Testimony of Jesus - Search for the Testimony
Brother Kaung expresses a desire for the church to embody the glory of Christ's resurrection life, seeking deliverance from despair and a return to first love. Stephen emphasizes that the testimony of Jesus Christ is paramount, urging believers to know Him through revelation rather than mere knowledge. He reflects on the seven churches in Revelation, highlighting their unique characteristics and the Lord's desire for each to reflect His testimony. Stephen warns against complacency, noting that the Lord seeks Himself within the church, measuring its worth by the presence of His testimony. He encourages repentance where necessary, reminding the congregation that the church's purpose is to uplift the light of Christ. Ultimately, Stephen calls for unity in diversity, urging believers to recognize their high calling as vessels of the testimony of Jesus, and to remain faithful to this divine mandate.
Outline of Main Points
Prayer for understanding and cleansing.
Desire for the church to reflect Christ's resurrection life.
Importance of the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation of Jesus as essential for true knowledge.
Characteristics of the seven churches in Revelation.
Call for repentance and return to first love.
Unity in diversity within the church.
High calling as vessels of the testimony of Jesus.
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
