A Word in Season

Brian Troxel examines Revelation 4:4, focusing on the twenty-four elders seated around God’s throne. He interprets these elders as symbolic of believers—both from the Old and New Covenants—who have overcome through a life of faith, obedience, and spiritual warfare. Their position on thrones, clothed in white and crowned with gold, represents victory, rest, and participation in God’s reign.Brian emphasizes that this is not a passive or automatic status, but the result of a lived, ongoing process of transformation. The Christian life is portrayed as a continual journey of “being saved,” where believers actively cooperate with God, allowing Him to shape their character and bring their thoughts and lives under His authority. Victory comes not through human effort, but through abiding in Christ and experiencing the power of His cross and resurrection.Ultimately, the elders represent the fulfillment of God’s call- a people who have matured spiritually, overcome inward struggles, and now dwell in His presence—sharing in His authority and glory.Key HighlightsThe 24 elders represent overcoming believers in both the Old and New Covenants.Sitting on thrones signifies rest, authority, and reigning with God.Crowns symbolize victory achieved through spiritual warfare.The Christian life is a continuous process, not a one-time event.Believers must cooperate with God in their transformation.True victory comes through the power of Christ, not self-effort.The cross and resurrection are central to spiritual growth.Overcoming involves mastery over thoughts and inner life.Salvation is an ongoing experience of “being transformed.”The goal is to become fully aligned with Christ’s nature.The elders model the end result of faithful, obedient living.Believers are called to share in God’s authority and presence.

In “The Eyes of God,” Brian Troxel explores the imagery in Revelation 4 of the four living creatures “full of eyes,” interpreting this as a revelation of God’s all-seeing nature and His desire to impart spiritual discernment to believers. These “eyes” symbolize God’s awareness—He sees not only actions but motives, thoughts, and the inner condition of the heart. Brian emphasizes that this truth is not meant for intellectual understanding alone, but to produce transformation, leading believers to live with greater awareness, humility, and accountability before God.A central theme is that spiritual maturity involves learning to see as God sees. Through relationship with Him, believers develop discernment—not judging by outward appearances, but by the Spirit. This enables them to minister more effectively and love others without partiality. Brian stresses that true discernment seeks what is genuine and valuable (“gold”) in others, rather than faults.Ultimately, understanding that God’s eyes are always upon us leads to a careful, responsive walk with Him— motivated, not by legalism, but by a desire to please Him and grow in authentic relationship.Key HighlightsThe “eyes” in Revelation symbolize God’s complete awareness of actions, thoughts, and motives.Truth is meant to transform behavior, not just inform the mind.Spiritual growth involves learning to see and discern as God sees.True discernment looks for value (“gold”) in others, not faults.God’s awareness of us produces accountability and humility.Relationship with God—not doctrine—develops spiritual sensitivity.Believers are called to walk in and minister discernment, not surface judgment.God values motives over outward actions.Walking with awareness of God leads to a careful and intentional life. The goal is to live in a way that pleases God, not merely follows rules.

Brian Troxel’s teaching on The Throne of God presents a deeply relational and experiential vision of the Christian life, rooted in Revelation 4. He argues that God’s throne is not merely a distant, heavenly reality but something meant to be established within the believer’s heart. The imagery of the twenty-four elders reflects the unified people of God—across both Old and New Covenants—who are called to reign with Christ, beginning now through inward submission to His rule.At the core of this message is a challenge to traditional, institutional Christianity. Brian emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not external, intellectual, or ritualistic, but internal—expressed through righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. True faith, therefore, is not about adhering to systems or doctrines alone, but about cultivating a living relationship with God.He stresses that believers are invited into direct communion with God, learning to hear His voice and respond in obedience. Spiritual maturity develops through time spent in His presence, where sensitivity to the Spirit is formed. Ultimately, Brian frames the Christian journey as a personal and transformative pursuit of intimacy with God, where His authority is realized within and expressed through the believer’s life.Key HighlightsThe throne of God represents His rule—meant to be established within the believer’s heart, not just in heaven.The 24 elders symbolize the unity of Old and New Covenant believers reigning with Christ.God’s kingdom is internal and experiential, not external or purely doctrinal.True Christianity is about relationship, not religion.Spiritual growth requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, not reliance on structured systems.Believers are called to hear God directly, not depend on intermediaries.“Lightnings, thunderings, and voices” symbolize revelation, power, and divine communication.Each person’s walk with God is unique and cultivated through a personal pursuit.Time in God’s presence (prayer, worship, and study) is essential for transformation.True ministry flows from intimacy with God, not a formal education.The highest calling is friendship with God, marked by trust and obedience.

The preface to Revelation 5 by Brian Troxel discusses the significance of Revelation 5 as the central fulcrum of the Gospel, presented as a key moment where Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is revealed as the only one worthy to open the sealed book of life, which represents the fate of humanity and all of creation.Key Themes:The Necessity of The ResurrectionThe resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith, without which life has no meaning.Humanity's fall in the Garden of Eden led to death and separation from God.Revelation is About Christ, Not Just EventsThe book of Revelation is not merely about end-times events, but about the unveiling of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's plan.The Holy Spirit was given to reveal Christ and lead believers into all truth.The Importance of Truth and RighteousnessTruth is not just knowledge but Christ Himself.Righteousness is not about mere belief but living in obedience to God.Authenticity and righteousness go hand in hand—God's goal is to transform believers into true, faithful people.The Sealed Book and the Worthiness of the LambThe book of life was sealed due to human disobedience.Only Christ, who became fully obedient as a man, could open it.His act of obedience is the pivotal moment in Revelation, signifying the restoration of humanity through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.Obedience, Love, and Spiritual GrowthFaith is not just hearing God's Word but doing His will.The love of God transforms believers, moving them beyond mere knowledge into deep spiritual relationship.The true church is one body in Christ, united beyond denominational divisions.Spiritual Discernment and the Last DaysA time of great deception is coming; only those who walk in righteousness and love will withstand it.Miracles and signs will be seen from both God and false sources, requiring discernment.The Future of God’s PeopleThe younger generation is called to a greater revelation of God's love and power.God's people will become living signs and wonders, demonstrating Christ through their love and obedience.Brian concludes by emphasizing that the Book of Life is still being opened, and believers must live in such a way that reflects the love, righteousness, and truth of Christ.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

This is really a brief overview of the book of Revelation chapters 1-4 in which Brian Troxel, emphasizes the connection between the Book of Revelation and the Tabernacle. He explores how John’s vision on the Isle of Patmos aligns with the spiritual journey through the outer court, the holy place, and holy of holies.Key themes include:The seven churches and their symbolic lampstands, representing the Holy Spirit's work.The progression of believers from worldly (outer court) to spiritual maturity (Holy of Holies).The vision of God's throne and how John is drawn into a deeper revelation, symbolizing spiritual growth.The importance of holiness and obedience as prerequisites for dwelling in God’s presence.The contrast between earthly structures and heavenly realities, stressing that true faith is not about building churches but about encountering God.The role of intercession and prayer as a transition into divine intimacy (the altar of incense).This insightful and rich message ties biblical imagery to personal spiritual growth, urging believers to move beyond religious structures, teachings and dogma into a deeper relationship with God. Brian urges YOU to dig into the book of Revelation yourself seeking earnestly for the Holy Spirit to reveal the depths of the revelation of Jesus Christ to you personally!Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

Brian emphasizes the urgency of preparing for the return of the Lord, and discusses themes of faith, love, unity, and readiness for Christ’s return. He references 2 Peter 3:12, highlighting that believers can hasten the coming of the Lord through their faith and actions.Key themes include:Spiritual Readiness: The day of the Lord will come suddenly and unexpectedly for the world, but believers must be prepared, like Noah building the ark.Unity in the Body of Christ: The church should be united, moving away from divisions and denominational separations.Faith and Works: True faith produces action, love produces labor, and hope brings endurance.The Bride of Christ: The church must purify itself, forsaking all distractions, to be ready for Christ.Harvest and Judgment: The timing of Christ’s return is directly connected to the readiness of His people, and the world will face both judgment, but also a great harvest of souls.Love and Perseverance: Love is central to enduring trial, and believers must remain steadfast in God’s love, even through suffering.His message concludes with a call for believers to seek Christ earnestly, rather than getting caught up in the chaos and confusion of world events, to prepare themselves spiritually for His return.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

In this final episode of “Church of the Laodiceans” Podcast series, Brian focuses once again on faith, obedience, humility, and spiritual transformation. He challenges overcoming believers in God’s remnant to count the cost of discipleship and understand the importance of personal sacrifice for spiritual growth.Key points include:Significance of Trials and Brokenness: Personal trials, such as the story behind the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul," are highlighted as the pathway to spiritual strength and revelation.Spiritual Poverty: Brian critiques the Laodicean church's attitude of self-sufficiency, drawing from Revelation 3, and emphasizes our need for a deep reliance upon God.Obedience and Sacrifice: He discusses the concept of spiritual currency, stating that while salvation is free in one sense, it comes with the cost of self-denial and obedience to God.Metaphors of Light and Brokenness: Imagery such as Gideon's army and the alabaster box illustrates the idea that God's light and glory shine through the brokenness of human vessels.Call to Action: He encourages believers to embrace humility and to trust God through challenges, allowing our lives to be vessels of His power and presence.This is a rich meditation on the depth of faith and humble submission to God's will that are required to walk in genuine spiritual influence and authority in this hour.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

In this 3rd of 4 episodes in his “Church of the Laodiceans” Podcast series, Brian emphasizes the spiritual condition of the Laodicean church described in Revelation 3, drawing connections to the present-day state of believers and their walk with God.Here are the main points:Spiritual Temperature: The analogy of heart temperature—hot, cold, or lukewarm—serves as a metric for one's passion for God. God desires believers to be "hot," or fully committed to His purposes.Fire as a Symbol of God's Presence: Fire represents God’s presence, power, and purifying work. The "fire" in a believer's heart reflects their connection to and reliance on God. Maintaining this fire involves a continual relationship with Him.Reliance on God's Power: Brian highlights the futility of self-reliance, emphasizing the need to work in cooperation with God's Spirit rather than attempting to achieve righteousness through human effort.Role of the Believer: Believers are likened to wicks that draw oil (God’s Spirit) to sustain the flame of God. Without God's power, the wick cannot burn or shine.Transformation Through Trial: Hardships and "breaking" of our self-confidence and self-will are difficult but oh so necessary for God’s light to shine through us, and for us to overcome, similar to the breaking of Gideon's pitchers in order for Isreal to overcome the Midianites.Holiness and Grace: The call to holiness is a central theme, achieved not by personal merit, but through God's transformative work. This requires acknowledging and recognizing personal shortcomings, as well as abandoned yielding to His will.Practical Faith: Everyday acts of obedience, guided by the Spirit, are seen as a means to let God's light shine, leading to a deeper communion with Him and greater spiritual influence in the world.This challenging message is a call for believers to deepen their spiritual commitment, embrace transformation through trials, and allow the life of Christ to shine through our lives as a testimony to His power and glory.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

In this second episode of his “Church of the Laodiceans” Podcast series, Brian offers a theological reflection on the biblical Church of the Laodiceans, highlighting themes of spiritual complacency, personal connection with God, and the transformative power of divine love. He critiques the lukewarm nature of the Laodicean church, emphasizing that their wealth and self-satisfaction led to spiritual blindness and estrangement from God.Key points include:Ownership of Faith: The Laodiceans’ church is described as man-centered rather than God-centered, contrasting with other churches addressed in the Bible.The "Amen": The significance of "Amen" as a name of Christ, representing His role as the faithful, ultimate affirmation of God's promises.Personal Calling: Encourages believers to nurture their unique God-given purpose, resisting external and internal challenges.Love as Central: Stresses that the core of God's commandments and Christian life is love, leading to genuine faith and good works, not for recognition but as a natural outpouring of Christ’s love.Covenant vs. Contract: Differentiates between a covenant, which is based on God's steadfast "I will," and a transactional contract mindset.Friendship with God: Suggests that the highest calling is intimacy with God, where He reveals His will and deeper truths to those aligned with Him.The text concludes by emphasizing the pursuit of God’s love as the ultimate purpose and reward of life, urging believers to cultivate their relationship with Him and express His love through their actions.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

In this opening episode of “Church of the Laodiceans” Podcast series, Brian provides a detailed theological analysis of the Church of Laodicea, as mentioned in Chapter 2 of the Book of Revelation. Here are the key points:Translation and Ownership: Brian emphasizes that the Church of Laodicea is uniquely described in Greek as "the church of the Laodiceans," implying ownership by the people rather than God. This distinction suggests a church governed by human customs rather than divine guidance.Symbolism and Critique: The Laodicean church symbolizes a lukewarm and spiritually detached state, marked by apathy, self-reliance, and the absence of Christ's presence. He compares this with the biblical portrayal of Jesus knocking at the door, seeking to re-enter the hearts of individuals within this man-centered church.Historical and Etymological Insights: Brian links the Greek word "Laodicea" to "laos" (people) and "dike" or “dice”(custom or law), exploring how customs evolve into rigid doctrines. He critiques modern churches for adhering to human traditions rather than fostering genuine spiritual purpose.Parallel with Biblical Narratives: The discussion includes a comparison of Cain's wandering in Genesis to the Laodicean church's lack of spiritual direction. Both are characterized by estrangement from God.Call for Purpose and Identity: Brian advocates for a return to knowing one's distinct calling in Christ, urging believers to reject generic religiosity and seek a deeper personal relationship with God. He highlights the importance of individuality and complementary roles within the body of Christ.Challenge to Modern Christianity: Brian’s message comes against contemporary church practices for prioritizing denominational identity and doctrinal rigidity over spiritual authenticity and unity in Christ.His overall message challenges believers to transcend the complacency of a Laodicean mindset, to rediscover their identity in Christ, and to seek a more profound, transformative relationship with God.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

The second part of The Church in Sardis Brian continues exploring important aspects related to the Lord’s admonishing message to the church in Sardis, emphasizing the spiritual symbolism of the lampstand, the importance of abiding in Christ, and the continual process of spiritual growth and purification. He draws heavily on other other passages, including Zechariah 4 and Revelation 11, to convey the truth that believers are individual lampstands fueled by the Holy Spirit, represented by the oil in the lamps. He underscores the concept that true ministry stems from abiding in God's anointing and not from personal ambition.Brian also discusses the necessity of personal responsibility in nurturing one’s spiritual gifts, emphasizing the role of authentic interaction with God to discover one's purpose, coming against passivity in one’s faith, calling for active pursuit of one's calling and the development of spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church's mission on earth.This podcast episode further elaborates on the corporate nature of the church, using the image of two olive trees, stressing the vital importance of unity and that the church's role is to reflect Christ's light through purity, truth, and grace.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

In this first part of his message, on the The Church in Sardis, Brian focuses on the spiritual condition of the Church in Sardis, as described in the Book of Revelation, emphasizing the dangers of spiritual complacency, using the metaphor of a church that appears alive but is spiritually dead. He warns against the modern "antinomian"** gospel, which disregards accountability and the necessity of maintaining a living, active faith.Key themes include:Spiritual vigilance: The need to stay spiritually alive by maintaining a personal relationship with God, likened to tending a flame.Responsibility in faith: Brian stresses the believer's role in nurturing their spiritual life, contrasting it with passive, spectator-like faith.Biblical examples: He draws on examples like David, Gideon, and others to illustrate the importance of active, courageous faith.Personal transformation: He encourages listeners to see themselves through God's eyes, believing in their potential to enact change through faith.The power of God's presence: Stories of revival are shared to inspire belief in God's ability to work powerfully in individual lives and communities.His overall message is a call to renewed commitment, vigilance, and faith in God's transformative power.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info

In this message Brian offers a profound reflection on spiritual growth, particularly in the context of the church at Philadelphia in the book of Revelation as well as Peter's second epistle.The focus is on the development of a believer's faith, moving from one level of spiritual maturity to the next, with the ultimate goal being Love—the selfless, divine love (agape) that surpasses brotherly love (phileo).Key Themes:Progressive Growth in Faith (2 Peter 1:5-7)Peter, aware of his imminent death, lays out a pattern for spiritual growth that includes faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance (self-control), patience, godliness, brotherly kindness (phileo), and finally love (agape).The development of faith leads to a virtuous life, which in turn leads to deeper understanding, self-control, and ultimately, love for others in a divine, selfless way.Phileo vs. AgapeThe Greek word phileo (brotherly love) is important in understanding the church at Philadelphia, which represents brotherly love.However, as shown in the conversation between Jesus and Peter (John 21), Christ is constantly calling Peter—and all of us—beyond phileo to agape, which is the highest form of love.In the dialogue, Jesus repeatedly asks Peter if he loves Him with agape (divine love), but Peter, after his denial of Christ, can only respond with phileo (human affection). Jesus meets Peter where he is, but ultimately, the call is always to agape.Authenticity and GenuinenessIn Revelation 3:7, Jesus describes Himself as "holy" and "true" (the Greek word alēthinos, meaning genuine). This speaks to God’s desire for authenticity in His followers—what we are on the inside should match how we present ourselves outwardly.There is a call to lay aside appearances and to become childlike in our genuineness, as Jesus taught that only those who become like little children can enter the Kingdom of Heaven.Message by Brian Troxel in 2018For more written content, go to AWord.info