The Thyatira epistle carries a central theme for all seven churches, namely the tendency to syncretize or mix worldly ideas with the truth of God.

Contrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.

While we are all different, we are all vulnerable to something, such as fear of deprivation, harm or shame. In response, we all create protective defense mechanisms.

Good spiritual health follows the same patterns and laws as do physical and psychological health. Any permanent change in character must come from within.

Many of the Declaration's signers literally lost their fortunes, properties, and health—even their lives. Are we willing to commit ourselves as fully?

Repentance involves incorporating God's values, alien to our human nature—ones that will unify us with God and with others who accept His value system.

Solomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.

As members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.

In Amos' prophecy, faithlessness and sexual immorality loom large, like a a prostitute chasing after lovers. Faithlessness extends into not keeping one's word.

Our obligation toward God mandates that we love our fellow human beings, even individuals who have severely wronged us.

What we believe automatically determines what we do; it is impossible to separate faith and works. If Jesus is not our source of belief, our works will suffer.

The Ephesus church effectively battled various heresies, for which Christ commends it. However, the members lost sight of the reason, having left their first love.

We need to avoid the trap of self-justification, allowing our hasty words to lure us into sin. We must be quick to listen, and slow to speak.

Is it possible Cain saw himself as the great protagonist, the conqueror of Satan—even the Savior of the world? Did Cain literally have a "Messiah complex"?