The End: Week 2

[Ryan May]

Feel free to post replies based on any of the questions listed below or on your own thoughts concerning the message.

In week 2 we looked at 4 groups that Jesus addressed in his letters to the churches in Asia from Revelation 2-3:

1. Holding Strong (Smyrna and Philadelphia):

Q: Describe a time in your life when you were put to the test...

2. Flirting with Danger (Pergamum and Thyatira):

Q: What are some common influences that have threatened your relationship with Christ?

3. Running on Fumes (Ephesus and Sardis):

Q: What steps have you taken in the past to draw closer to God?

4. Riding the Fence (Laodicea):

Q: When did you first get off the fence and move toward a relationship with Christ?

Toughest Question of the Week:

What question would you want to ask Little John?

[Kristen Arp]

Listening to a Francis Chan message a few weeks ago, he said something that has stuck with me. Concerning times when we think we're just flirting with danger or sitting on the fence, he said "There is no fence... and even if there were, the devil would own it." The Bible is clear that we are either for or against God. Anyway, it rocked my face off.

[Mitzi Talley]

Just wanted to say how great it is hearing a sermon that inspires me to get deeper into the Word. I think Ryan is doing an awesome job on this series. I find myself wishing for more than 5 sermons on this! I've never been excited about Revelation before now. But then, I've never heard it taught in a way that actually seemed to apply to life today.

Looking back at my notes, I have two things underlined from yesterday:
"Hold on to what you have" and "Strengthen what little remains" Hmmm....still thinking

[Patricia Gordon]

1. Holding Strong (Smyrna and Philadelphia):

Q: Describe a time in your life when you were put to the test...

Everyday- I am a meloncholy sanguine- I am my own walking tribulation factory,lol.

2. Flirting with Danger (Pergamum and Thyatira):

Q: What are some common influences that have threatened your relationship with Christ?

People's opinions- I can let people's opinions matter too much to me and let it get me down so much that God's opinion is not enough for me to feel satisfied, I don't change who I am or what I do or how I express myself because I value authenticity- I just want to become a hermit and never deal with people. If I am put down or am shown little worth to people- I don't allow myself to let Gos's opinion be enough to make up the difference. I feel like if I can't get along with people and fit in or deal well with people- how can I with God, especially when it seems God's biggest concern and priority is people- I feel like when I fail people I fail God. It is like in-laws- God is a great husband- I just don't know how to deal with all the in-laws,lol- sometimes it is so discouraging I want to just run away from everyone.

3. Running on Fumes (Ephesus and Sardis):

Q: What steps have you taken in the past to draw closer to God?

To be more honest and be myself- I realize now that you honor someone when you are honest with them- even if the honesty is not comprised of warm fuzzy feelings but angry or hurt ones or just indifferent and confused ones. When I am upset or don't understand something and get frustrated I let God know now and try to communicate with him just as I would in any relationship. I let myself question everything. I have been finding what my passions are and realize that I feel closer to God when I am free to be me and let him be him. I feel that man doesn't really let God be himself either but try to make him fit what we want him to be. Autheniticity is one of my highest values- the more authentic I let myself be and let God be- the more I draw closer to him.

4. Riding the Fence (Laodicea):

Q: When did you first get off the fence and move toward a relationship with Christ?

16 years old- I had a dream that shook me up and made me realize God is fair- as I had thought him to be unfair before. I had always believed that there was a God- there was no problem knowing of his authority- but I didn't care if there was a God- what does that matter if you don't like him? I didn't like God for most fo my life until that dream and then I realized he was fair and it made me want to get to know him and decided to form a relationship.

Toughest Question of the Week:

What question would you want to ask Little John?
Does God have more faith in mankind then man has in God?

[Ryan May]

Patricia,

Thanks for your willingness to share! Don't know if we've had a chance to meet, yet. Please introduce yourself next weekend or feel free to join the Open House group - so, we can visit with you and your husband!

Ryan

[Patricia Gordon]

Alright. I'll be sure to say hello to you this Sunday, I will be in a hat,lol. Open House group? I don't think there is a get together of that kind this month planned is there? What exactly is an open house get together?

[Ryan May]

Yes... The Open House is every Wednesday night from 6-8pm at our house. We use this time to get to know people who are attending The Net. If you would like to come out, let me know and I can get you directions...

[Patricia Gordon]

Oh okay- would I be able to bring my 11 month old? Directions would be great if so.