Seven Churches Conclusion Part (C)

The church of Thyatira. In Rev. 2:19 it states – 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. Jesus said that He likes these things. How many Christians do you know that are described by the words in Revelation 2:19? I can think of quite a few Christians I know of that fit this description quite well. There were things that Jesus did not like about the church of Thyatira, and you can read more about that here. My belief starts here → Just as the church of Thyatira back when it existed in Asia, there are Christians who are like the member of the church of Thyatira. Christ is among them as Jesus claimed. To make a long story short, we Christians need to understand that we all belong one of the seven churches that I have been speaking about. Long time ago I used to be one of those Christians that used to think, well that “denomination” over there is certainly not Christian. I have changed my tune, and the reason being because of what is written in Revelation 1:12-13 and it reads: 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

As already discussed the seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches, and Christ is in the midst of all of the seven churches. This led me to believe that Jesus is in the midst of all of the churches whether they have obeyed Christ or kept His testimony. Or, whether they have mixed paganism with Christianity and distorted the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am not the judge, but Christ is the judge that will one day deliver His final verdict. As Jesus told many of these churches that you need to get back to what you used to do. He told the churches that you must overcome if you are to be worthy to walk with me in paradise. I am not saying that we Christians today are guilty of the exact same thing that some of these churches were. Some of us Christians may be guilty of the same thing, or we may be guilty of different offences. The point I am trying to make is that we must rely on what scriptures say, and we Christians need to start reading our Bibles. It is not just good enough to hold our Bibles on Sunday as we head to church…one day a week. We need to study and understand what the scriptures are telling us, and how to be ready to show ourselves approved before Jesus Christ. We must as Christians prepare ourselves to be seen as worthy to the Lamb so He does not see any blemish on our clothing. Jesus Christ is giving us Christians an opportunity now to prepare, perhaps we should use this time wisely and prepare ← my belief stops here. We must overcome. Amen. Please stay tuned for Revelation chapter 4, and as always you can follow me on twitter:

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Seven Churches Conclusion Part (B)

Let’s continue our talk about the seven churches. If you have not read the previous posts about the seven churches I will leave you links to each church.

1. Church of Ephesus
2. Church of Smyrna
3. Church of Pergamos
4. Church of Thyatira
5. Church of Sardis
6. Church of Philadelphia
7. Church of Laodicea

Now, each one of the churches go through the tribulation, except one church and its members and that church is the church of Philadelphia. This is recorded in Revelation 3:10 which states: 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. My belief starts here → This is the reason I said that we need to prepare ourselves because we Christians are going to be going through all seven years of the tribulation. One reason I say I believe this is because, why would Jesus Christ tell us about all of these amazing/scary things that are going to happen if we are not here for it? That is just one reason, I haven’t even mentioned any of the Biblical evidence. I am working on getting a post ready about the rapture, according to the Bible ← my belief stops here.

Okay, back to the seven churches. In Revelation 1:19 it states: Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. In this verse John is being told that he has to write the things which he has seen, and things that are (currently), and the things that will take place in the future. My belief starts here → All of the seven churches are Christian, because as we have seen Christ walks in the midst of them. Regardless of their deeds. Each church is told that they will only be rewarded if they overcome. I say that all of Christians belong to one of these seven churches because the church of Ephesus is told that they must get back to their first love. How many Christians do you know that have left Christianity because they just stopped believing in Christ for one reason or another? ← My belief stops here.

In revelation 2:10 it states: 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. So, from the church of Smyrna Christians are going to be thrown into prison. This is corroborated by what is written in Luke 21:12 and it states: But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. My belief starts here → Just like the Christians of the church of Smyrna got thrown in prison and were persecuted and killed for the name of Christ. Jesus warns us in Luke that the same thing will happen to Christians again in the time of the tribulation. And, I believe that the people, which are going to be thrown in prison will belong to the church of Smyrna. ← My belief stops here.

The church of Pergamos is the church that has mixed Christ’s teaching with paganism. This thing Christ hated. How many of Christians do you know that profess to be Christians but you know in your heart of hearts that what they believe is not in the Bible. Christians saying things like good works will get you to heaven. In Titus 3:5 it states: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. This is one example, but there are many other examples. The Christians in this church may become stumbling blocks for other Christians in their church. They may become stumbling blocks because of the things they say or do, like the example I gave above. Some Christians may fall for this idea that good works will get me into the kingdom of God. Next we will look at the church of Thyatira in the post titled Seven Churches Conclusion Part (C). Stay tuned, and as always you can follow me on twitter:

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Seven Churches Conclusion Part (A)

Why are the seven churches important for our life? How are the seven churches important for our life? Why, should we as Christians be concerned about the seven churches? If you read through this post, you will understand why and how the seven churches are important for us?

A key verse for the study of the seven churches is Revelation 1:19 which states: And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. This verse is saying that Jesus Christ is in the midst of all of the churches. This verse does not say that Jesus Christ is only with the church of Philadelphia. In Revelation 1:20 Jesus states: The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. So, we know that Jesus Christ is in the midst of all seven churches.

The first question is why are the seven churches important for us? My belief starts here → these churches are important for our life today because many of the issues that these seven churches faced approximately 1800 years ago are the same issues that Christian churches face today. We need to recognize where we have gone wrong and repent like Christ told the seven churches. For instance, to the church of Ephesus, Jesus said that they need start doing the things that He liked, or else He will destroy their church. There are Christians all over the world, that have all of the good qualities of these seven churches. Then the same or different Christians also have the same bad deeds that these churches had. In the same manner we would have to repent of our sins, if we are to overcome and be rewarded. I can guarantee you this, that all Christians do not belong to the church of Philadelphia ← my belief stops here. I will speak about why all Christians are not part of the church of Philadelphia a little later in the post.

The second question is how are the seven churches important for our life? My belief starts here → I touched on this  a little bit already. I will explain a little more. Now, as we have studied all of the seven churches. Some of the seven churches had things that Jesus liked and things that He didn’t like about them. Jesus always had something positive to say about each and every church. The other commonality between all of the churches was that Jesus told each and every church that they must overcome, and if they are able to overcome then they will be rewarded. The church of Philadelphia is included in this as well, they must also overcome. We need to make sure that we repent of our wrong doings. Jesus warned some of the churches that you believe in a teachings about Him that have been mixed with paganism. Jesus said that He hates these things. Jesus said to repent of this, so we will be found worthy to walk with Christ in heaven. All of us Christians belong to one of these seven churches one way or another. We need to prepare ourselves, and be strong. I will continue with the Seven Churches Conclusion Part (B) in my next post. Stay tuned, and as always you can follow me on twitter:

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Revelation Chapter 3 Part (C)

It is now time to talk about the final church. This is church number seven, and it is the church of Laodicea.

7. Laodicea – Things Jesus liked – Rev. 3:19 – As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Things Jesus did not like – Rev. 3:15-18 – 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 spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
   

Jesus said that I correct and discipline all who I love. So be diligent and repent. Jesus said that the thing He doesn’t like about the church of Laodicea is that based on their works they neither have complete love for The lord and they don’t have complete hate for The Lord. The church of Laodicea are in the middle of the love, hate spectrum. Jesus said I would prefer that you were either hot or cold, that you loved me with all of your heart or you hated Me, but because you are lukewarm I will spit you out of my mouth. The people of the church of Laodicea are physically rich they have a lot of money, a lot of possessions, and they like to think to themselves that they need nothing else. Jesus says, that because you are blinded by your wealth, you don’t see that you are miserable, spiritually poor, spiritually blind and spiritually naked. Jesus says that what you need to do is buy from me gold tried in the fire, so that you become spiritually rich. What happens to gold that is tried in the fire? It gets rid of all of the impuities/sin. Jesus added that the church of Laodicea needs to put on white raiment so they are not naked. The white raiment signifies this church going to heaven to be with the Lord forevermore. Jesus Christ continues and advises that this church also needs to get ointment and apply it to their eyes, so that they are no longer spiritually blind.

Jesus Christ was not very impressed with this church’s works. Jesus advised this church to repent and get back on track or He will spit them out. Yet, with all of the shortcomings Jesus still loves this church. That was the first thing Christ said to this church. I love you that’s why I rebuke/correct you. So, that you may spend eternity with Me. I am very excited  for my next post. I am going to discuss how the seven churches are important? Why they are important? And why we should be concerned? The title of the post will be Seven Churches Conclusion Part (A). Stay tuned, and as always you can follow me on twitter:

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Revelation Chapter 3 Part (B)

Now it is time to discuss church number six. This church is called the church of Philadelphia.

6. Philadelphia – Things Jesus liked – Rev. 3:8 – 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. Jesus made a couple of promises to the church of Philadelphia and the promises are mentioned In Revelation 3:9-10 – 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. Jesus also issued a warning to the church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:11, and it reads: Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Out of the seven churches this church is the odd one out, not only figuratively but literally. What do I mean? Well, let’s start at the beginning. Jesus told the church of Philadelphia I know your works. Jesus never said that he found any fault with the works of the church of Philadelphia. So, in a sense Jesus found that the works or deeds of this church to be blameless and their works were good in the sight of The Lord. Jesus said, I have put before you an open door, and no man can shut it. It is interesting that the door is open and not closed. Keep in mind, in Revelation 3:20 it states: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. In this verse the door is closed and the person has to open the door himself or herself. Why is it that the members of the church of Philadelphia don’t even have to open the door? The reason is, because they have little strength and they have kept the word of Christ’s patience, and have not denied His name.

Next, we will examine the two promises that Jesus made with the church of Philadelphia. First, Jesus said that, those belonging to the synagogue of Satan, those who claim to be Jew but are not, I will make them come worship at your feet, and they, those who are the liars (synagogue of Satan) will know that I have loved you. My belief starts here → I believe what this specific verse means is that, Jesus will show the members of the synagogue of Satan that Jesus has loved the members of the church of Philadelphia all along. Jesus said, that I will make them come worship before thy feet. This part of the verse does not mean that these members of the synagogue of Satan will worship the members of the church of Philadelphia. This part of the verse means that the members of the synagogue of Satan will actually worship Jesus Christ, but in front of the members of the church of Philadelphia. The church of Philadelphia will be standing by Jesus Christ, but the synagogue of Satan will be bowed down in front of Jesus Christ in an act of worship ← my belief stops here.

Now, the second promise. The second promise is unique indeed. I will repeat the verse so we can break it down and analyze it. In Revelation 3:10 it states: 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. What is this verse talking about? What hour? What is this word of patience? My belief starts here → I believe that this verse is talking about the great tribulation, that hour of trial. The verse also states, that this will come upon the whole world. It did not say that this hour will come upon part of the world. The whole world will experience this. The reason for this hour is to try the people of earth. Try as in the court of law. People will be judged during this hour. Jesus tells the church of Philadelphia that they will be kept from this hour as they have kept the word of His patience. Christ’s word of patience is that the members of the church of Philadelphia have been patiently waiting for the Lord’s return. That is why Christ told them, don’t worry I am going to come back quickly. I believe that this means that the members of the church of Philadelphia will not have to go through this hour, they will be exempt from this trial, as long as they are able to keep their crown ← my belief stops here. 

Don’t forget, Jesus did issue a warning to the church of Philadelphia. The warning was that Jesus is coming back quickly and to hold on to what you have, and let no man take your crown. So, this warning let’s us know, that the members of the church of Philadelphia are not guaranteed a free pass out of the hour of trial. Before, the appointed time of the trial the members of the church of Philadelphia must remain faithful to Christ and let no man take their crown from them. If they keep their crown, then they will be kept from that hour, and if they do not, then they must go through the trials and tribulations just like everyone else. This is the only church that is told that they will be kept from the hour of trial. No other church is promised this. In my next post I will talk about the seventh church, and that church is the church of the Laodiceans. The post will be titled Revelation Chapter 3 Part (C). Stay tuned, and as always you can follow me on twitter:

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