SEVEN ‘FROM The HEART of JESUS’ LOVE-LETTERS to the SEVEN CHURCHES of REVELATION - To The Church of Philadelphia

Church #6 PHILADELPHIA:

REV 3:7-13

⁷ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; ⁸ I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door*, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. ⁹ Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. ¹⁰ Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. ¹¹ Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. ¹² Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. ¹³ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Philadelphia was a city of some importance founded in the second century B.C. by Attalus, king of Pergamum, in honor of his predecessor, Eumenes Philadelphus. The city was strategically situated in a fertile river valley on the main road from Sardis to Laodicea, directly east of Smyrna. 

The message to Philadelphia has captured the minds and hearts of Christians through the centuries because no other message (not even the one to Smyrna) is so rich in promises. The LORD's self-identification (v. 7) sets the stage for the first promise (v. 8), which is given unconditionally to the saints at the Philadelphia congregation.

SEVEN ‘FROM The HEART of JESUS’ LOVE-LETTERS to the SEVEN CHURCHES of REVELATION - To The Church of Sardis

Church #5 SARDIS:

REV 3:1-6
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. ² Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. ³ Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. ⁴ Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. ⁵ He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. ⁶ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

“Sardis was situated almost directly south of Thyatira, in the direction of Smyrna and the sea. Its greatest days were behind it, but this once proud capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia (later the western capital of the Persian Empire) was still, under Roman rule, an important center of the woolen industry.

“Abundant archaeological remains include a temple to Artemis, a huge gymnasium and the largest synagogue yet found in the ancient world, suggesting a Jewish community numbering in the thousands (Finegan 1981:177-78) . . . The problem of the congregation in John's time was not with the Jews, nor with the Roman Empire, nor with false prophecy, but solely with itself.”

JEWELS From The GOSPEL Of JOHN: MEAT and GREET - JOHN 4:32-38

The following is a series of short exhortations, brief commentary and writings to convey thoughtful meditation on God's Word. I have chosen the Gospel of John as the subject. These articles will not run contiguously on this blog but peppered throughout and in the midst of other articles (though some might be posted consecutively). I pray that these will be a blessing and an edification for the saints.

JOHN 4:32-38
32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.  37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

FROM CONSPIRACY TO CHRIST: The Testimony of Andrew Spod Godkin

The following is a testimony from a dear brother "from across the pond" in England. I met him online with Facebook, and after getting to know each other a bit, and learning how he came to know the LORD, I was intrigued and wanted to know more about this. 
When he gave me a bit more detail, I asked if he would be willing to share his testimony with us all, and he agreed. So, the following is the testimony of Andrew Spod Godkin: I pray that it ministers and reaches people, particularly those who are on the same road that he was on - and how it all led him from conspiracy to Christ.

My childhood was very much a normal one, I would say; no abuse at all, nothing out of the ordinary, and my parents are still together after 51 years, so no suffering a divorced and broken family. 

SEVEN ‘FROM The HEART of JESUS’ LOVE-LETTERS to the SEVEN CHURCHES of REVELATION - To The Church of Thyatira

Church #4 THYATIRA:

REV 2:18-29

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Thyatira was a smaller city located further inland in the fertile Lycus River valley. Little is known of its history beyond the fact that it once belonged to the kingdom of Pergamum, and few archaeological remains have been found.

SEVEN ‘FROM The HEART of JESUS’ LOVE-LETTERS to the SEVEN CHURCHES of REVELATION - To The Church of Pergamos

Church #3 PERGAMOS:

REV 2:12-17

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

The name Pergamos comes from a Greek word which was synonymous with “tower” or “citadel” that was associated with the goddess Roma, or in other cultures as Cybele, whose worshipers were engaged in religious fertility rites that resulted in women getting pregnant due to temple prostitution, and the infants born as a result were offered up as burnt sacrifices to their gods.

SEVEN ‘FROM The HEART of JESUS’ LOVE-LETTERS to the SEVEN CHURCHES of REVELATION - To The Church of Smyrna

CHURCH #2 SMYRNA

REV 1:8-11

⁸ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; ⁹ I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. ¹¹ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

The name Smyrna comes from the "myrrh," which is a resin and is a critical ingredient used to embalm dead bodies because one of its major properties was its ability to slow down the putrefaction of dead flesh. This type of embalming was used in Egypt and Judea. Myrrh is often remembered as one of the three gifts the Magi gave to Jesus after he was born (gold – speaks of the Deity of Christ; frankincense – His priesthood; myrrh – his sacrificial death).

JEWELS From The GOSPEL Of JOHN: JESUS DECLARES HIS DEITY - JOHN 4:25-26

The following is a series of short exhortations, brief commentary and writings to convey thoughtful meditation on God's Word. I have chosen the Gospel of John as the subject. These articles will not run contiguously on this blog but peppered throughout and in the midst of other articles (though some might be posted consecutively). I pray that these will be a blessing and an edification for the saints.

We will focus on the relevance of vs. 25 and 26, but let's first read this in context . . .

SEVEN ‘FROM The HEART of JESUS’ LOVE-LETTERS to the SEVEN CHURCHES of REVELATION - To The Church of Ephesus

So now that we have had an introduction and preliminary observations from Chapter One, we will get into each of these seven churches in Chapters 2 and 3 and learn of the LORD's counsels, corrections, and commendations:

Church #1 EPHESUS:

REV 2:1-7

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 

² I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: ³ And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. ⁴ Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ⁶ But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. ⁷ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

In the time of the Romans, Ephesus bore the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia." It was distinguished for the Temple of Diana (q.v.), who there had her chief shrine; and for its theatre, which was the largest in the world, capable of containing 50,000 spectators. Dozens of gold covered colonnades shown brilliantly in the morning sunlight. Statues exulting in the goddess Diana were purchased by devotees far and wide and then placed in the Temple. It was known as one of the seven Ancient Wonders of the World.

ARE YOU ON F.I.R.E. for JESUS?

 I was born again at this point in time (AUG of '80) for about two months. Up until then, I had been to a few different kinds of Bible studies; they were all good to one degree or another - some were based on a lot of history; others invited the perspectives of the Christians gathered together as they expressed what they thought on any given verse.

Other studies were centered around the Bible directly, and the verses changed every week, but it was always the Gospel message, given to those who had already received it.

Then I arrived at this point in time, two months into my salvation, I entered into this house in my neighborhood where I heard they had really awesome Bible study - I descended the stairs into the basement and found a few people gathered there. I saw this blond haired lady with glasses and a guitar resting on her lap. Across from her was a tall, dark haired man - her husband.

When I introduced myself, she repeated my name, "Jim Fire? Are you on fire for the LORD?"
I beamed, nodded and gave a resounding "Amen!"
I then sat down and listened to my first message by pastor Chuck Smith, on the Beatitudes - and that began my life long journey in the Word of God. And I must say, those first few years were foundational and grounded me on the Rock. I went home after every visit to that house, having received anywhere from 3 to 5 cassette tapes at a time and devoured them, writing notes down, underlining passages in my Bible, and returning the tapes with a number of questions directed at my spiritual parents in the faith.

That flame of the Word has kept me through the years and is a testament to its ability to keep a saint on FIRE for the LORD!
In this article, I want to talk about what it takes to be on F.I.R.E. for Jesus:

First let's look at two scriptures that tell us WHY it's absolutely necessary to be ON FIRE for JESUS!

MATTHEW 24
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

REVELATION 3:15-16
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

F.ERVENCY I.NDWELLING R.IGHTEOUS E.VERLASTING

7 ‘FROM The HEART of JESUS’ Love-Letters to the 7 Churches of Revelation: An Introduction

INTRO: I owe much of the following teaching to insights by Chuck Missler, who was one of my favorite Bible teachers, but in these latter days, his leanings towards Jewish mysticism has led me to remove his ministry link from my TTUF site.

Still, his expositional studies through the Word of God are still in my library and they are a blessing.

The study of these seven letters FROM The MIND of FIRE will be included in a full, in-depth study of the book of REVELATION, in it's entirety on the main site of The TRUTH Under FIRE (www.thetruthunderfire.com).

The BIBLE’S BOOK ENDS: GENESIS and REVELATION:

I reviewed a chart online that makes comparisons between the first and last books of the Bible, GENESIS and REVELATION; the themes found in both books begin in GENESIS and end in REVELATION. Some of these are as follows:

GENESIS – reveals the creation of a temporary world; REVELATION reveals an eternal world.

Division of light and darkness (Gen. 1:4).	No night there (Rev. 21:25).
Division of land and sea (Gen. 1:10).	No more sea (Rev. 21:1).
Rule of sun and moon (Gen. 1:16).	No need of sun or moon (Rev. 21:23).
First heavens and earth are finished (Gen. 2:1-3).	New heaven and earth are forever (Rev. 21:2).
Man is in a prepared garden (Gen. 2:8-9).	Man is in a prepared city (Rev. 21:2).
There is a river flowing out of Eden (Gen. 2:10).	There is a river flowing from God’s throne (Rev. 22:1).
Tree of life is in the midst of the garden (Gen. 2:9).	Tree of life is throughout the city (Rev. 22:2).
God walking in the garden (Gen. 3:8).	God dwelling with His people (Rev. 21:3).
Bride formed for her husband (Gen. 2:21-23).	Bride adorned for her husband (Rev. 21:2).
Garden accessible to the Liar (Gen. 3:1-5).	City closed to all liars (Rev. 21:27).
Man in God’s image (Gen. Gen. 1:27).	Man in God’s presence (Rev. 21:3).
Man is the steward (Gen. Gen. 2:17).	Man is the heir (Rev. 21:7).

The SCRIPTURAL STAIRWAY To HEAVEN: The BEATITUDES as found in MATTHEW 5 - PARTS 1 & 2

The following is a revision and summary presentation of two articles in the TTUF study of MATTHEW CHAPTER 5 (to read the full study in Ch 5, go here). This article itself is divided into two parts for your convenience, in bookmarking it once you complete the first half.

~ ~ ~ ~ PART ONE ~ ~ ~ ~

What does the word ‘beatitude’ actually mean, have you ever wondered? One rendering says, “To be supremely blessed, consecrated, and holy, in a state of bliss”. 
Those who follow the truth as expressed by the LORD in this chapter will certainly know (even if they don’t understand) this bliss and peace; yet there must be no mistake: in order to follow the Truth Incarnate, His Spirit must be the one to empower and enable them by indwelling their person! 

Christianity is not, and cannot (successfully) be a mere philosophy or a set of principles for ‘moral man’ to abide by. The one statement alone, made by our LORD should put an end to any such endeavor: MATT 5:48! 

Christianity is “Christ in us, the hope of glory” (COL 1:27; 2 COR 4:6-8)! Certainly the principles laid out by the LORD here are absolutely contrary to the philosophy of this world (1 COR 2:13) which is ruled by Satan, and is why the kingdom of God and Light is diametrically opposed to the world’s view (and why the true church that lives by the Spirit of God is so hated by those of the world):

CLASS: “Authentic” Youth Ministry

Here is yet ANOTHER post NOT written by yours truly (why is it every time I say that, I keep hearing applause??)

This article is by Greg Reid
www.gregoryreid.com

I came from an unconventional background, and I lived an unconventional life and did unconventional ministry. I was an unconventional child, much to the concern of my very conventional parents. I tried to re-bury worms when it rained one day because they were coming out of the ground and I thought they would be cold. I cried for hours when I was 6 when I couldn’t find my neighbor friend, and my mom told me he had gone to Washington. She couldn’t figure out why I was so upset…till she figured out it was because I knew Washington was dead, and I thought she was trying to find a nice way to tell me what happened to my neighbor…

JEWELS From The GOSPEL Of JOHN: JESUS KNOWS ALL - JOHN 4:16-19

JOHN 4:16-19
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

The LORD Jesus is having a dialogue with the Samaritan woman. Thus far, He has asked her for a drink and she has become somewhat contentious, asking why He, a Jew, would have anything to do with her, a Samaritan - to say nothing of the social barriers that were in place between men and women.
He then mentions this "living water" that He offers to those who ask Him (vs. 10), to those who recognize Him for Who He is. She is still thinking in the natural however, considering the advantages of such water that would enable her to never "thirst again", but nevertheless is soliciting this from the LORD (vs. 15).

JEWELS From The GOSPEL Of JOHN: LIVING vs. WELL WATER - JOHN 4:10-15

The following is a series of short exhortations, brief commentary and writings to convey thoughtful meditation on God's Word. I have chosen the Gospel of John as the subject. These articles will not run contiguously on this blog but peppered throughout and in the midst of other articles (though some might be posted consecutively). I pray that these will be a blessing and an edification for the saints.


JOHN 4:10-15
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

CHURCH ETIQUETTE: HOW CHURCH SHOULD BE DONE

This is not intended to be a dogmatic check-list on how church must be done, based upon my own personal preferences, but rather, upon what honors God and His Word which reveals how things should be done: “… decently and in order …” (1 COR 14:40). 

As we consider all the aspects of the church gathering, and all that this entails, we quickly realize we must talk about how we greet one another, conduct in the sanctuary, the ministry of worshiping the LORD, the ministry of the Word at the pulpit, in Sunday School, youth ministry, etc. And many other things besides.
As we are living in the last days and the apostasy is growing exponentially, we are witnessing a diminishing respect for the Word of God, and even – dare I say – for God Himself. And sadly, it shows in our congregations today! Yet God exalts His Word even above His own Name (And His Name is utterly Holy! See PSALM 138:2)! If the LORD God esteems His Word that much, who are we to ignore or disrespect it?!

JEWELS From The GOSPEL Of JOHN: WANTING A DEBATE - JOHN 4:7-10,19-24

 The following is a series of short exhortations, brief commentary and writings to convey thoughtful meditation on God's Word. I have chosen the Gospel of John as the subject. These articles will not run contiguously on this blog but peppered throughout and in the midst of other articles (though some might be posted consecutively). I pray that these will be a blessing and an edification for the saints.

In our dealings with this terribly lost world of blind souls, who cannot recognize truth on their own, we are often confronted with arguments and barriers. It is job #1 for the enemy to keep them in a blinded state, so that the Light of the LORD will remain unseen by them (2 COR 4:4). It is job #1 for us saints, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb by the grace (unmerited favor) of God, to declare the gospel, prayerfully seeking God's touch upon them (2 COR 5:20-21), that they may perceive the love of God for them (1 JOHN 3:16).

JOHN 4:7-10
7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Another Smoke Signal: ESCAPE FROM GRAY WORLD

GENESIS 1:1-4
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

The LORD God created all things, and made the Earth from its prior condition of formlessness and darkness. He began with the introduction of light, which in His eyes was good. Light is always good and useful, particularly where darkness reigns. It reveals, exposes, illuminates and dispels the unknown, the mysterious, the unfathomable and brings clarity and understanding. Light enables discernment.

JEWELS From The GOSPEL Of JOHN: The ENCOUNTER with CHRIST - JOHN 4:1-6

 The following is a series of short exhortations, brief commentary and writings to convey thoughtful meditation on God's Word. I have chosen the Gospel of John as the subject. These articles will not run contiguously on this blog but peppered throughout and in the midst of other articles (though some might be posted consecutively). I pray that these will be a blessing and an edification for the saints.

JOHN 4:1-6
1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

A LETTER To The CHURCH-WOUNDED In “EXILE”

A Special and Timely Message by Gregory Reid: This is a very sensitive message, one I hope to convey with a heart of humility and grace, one I pray will bring a little healing to those who are hurting for reasons beyond your control or choosing. 

There are many who have passed through the fires of being “wounded in the house of a friend,” of being on the receiving end of rejection, misunderstanding and sometimes even dismissal or exile due to rancorous and painful church circumstances and dealings.

Few dare to speak of it, for fear of being viewed as a malcontent, a bitter soul, a troublemaker or worse. But truth be known, there are multitudes, both people and pastors, sheep and shepherds, who have been mangled by the machinery of church professional business dealings and decisions, especially in our purpose-driven and megachurch age.  

ONCE A SLAVE, ALWAYS A SLAVE

SLAVERY. The very word produces images of chains, whips, abject conditions of poverty and near starvation.

Our own American history is stained with deplorable treatment of Africans who were brought to our shores and suffered bondage for generations. They were deemed ignorant and inferior and thus, suitable for nothing else but slavery.

We like to think that here in the 21st century that we are more sophisticated and have higher sensibilities, but the fact of the matter is that slavery is still very much a reality. Enlistment into slavery of 'infidels' is still deemed a right by the Quran and the followers of Mohammad. Also, vast networks of illegal human trafficking that induct people into slavery (which according to statistics, as of 2014 included 21 million victims worldwide) is happening all around us!!

In REV 18:13 it mentions,
And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

And also:
REV 13:16
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: (see also REV 6:15).

So Scripture states that even in the last days, slavery will be a fact of life; certainly the aforementioned statistics indicates such an increasing trend.

This post is about the slavery of the worst kind - slavery into sin. Slavery into sin takes on many forms - including various addictions to alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling and others.