REVELATION: Vision 1. The Empowered Son of Man.

[Marilyn C]

Let`s have a look at the description of the seven churches and what the Lord has to say to them. This is what I see -

 

1. Ephesus –  Christ`s Sovereign Control.  (Rev. 2: 1 – 7)                                           

Christ reveals Himself to these believers as the preeminent one who has all power and authority walking in their midst.

 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,`These things says He who holds the 7 stars (angels), who walks in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands. (the Body of Christ)`  (Rev. 2: 1)

He encourages & commends them for their patience, perseverance & testing of false apostles.

 “I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And that you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them to be liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for my name`s sake and have not become weary.” (Rev. 2: 2 & 3)

Then He points out a severe error that they have `left their first love.` These believers had slipped back into legalism. They knew what was right or wrong, but their hearts were not receiving the Spirit who sheds abroad the love of God in the heart.

`Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place –unless you repent.”    (Rev. 2: 4 & 5)

These believers did however discern those who `lorded it over ` others and did not agree with their behaviour. 

 “But this you have, that you hate the deed of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”(Rev. 2: 6)

  Nicolaitan – Gk. Nikolaos,  `nikao,`  to conquer, and `laos,`  the people. To conquer the people, or to lord it over them. ( 1 Peter 5: 3)

The Lord Jesus Christ then encourages the believers to listen to His Holy Spirit so they can be overcomes who will receive of His eternal life.

 “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.”(Rev. 2: 7)

 

[Marilyn C]

I think it is wonderful that the Lord, the Head of the Body reveals a particular aspect of Himself to each group, as the solution to their particular problems. Here are a few more thoughts -

 

2.  Smyrna – Persecution   (Rev. 2: 8 – 11)

 

 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, these things says the First & Last, who was dead, & came to life:..” (Rev. 2: 8)

 

Christ is not only the Commencer and Consummator of life as the First and Last, but also the conqueror of death. Where death reigns as the enemy`s power, all mankind is held in bondage. But Christ is the Originator of life as the First and the Overseer as the Last. He is also the Overcomer who was dead and is alive. So He presents Himself as the prevailing Victor that He may make His people victorious also.

 

In the martyr age (& for martyrs down through the centuries) the Church was confronted by the cruel power of the devil. Thus Christ unveiled Himself as not merely alive, but also immune from death`s power, and assures the same immunity to His people.

 

 “I know your works , 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.

 

 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.”  (Rev. 2: 9 & 10)

 

  10 – Gk. Word `deka`  - fig. for law, testing

  Day – Gk. Word `hemera`  -  fig. meaning a period of time, judgement.

                                    

The `10 days` is symbolic of a period of testing time that the believers through the centuries will have to undergo until God brings judgement. To be an overcomer we are not to fear suffering but be faithful even unto death. Man may take our physical life, but it is the Lord who gives eternal life.   

 

The second death refers not to the physical death but to the spiritual `death` of the unrepentant who will be cast from God`s presence forever.

 

  “Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life. 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.” (Rev. 2: 11)

 

 

 

 

[Marilyn C]

We can see that these churches represent groups even today, as many are promoting wrong doctrines.  

 

 3. Pergamos – False Doctrines.                                 (Rev. 2: 12 – 17)

 

Christ is revealed to these believers, as their judge, with the authority of His Word. He who has the sharp sword discerns between good and evil, right and wrong, false and true. The Word of God represented here can deliver or destroy, cleanse or condemn.

 

`And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, “These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:....` (Rev. 2: 12)

 

Christ commends them for professing His name & not denying their faith in Him. However He points out to the believers that they are `dwelling` in the world, `where Satan`s throne is.`

                                               

` 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.` (Rev. 2: 13)

 

               World – Gk. Word `kosmos,` meaning the moral system, order of the world.

 

Balaam was teaching Balak to corrupt God`s people by tempting them to defile their

separation from the world & abandon their pilgrim character. Similarly certain people were teaching believers to behave like the world bringing them back into bondage.  This is spiritual adultery. Then there were people who `lorded it over` others developing a hierarchical system of control, which is not how the believers were to behave.

 

 ` 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. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.`

 

  Nikolaos – Gk. Words, `nikao` to conquer,  & `laos` the people. To conquer the people.

 

`Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.`(Rev. 2: 14 – 16)

 

 

Those who listen to the Holy Spirit will overcome these false teachings & behaviour. They will inherit a title (white stone) and a suitable nature (new name) for heirship.

 

 ”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” (Rev. 2: 17)

 

[Marilyn C]

4. Thyatira – Idolatry & Witchcraft.    (Rev. 2: 18 – 29)

 

`And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, “These things says the Son of God,...`

  (Rev. 2: 18)

 

Christ highlights His deity to these believers. The word `Son, ` refers to His subsistence of  being, His expression of character, His identity of will and His intimacy of fellowship with the Father. For Christ`s sonship is not derived but is eternal. 

 

 ` who has eyes like a flame of fire, & His feet like fine brass;  I know your works, love, service, faith and your patience;  And as for your works, the last are more than the first.`  (Rev. 2: 18 & 19)

 

The eyes of flame denote His infinite knowledge, while the feet of brass describe His righteous justice. He is fully aware of the schemes & false philosophies of the depths of Satan. Here Jezebel is the sensual idolatry that attempts to divert the believer from Christ `s divinity.

 

`Nevertheless I have a few things against you,  because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess,  to teach and beguile My servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.

                       

And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.  Indeed I will cast her into a sick-bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.` And 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. (Rev. 2: 20 – 23)

 

To the overcomer who holds fast to who Christ is, then he will rule & reign with Christ over the world`s systems. He will be with Christ in glory when He appears as `the morning star.`

 

 `But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira as many as do not have this doctrine, and have not known the depths of Satan, as they call them, I will put on you no other burden.

 But hold fast what you have till I come.`(Rev. 2: 24 & 25)

 

`And he who overcomes, and keeps my works until the end to him I will give power over the nations –`He shall rule them with a rod of iron; As the potter`s vessels shall be broken to pieces` As I also have received from My Father; And I will give him the morning star.He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.(Rev. 2: 26 - 29)   

[iamlamad]

On 3/7/2019 at 12:37 AM, Marilyn C said:

As I said - It is quite horrific to read how the whole counsel of God that the Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians was eroded over the centuries. (Acts 20: 27) Next I would like to show from church history how the Holy Spirit has brought the Body Christ to understand and believe these wonderful truths of our Lord and Saviour. 

`...when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth;...` (John 16: 13)

RESTORATION OF ALL TRUTH

Justification of Faith - Lutheran. 1517

Baptism - Baptist 1608

Holiness - Methodist 1738

Holy Spirit infilling & Gifts - Pentecostal 1906

Ministry Gifts - Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher, Prophet, Apostle. Reviving of these ministries across the Body from the 1950`s till now.

Headship - Renewing of Christ as Head, and not man. Clarification of God`s eternal purposes through Christ.

 

We can see that the Holy Spirit has moved across the Body over the centuries, bringing clarification of truths once lost. The difficulty has been for man once receiving a clarification of truth to try to contain it within an organisation. However we see that those truths, once known spread across the Body and are not contained within one denomination.

How great is the Head of the Body, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be bringing us  all to -

`...the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature if the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head - Christ -

from whom the whole Body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share causes the growth of the Body for the edifying of itself in love.` (Eph. 4: 13 - 16)

 

This is all good. There was also the mighty move of the Holy Spirit in the 60's in the Catholic churches and other almost dead churches. In fact, Maria, of "Sound of Music" fame was baptized in the Holy Spirit around that time.  Then there was a mighty healing revival from around 1947 to 1958. Then after that another move of the Holy Spirit to emphasize the power of the written WORD. Some called it "the Word movement." The next way was Joy in the Holy Spirit in the 90's. I believe there is another wave of the Holy Spirit coming - combining all the good things of the past into one amazing revival - and then the rapture. 

[Marilyn C]

40 minutes ago, iamlamad said:

This is all good. There was also the mighty move of the Holy Spirit in the 60's in the Catholic churches and other almost dead churches. In fact, Maria, of "Sound of Music" fame was baptized in the Holy Spirit around that time.  Then there was a mighty healing revival from around 1947 to 1958. Then after that another move of the Holy Spirit to emphasize the power of the written WORD. Some called it "the Word movement." The next way was Joy in the Holy Spirit in the 90's. I believe there is another wave of the Holy Spirit coming - combining all the good things of the past into one amazing revival - and then the rapture. 

Hi iamlamad,

Thank you for your encouragement. Seems like we have both lived through similar times, bro. I do remember those moves as you said. Interesting about Maria, (Julie Andrews). We all love that movie, based on a true story.

And yes, we need to listen to the Holy Spirit more, to keep us focussed on the Lord and what He is doing in our lives and for others. I see a great revival in believer`s hearts, but I do not see that in man`s organisations.

regards, Marilyn.

[iamlamad]

Just now, Marilyn C said:

Hi iamlamad,

Thank you for your encouragement. Seems like we have both lived through similar times, bro. I do remember those moves as you said. Interesting about Maria, (Julie Andrews). We all love that movie, based on a true story.

And yes, we need to listen to the Holy Spirit more, to keep us focussed on the Lord and what He is doing in our lives and for others. I see a great revival in believer`s hearts, but I do not see that in man`s organisations.

regards, Marilyn.

I read her book. It was funny. Her friends all was trying to get her there, but she went fighting all the way. After all, she was raised Catholic! 
I went to some of the Holy Spirit meetings at two different Catholic churches. They were awesome!

[Marilyn C]

27 minutes ago, iamlamad said:

I read her book. It was funny. Her friends all was trying to get her there, but she went fighting all the way. After all, she was raised Catholic! 
I went to some of the Holy Spirit meetings at two different Catholic churches. They were awesome!

Wow, that would have been amazing. I remember the healing crusades, with Oral Roberts here in Australia. Some people tried to burn his tent down, so he never returned. I did see amazing healings though.

My father had an independent church with a baptismal font and church of England clergy would come and use it for their people. The ministers all worked in together. The Business men`s fellowship also had a lot to do with getting people of all denominations together and hearing testimonies of what the Lord was doing in their lives.

At the moment I am reading a huge book, on the life of Billy Graham. I was saved in one of his meetings here in Australia in 1959. I remember going down to the front of this great outdoor stadium, with the song, `Just as I am,` being sung. reading the book has made me realise just what amazing things God did all over the world, to awaken people to commit their lives to Him. Tens of thousands from all over the world, flocked to hear the gospel message and the power of the Holy Spirit brought conviction in Presidents, statesmen, Hollywood actors and everyday people.

A very special time. Marilyn.

[Marilyn C]

This next group of believers have been drawn together in denominations, and this, I believe has affected us all - some for good and some not so good.

 

5. Sardis – Denominations.    (Rev. 3: 1 – 6)

      

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things says He who has the 7  (fold) Spirits of God & the 7 stars:..` (Rev. 3: 1)

 

Christ comes to this group of believers telling them He is the one with the Spirit of God and the administrative power over the Body of Christ. The seven Spirits of God and the  seven stars, demonstrates Christ`s manifold wisdom and majestic power.

                                

 `I know your works, that you have a name,...`   (Rev. 3: 1)

 

  Name – Gk. Word `onoma,` authority.    & `onomai,` renown, to derive advantage from.

  Denomination – the act of naming.  (The Concise English Dictionary)

 

Many in this group have prided themselves on their denomination rather than honouring the Lord Jesus Christ. They gain prestige from their allegiance to the organisation which has a standing in the world. They think that they are `alive,` but Christ says, they are `dead.`He exposes their trust in man-made denominations, a `name` they have made for themselves.

 

 `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.

 

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.`  (Rev. 3: 1 – 3)

 

                        The Lord knows that external establishment may give high sounding renown, but when life and virtue are lacking then they need the power of the Spirit of God. Holy love, fervent zeal, Spiritual discernment and willing obedience results from gifts bestowed by the Sovereign Lord who is ever in sole command.

 

Names may be deleted from registers and disowned by earthly hierarchy but if in the book of life they will be confessed before the Father`s throne.

 

`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.`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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.`(Rev. 3: 4 -  6)

[Marilyn C]

6. Philadelphia – Christ`s Purposes.                   (Rev. 3: 7 – 13)

 

`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.`(Rev. 3: 7)

 

Here we read of Christ`s holiness and honour with His active administration. He is qualified to fill the royal office and hold the regal key of David, which is authority over Israel and its National treasures. Yet above this Christ is King of a greater realm, the regency of truth. He also holds a greater key to eternal riches, for in Him are all the riches of wisdom and knowledge.   

 

 `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 know that I have loved you.` (Rev. 3: 8 & 9)

                                    

An `open door` means access to this true wisdom & knowledge of Christ. Believers who hold fast to Christ, who persevere in their witness of Him, are brought to the fullness of the knowledge of Christ, to maturity in Him. Many others who have been deceived will repent and come to learn of these truths of Christ, His character and His purposes. (for the 3 groups) 

                             `

`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.`

 `Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. ` (Rev. 3: 10 & 11)

 

 This group of believers are given the most wonderful promise of being kept out of the tribulation that will come upon the earth to those following the world`s ways. These believers will be caught away to the 3^rd heaven where they will rule and reign with Christ.  

 

 `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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.`(Rev. 3: 10 - 13)

 

They are then given authority in each of God`s realms to serve as king priests unto God.