Episode 1005
What Does Faithfulness Look Like in Hard Places?
In this enriching episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller invites listeners to explore the deep lessons found in Revelation 2:12-29 as he reads and reflects on messages to the early Christian communities in Pergamum and Thyatira. Approaching the text from a progressive perspective and using the Message version of the Bible, Dr. Miller highlights the courage required to remain steadfast in faith even under the shadow of adversity, urging that faithfulness is demonstrated not by comfort but by brave commitment to justice, inclusion, and love. He discusses the dangers of compromise, warning against allowing harmful influences and values that diverge from true love and justice to take root. Dr. Miller inspires listeners to consider where they may have been tempted to yield in their own lives, encouraging practical, courageous steps to realign with their core beliefs. This episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer and a reminder of God’s ever-renewing love, leaving listeners inspired to live out their faith boldly and authentically.
Takeaways:
- Remaining courageous and steadfast in one’s beliefs, even when faced with adversity or hostile environments, is essential for spiritual growth and authentic living.
- Allowing harmful influences or compromising one’s values—like those exemplified by the figures of Balaam and Jezebel in Revelation—can undermine individual and communal faith.
- Dr. Miller urges listeners to embrace values of love, inclusion, and justice, standing up for what’s right even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
- God offers transformation and hope to the faithful, promising new life, sacred manna, and a new name as symbols of spiritual reward and divine sustenance.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
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