On a recent episode of the John Bevere Podcast, John Bevere and his son Arden explored the message to the church of Thyatira in Revelation 2—a message highly relevant to today’s believers. Bevere began with a sobering truth: “If Jesus is not Lord of your entire life, He is not Lord of any part of your life.”
Reflecting on his own spiritual journey, Bevere shared how God began exposing the hidden idols in his life. He confessed that things like golf, food and even football had subtly taken priority over his devotion to Christ. By surrendering these areas to God, Bevere was able to enjoy them again, free from their idolatrous hold. “God showed me that my love for these things was competing with my love for Him,” he said.
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This theme of wholehearted commitment extends beyond personal habits to the life of the church. Bevere stressed the importance of works as evidence of genuine faith, referencing James 2:24: “You see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.” Using a practical analogy, he compared faith and works to an electric outlet and a blow dryer—faith is real when it produces action.
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Bevere warned against compromising with the world, noting that many Christians and even some pastors mistakenly attempt to reach people by joining in worldly behaviors, like drinking or partying with celebrities. He explained that true ministry involves engaging the world without adopting its patterns. “We are called to be beside the world, not of the world,” he said. The danger, he added, is that Christians often become a subculture—a community that looks Christian outwardly but lives much like the world.
Turning to the church of Thyatira, Bevere highlighted both commendation and rebuke. Jesus praised the church for its love, faith, service and perseverance, but condemned its tolerance of a “Jezebel-like” figure—self-appointed leaders who mislead believers through seduction and compromise. Bevere drew parallels to today’s culture of online ministers who start platforms without spiritual oversight, warning that such self-appointment often leads to long-term error.
The solution, he explained, is being planted under spiritual authority. Bevere shared his own testimony of being confirmed and sent by his pastor, a process that ensured God’s protection and authority over his ministry. “If John Bevere sends John Bevere, it’s John’s authority. If God sends John, it’s God’s authority,” he said.
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Finally, Bevere defined modern idolatry as anything we love, trust or depend on more than Jesus. In both the Old and New Testaments, idols can take many forms—from statues to material desires or sinful pleasures. “Anything that draws your heart away from Jesus is an idol,” he said.
Bevere’s message is clear: the call to Christ is not partial; it is total. Believers must examine their lives, surrender idols, embrace genuine works of faith and submit to spiritual authority. Only then can they truly live as a people set apart, reflecting the Lordship of Jesus in every area of life.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
