Revelation 2:14, 20

The Essential 100® Bible Challenge is a simple tool to read through the Big Story of God's Word. The reading plan is based on 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. Continue with the twentieth part "The Revelation." ®Produced by American Bible Society in partnership with Scripture Union, Inc.

In Revelation 2, Jesus addresses several churches. The believers at the church of Smyrna suffered severe persecution. Trials can produce trust, endurance, and spiritual richness. The believers at the church of Pergamum were a congregation that was married to the Roman and Greek belief systems. Jesus rebuked them for sexual immorality and idolatry, yet He commended them for being faithful to Him and not denying their faith.

In 100 carefully selected passages from the Bible, you will discover who Jesus is and why he is so significant – even life-transforming. Through both Old and New Testament readings, you will discover why God sent Jesus, what Jesus taught, how he treated people, why he did miracles, the meaning of his death, the significance of his resurrection, and what the Bible says about his second coming.

Joy–a deep sense of well-being, regardless of circumstances–is accessible in a far-from-perfect world. Over the next five days, I hope you’ll get a taste of how good God is, even when the world is in chaos, and find that we have every reason to celebrate, to laugh, even to throw parties as we contemplate our place in God’s beautiful kingdom.