Post by Joel on Oct 30, 2014 2:14:07 GMT -5
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before HIs throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- Revelations 1: 4-6
Welcome to part 2 of the Lord's letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor. In part 1, we covered two of the seven churches and what was revealed to them. We also covered a brief history of the time and location of each church as well as the background for the book of Revelations.
In this article, I will be revealing what God says to the last five churches of Asia. As I wrote in the previous article, what is really being revealed is the different types of Christians that will be in the last days. These letters to the churches reveal what will happen if they do not return to the love of Christ. They also reveal what Jesus determines to be the perfect representation of Himself on earth. Enjoy and, as always, research these claims for yourself, so that you will not be left ignorant and wanting at the Bema seat of judgment.
The Compromising Church in Pergamos
"I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
-Revelations 2: 13 & 14
The church in Pergamos is a church that kept the faith and did not deny Jesus' name throughout persecution and even martyrdom. Unfortunately, they allowed false doctrines and teachings to enter their church. They had some among their ranks who worshipped doctrines set down by other false religions, disobeyed the Law of God, and committed sexual sins. To me, this Spirit represents those who have compromised the basic and defined tenants of Christianity in order to be more "acceptable" to the world. But, since God is so merciful, any who overcome this compromising Spirit will receive a stone with a new name that no one else knows, given to him by Jesus Himself (Revelations 2:17).
The Corrupt Church in Thyatira
"I Know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols."
-Revelations 2: 19 & 20
The corrupt church shows love, service, faith, and patience. However, they allow false teachers to lead them in a sinful direction. I believe this is a depiction of a church corrupted by pagan beliefs. This includes celebrating pagan holidays such as Halloween, the easter bunny on Easter, and Santa on Christmas. They are described as being like Jezebel, who was one of the most pagan of all biblical figures. The church is told that if it does not return to the true teachings of Jesus, it will have to go through the tribulation. However, if they repent, they will be given power over the nations (Revelation 2:24-29).
The Dead Church in Sardis
"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God."'
-Revelations 3: 1 & 2
Sardis represents the church that starts out with passion but flames out. These Christians are the ones who come to Jesus, but, over time, allows their faith to be replaced by rituals and unscriptural traditions. The Spirit portrayed here reminds me of many churches that I have visited. They have a prayer for this situation and that situation and go through the motions of being a Christian without ever having a real connection with who Jesus was, is, or stands for.
The Faithful Church of Philadelphia
"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie-- indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have love you."
-Revelations 3: 9 & 10
This Spirit is what all Christians should have. Philadelphia is described as keeping Jesus' word and not denying Him. The Christian possessing this Spirit is an evangelist, winning souls for the Kingdom of God. He/she is also mission-minded and gives their whole life to Christ without reservations. Jesus promises to these Saints pillars in the Temple of God and to write God's, Jesus', and New Jerusalem's name on them (Revelations 3: 12 & 13).
The Lukewarm Church in Laodicea
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
-Revelations 3: 15&16
I believe that the majority of Christians are in this category. This Spirit is one that changes the gospel to suit its own needs. These are the church members who believe that good works will get them into heaven. The Roman Catholic church is a prime example of this Spirit. This type is also often obsessed with wealth and their own happiness. They believe that their fortunes are a sign of approval from God. However, the verse states that they are actually 'wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.' According to the word of God, Jesus promises to allow those who overcome this Spirit to sit with Him on His throne (Revelations 3:21).
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe that Jesus gave us these teachings in order to prepare us for the day of the Lord. It gives us an insight into what Jesus wants out of us, and it warns us not to fall into these spiritual traps along our path to a rich and complete walk with our great Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Revelations 1: 4-6
Welcome to part 2 of the Lord's letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor. In part 1, we covered two of the seven churches and what was revealed to them. We also covered a brief history of the time and location of each church as well as the background for the book of Revelations.
In this article, I will be revealing what God says to the last five churches of Asia. As I wrote in the previous article, what is really being revealed is the different types of Christians that will be in the last days. These letters to the churches reveal what will happen if they do not return to the love of Christ. They also reveal what Jesus determines to be the perfect representation of Himself on earth. Enjoy and, as always, research these claims for yourself, so that you will not be left ignorant and wanting at the Bema seat of judgment.
The Compromising Church in Pergamos
"I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
-Revelations 2: 13 & 14
The church in Pergamos is a church that kept the faith and did not deny Jesus' name throughout persecution and even martyrdom. Unfortunately, they allowed false doctrines and teachings to enter their church. They had some among their ranks who worshipped doctrines set down by other false religions, disobeyed the Law of God, and committed sexual sins. To me, this Spirit represents those who have compromised the basic and defined tenants of Christianity in order to be more "acceptable" to the world. But, since God is so merciful, any who overcome this compromising Spirit will receive a stone with a new name that no one else knows, given to him by Jesus Himself (Revelations 2:17).
The Corrupt Church in Thyatira
"I Know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols."
-Revelations 2: 19 & 20
The corrupt church shows love, service, faith, and patience. However, they allow false teachers to lead them in a sinful direction. I believe this is a depiction of a church corrupted by pagan beliefs. This includes celebrating pagan holidays such as Halloween, the easter bunny on Easter, and Santa on Christmas. They are described as being like Jezebel, who was one of the most pagan of all biblical figures. The church is told that if it does not return to the true teachings of Jesus, it will have to go through the tribulation. However, if they repent, they will be given power over the nations (Revelation 2:24-29).
The Dead Church in Sardis
"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God."'
-Revelations 3: 1 & 2
Sardis represents the church that starts out with passion but flames out. These Christians are the ones who come to Jesus, but, over time, allows their faith to be replaced by rituals and unscriptural traditions. The Spirit portrayed here reminds me of many churches that I have visited. They have a prayer for this situation and that situation and go through the motions of being a Christian without ever having a real connection with who Jesus was, is, or stands for.
The Faithful Church of Philadelphia
"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie-- indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have love you."
-Revelations 3: 9 & 10
This Spirit is what all Christians should have. Philadelphia is described as keeping Jesus' word and not denying Him. The Christian possessing this Spirit is an evangelist, winning souls for the Kingdom of God. He/she is also mission-minded and gives their whole life to Christ without reservations. Jesus promises to these Saints pillars in the Temple of God and to write God's, Jesus', and New Jerusalem's name on them (Revelations 3: 12 & 13).
The Lukewarm Church in Laodicea
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
-Revelations 3: 15&16
I believe that the majority of Christians are in this category. This Spirit is one that changes the gospel to suit its own needs. These are the church members who believe that good works will get them into heaven. The Roman Catholic church is a prime example of this Spirit. This type is also often obsessed with wealth and their own happiness. They believe that their fortunes are a sign of approval from God. However, the verse states that they are actually 'wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.' According to the word of God, Jesus promises to allow those who overcome this Spirit to sit with Him on His throne (Revelations 3:21).
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe that Jesus gave us these teachings in order to prepare us for the day of the Lord. It gives us an insight into what Jesus wants out of us, and it warns us not to fall into these spiritual traps along our path to a rich and complete walk with our great Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.