Chris Wall • Revelation 2:12-17

Jesus speaks to the church in Pergamum, a community living “where Satan’s throne is.” They were surrounded by idolatry and persecution but were able to hold fast to Christ’s name, even when one of their own was martyred. Though these are great wins, Jesus confronts them for tolerating false teaching, specifically the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans where they were falling for compromise with immorality and idol worship. The bottom line was they were failing to rightly apply God’s word. Christ calls them to repent, reminding them that His Word is like a sharp, double-edged sword. The Spirit’s correction brings both warning and grace, pressing the church to realign their thinking with God’s truth. Tension from the Holy Spirit is a gift. The Spirit is faithful to expose where compromise has crept in and redirects hearts to obedience. When rightly applied, God’s Word helps believers think clearly about life, family, ministry, and work, keeping Christ at the center of all. The promise for those who overcome is deeply personal: hidden manna for spiritual nourishment and a white stone with a new name, symbolizing acceptance and identity in Christ. For our church, Pergamum’s message reminds us that true faithfulness requires Spirit-led correction and the courage to live by God’s Word in every sphere of life.

Chris Wall • Revelation 2:8-11

The church in Smyrna was a congregation facing poverty, slander, and persecution. Their example reminds us how our hope rests in the power of His resurrection. Though outwardly poor, Smyrna was a church rich in faith. Their suffering had a purpose. Suffering proved to be a refining process, preparing them for eternal reward. Jesus warns that the devil will throw some into prison and that tribulation will test them. Yet He calls them not to fear but to remain faithful even to the point of death, promising the crown of life. The lesson is clear: trials are not signs of God’s absence but opportunities to draw near to Him in deeper dependence. Tough times become the environment where faith is forged, purified, strengthened, and proven genuine. For our church, this message highlights that suffering, though painful, is often the pathway to the richest experiences of God’s presence. As we endure with faith, we are being prepared for glory and a gospel adventure testimony that extends into heaven itself.

Chris Wall • Revelation 2:1

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Chad Balthrop

Chris Wall • John 3:16

The Advent miracle of Christmas is deeper than God came to earth. This miracle is wrapped in the revelation that He came with the mission of giving His life out of love for the world. The manger was not the end game; the destruction of sin and death was the goal. From the beginning, Christ demonstrated the greatest love the world has ever known. Love is the message of Christmas, and this transforming love moves His people to love one another in tangible ways.

Chris Wall • Luke 2:10-11

Advent reveals a gift of joy so deep that it cannot be taken by trials. True joy is deeper and stronger than just happiness. Joy comes from God’s PROMISES, His PRESENCE, discovered through the gift of His PEOPLE. Despite the challenging circumstances of life or the certainty of uncertainty, Christ came bringing the gift of JOY to the WORLD. This Christmas season, choose to rejoice because God is near to you. Fear not, because there is good news of GREAT JOY for YOU: A Savior is born, He is Christ the Lord.

Chris Wall • Luke 2:14

The Shepherds were the first to hear the announcement that Christ was born. They were outcasts and undeserving yet were the first to hear how a Savior came for all people. The Christmas season shows us how God is present with us bringing lasting PEACE through thick and thin, highs and lows, good times and bad. When Christ entered the world, He brought a personal and lasting peace to every believer walking them through every circumstance. The Lord’s Supper reminds us that a Savior came to you and His coming helps you every day and secures your eternity forever.

Chris Wall • Luke 1:1-4

The Christmas message is not a “once upon a time in a land ‘far’ ‘far’ away”. The Christmas story is not just speculative legend; it is true. In fact, because the Christmas story is an event in history, it confirms that fellowship with God is possible. Christmas reveals the literal incarnation of God. Incarnation describes the supernatural act of God the Son taking on a human nature. This supernatural event shows us that fellowship with God is possible for you and me. Salvation has really been made available to us. Today, we are beginning the Christmas season by unwrapping the gift of HOPE The gift of Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger—it’s about the transforming hope that changes lives, beginning with people like Luke and continuing in us today.