The Seven Churches of Revelation

 

The Seven Churches of Revelation 

Christ’s message to the seven churches in Asia Minor emphasizes the necessity of Godly works. Most churches today avoid sound doctrine in order to please their tithers, the result is that they are shutting people out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The books of first and second Peter, James, Epistles of John, as well as Revelation 2 and 3, are ignored by many because they conflict with the false grace message that tickles their ears. The Apostle Paul made his case that we are saved by Faith, and not by keeping the Law of Moses, because we are under a new covenant. However, many churches twist some of his teachings in order to bring about a comfortable doctrine that gives grace for un-repented sins. However, Paul made it very clear that if we continue in sinful bondages and do not cross the finish line, we will be lost. To have a complete understanding of God’s Word, you must study the entire Bible and not scripture pick.

 To the church at Ephesus Christ said, Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.

Like many Christians today, the Ephesians were beginning to compromise with the world and were considered unfaithful to Christ. Christ said, that if you love him you will keep his commandments. When Christians take on the attributes of the sinful culture, they are committing spiritual adultery; unless they repent, they will be lost. Christ said that unless the Ephesians repented, he would remove their lampstand from its place before the throne of God. This passage alone makes it clear that Christians can fall from grace, because of  sinful compromise. That is why it is important that we examine ourselves daily and repent of willful sins. There is grace for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for sins that are repented of, but grace is not automatic. Christ told the Ephesians, not only to repent, but also to do the first works. The first works is a reference to being born again. When we first come to Christ, we die to our old nature and become a new creation through heartfelt repentance. Unless a believer has a transformed life, they are not truly born again. This passage indicates that when we backslide, we are in need of another born again experience. In verse seven Christ said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." This verse is clear that the overcomers will inherit the Kingdom of God. An overcomer is one who endures unto the end and crosses the finish line. You must keep the faith, as well as live a sanctified life until the day you die, to enter God’s paradise.

Rev 2: 8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, “These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 I know your, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." '

The message to the church of Smyrna was one of hope. The Lord was pleased with them because they remained true to Him in spite of persecution. Although they were poor monetarily, they were rich in Spirit. The Lord told them to remain faithful to Him unto death and He would give them the crown of life. The message to the church of Smyrna is also for the many persecuted Christians around the world. There are many home churches in communist China that meet in secret. If they are caught, many will be imprisoned in hard labor camps, where many will die from sickness or malnutrition. The same was true of the former Soviet Union, as well as eastern Europe. In India, as well as the Islamic nations, Christians risk their lives daily for their faith. Many believers have their homes and churches burned to the ground. In spite of the persecution, Christianity is growing and true revival is occurring among the oppressed. When a person must risk their life or imprisonment for their faith, God’s Spirit will make them strong. The persecuted church is an example of selfless, true Christianity.

 Rev 2:12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ' these things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 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. 14 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. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." '

The saints in Pergamos lived in a very evil place. The Lord said that Satan’s throne was in that place. Although wickedness was all around them, many within Pergamos kept their faith and God commended them for this. However, the Lord said that some of them held to the doctrine of Balaam. They ate things sacrificed to idols and some were given over to sexual immorality. The Lord told them to repent, or else he would come to them quickly and fight against them with the sword of His mouth. We live in a perverted culture that is bound by sexual lust of all kinds. Many within the churches, including pastors, are addicted to pornography.

 A home Bible study group leader, made a comment that shocked me. He quoted the statistics of how many pastors admitted to being addicted to pornography within a prominent denomination. He asked the group, “Do you know why so many pastors are addicted to pornography?” He then said,” Because they are only human that is why.” I was shocked that this leader would sanction the use of pornography. This was the same attitude of some of the members of the church at Pergamos. The Lord obviously did not wink at their sin, and say it is okay because you are only human. The Lord told them that unless they repent, He would fight against them with the sword of His mouth. This statement means that they would suffer the judgments of His wrath during the Great Tribulation. There are many other scriptures concerning sexual immorality within God’s Word. Each passage makes it clear, that the sexually immoral will not enter the Kingdom of God. Greasy grace Christianity will give you a fatal heart attack.

Rev 2:18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 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. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'--as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

Like Pergamos, the Church at Thyatira was given over to sexual immorality and eating foods sacrificed to idols. A woman referred to as a Jezebel, who called herself a prophetess, was teaching and seducing God’s servants to commit these grave sins. The Lord who searches the hearts and minds of everyone, had harsh words for those who refused to repent. The Lord said that He would cast this Jezebel into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into the great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. The Lord also said that He will kill her children with death, and He will give to each one of you according to your works. As you can read, works do entirely matter. James states that, as the body is dead without the spirit, so faith without works is dead. In addition, at the great white throne judgment, each person will be judged according to their works. On that day, the sheep will be separated from the goats. In verses 25, 26, Christ said, And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. These verses, emphasize the point, that the overcomers are those who keep His works until the end. That is why it is vital, that Christians understand that they must keep the faith, as well as maintain good works unto the end.                            

 Rev 3:1 "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. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

Like many churches today, the church at Sardis had a name that it was alive, but it was dead. The Lord told them that He found their works not to be perfect before God. The Lord instructed them to repent, and to strengthen the things, which remain that are ready to die. The Lord told me once that most churches in America are dead, dying, or buried. The revelation that the Lord has given me concerning the apostasy within Christianity shook me to the core. A number of years ago I had an experience that felt like my spirit left my body. I found myself caught up to a place of white milky light. The Lord spoke to me concerning the apostasy, as well as the counterfeit ministers who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Lord instructed me to teach sound doctrine, as well as to expose the heretics. Through many visions, dreams, and audible words, the Lord has shown me that pastors are failing to teach their flocks to get sin out of their lives. This grace for everything doctrine is the apostasy (great falling away). Grace is not automatic; it requires repentance.

However, our good works are not enough to get us to Heaven. We must be redeemed (purchased) by the blood of the Lamb. Our Lord Jesus Christ made atonement for our sins upon the cross. Since our works can never be good enough for salvation, Christ supplies our lack. If we truly make Christ our Lord, His blood will atone for past and present sins, but this requires true repentance. If Jesus Christ is truly your Lord, you will have a spiritual transformation. You will be buried with Christ in baptism and raised with Christ as a new creation. You will die to your old sinful nature and reflect God’s divine attributes. We are not perfect by any means, but if we continue in sinful bondages and do not repent, we will be cast away. If you are truly saved, then you must produce good works, as well as fruit. Christ told the church at Sardis that their works were not perfect before God; this emphasizes how crucial our works are.

Christ said to the church at Sardis, “Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” The messages to the seven churches emphasizes the point that the overcomers will inherit the kingdom, and those who refuse to repent will be thrust into the great tribulation. We must remain awake and watch, as well as prepare for Christ’s return. Christ will return immediately after the great tribulation. Many of the overcomers will be hidden and protected by the Lord in the wilderness during the tribulation (Rev 12).

Christ said, that there were a few names in Sardis who had not defiled their garments. The faithful ones would be clothed in white. Verse 5 states, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” This verse shows that our names can be blotted out of the Book of Life if we do not remain faithful to the Lord.

Rev 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 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. 9 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 loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

The Lord praised the church at Philadelphia, because they kept His word and did not deny his name. Therefore, the Lord opened a door for them that no one could shut. They persevered in their faith in spite of persecution from the Jews. Therefore, the Lord said that He would make the Jews worship at their feet, as well as would keep them out of the tribulation. It is obvious that the tribulation did not occur during their time. The message to the seven churches is a dual prophecy. The exhortation to each church is also for us today. If a person is surrendered to the Lord, a door will be opened to them for eternal life, as well as an intimate relationship with Christ. The Lord will protect those during the tribulation who persevere in their faith in spite of adversity. God did not rapture Noah out of the earth or build the ark for him. Rather, God instructed Noah to build the ark, and because of Noah’s obedience, we are here today. Although it took Noah 120 years to build the ark, he persevered and believed God. There is a reward for simple childlike faith. Abraham believed God and his faith was considered righteousness. God told Abraham to leave his home country of Ur and go to a new land. Abraham believed God and set out for this new land because God told him to. In Genesis 15, because of Abraham’s faithfulness God made a covenant with Abraham to give this land to his descendants. If we are faithful to God’s word, as Noah and Abraham were, we will pray and seek the Lord as to where to relocate to ride out the coming storm. If you are in the wrong location, God will not protect you where you are. I believe that God is raising up people who will be guides into the wilderness for His children. Like the early Christians in the book of Acts, Christians will need to band together and share their resources, as well as skills to survive.

In verse 11, Christ said to hold fast to what you have, that no one may take your crown. It is very important that Christians remain in the faith, as well as avoid false doctrines. There are many heretics, false prophets, as well as unsound teachers, which will lead you astray if you are not grounded in God’s Word. That is why it is vital that we study God’s Word for ourselves, and not take a minister’s interpretation as fact. We must remain faithful to the Lord unto the end to receive the crown of eternal life. If it were not possible to be led astray, or lose your salvation, Christ would not have said, “let no one take your crown.”

Rev 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

The church of Laodicea was very similar to the churches today, because they compromised their faith. The Lord said, “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.”  True Christianity does not merely believe in Jesus, it is a lifestyle. If we live, dress, talk, as well as act like the sinful world, we deny our faith, and bring shame upon the name of Christ. I watched a video on YouTube that showed girls in short shorts trying to evangelize the Amish. They did not believe that the Amish were saved, because they did not understand their culture. The truth is that the Amish could teach these girls about modesty, as well as holiness. If a person from one hundred years ago, walked the streets of America, as well as attended modern churches today, they would be shocked at what they witnessed. The lewdness of our culture is well displayed within the lives of those who profess to know Christ.

 Many Christians watch television shows and movies filled with profanity, sex, violence, and the occult. If Christians would get rid of their televisions, as well as certain books, they would rid their homes of demons. Many movies and books are a portal for demonic activity to enter your homes and lives. God, as well as His house, is disrespected when women wear mini-skirts to church. Christians represent Christ, and we are to be role models for the world. If there is compromise in our lifestyle, then God will vomit us out like the lukewarm church of Laodicea. Christ told the Laodiceans, that he wished that they were either cold or hot, but because they were lukewarm, he would vomit them out. When some people first come to Christ, they may be cold at first, but they are expected to grow up spiritually. God gives us grace to grow from milk to strong meat. New Christians take baby steps at first, but eventually they must learn to walk in the Spirit. In time, a Christian is expected to become spiritually hot (mature) in the Lord. If you are only lukewarm, then you are compromising your faith, by reflecting the culture and not Christ. Some churches teach that God is progressive. They believe that as our culture becomes more wicked, God gives more grace for sins committed by His children. This is opposite to what the Bible teaches. God, as well as His standards, does not change with time. God is still the Ancient of Days and he will not be mocked.

The Laodiceans were corrupted by their wealth, and were probably lovers of pleasure more than God. The Lord told them that they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Verse 18, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” The Lord instructed the Laodiceans to be zealous and repent. He said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” Many people today are blinded by the god of materialism. They seek after nice houses, expensive vehicles, fun vacations, or power positions in their community or on their jobs. Most people are comfortable and do not give God, or His ways, a second thought. God’s Word tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Christ said, that you cannot serve God and money, because only one will be your master. However, it is not a sin to be rich, if you are generous with your money by helping the poor, as well as supporting God’s ministry work. There are people in the Bible who God blessed with wealth, Job, Hezekiah, David, Solomon, Abraham are but a few. These men put God and His kingdom first, and God blessed them for it. However, most people love their money and possessions more than anyone, including God. Greed mingled with selfishness will lead a person down the path of destruction. That is why we all need to do an introspection of our heart, to see where our treasure is. Do we lay up our treasure in Heaven, or on the earth? Do we love and serve God, or money?