Podcasts about Thyatira

Send us a textActs 16:11-15So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.Support the show

Today we wrap up the Lord's letter to the pastor/messenger of the church at Thyatira.

We're reading the Lord's letter to the spiritual leader of the church at Thyatira. A scathing letter, due to an unrepentant woman, perhaps the pastor's wife, who called herself a prophet. Part 2 of 3.

Today we start the Lord's letter to the spiritual leader of the Church of Thyatira.

Is “holiness” just an outdated religious word—or could it be the very thing we need most right now? In this week's message from our Dear Church series, Pastor Jon explores Jesus' powerful letter to the church in Thyatira—a group of believers praised for their love but corrected for their compromise. Together, we'll unpack how true holiness is not just a description of God's perfection, but also a direction for us, believers—about becoming more like Jesus in a world that constantly pulls us away from Him. This message is for anyone who's ever felt like following Jesus means swimming upstream. Learn what it means to hold fast to truth, live set apart, and reflect God's love with grace and conviction.

There are many threats that the church faces today, but the most dangerous may lie within, in the form of sin that we tolerate and compromise that we engage in. In this week's message from Revelation 2, Pastor Curtis examines how John's letters to the churches at Pergamum and Thyatira reveal the dangers of compromising to blend in with the surrounding culture. What often disguises itself as tolerance is little more than excusing sin, and this is the very thing that Jesus warns against. But when we hold fast to our convictions even when it's hard, we find the true rest and peace that Jesus alone can give.

June 29th, 2025 Moss Brook Church Seven Letters to the (2)1st Century Church: Thyatira: The Tolerant Church Pastor Mike Booker

Do you recall hearing some descriptors given of people which help explain what they are like? Here are some examples: If I were to say, “That person is like the Incredible Hulk,” that tells you something about them, right? If …

Sunday Pastor Rick Barnett 6/22/2025

Send us a text       Acts 16:40 says A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. Lydia being a rich woman was another of God's unlikely candidates to get saved to start the Philippian Church. God also saved the cruel gentile jailer and a demon possessed woman. These were the first converts. God used all of them to build a mighty church on the Ignatian Way which was the road which was the lifeline between the Western and Eastern parts of the huge Roman Empire.. The establishment of this church meant that all people who came through this area could be exposed to the Gospel and the missionaries could easily move into all areas sharing the Gospel.Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?             John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.               “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32          Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.              hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.nethttps://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F            The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

What does spiritual warfare look like today in light of the finished work of Christ? Paul told the Corinthians they could eat meat sacrificed to idols, so why does Revelation 2 condemn it? How should we view Israel today given we are the Church (God‘s people)? My friend is making a big deal out of Psalm 82 and what she calls “the divine council of gods.” What is this chapter really about? My husband is narcissistic and financially abusive. Should I leave to try to save the marriage? Why does God talk to the church at Thyatira about destroying children? Who is He talking about?

We're going to take a little different approach to this letter than we did to the others. We are going to concentrate on the primary theme of this letter: authority. There is legitimate and illegitimate authority in the world. It's related to power, but not the same as power. If the church is to somehow get a handle on a world spiraling seemingly into immorality, we need to understand these concepts. - Pastor Kevin

In this powerful message, we delve into the book of Revelation, specifically examining Christ's letter to the church in Thyatira. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of compromise and false teaching within the church. We're challenged to consider how we might be allowing 'Jezebel-like' influences to creep into our faith and practice. The message emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in our relationship with Christ, likening it to the sanctity of marriage. We're called to 'hold fast' to our faith and the truth of God's Word, even in the face of cultural pressures and false doctrines. This teaching reminds us that while God is merciful and gives time for repentance, there are consequences for unrepentant sin. As believers, we're encouraged to stay vigilant, discerning truth from error, and to remain faithful until Christ's return.

Revelation Chapters 2 & 3 - "The Churches in Thyatira & Sardis" by Mission Ebenezer Family Church

Sunday Pastor Rick Barnett 6/15/2025

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Today’s Bible Verse: "One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message." - Acts 16:14 “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ MEET OUR HOSTS at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Thyatira was a bustling center of business. The church was not experiencing direct persecution, but Jesus was about to send trouble their way. Why? Just one word …tolerance.

     The Corinthian Christians were undeniably saved, as Paul calls them saints (1 Cor 1:2) and brethren (1 Cor 3:1). Yet, they exhibited a persistent pattern of carnality, evidenced by their divisive behavior, internal conflicts, and failure to mature spiritually. Paul rebuked them for their immaturity and misguided allegiance to human leaders, which had fractured the church into competing factions (1 Cor 1:10-13). He then directly addressed their spiritual condition, describing them as “men of flesh” (1 Cor 3:1), signifying their prolonged carnality. He writes, “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able” (1 Cor 3:2). This was an embarrassing reality for the Corinthians, for by the time Paul wrote to them, they should have progressed further in their spiritual walk. He then laments their ongoing carnality, declaring, “for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?” (1 Cor 3:3). The phrase “you are still fleshly” (ἔτι γὰρ σαρκικοί ἐστε, eti gar sarkikoi este) uses the present indicative, indicating a continued state of carnality. Here, the present tense describes customary or habitual action. Wallace notes, “The customary present is used to signal either an action that regularly occurs or an ongoing state.”[1] The Christians at Corinth were habitually driven by the flesh rather than the Spirit. This confirms that their failure to mature spiritually was not due to a temporary lapse but an entrenched pattern of behavior. Had their sinful patterns been proof of lostness, Paul would have addressed them as unbelievers needing salvation rather than carnal believers needing correction. Paul does not suggest they should question their salvation; rather, he exhorts them toward spiritual growth and maturity. The solution is not introspective doubt but a call to align their practice with their position in Christ.[2]      Several of the seven churches in Revelation (Rev 2-3) exhibited patterns of habitual sin, as evidenced by Jesus' rebukes. The church in Ephesus, though commended for its hard work and perseverance, was rebuked by Jesus, who said, “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev 2:4). The phrase “you have left” translates the Greek verb aphekas (ἀφῆκας), which is in the aorist tense, indicating a decisive act in the past. These believers had, at some point, turned away from their original love for Christ, and the context suggests they had not yet returned to it.      Pergamum, while faithful to Christ's name under persecution, tolerated the false teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, which led to idolatry and sexual immorality within the congregation (Rev 2:14-15). Jesus said, “I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality” (Rev 2:14). The word “hold” translates the Greek kratountas (κρατοῦντας), which is a present participle, denoting ongoing adherence to false doctrine. This wasn't a one-time deviation but an entrenched pattern that led to idolatry and immorality.      Thyatira, despite its love and perseverance, was rebuked for tolerating “the woman Jezebel,” whose false teachings encouraged sin through idolatry and immorality (Rev 2:20-21). Jesus said, “I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols” (Rev 2:20). The word “tolerate” translates the Greek verb apheis (ἀφεῖς), which is a present active indicative, indicating that the church at Thyatira habitually permitted Jezebel's corrupting influence.      Jesus called each of these churches to repent. To the church at Ephesus, He said, “Remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first” (Rev 2:5). Thomas notes, the church “had simply lost their bearings, like the prodigal son, and needed to regain them.”[3] Repentance (metanōeō) meant they were to recalibrate their thinking according to God's standard and redirect their behavior to righteous living. Repentance, according to Thomas, “Calls for a decisive change of attitude with its resultant action. It is a reversal of the status quo, a deliberate repudiation of former sins and a complete return to the standards and will of God. It is an appeal to begin at this moment a complete change. It calls for a quick and effective decision.”[4] Similar exhortations were given to Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea, urging them to change their minds and turn from their habit of sin and return to faithful obedience (Rev 2:16, 2:22, 3:3, 3:19). Jesus' warnings reveal the serious consequences of habitual sin, including loss of fellowship, diminished spiritual vitality, and potential divine discipline. Jesus said, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore, be zealous and repent” (Rev 3:19; cf. Heb 12:6). Habitual sin does not jeopardize salvation, which is secured by Christ's finished work. Instead, believers are called to address their spiritual failures through humble submission and reliance on God's grace, restoring their walk with Him through confession (1 John 1:9) and obedience (Jam 1:22). Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] Daniel B. Wallace, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics - Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament (Zondervan Publishing House and Galaxie Software, 1996), 521. [2] The Corinthian church struggled with a variety of sins, including sexual immorality (1 Cor 5:1-2), lawsuits between believers, greed, and a lack of brotherly love (1 Cor 6:1-8). They also misused their Christian liberty, causing others to stumble, and dishonored the Lord's Supper by indulging selfishly and even getting drunk during the meal (1 Cor 8–10; 11:20-22). Additionally, their pride in spiritual gifts, especially tongues, led to disorder in worship, as they prioritized self-glory over the edification of the church (1 Cor 12–14). These recurring sins reflected an ongoing pattern of spiritual immaturity. [3] Robert L. Thomas, Revelation 1-7: An Exegetical Commentary (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1992), 142. [4] Ibid., 142–143.

(Youth Camp Sermon) - The Churches at Pergamum and Thyatira relate to our own day and age perfectly. While both churches are doing several things right, they struggle in 2 main areas: sexual immorality and idolatry of politics. The American Church has much to learn from these two groups.

The Churches at Pergamum and Thyatira relate to our own day and age perfectly. While both churches are doing several things right, they struggle in 2 main areas: sexual immorality, and idolatry of politics. The American Church has much to learn from these two groups.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGESRevelation 2:18-29 Reflection Questions Subscribe!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcasts

In this powerful message, we delve into the book of Revelation, specifically Jesus' letter to the church in Thyatira. This passage challenges us to examine our spiritual lives and the dangers of tolerating false teachings. We're reminded that Jesus sees all - His eyes like flames of fire pierce through our facades. While He commends the church's love and faith, He also corrects their tolerance of 'Jezebel' - a symbol of dangerous false teaching. This serves as a wake-up call for us to be vigilant against subtle deceptions that can lead us astray. The message emphasizes the importance of holding fast to God's truth, even when facing societal pressures. It's a call to spiritual discernment, urging us to test everything against Scripture. As we reflect on this, let's consider: Are we growing in our good works while remaining steadfast in truth? Are we allowing any 'Jezebels' in our spiritual lives? This exploration challenges us to deepen our commitment to Christ and His Word.

June 1, 2025 Acts 16:11-34 (ESV) 11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. 16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. 19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--May 25, 2025 -- Pr. Kevin Kritzer -- "GO!" Acts 16:9-159 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul[a] had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the[b] district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. -ESVhttp://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

Assembly of Yahusha The Logos episode 77 Officiated by Bro. Jon Dizon 05-28-2025 ©2025 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved.#Yahuah #Yahusha #biblestudy #truefaithReproduction of this audio or parts of this audio is prohibited without the written consent from the author. The objective of the Assembly of Yahusha is to proclaim, advance, propagate, share, and continuously disseminate the pure teachings of Yahuah God and Yahusha Christ to all of mankind. The Assembly of Yahusha provides weekly bible study classes and live worship services through online gatherings and organized Assembly of Yahusha groups. The mission is to proclaim and share the teachings of God and the pure gospel of Christ to everyone around the world. If you are interested in exploring what is taught, please contact the Assembly of Yahusha with your inquiries at info@aoy.today

Dr. Tom Curran continues to discuss 18 scripture passages that will change your life. Tom shares insights on how to overcome comfortable dissipation through disruption, breakthrough and transformation.Tom's List of Life-Changing Scripture PassagesI was caught up in spirit on the Lord's day and heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet, which said, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, wearing an ankle-length robe, with a gold sash around his chest. The hair of his head was as white as white wool or as snow,* and his eyes were like a fiery flame. His feet were like polished brass refined in a furnace,* and his voice was like the sound of rushing water.In his right hand he held seven stars. A sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth, and his face shone like the sun at its brightest.When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead.* He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld. (Rev 1: 10-18)For Zion's sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep still, Until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her salvation like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all kings your glory; You shall be called by a new name bestowed by the mouth of the LORD. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No more shall you be called “Forsaken,” nor your land called “Desolate,” But you shall be called “My Delight is in her,” and your land “Espoused.” For the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be espoused. For as a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you. (Isa 62: 1-5)Look! I am bringing the city recovery and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them an abundance of lasting peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel, and rebuild them as they were in the beginning. I will purify them of all the guilt they incurred by sinning against me; I will forgive all their offenses by which they sinned and rebelled against me. Then this city shall become joy for me, a name of praise and pride, before all the nations of the earth, as they hear of all the good I am doing for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the prosperity I give it. (Jer 33: 6-9)

Entrance Hymn #191 Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts and Voices Heavenward RaiseSequence Hymn #530 Spread, O Spread Thou Mighty WordOffertory Anthem Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled (Larson)Communion Anthem Dona Nobis Pacem (Bach, arr. Althouse)Post-Communion Hymn #718 God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty HandTHE COLLECT OF THE DAYO God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.FIRST READING Acts 16:9-15Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us.ReaderThe Word of the Lord.PeopleThanks be to God.PSALM Psalm 67 Deus misereatur1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *show us the light of his countenance and come to us.2 Let your ways be known upon earth, *your saving health among all nations.3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *let all the peoples praise you.4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *for you judge the peoples...

May 26, 2025Today's Reading: Acts 16:9-15Daily Lectionary: Numbers 8:5-26; Luke 15:11-32“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” (Acts 16:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever been locked out? Maybe you left the keys in your car, pressed the button on the door, and then shut it, immediately having panic spread from your head to your heart. Perhaps you came home earlier than expected, and no one was home to let you in. Perhaps you arrived at work and realized you had left your keys back at home. What do you do?You look for a way to break in! Maybe someone left a window down or the back door unlocked. Or, you keep pulling the same locked door handle, foolishly thinking that it will open up this time. It doesn't work. What you need is the thing you do not have: the key.Lydia's heart was closed. The Lord had the key. “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” What did she hear? She heard about Jesus and His death and resurrection. She heard about the Gift of Baptism. She heard about how her sins were forgiven and how Jesus had broken down the gates of Hell to rescue those like her who were held captive.   We are at the end of the Easter Season and the Festival Half of the Church Year. Way back in Advent, at the start of the year, we prayed: “O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open: Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death” (O Antiphon for December 20th). Jesus heard your prayer.He has opened your ears, heart, and mind to hear and pay attention to His Word. When you were baptized, Jesus broke open your sin-locked heart and caused you to have faith in His promise. When He comes again, He will open up your grave on the Day of Resurrection.Locks can't keep Jesus out. He appeared to the Disciples in the Upper Room on Easter Evening, even though the doors were locked. He is in, with, and under the bread and the wine, with His very Body and Blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through Your Word to me draw near; Let me Your Word e'er pure retain; Let me Your child and heir remain. (LSB 908:1)- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Acts 16:6-15They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.' When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district* of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.' And she prevailed upon us. This weekend kicks off not only the start of summer for so many, but it also serves as the unofficial beginning of graduation season. In the office this week, I asked the question: what gift should you get a graduate? I told them about a friend's mom who would give monogrammed towels as her graduate gift. +Mark and Amanda informed me that I should not pick up that tradition. Money was the consensus, just get a card with some cash. I don't disagree, but I am warning you graduates now, I can almost guarantee that someone will give out a copy of the Dr. Suess classic, “Oh The Places You'll Go”. And it is a fitting tribute for the occasion:“ Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the person who'll decide where to go.”It is a remarkable feeling, no? To be on the precipice of what comes next and then to set off on the journey. It is so exciting, perhaps a little frightening, if not for you, then for your parents or grandparents and other loved ones. Timothy likely felt this same way when he began his journey with Paul and Silas. In our text, the “they” we hear is in reference to those three Paul, Silas, and Timothy, maybe more. Timothy just joined the group. In the passage immediately before this, Paul and Silas stop in Lystra, where they hear about this young disciple named Timothy. Among believers in Lystra, Timothy is well spoken of. So Paul asks Timothy to join him on this mission. Timothy probably thought “oh the place I'll go”. And go they did, from town to town, the churches were growing, everything was great!That is until they came to Phrygia. Paul and crew want to go to Asia. They think, “that's where God is calling us to proclaim the Gospel. So that must be the right place for us.” So they went to turn left and head to Asia, but the Holy Spirit forbade them to go. That's strange… why would the Holy Spirit not let me go? And what does that even mean? Did a giant wind push against them every time they tried to turn left? Did their compass only point them east? However it happened, they couldn't go into Asia. So the crew thinks well what do you do when you can't turn left… you go right! And so they try to turn right and go to Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit doesn't allow that either. With no other options left, they go to Troas.If you are Timothy, you've got to wonder what went wrong? Everything was so good? We were going to all these places, the church was growing, we had a great plan! But just when everything seemed great, suddenly it wasn't anymore. Graduates, this will undoubtedly happen to you. Surely everyone gathered has had a time like that: when everything seemed to be going great, you thought you were doing what God wanted you to do, but suddenly your plans changed (or they were changed for you), and the roads you wanted to take became blocked. Maybe the major you'd hope for didn't work out. Or you didn't get that job you thought you always wanted or were let go of the job you loved. Maybe that relationship you never thought would end came to a close. Or an unexpected trip to the doctor makes you put everything on hold. Despite your best efforts you ended up in a place you never wanted to be. We've all been there. As Dr Suess says: “I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you. You can get all hung up, in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a Lurch. You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a Slump. And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.Yet, it is at those places you never wanted to be, in the times you least expect, that something will happen or someone will come and help and get you unslumped. For Timothy and crew their unslumping came from a vision that Paul had while in Troas: a man saying “Come to Macedonia and help us.” The three of them got up and immediately headed to Macedonia, “convinced that God had called them to proclaim the good news there”.They set sail from Troas, landed in Samothrace, and then came ashore at Neapolis. Neapolis is this wonderful little seaside town, the kind of place you want to land in, and maybe put down some roots; enjoy the sandy beaches and nice weather. I could imagine Timothy saying to Paul and Silas, “we don't really need to follow that vision, that dream, that call, right?” But Paul and his companions don't stop and stay there. It's nice, but they know it's not where they are supposed to be. You'll have your own Neapolis too, places and opportunities that seem really nice, the city or job or relationship you could see yourself in. And the temptation to stay will be strong, yet you'll know it's not right. Heed the voice, the vision, the calling God has placed on you. There will be a reason you move on, even if it is not clear in the moment.Finally Paul, Timothy, and Silas land in Philippi, even though that was not the original goal. Remember Paul wanted to spread the Gospel and grow the church in Asia. But listen to how this part of Paul's mission ends. On the sabbath they all go to the river, hoping to find people praying. They join a group of women and among them is Lydia, likely a wealthy business woman with great influence. She listened eagerly to Paul, had herself and her whole family baptized, and then opened her home to Paul and Timothy and Silas. Lydia is from Thyatria, which is in Asia, the very place Paul hoped to spread the gospel in the first place. Through all the travels, the wrong turns, and the change of plans, Paul does in fact fulfill his mission of growing the church in Asia, just not where and how he expected too.Despite our best efforts, God's calling and leading come through mistaken directions and failed attempts, which can certainly be frustrating and make discernment difficult.We'd like to think “we are the one's who decide where to go”. As Dr/ Seuss puts it. But that's where he's wrong. As Paul, Timothy and Silas attest, it is an illusion to think it's all up to us. God is in charge of the journey you're on. At times, it won't look the way you want or lead to the places you'd hoped. But thankfully Jesus promises us an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, that helps us in discernment and guides us to where we need to go, what we need to do, and who we should meet along the way. For Paul and Timothy, the journey nor the destination were likely what the team imagined. The wandering, the rejection, the vision in a dream, and the people they met. They did not expect a woman, that wasnt what the vision showed. Yet, in the end God's will was done, not their own, which is what we all pray for.Graduates/young people, it's okay if your journey in life looks like this. Parents/grandparents, it's okay if your young person's journey looks like this. God is still at work in the mess of it all. The reality for not just graduates but for all of us is our own journeys will be less like us deciding the places we go, and more like the wanderings of Paul and the rest: ending up in places we didn't expect, receiving direction in ways we didn't anticipate, and meeting people we never predicted, but trusting that God is still leading.“Plans are made. Plans come apart.” Says Kate Bowler, “New delights or tragedies pop up in their place. And nothing human or divine will map out this life, this life that has been more painful than I could have imagined. More beautiful than I could have imagined.”Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter The First Lesson Acts 16:9-15 During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us. The Psalm Psalm 67 Deus misereatur 1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, * show us the light of his countenance and come to us. 2 Let your ways be known upon earth, * your saving health among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you. 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, * for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth. 5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you. 6 The earth has brought forth her increase; * may God, our own God, give us his blessing. 7 May God give us his blessing, * and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him. The Epistle Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 In the spirit the angel carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day-- and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. The Gospel John 14:23-29 Jesus said to Judas (not Iscariot), "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. "I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, `I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe."  

Sunday Service (5/11/25) // Revelation 2: 18-29 // Visit our website: https://mbchicago.org Follow us to remain connected: Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others To support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... Revelation 2: 18-29 (ESV) To the Church in Thyatira18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule[a] them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'Footnotesa. Revelation 2:27 Greek shepherd#DanielBatarseh #Revelation #BookofRevelation #BibleStudy #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #versebyverse #sermon #sermons #sermononline #bookofrevelation #bookofrevelations #revelation #revelations #newtestament #scripture #verses #lessons #church #chicago #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #prophecy #prophetic #jesus #jesuschrist

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The Letter to Thyatira - Holiness, from our Midweek Bible Study: "What Christ Thinks of the Church" - 5.14.25 Taught by Mike Hess. Presented by McGregor Podcast 2025 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com

The church at Thyatira was lured away by a group of people, typified by Jezebel of the Old Testament. They appointed themselves as the “oracles of God” and perverted the true message, luring people away from fidelity towards God to something that is offered and acceptable in the world, but not to God. Small churches will always face the same danger. This is why we must heed the warning and grab hold of the promise: those who overcome will be given the morning star Himself, Jesus Christ, and power over the nations. VF-2044 Revelation 2:18-29 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

In our last broadcast, Ron took us to Revelation chapter two and to the words Jesus said to the church at Thyatira. Ron has more to say on that subject coming up next, but he also shares a practical application, and a word of caution, for all of us who call ourselves believers in Christ. Stay with us now as Ron moves ahead in his teaching series, “Ready for His Return,” based on Revelation chapters 1-3.  

In our lives, our homes, even our churches, things are not always what they seem. The church at Thyatira looked fine from the outside.  But something was lurking beneath the surface, and Jesus made it a point to confront it. First, He offers some kind and encouraging words about the things they had done well. But what Jesus says next may surprise you, and it's definitely worth a listen. Stay with us now as Ron moves ahead in his teaching series, “Ready For His Return,” based on Revelation chapters 1-3.

Kevin Crow, Senior Pastor

Second Sunday of Easter Bible Readings Acts 5:12,17–32, John 20:19-31 Worship Folder Pastor Paul A. Tullberg Sermon text: Revelation 1:4–18 4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is, who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits that are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His own blood 6and made us a kingdom and priests to God His Father—to Him be the glory and the power forever. Amen. 7 Look, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him. And all the nations of the earth will mourn because of Him. Yes. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, the One who is, and who was, and who is com-ing, the Almighty.” 9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingship and patient endurance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus. 10 I was in spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard a loud voice behind me, like a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” 12 I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was clothed with a robe that reached to his feet, and around his chest he wore a gold sash. 14 His head and His hair were white, like white wool or like snow. His eyes were like blazing flames. 15 His feet were like polished bronze being refined in a furnace. His voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand. A sharp two-edged sword was coming out of His mouth. His face was shining as the sun shines in all its brightness. 17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last— 18 the Living One. I was dead and, see, I am alive forever and ever! I also hold the keys of death and hell.” The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Take a Moment to recall something from today's message. Ask Jesus to create for you opportunities to use your words, activities and thoughts to glorify Him this week. We value your friendship and the opportunity to share the love of Jesus together with you!

Kevin Crow, Senior Pastor

James Jordan on the church at Thyatira in Revelation 2. To listen to this ENTIRE series right now (with class notes!), download the Theopolis App! Use the code "theopolitan" to get your first month for FREE. app.theopolisinstitute.com/menu

What happens when spiritual compromise becomes the norm and how can we confront it with truth and grace? Pastors Josh Howerton and Carlos Erazo welcome Pamela Baltazar for a powerful conversation rooted in Revelation 2 and the challenge to the church in Thyatira. They unpack the biblical warnings against the Jezebel spirit and explore how its subtle influences show up today in culture, the church, and even personal relationships.    From feminism and gender roles to the redefining of marriage and truth, no topic is off limits as they contrast biblical conviction with cultural confusion. This episode is both bold and deeply pastoral—calling us toward holiness, repentance, and God's beautiful design for men and women.  

From Revelation 2v18-28 with Tyler Staton Lent is a 40-day season within the church calendar that stretches from Ash Wednesday (March 5) to Easter Sunday (April 20), mirroring Jesus' 40-day fast in the desert. This year, we want God to use the 40 days of Lent to help us reclaim our first love. https://bridgetown.church/teaching