Author: Robert Spiller

Married to Pam my wife for 57 Years, we have 2 married daughters and six grandchildren. In 1983 we were called into Christian ministry at Crossroad Christian Fellowship. After serving as pastor for 28 years I handed over this responsibility to Pastor Jon Sibley and continued to serve as an elder until August 2020. We both remain active members of Crossroads.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ Chapter four.

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Pause for thought

The open door is the open door of prophetic revelation, which is opened by God, unlike the door of fellowship 3:22 which has to be opened by those that heed the voice, and knocking of the Lord, opening the door of their hearts to Him. True prophecy always comes from God through the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:20-21.

Come up here and I will show you what must happen after these things 4:1, has been interrupted as the rapture of the church. However I think it should be taken literally meaning John was given an invitation by God to see what was to happen after the delivery of Gods message to the seven Churches. Gods message is always certain and clear like the sound of a trumpet blast! 4:1.

Because John was sensitive to the Holy Spirit he experienced a heightened sense of the Spirits presence ( I was in the Spirit 4:2)

This description of God the father is about His brilliance and glory not his likeness. Could the twenty four Elders be a representation of the twelve Old Testament patriarchs, and the twelve apostles?

The Holy Spirit is one Spirit, these seven are the holy attributes of God the Holy Spirit, and speak of completeness.. See Isaiah 11:2.

The winged creatures are cherubim, see Isaiah 6, and Ezekiel 1:5 and 10.

A verse to remember

“ Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty – the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Revelation 4:8.

Please send any feedback, comments or prayer requests to jesusinprint@gmail.com

The Revelation of Jesus chapter three.

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Pause for thought

Jesus walks in the midst of the seven golden Lamp-stands, nothing is hidden from Him, We hear much about the desire for revival today, but do we know what we are asking for? Revival is essentially reviving that which once had life, that is the church.

Speaking of the church. That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be Holy and without blemish Ephesians 5:26-27. Now this, “yet once more,” indicates the removable of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain Hebrews 12:27

Sardis Praised that some had not soiled their garments, rebuked for being superficial, told to wake up and repent. I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Their true condition did not reflect how they were thought of in the community or in their own eyes.

Philadelphia Praised for their faithfulness, the church was not rebuked, they were told to hold on to what they had. Their little strength was not a sign of weakness but spoke of their dependence on the Lord. The key of David means authority, an open door speaks of evangelistic opportunity.

Laodicea they received no commendation, but were rebuked for being lukewarm , they were told to be earnest and repent. Being lukewarm makes the Lord sick! Luke warm Christian’s come in various categories, and if we’re honest most of us have suffered from this complaint at some point. Lukewarm or cold, 3:18 tells us what we must do. Gold stands for true riches, White garments for salvation having our sins forgiven and blotted out. Eye salve to open the eyes of our heart.

A verse to remember

I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends. Revelation 3:19-20 N.L.T.

Please send any feedback, questions, or prayer requests to Jesusinprint@gmail.com

The Revelation of Jesus chapter Two.

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Pause for thought

Revelation carries the promise of blessing to all who read it but a warning to anyone who would add or take from its message 22:18-19

Revelation is a prophetic book, it’s futuristic but relevant for every age of the church. It is believed that Antipas was martyred in A.D 92. (2:13) this helps with dating Revelation, with the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70 well before Revelation was written, raising questions about the Preterist and partial preterist views?

Revelation was written to seven churches in the first century A.D. But the message is still relevant to todays churches with similar problems. The Lord commended six of the seven churches and rebuked five. Nothing is ever hidden from the Lord who walks in the midst of the golden lamp stands.

Ephesus
praised for her hard work and perseverance, rebuked for forsaking her first love, they were to remember and repent.

leaving the first love can happen when the church becomes orthodox, giving place to form rather than genuine heart worship 2:4.

The Nicolaitans which means “laity conquerors” were false teachers who exploited the people, instead of spiritually developing them they promoted all kinds of immorality. It is thought by some commentators that these so called “ministers” were responsible for dividing the church between clergy and laity 2:6

Smyrna Praised for their faith suffering persecution and poverty, no rebuke, just remain faithful and don’t fear.

Synagogue of Satan. We’re Jews who claimed to be true Jews who followed God, but we’re in darkness because they rejected Christ and the gospel, persecuting the true church 2:9

Pergamum. Praised for their faith, but rebuked for compromise, told to repent.

Persecution was within this church as well as outside, satan had got a foothold through the false Nicolaitans teaching causing sexual immorality which was a great stumbling block, just like in the days of Balaam who caused Israel to sin. The result of their compromise was the martyrdom of a church member Antipas.2:13-15

Thyatira Praised for their faith, Love, and service, rebuked for immorality, need to repent.

They failed to test Jezebel who claimed to be a prophet. she was false and her words caused devastation in this church. Let’s all be sure we test everything that purports to come from God.

God promises to all who overcome the wiles of the devil The Morning star the herald of a new day! 2:28

A verse to remember

Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Please send any feedback, comments, and prayer requests to jesusinprint@gmail.com,

Revelation of Jesus Christ chapter one.

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Pause for thought

Written during a time of extreme persecution, uncertainty about the date some put it as early as A.D. 70 but more likely about A.D. 90-95. The timing effects some of the views below!

John the Apostle simply wrote what he “saw” the revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave Him (Jesus) to show His servants what must shortly happen.

Main views of the book of Revelation

Futurist view / classical pre- millennialism.

The first three chapters are applicable throughout history, signs precede the coming tribulation; the saints will meet the Lord in the air at His coming at the end of the tribulation period. Views the millennium as Christian. This was the view held by most of the early church fathers from the Apostles to Constantine Christianised the Roman Empire. (This is my favoured view!)

Idealist view

Revelation is symbolic with a spiritual meaning rather than foretelling actual events. This was a view held by St Augustine in the 4th century.

Historicist view

Revelation represents the course of history from the Apostles to the end of the age. A view held by many Protestant reformers and eveangelists.

Preterist view ( means past)

That the all prophecies found in Revelation were fulfilled in the overthrow of Jerusalem in A.D.70 and that we are now living in the good of the Millennium.

Partial Preterist/ Dominionist or Kingdom now theology

Revelations was fulfilled in A.D.70 with the overthrow of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. The world will be Christianised through the witness of the Church through signs wonders and political activity. The world will become better as Satan’s influence diminishes. Jesus will return to a perfect world that His saints have subdued. Some “Kingdom Now” Charismatic Christians hold this view..

Futurist view/ dispensational Pre Millennialism

Except for the first three chapters, John is describing events that will happen at the end of history, expects a pre-tribulation rapture and views the millennium as mostly Jewish. This view was taught by JN Darby a leader of the Plymouth Brethren was popularised by footnotes in the Scofield Bible, and by Hal Lindsay in his many books. This is probably the most popular view.

A verse to remember

God blesses the one who reads this prophesy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen. Revelation 1:3 N. L.T.

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The Holy Spirit reveals the heart and mind of Jesus to His disciples. This glorifies Jesus. John 15-16:12.

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Pause for thought

The Holy Spirit is not an influence, He is a person the third Person of the Trinity He is God living inside us, in our born again spirits. With the Father and the Son he shares the same holy attributes. He is with us sharing our life situations, and as the Spirit of truth He can be relied upon as He takes the things of Christ and reveals them to us John 15:26.

Without the Holy Spirit we could never experience Gods power in our lives, because this is Gods chosen way he has chooses to work in the lives of ordinary Christian’s. Without the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence we could never be born again! So knowing this why do so many attempt Christian ministry in their own little strength? For full enjoyment and satisfaction we dare not neglect this great gift of the Holy Spirit.

It’s not simply “difficult” but totally impossible to be a disciple of Jesus without the Holy Spirit’s help. Attempts at trying to do any of the Lords commands in our own strength (flesh) will not only result in failure, but also have the smell of legalism. I’m sure our Lord never intended for discipleship to become a list of do’s and don’ts. The relationship of the disciple to the Lord is living its dynamic! Jesus walked and taught doing mighty miracles in His disciples presence for around three years, they got to know Him, recognise His voice and love Him. Their classroom was being with Jesus on the road, amidst the crowds seeing the miracles and being helped to understand the parables, and on the Lake in a storm. Jesus still walks and talks with His disciples today and will do so until He returns. The Holy Spirit who has been given should not be seen simply as a substitute Jesus but as an equal member of the Godhead He leads empowers and guides disciples, to be effective in continuing Jesus work in Jesus way, (in the power of the Spirit) Luke 4:14 , John 16:12.

A verse to remember

Oh there is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting His own ideas; He will be telling you what He’s heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever He receives from me. All that the Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever He receives from me. John 16:12-15 N.L.T.

please send your feedback, questions or prayer requests to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Convert or Disciple? Matthew 28:18-20

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Pause for thought

A disciple is “ One who learns from another” in the secular Greek world ‘mathetes’ was used to describe an apprentice to a tradesman. A disciple was expected to imitate their teacher. This is what Paul meant when he said “ you are to imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1.

How many times have you heard it said “ we are not told to go and make converts, we are told to go and make disciples” Some Christians have a better start in their new life in Christ than others, We thank God for those who discipled us and continue to do so, who encouraged us to read our bibles, pray, seek Christian fellowship and to go on being filled with the Holy Spirit every day. We have heard sermons about how Christ helps break bad habit patterns, but perhaps not so many about how to create good spiritual habit patterns.

The first few weeks are crucial for new Christians, they have been regenerated by and received the Holy Spirit, and this is when they need the encouragement, and example, of their fellow disciples of Jesus. It’s often noted that at some well known evangelistic events many who came forward to receive Christ quickly fall away? no doubt some were never born again, but I often wonder what happened to the others? I think Jesus tells us in the parable of the sower Matthew 13:3.

Every Christian is called to be a disciple of Jesus and this means they will follow Jesus and put the claims of Jesus first in their lives, regardless of the cost to themselves. So a Christian disciple is a person who is determined to follow Jesus Christ, with the desire to learn from Him and live according to His example. (Bob Gordon)

Disciples are to go and make disciples, this is not optional for Christians but the command of Jesus. Paul was a good example of a new Christian obeying the command to go! Acts 9:20.

A verse to remember

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always , even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 N.L.T.

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Time for a fresh infilling with the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:38.

~ Robert Spiller ~ 3 Comments

Pause for thought

After His baptism in the Jordan river by His cousin John, the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove, then God the Father spoke from heaven saying, “this is my beloved Son, and I Am fully pleased with Him”. Jesus said in John 5:19 that He only did what He saw His Father doing! Jesus always worked in cooperation with His Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus ministry on Earth was a partnership with the other members of the Holy Trinity. After His baptism he was led forth by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After which, Jesus went forth in the power of the Spirit.

If this was so with Jesus how much more important for you and me? I believe the Bible teaches that God has a plan and purpose for every Christian and therefore every local congregation. This depends on our relationship with the Holy Spirit, it started when we confessed our sins and believed in Jesus as our saviour, at that point the Holy Spirit came and made His home in us, it is because of His indwelling that we became “new creatures in Christ” and it is the Holy Spirit who baptised “incorporated” us into the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:13.

The Holy Spirit has always been around, in the Old Testament the Spirit descended on individuals equipping and filling them but not remaining on them continuously. Jesus has promised us that the Spirit would come to stay dwelling with us forever. On the day of Pentecost, Peter reminded the crowds of Gods promise through Joel the prophet, God had promised to pour out My Spirit on all flesh. Pentecost at Jerusalem was the beginning, I love Peter’s statement “This promise is to you and your children, even the Gentiles, all who have been called by the Lord our God” Acts 2:39.

Every Christian needs their own Pentecost, we all need to experience the Baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire, and to “ go on being filled” Many have sung this today. O God of burning cleansing flame send the fire, look down and see this waiting host and send the promised Holy Ghost, we need another Pentecost, send the fire today! May our hearts truly reflect what our mouths recite.

Some verses to remember

The name of Jesus has healed this man- and you know how lame he was before, Faith in Jesus name has caused this healing before your very eyes Acts 3:16.

After this prayer, the building where they we’re meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they preached God’s message with boldness Acts 4:31
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The power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of the Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord Acts 11:21

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Whose Church is it Anyway? Matthew 16:13-20

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Pause for thought

Peter answered Jesus, You are the Christ the Son of the Living God. Jesus answered, you are blessed indeed, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build My Church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Everything that can be shaken will be shaken Hebrews 12:26-29 I believe we are living in that period of history, where everything is being shaken, that is except the only unshakeable thing The Lord’s Church which is unconquerable Matthew 16:17-19.

Jesus clearly tells us that He is the builder and the Head of His church. Pastors in particular can come under great pressure to add something to the glorious Church of God. This is where some methods and concepts can be introduced that are not necessarily the Church that Jesus Christ said He would build. We all must test everything and God deliver us from good ideas that masquerade as God ideas.

Jesus His session.

Appearing in the presence of His Father on our behalf Hebrews 6:20;9:24.

Sitting at the Fathers right hand as King-Priest. This is not a period of idleness, Jesus is our Mediator, intercessor, and Advocate Revelation 12:10-11.

Building His church by bringing conviction, repentance and faith to men by the power of the Holy Spirit Acts 5: 31; 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25.

Directing the affairs of His Church, Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 1:15-19;2:9-10; Revelation 1-2-3.

Bestowing gifts and ministries upon His church individually and corporately 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-30; Ephesians 4:8-10; Romans 12:1-6.

A verse to remember

And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and He gave Him authority for the benefit of the church. Ephesians 1:22 N.L.T.

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The Body and Blood of Jesus in Heaven. Hebrews 10

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Pause for thought

The Body and the Blood of Jesus in Heaven

Jesus Blood and body did not perish or see corruption at Calvary, they are in Heaven for us as the eternal evidence of our salvation. They have been accepted by the Father as the basis of Christ’s session Hebrews 10:11-14.

His Body

Jesus body in heaven is the result of his miraculous incarnation. It is His virgin born body, prepared by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary Hebrews 10:5-8, Luke 1:30-33.

His body in heaven is the surety of our entrance to heaven Hebrews 7:22.

His body in heaven is the guarantee that the bodies of the saints will be raised and glorified. His body is the first of all those who will also be resurrected 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, Philippians 3:21.

His blood

The blood of Christ is the most precious thing, and the only cleansing agent from sin in the universe 1 Peter 1:18-20. It is the blood of God Acts 20:28, it speaks to God on our behalf Hebrews 12:22-24 All true believers have faith in the blood of Jesus Romans 2:23-25.

Much of the above taken from the Foundations of Christian Doctrine by Kevin J Conner.

A verse to remember

Not with the blood of goats and calves , but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all having obtained eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12 N.K.J.V.

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Jesus Ascends to Heaven Acts 1:1-14.

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Pause for thought

The way Jesus ascended
Jesus was taken up into heaven in broad daylight, for his disciples to witness, forty days after His resurrection. Jesus ascended into heaven in his glorified human body. Jesus was taken up in a cloud, and attended by Angels. Acts 1:9

Why Jesus ascended.
To fulfil the Scriptures, and to complete the work of redemption. To be glorified and receive the seal of His Fathers approval. To send the Holy Spirit John 7:39

Jesus now lives to make intercession for us. Jesus has taken humanity back to heaven, he understands our weaknesses Hebrews 2:18

Verse to remember

This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven , will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. Acts 1: 11b N.K.J.V.

Please send any feedback, questions, or prayer requests, to jesusinprint@gmail.com