By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 3:14-22 

This passage brings back memories. In seminary, I had the daunting task of writing a 20-22 page paper on this letter to Laodicea. Where was I going to locate enough source material to fulfill the assignment? This venture haunted this procrastinator’s dreams. I digress. Let’s carry on!

When we look at Laodicea we discover a self-sufficient city. They were famous for their banking, their black wool, and their eye ointment. But for all their wealth and fame, they were beset with a water supply problem. Suffice it to say at this juncture, that their physical water supply problem was eclipsed by their spiritual water supply problem. Our sufficiency is found in Christ alone.

Revelation 3:14-17: The pattern holds form. The angel is addressed, followed by a pertinent description of Jesus, and then a statement of knowledge that will commend the church or chastise the church, or both. Laodicea receives the all-knowing gaze of the faithful and true Witness, without any words of commendation. In fact, the language utilized here speaks of being absolutely repulsed by the taste of their works.  [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 3:7-13

Welcome to the church of brotherly love. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? When we live up to our name, particularly the name Christian, the church and all those around the church benefit from such integrity.

This church at Philadelphia also stood as one that did not hear the voice of Jesus saying, “But I have this against you.” Walking together with Jesus in obedient fellowship is joyfully satisfying. It is refreshing to the individual, the family, the church, and the community. Let’s enter through the door and listen to the voice of Jesus. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 3:1-6

Welcome to sleepy Sardis. This city was known to have natural defenses that seemed impenetrable by invading forces. In fact, the thought of capturing Sardis was equated with the impossible. But, things are not always what they seem.

Sardis developed a huge blindspot because of its natural setting. Thus, the armies of Sardis paid little attention to a certain area surrounding the city. Her enemies eventually discovered the weakness. Their complacency proved to be the beginning of their downfall. And so it can be with us. Complacency lulls us into a false confidence, one that can be easily exposed. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 2:18-29 

If you have ever tasted water from a clear, crisp, and cool mountain stream, then you can testify to the refreshing nature of that experience. If you have tasted water from a muddy creek meandering through a cow pasture because you were that thirsty, then you can testify to the somewhat repulsive nature of that experience. Purity makes a difference. And so it is with the church of the living God.

Revelation 2:18-19

Though Thyatira is the least of these seven cities, it receives the longest letter from the Savior. This city had Apollo, the sun god, as its chief deity. He is the son of Zeus, the chief god in Greek mythology. The reason for the reference to Christ as the Son of God is readily apparent. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 2:12-17 

I trust that you have already jotted down several thoughts about what kind of church God desires. If you have not, then now is your chance. You may even jot down a few more thoughts as we progress, for the purpose of comparing these initial thoughts with the words of Christ in His letters to the churches in Revelation. 

One set of questions that every church must answer relates to the truth of God’s Word. Where will we stand in relation to His clearly revealed truth? Will we compromise anywhere for the sake of convenience or comfort? Are miniscule deviations from the truth that serious? 

We might ask astronauts if consistently miscalculating their reentry numbers mattered at all. You may remember the scene from the movie Apollo 13 where one of the astronauts is concerned that they were coming in shallow and might skip off the earth’s atmosphere. I think the slightest deviations mattered to them. How much more should it matter concerning the truth pertaining to Christ? It’s an eternal difference. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 2:8-11 

This week we move to Smyrna to hear what the Lord Jesus communicates to the church located in this beautiful city. There were temples to the Greek gods, as well as a golden street. 

Upon entering the harbor and gazing upon the city high above and the golden street, it almost looked as if the city had a golden crown. Interestingly, when we study the background of the cities where these seven churches are located, we find parallels in the things spoken to the church in that city. Smyrna is no exception.

Another issue at play in Smyrna was the tension that existed between the Jewish and Christian populations. The Jews wanted to be separate from the Christians. The Gentiles expected people in the city to worship the emperor, however, the Jews were given a pass. But, if the Christians were not connected to the Jews, then they would not be given such freedom. Obviously, the Christians were not going to bow to the emperor. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 2:1-7 

What kind of church does God desire? Ponder this question before you keep reading. Jot down your thoughts. Hold onto these thoughts and read them again after we complete this unit on, “The Church God Desires.” Would you stand by these thoughts, add to them, take away from them, or scratch them altogether? 

To look for biblical answers we are going to dive into the book of Revelation, specifically the seven churches of Asia Minor. I know that Revelation can seem like an intimidating endeavor, but it is part of the inspired Word of God. That means that the same Spirit that inspired every other book in the Bible, inspired this one. Furthermore, it means that the same Spirit of God is available to help us rightly divide the Word of truth. With that, may we progress through these seven letters with anticipation and not anxiety. [Read more…]