I read Romans 15 today:
Paul writes to encourage believers in Rome to be patient with the weak, and encourage them and accept them. He plans to visit and collect from them for a gift to the poor in Jerusalem. He invites them to join in prayer with him. Pray for safety from the unbelievers in Judea, and for God’s will to be done.
I listened to (Week 15, Day 75) of the Immerse reading Messiah reading plan. It starts with an introduction to the book of Revelation, explaining the context and what the original readers would have thought, considering the circumstances they found themselves in.
John wrote about his circumstances and exile, and what he was doing when he suddenly heard a voice and saw a vision, being spoken to by who seems to be a glorified Christ, telling him to write down all that he will be shown, to be shared with seven specific churches.
The first part was to be sent to the church in Ephesus. They are good at telling truth from lies, but the have not been loving Christ. The second part is written for Smyrna. They are poor and suffering, but are really rich. The Jews that are opposing them are speaking blasphemy. The third letter is to Pergamum. Their city is described as Satan’s city, and they are allowing false teachers to continue without intervention, and should not allow this. They need to repent or God Himself will have to intervene. The fourth letter is to the church in Thyatira. They are allowing Jezebel to lead people astray into sin and evil deeds. God will need to intervene against her. Hold tightly to the truth until He comes.
The fifth letter is to Sardis. They had a reputation of being alive, but they are dead. They are encouraged to wake up. Some among them are still walking with God, and they will be alright. The sixth letter is to Philadelphia. They are encouraged because they obeyed God, even though they have little strength, yet they still persevere. God is proud of this church. The seventh letter is to Laodicea. They are neither hot nor cold, and are putting their trust in their riches. They are encouraged to buy gold from God and then from their indifferent, luke warm state. We(who have ears to hear) are all encouraged to hear what the Spirit of God says to the churches.