Four Points Church

Revelation 3:1-6 - ”The Church at Sardis” - Brent Stephens / December 11, 2022

Sometimes major cities are so close geographically that it is customary to mention them together. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas-Forth Worth and Tampa-St. Petersburg all share such proximity that they are like one large metropolis. The name of ancient Sardis is a plural noun, representing two neighboring places, one an impregnable fortress on a hill, and one a thriving trade city at the bottom of the hill. Sardis was the capital of the Roman province of Lydia. At the time of the writing of Revelation, the city’s glory days had long since passed. The decline of the spiritual condition of the church at Sardis mirrored the city’s fallen status. In this passage, the risen Christ calls the church at Sardis to remember, to wake up, and to repent. Jesus’ words are gracious, stirring the dying embers of a church whose flame is all but extinguished.

Revelation 2:18-29 - ”The Church at Thyatira” - Brent Stephens / December 4, 2022

The church in Thyatira seems to have a similar problem to the church in Pergamum, whom we met in the last section. It seems that sexual immorality and pagan practices have begun to sneak into the church unchecked (Revelation 2:20). Knowing the grave danger that lies ahead for this church if this continues, the risen Jesus appears to John in a vision with a message for the Thyarians, which is also a message for us today. His message speaks to the purity of the Church, His Bride, which has been neglected. This desire for purity is displayed as John highlights Jesus’ flaming eyes and burnished bronze feet. Then Jesus speaks His words of commendation and correction to the church of Thyatira (v. 18). 

Revelation 2:12-17 - ”The Church at Pergamum” - Nick Steinichen / November 27, 2022

Pergamum was a major city in the province of Asia, and a significant religious center. Behind the city was a large cone-shaped hill on which there were many temples to Greek gods, including a large altar to Zeus. Most significantly it was a center for the religious worship of the emperor. Christians would have been encouraged to offer sacrifices or incense on an altar to the emperor as a symbol of their patriotism and loyalty to Rome. However, no Christian in good conscience could participate in the worship of created things (Exodus 20:3; Daniel 3:16-18; Romans 1:25). The earliest Christian creed, “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3) meant no compromise of loyalty to Christ was possible. The church in Pergamum was sorely tempted to “accommodate” Rome, and Jesus’ letter to the church challenges her to remain devoted to the Lord.

Revelation 2:8-11 - ”The Church at Smyrna” - Brent Stephens / November 20, 2022

The city of Smyrna was located on the Aegean Sea. The city boasted an impressive harbor, a hill in the middle of the city known as the “crown of Smyrna,” and multiple idolatrous temples. There were temples to the Greek god Zeus and his daughter, Cybele. Smyrna also had a temple to the Roman goddess Roma. And, in AD 26, Smyrna erected a temple to the Roman emperor Tiberius, who had essentially been deified. It’s very clear that Smyrna was a city of pagan idolatry. The church in Smyrna, however, refuses to bow the knee to these false gods, particularly refusing to recognize the emperor as a deity. Strong oppression and tribulation come upon her for her faithfulness to Christ. This faithful church is one of only two churches (with Philadelphia being the other) out of all seven that Jesus brings no charge against.

Revelation 2:1-7 - ”The Church at Ephesus” - Jeremy Brannon / November 13, 2022

The Ephesians were a wealthy and proud people. Their city boasted the great temple of Artemis (a fertility goddess, known as Diana to the Romans), which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This temple was four times the size of the Parthenon in Greece. Even when their temple was partially destroyed in the fourth century BC, the Ephesians refused help from Alexander the Great, and rebuilt the temple themselves. This shows the wealth and power of the city. Artemis was not the only deity in Ephesus. There were as many as 50 other gods and goddesses worshipped there. Pluralism was the social order of the day.

Revelation 1 - ”Meet Jesus, the King of the Church” - Brent Stephens / November 6, 2022

John begins this powerful letter by telling his audience that the contents have come directly from God. This message is a revelation (Revelation 1:1), or in the Greek, apokalupsis, from which we derive the English word apocalypse. However, that word has been somewhat misused in our modern context. The original word does not mean a mass catastrophe that brings about widespread destruction as movies portray. The word apokalupsis refers to mysterious truths that were once hidden, but that have now been graciously revealed. In this case, these truths are “things that must soon take place” (v. 1). Thus, John is referring to events that have begun to unfold in the age of the Church and will culminate in the end of all things, or the eschaton. This mystery has been disclosed to the apostle John, who is writing these truths down for the benefit and strengthening of the Church. This revelation of Jesus is to encourage the believers who are enduring widespread suffering and persecution. John invites his audience to read this revelation of Jesus, corporately, for their betterment and blessing. Those who hear and heed these words will be indeed blessed (v. 3).

Exodus 40:1-38 - ”God’s Dwelling” - Brent Stephens / October 30, 2022

In the final chapter of Exodus, the Lord once again speaks to Moses, giving him the order to erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting (Exodus 40:1-2). Keep in mind that the tabernacle has been an ongoing project for Moses. The items that fill the tabernacle have been described and constructed previously in the story (See section on Exodus 25-27, 30, and section on Exodus 31, 35-39 in this study guide). The Lord tells Moses to place these items in certain locations within the tabernacle. Upon completion, the Lord will fill the tabernacle with His presence and dwell with Israel.

Exodus 31, 35-39 - ”God’s Builders” - Brent Stephens / October 23, 2022

Throughout Exodus, we have seen God’s pattern of promise and fulfillment. First, He says what He will do, then He performs that action. A prominent example is found in Exodus 3:19-20 when He promises He will compel the king of Egypt to let the people of Israel go, by performing signs and wonders among the Egyptians. He fulfills this in Exodus 7-12 by bringing ten plagues on the Egyptians. In this passage, we see God interact with His people, following a similar pattern—this time, of command and obedience. God has commanded Moses to build the tabernacle according to His direction. We now see Israel obey God and carry out His plan. As a result, God blesses His people.

Exodus 33-34 - ”God’s Mercy” - Brent Stephens / October 16, 2022

When Moses pleads with God on the people’s behalf, he asks for two things. First, he wants to know God better (v. 13). Second, he wants to see God’s glory (v. 18). God responds by saying, “I will cause My goodness to pass before you” (v. 19). Everything God does is good. When He judges other nations for their sin, it is good. When He forgives His people as they repent of their sins, it is good. God only does good!

Exodus 32:1-35 - ”Man’s Bull” - Daniel Pernell / October 9, 2022

For the past several chapters, God has been communicating with Moses on the mountain, giving him instructions for the building and establishment of the tabernacle. This chapter is a brief, but intentional, interruption in the flow of the narrative to tell us what is happening with the Israelites at the base of the mountain. We vividly see the human heart’s condition, and it's bent towards idolatry. And at the same time, we are graciously pointed to the mercy of God towards rebellious sinners. We also see that we are more like the Israelites than we think.