 6).

Recognizing that guests sometimes overstay their welcome, John encourages his friend to bid them farewell, when the time comes, in a God-honoring way (v. 6). Did John sense that showing hospitality was becoming wearisome? That’s why he reminds Gaius that these visitors went on the road for God’s Name (v. 7). They left at risk to themselves, taking no money from unbelievers, whom John describes as “pagans” (v. 7). As a result, they needed help from the family of God. Rather than call these travelers irresponsible, John reminds Gaius that it was right to help them. They are on a mission for the gospel.

As a final encouragement he reveals that when Gaius helped them, he was joining in their efforts for the gospel; he was working with them! Christians can partner with the gospel efforts of other believers by showing hospitality when necessary.

Go Deeper

How can you show hospitality within the family of believers? Think of ways you can improve this area of your life, even in the next month! Extended Reading:

3 John

Pray with Us

Dear God, thank You for the reminder from the apostle John that when we show hospitality to our fellow Christians, we show love. It’s Your love that’s speaking through us. Help us to be generous and kind.

We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.3 John 1:8

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Read 2 John 1

Brands protect their reputations vigorously. They work hard to hire the best spokesperson and generally pay that person well. But if that representative does something to tarnish their image, brands will release them from their contracts just as purposefully as they hired them. Associations matter and brands understand that association with the wrong people can hurt.

In this brief second letter, John warns his readers to be on guard against people who associate with Christians but reject a core doctrine of the faith. They do not believe that Jesus Christ appeared in the flesh (v. 7). By this time, the gospel had spread widely enough, and different communities developed in different parts of the Roman world. As a result, strange teachings about Christ began to appear. One argued that Jesus Christ was not actually a flesh-and-blood human being but only appeared to be such. False teachers were spreading this doctrine as they travelled.

John feared that his readers would give in to this false teaching, and he would lose what he worked for and the reward that comes with faithfulness in Christ (v. 8). These people are deceivers (v. 7)! His advice is simple: Stick with what you have been taught. Stay with Christ who leads through His teaching. Reject Christ’s teaching, and you reject God. There are many details about the Christian life that God has not fully explained. Avoid speculation!

But what should we do with the false teachers who want to associate with us? Do not welcome them or even bring them into your home (v. 10). This may seem harsh, but the consequence of such friendship is clear. If you associate with them, you associate with their wickedness.

Go Deeper

Are you connected to people who question your confidence in Christ and God’s Word? Might they be in a position to influence and even deceive you? How does John suggest we respond? Expanded Reading:

2 John

Pray with Us

Holy Spirit, give us discernment and wisdom to reject false teachers who reject Christ. Help us stay rooted in Christ, follow Him faithfully, and remember our first love.

Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God.2 John 1:9

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Read 1 John 2:1–11

As a young man I went on a caving expedition in the Adirondack mountains of New York. Along with my co-campers, I squeezed myself through narrow passages and down cracks in the rock until we came to a large room underground. At that point we all agreed to turn our lights off. I was not prepared for the depth of darkness that enveloped us. Without light, we were completely lost. If we tried to leave the cave without light, we would never have made it out.

In his first letter, John uses light and darkness to motivate Christians to love one another (v. 10). He argues that anyone who hates a fellow Christian is like someone who walks around in the dark, they are lost because they have been blinded by darkness (v. 12).

Why use such a powerful illustration? Because hating a fellow Christian is unbecoming of a person who claims to believe in Jesus Christ. Consider the incongruity of a person who claims to love Christ and yet hates those for whom Christ died. We would look askance at someone who says, “I love Jesus, but I hate others who love Jesus.” That person would be blind to the truth of the gospel. In Christ, those who have believed are family. Family members ought not hate one another. We may disagree, we may argue, we may struggle with one another, but we never hate each other.

On the other hand, anyone who loves a fellow Christian is like a person who walks around in a well-lit environment! That individual will not stumble because they can see any obstacle in their way (v. 10). Loving fellow believers should be the normal setting for Christians because we believe in the Light of the World!

Go Deeper

Are there believers whom you hate? Did you try to justify these feelings? Why is hating a fellow believer like walking in darkness? Extended Reading:

1 John 2-3

Pray with Us

What a blessing that You saved us into the family of faith! We are not alone! As we read about love in John’s letters, we pray, Jesus, that You will give us genuine love for our brothers and sisters.

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.1 John 2:9

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Read 2 Peter 1:1–11

For ten years I led trips to Israel for students. Since I was serving young people, it was important for them to understand the cost of the program. I wanted no confusion about how much they had to pay and how much cash was needed for expenses. Everything was included up front. Once they paid that price, they didn’t need to bring any money with them.

Knowing his readers were facing the pain of persecution, Peter reminded them that God “has given us everything we need for a godly life” (v. 3). In the face of difficulty, it is easy for Christians to assume we are missing something…that we need more. We may even come to doubt God’s goodness and believe He is withholding something from us.

Peter reminds us that we know God’s character! This knowledge should enable us to understand how to live (v. 3). God is gloriously good and His call on our lives, even if it means difficulty, is a good thing. When we cling to His promises, our desire is for Him rather than the world (v. 4). He has forgiven our sins and cleansed them (v. 9). We will be with Him one day! Clinging to these promises takes faith. We don’t have all the benefits now, but we will, for they have already been paid for.

With faith in God and His promises established, Peter calls us to press on by growing in a series of behaviors which will make our knowledge of God productive. It’s not enough to have knowledge if it doesn’t work itself out in life. Like a person who pays for an all-inclusive trip but forgets that all their meals have been paid for, we might forget that God cleansed us from sin. We need to remember what He has promised, paid for and provided!

Go Deeper

What do these promises described by Peter mean to you? How will they change your outlook when facing difficulty? Extended Reading:

2 Peter

Pray with Us

Merciful God, we are thankful for Peter’s exhortations and advice in his letter to the churches. Thank You for this wise disciple! May we cling to Your promises and Your divine power.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.2 Peter 1:3

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Read 1 Peter 2:11–25

When someone leaves the country of their birth and moves to a new country, they leave all that is familiar behind. They have to learn how to survive in an unfamiliar world. Often, they struggle to fit in. Their behavior signals to everyone that they “aren’t from around here.”

When the apostle Peter wrote this letter, he urged his readers to take on the perspective of spiritual “foreigners and exiles” in their daily lives (v. 11). As the young Christian community began to grow, they were out of place because their values as Christians conflicted with the values of this world. They were trying to fight sin in their lives, but the world encouraged sinful behavior. What is more, the good things they valued were hated by the world so much that they were accused of wrongdoing (v. 12)!

Peter’s exhortation is that they lean into living like people who have left the place of their birth and are living in a new home. This advice is true for us as well, living as Christ followers in a secular culture. We are to live in such a way that we do not conceal our true citizenship. People of God are to honor God by doing good, submitting to authorities, showing respect, loving other Christians, and honoring authority (vv. 12, 17). “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people” (v. 15).

Peter warns: “[D]o not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves” (v. 16). Like an accent that lingers, our behavior identifies Christians as different. This may cause suffering in our current life, but it is the kind of behavior that God promises to reward when Christ appears (v. 12).

Go Deeper

Does your behavior identify you as a Christian? Do you stick out like someone who isn’t from around here? What specific challenges does Peter give that stand out to you? Extended Reading: 

1 Peter 1-2

Pray with Us

Dear Jesus, help us not to be too attached to the things of this world. But if that happens, remind us that we are citizens of Your kingdom, that our hearts belong to You.

Live such good lives among the pagans that…they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.1 Peter 2:12

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