dailywordofdestiny

Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | May 25, 2015

THE SEVEN CHURCHES: LAODICEA (The Luke Warm Apostate Church – Part 1)

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God (Revelation 3: 14).

This church relates to the CHURCH AGE beginning in the 1900’s. It is most important we heed every kernel of truth found within these next verses. It is my personal feeling that many western churches are in great need for the balm of Gilead to soak their yes and give vision to each member and the corporate body; of their need to be accountable to God’s Truth and to look at where they are now positioned based on Christ’s warnings.

Traveling 45 miles southeast from Philadelphia, one would arrive at the fortified city of Laodicea where several major roads converge. Medicine, production of eye ointment, wool distribution, manufacturing, and banking brought fame to this city. It is interesting to note how Christ related His message to these qualities of the city in Revelation 3: 17-18. The people of Laodicea felt they needed nothing. They boasted of their riches, yet they were spiritually poor. Although they were famous for their eye salve, they were spiritually blind. They were known for their fine wool, but they were spiritually naked. How do you know if you are lukewarm? Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you committed to evangelism and missions?
• Are you committed to living a holy life?
• Are you committed to your local church fellowship?
• Are you committed to spending time in prayer, worship and the Word?
• Are you committed to other believers in the Body of Christ?
• Are you actively supporting God’s work with your finances?

The people at Laodicea were spiritually lukewarm and Christ said their condition must be remedied. He commanded them to do three things which we also must do if we want to eradicate our lukewarmness:

1. Buy of me Gold, Tried in the Fire
. Gold is refined by the fire. Let the Word of God refine you spiritually and burn away the lukewarmness in your life: ‘The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times’ (Psalms 12: 6).

2. Buy of me White Raiment
. Allow God to change you by making a renewed commitment to righteous living: ‘And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness’ (Ephesians 4: 24).

3. Anoint your Eyes so You Can See
. Receive the powerful revelation of God through Jesus Christ which will open your blinded eyes and effect true change in your life: ‘For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’ (2 Corinthians 4: 6).

The book of Colossians (4: 13-16), as well as this message here, was to the Laodiceans. They too were in a very prominent area. It seems that Paul as well as Jesus (in the book of Revelation) warned them about their lack of zeal in their church.

I find it interesting that in Revelation 3: 14, Jesus is called “Amen”. This is a very unusual name for Him. I believe that it means that when He has said something, it is final. There is no room for discussion. His statements are absolute. Jesus is spoken of as “faithful”. He is worthy of our faith in Him. Jesus is Truth. His witness is true because He Himself experienced it. It does not waver. It is fact. He created everything in the earth as we know it. We can easily see this in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:2 “The same was in the beginning with God.” John 1:3 “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” Jesus is the Creator of all things.= and in Revelation 3: 15 he tells us, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot.”

The Laodicean church was self-satisfied.

They went through the formality of church. They felt if they attended church one or two hours a week, they had done their duty toward God. Self-satisfied worship is even worse than not being saved at all. If we are not saved, at least we should realize it. Someone could possibly lead us to God.

In the church at Laodicea, and in our apostate churches today, they felt no need for more than they had.

They were not even aware that salvation was not already theirs. Jesus had told the scribes and Pharisees that the publicans and harlots were more likely to inherit heaven (Matthew 21:31). Those who believe they do not need a physician may die of some dread disease before they even discover they have it. Those who know they have a bad disease can begin to try to get rid of it.

When someone has been introduced to Jesus and begins to take Him for granted, it is very sad. This is what I see in this church at Laodicea and in our formal churches of today. 2 Peter 2:21 is a scripture we need to take heed of: “For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.”

A little knowledge is not good. We must be on fire for God to please a holy God. Jesus must be Lord of our life. He will accept no less.

THE SEVEN CHURCHES: PHILADELPHIA (Missionary Church, Danger in Failing to Advance)

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth(Revelation 3:7)

The city of Philadelphia was 25 miles south east of Sardis on an 800 foot rise. To this church, which Christ says ‘has a little strength,’ the Lord comes to open an avenue of opportunity that no force in hell can shut. ‘Possessing the key of David’ means that He has the authority to open this supernatural door. Jesus shows Himself to the church of Philadelphia in the very same way that they worship Him.

He is Holy. Jesus tells us to be Holy even as He is Holy (Leviticus 11:44, I Peter 1:15). He shows Himself as truth. He is the Way, The Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). JESUS IS THE DOORWAY TO HEAVEN!

The church in Philadelphia and its symbolic church of today, are not only well aware of who Jesus is, but they are patterning their lives after His. They are the very elect. Full of the Word, so full that it would be terribly difficult to deceive them.

God promises these believers that He will keep them from the hour of temptation which will come upon the world. Note that the event spoken of:
• Is a definite time period – “the hour.”
• Is a period of trial.
• Was future from the time of John’s writing.
• Was to be worldwide.
• The promise, in Greek, was to “keep thee out of” the hour.

These facts make it evident that the event refers to the Great Tribulation described in Matthew 24:15-22. To the believers in the Philadelphia church who have only a “little strength” but have nevertheless kept God’s Word and have not denied His Name; God promises that they will become pillars in the temple of God (Revelation 3: 12). This church may have been small in number or in material resources, but God was going to make them strong. They are promised an open door, which refers to Christ (John 10:7), an opening to preach the Gospel (Acts 5: 19,20), or the rapture of the Church (Revelation 4:1). Each of these may be interpreted as the “open door” promised to this church, even as each can be applied to the Church today.
In these end times, I see God opening many tremendous doors of opportunity and there is always an inherent danger of failing to advance at Christ’s command. You may feel you have only a little strength, but God can make you a strong and mighty pillar in His Kingdom, a spiritual warrior who is able to walk through every door He opens.

Let me ask you: What is holding you back from fulfilling God’s call for your life?

• Fear?
• Your finances?
• Your health?
• Your relationships with others?

God has set before you an open door which no man can shut. All the demons in hell cannot shut it. Jesus is the way. All you must do is walk through Him and in Him (The Door) in the Almighty power of God (Revelation 3: 8)!

We must also be careful to guard the Word of God. The Bible is our instruction book for living. If we change it in any way, the instructions won’t work. But, many have watered down the Word until it has been short circuited and lost power. We must not tamper with its power. The Philadelphia church was small in size, but big in love and the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 3: 9 speaks to the fact that there really is no difference between someone who follows Satan and someone who pretends to be a Christian and is not. Both are lost. The “synagogue of Satan” is just a place of worship where God is not Lord. A Jewish synagogue could be of Satan if evil prevailed. A body of Christians meeting could also be a synagogue of Satan, if the true Word of God is not taught and received.

There will come a time when the Truth will prevail. The church, which does not compromise and prevails unto the end, shall reign with Christ. Jesus is encouraging this church that has tried so hard, that there will be a day of reward. Jesus loves the faithful. He has His ear turned to our needs.
Trials, tribulations, and temptations come to all. It seems the Philadelphia church has been tested and found to stand in their temptation (Revelation 3: 10). There is a time of testing and a time of victory, or defeat. Jesus was tempted forty days and nights and came out victorious. When trials come, we can do one of two things. We can stand against the temptation and experience victory, or we can take the easy way out and succumb to temptation and fall to defeat. If you are a Christian and if temptation wins, then you will go through this particular temptation over and over until you stand against it and overcome it.

There is a time specified by God when temptations, tribulations, and trials will be so great that it will be next to impossible to stand. An hour with God can be any specific time. God’s time and our time is not the same. This hour mentioned here certainly does not mean sixty minutes, but a period of time. There will be a seven year time of tribulation at the end of the Gentile age. The last three and a half years of this will actually be the wrath of God. God has promised the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that we will be saved from the wrath to come (Revelation 7: 9-14). Matthew 24:21-22 describes the severity of this great tribulation. Matthew 24:21 “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” This is the hour of temptation, I believe, this Scripture in Revelation 3:10 is speaking of. The believers in Jesus will be taken out just before this begins.

Revelation 3: 11-13 reminds us of Christ’s return to this earth for the collection of His sons and daughters who have not lost their belief and trust in Him, the overcomers who have not bowed to the god of this world. They will be the ones that have remained strong and steadfast in upholding the Word of God within and through Jesus Christ and His church. These people would be like founding fathers, high in principles. They would be the ones who would see to it that the church has remained firmly planted on solid ground.

Verse 12 tells us that we, the believers, have put our trust and faith in Jesus and endured hardship. We then have an eternity of nothing but pure joy in this New Jerusalem with Jesus. Once we have passed from death into life through accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are sealed by Jesus Himself. We belong to Him. No one can snatch us back away from Him. Jesus has the keys. Look to Him and no other. He is salvation. Praise God!!!

THE SEVEN CHURCHES: SARDIS (In Danger of Spiritual Death)

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; ‘These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Rouse yourselves and keep awake, and strengthen and invigorate what remains and is on the point of dying: for I have not found a thing that you have done meeting the requirements of My God or perfect in His sight! So call to mind the lessons you have received and heard; continually lay them to heart and obey them, and repent. In case you will not rouse yourselves and keep awake and watch, I will come upon you like a thief and you will not know or suspect at what hour I will come’ ” (Revelation 3: 1- 3).

Sardis is located 35 miles south east of Thyatira. It was the capital of Lydia and was once a portrait of strength, fertility, and wealth. The church at Sardis had a good reputation, and it appeared to be alive. But in reality, there was nothing but inward deadness. Their deadness was at least partially due to some type of defilement because the Word says there were only “a few” which had not been defiled (vs.4).

This church desperately needed the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The mention of the “seven Spirits of God” is a reference to the sevenfold ministry of the Spirit found in Isaiah 11: 2: “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”

If you are spiritually dead, you need these ministries also:
• The Spirit of Wisdom: A lifeless, dying church or individual needs to seek the wisdom of God.
• The Spirit of Understanding: A lifeless, dying church or individual needs a true understanding of their condition so they can correct it.
• The Spirit of Counsel: A lifeless, dying church or individual needs to heed the counsel of God.
• The Spirit of Might: A lifeless, dying church or individual needs new strength to enter into its lifeless body.
• The Spirit of Knowledge: A lifeless, dying church or individual needs to flow in renewed revelation knowledge.
• The Spirit of Fear of the Lord: A lifeless, dying church or individual needs to have their fear of the Lord rekindled.

If you feel spiritually dead or your church is dying corporately, then you must follow the five-fold plan that the Spirit gave to the church at Sardis (vs 2):
1. Be Watchful: The amplified Bible says to “Rouse yourself and keep awake.” It is time for us to wake up, become alert to the signs of the time, and be active for God as never before.
2. Strengthen: Take hold of the things that remain and are ready to die in your life and strengthen them through prayer and the Word.
3. Remember: Reflect back on the promises of God – what you have received and heard in times past.
4. Hold Fast: Hold fast to your faith and God’s Word.
5. Repent: Repent so you will be ready for the return of Christ and not caught unaware.

This church is very obvious to me. When I was a child, I went to a certain denomination church. This particular church was seemingly very strong in the Lord. People shouted and said amen. People were prayed for who were sick. Then all of a sudden, something called the National Council of Churches was formed and my church, I had loved so dearly, changed. The National Council of Churches seeks to physically make the church one. God’s plan from the beginning has been for the churches to be one in Spirit. You cannot legislate Christianity.

In my church we no longer taught Sunday school from the Bible, but we got lessons from headquarters that we were to use. As best I could see, they had dropped many of the Biblical teachings and went more too teaching social reform.

What had been a way of life for me for nearly all my life had changed. The shouting stopped; the church became too formal for the amen corner. The first thing I knew, I found myself in a cold formal church, not the warm caring church I had loved so well. Church never dared run over fifteen minutes; we had to stay on schedule. Bible studies became fewer and fewer. The congregation was not even made aware of how important Bible reading and study at home was. It seemed my church, which loved all Christian people, had made a detour.

I really believe that churches like this is what the church at Sardis was all about. They started out just great; but as time went on, they waned away. Notice in the verse above that Jesus speaks of ‘the seven Spirits of God’. When the gifts of the Holy Spirit are denied and even spoken evil of, the true church will dry up. The power of God is in His Spirit. The church is still flying the flag of Christianity, but denying the power thereof.
I use this scripture in Second Timothy a lot because it perfectly describes the time we are living in and describes this church at Sardis best of all.

• II Timothy 3:1 “But understand this, that in the last days will come perilous times of great stress.”
• II Timothy 3:5 “For although they hold a form of godliness, they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it. Avoid such people.”

Many denominations would have us believe the gifts of the Spirit are not in operation today. If they are not, it is because of our lack of faith. God never changes; we change. You see, a man without a spirit is like a horse who has lost his wind. A church without the Spirit is slowly dying.

Jesus continued by saying that there is still some good in this church; to build upon those things. However, in Sardis it appears that even the good in this church was being watered down to the point, that it is about to die. If you took a count of how many true conversions were made within the last year, you would be amazed at the shortage. You see, what we call good works and what God calls good works are two entirely different things. God looks at the Spirit, and we have a tendency to look at the physical.

In verse 3 Jesus also points out that their message at the beginning was alright, go back to that, the pure Word of God. Today we see new Bible translations that are watering Jesus down to the point that He is not God in them. Some Bible colleges would have their people believe that Jesus was not born of a virgin, that the Red Sea did not part, that Jonah was not truly swallowed by a large fish, and many more things.

They are reducing the miraculous workings of God and trying to analyze them with what they call scientific knowledge. This is just another attack of Satan to destroy the beauty of Christianity. These are basic to belief in salvation through Jesus Christ. If a mere man died for your sins, you are lost. Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. He was the perfect Lamb of God. He was and is LIFE. To deny that He was born of a virgin, denies that He is God the Son.

We must believe the Bible in its entirety or not believe it at all. As for me, I believe it in its entirety. Jesus was Emmanuel, God with us. I believe to deny Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, is to deny salvation through Him.”

“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy” (vs 4).
A defiled garment is one not washed in the blood of the Lamb. The white robe that we must be wearing has been made whiter than snow by being washed in the blood of the Lamb. This is our robe of righteousness that we will wear in heaven. “Righteousness” means in right standing with God.

The churches today similar to the church in Sardis, do not like to preach or teach on the blood of Jesus. It was the shed blood that defeated Satan and purchased our salvation. We read in Hebrews, just how important this shed blood is. Hebrews 9:22 “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” If we are not washed in the blood of the Lamb, then we are walking in sin. To deny the power of the blood, would deny us our right to stand before the throne of God.

Do not be deceived. Believe the Word of God, the Bible. Let no one convince you that it is not true. Amen and amen.

2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | April 24, 2015

THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THYATIRA (Moral Compromise & Corruption)

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; “These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet [are] like fine brass; ‘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’ “ (Revelation 22: 18,19).

The city of Thyatira was a vital commerce and trade center located about 40 miles southeast of Pergamos. Jesus commended the church here at Thyatira for its good works. He said: “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” (v19). The church in Thyatira has great love and compassion and is a working church trying to improve the condition of the less fortunate around them. This church is patient, which is gained by much tribulation. It is not a stiff cold church, as some of the other churches are, but is a loving caring church. It seems that the works of this church improve as they go along, because the last is more than the first. This is really a very nice statement that Jesus made about them.

However; Jesus saw beyond this outward display of good works and He exposed a stronghold of Satan right in the midst of the church. He says, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols” (V 20). Jesus warned the church of Thyatira of coming judgment to this false teacher and all those who commit spiritual adultery by moral compromise. This “Jezebel” was given time to repent, but refused (v.21).
Throughout the Old Testament, this union of that which is holy with that which is impure is considered by God as spiritual adultery. It was an abomination in His sight!

Many Christians are not aware that they are worshiping idols. These idols can be our material possessions, various lusts, recreation, entertainment, career and selfish ambition. Remember, we are looking at the spiritual and trying to see all of the seven churches in our modern churches today and we must examine ourselves before we start pointing fingers. Some are so full of pride and self deception that their spiritual eyes are blinded from seeing the areas of their lives where they have refused to let Jesus reign as Lord. Many believers today have made moral compromises. They no longer hold high standards of integrity. If you are guilty of moral compromise, spiritual adultery, then you must do what Jesus told these believers to do: Repent and then hold fast! Hold on to your integrity. Guard your Godly standards. Don’t fall prey to moral compromise.

The ‘false teacher’ in this context is referred to as “Jezebel,” which may or may not have actually been her name, but certainly refers to her spirit. It references Jezebel in the Old Testament, who was the wife of King Ahab. She was an idolatrous woman with unscrupulous methods, to perpetuate her power. Jesus shows this church His penetrating eyes which can even discern the intents of the heart.

“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not” (v 21). The sin God’s Word is pointing out here is fornication. She was not to repent of preaching, but repent of fornication. In the days that John wrote this, there were evil churches that even had harlots working in the church for the convenience of the members.

In our churches today we see that many churches promote sex. I look at what is worn in churches and is seen as permissible. I hear music that is titled ‘worship’ but I can also walk into a bar or casino and hear similar strains. I hear God’s Words being diluted until they do not resemble the original teachings…all in the name of ‘being considerate of the people’s views! God have mercy! Some churches teach that homosexuality and lesbianism are alternate life styles. My Bible says they are an abomination to God, Leviticus 18:22! Not only did Thyatira need to repent, but modern churches need to as well and this can relate to both physical and spiritual adultery. The people who get involved in these sex sins are guilty. It is no excuse to sin just because your minister tells you that you are not guilty. Try every message and the spirit you hear by what the Bible teaches. Do not be deceived by any false prophet, male or female. Their repentance is of their deeds, not whether they were male or female.

What does the Lord say to this?

“Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works” (vs 22,23).

The word translated reins means “the inner most mind”, perhaps the subconscious mind. The heart will be judged. The motive behind our deeds is just as important as the deed. The works spoken of here are the works of the heart and mind which come to maturity in actual deeds. Good or evil actually begins in the mind and heart. Just as beautiful words cannot come from an evil heart, beautiful deeds cannot either. What we are inside will show in what we do for God.

“But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.” “But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come” (Vs 24, 25).

What doctrine is spoken of here? The doctrine that says you can do what you please as long as you are baptized. Jesus wants a chaste virgin for a bride. Jesus wants us to be holy as He is holy. Sin must not be practiced, if we are Christians. Jesus will forgive us of our sins if we ask Him, but we must not go back into that sin over and over. Our heart must desire to live above sin.

Notice that even though this particular church in Thyatira is promoting sin, an individual can repent and be saved even in this situation. God does not judge groups; He judges us one at a time. It would be a terrible burden to have no other church to go to than one that taught fornication was a choice. He tells them to hold fast to sound doctrine until He comes.

“And he that overcometh and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father” (Vs 26, 27).

Jesus specifies His works are what is to be done. It also means that we should not just do a little and get self-satisfied, but stay with the Lord’s work to the very end. Just as Jesus told the parable of the good servant in Luke chapter 19, we must be a good servant and bring the fruits of our labor to Jesus. He tells us that the servant was to rule over ten cities. In vs 27 He also promises that His faithful will rule. We are empowered by the Spirit of God and it is through His power we are enabled to do His will as we rule over the enemy of this world! We are working under Jesus’ direction. He is our Leader. The “rod of iron” means the rule will be strong and unbending.

The rule will be as a shepherd leads if they follow Jesus, but if not, they shall be broken to pieces. This rod spoken of could be a shepherd’s or a king’s. Whichever it is, the rod of correction will be used in love. Jesus was given all power on earth, under the earth, and in heaven by the Father.

“And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Vs 28, 29).

Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star. He promises to give Himself to those who will follow Him. This message is not just given to this one church of Thyatira, but to churches, plural. We must take heed to the warnings. Open the ears of our heart and receive Jesus in His fullness. Amen.

2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | April 6, 2015
THE SEVEN CHURCHES: PERGAMOS (Doctrinal Compromise)

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges…” (Revelation 2: 2-17)

Located about sixty miles north of Smyrna is Pergamos, which at one time was the official Asian center for the imperial cult. It was also the center of worship for four of the most important pagan cults of the day: Zeus, Athene, Dionysos and Asklepios.

Here Jesus is said to have “the sharp sword with the two edges” which is the whole written Word of God; the Bible with the Old and New Testament.
Jesus recognized the faithfulness of the church in Pergamos, despite the satanic environment in which they lived. In the original Greek, the words, “holdest fast” means “to hold onto desperately with all of one’s power.” These Christians were holding onto their faith with everything they had and Jesus commended them for it. He tells them, “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan’s seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth” (vs 13).

Jesus not only knows their works, He knows everything about them. Judgment begins at the house of God, because Jesus walks to and fro checking them out continually. When Jesus says that He knows where they dwell, He is referring to their very evil surroundings. Pergamos was an educational center; filled with great libraries and places of worldly education. Apparently, this church was compromising with the heathen around them; possibly falling into the paradigm of worldly wisdom, which is not cohesive to the faithfulness of God. The Bible tells us, “The carnal mind is enmity against God” (Romans 8:7).

Faith is not fact. The educated mind wants to prove by facts; Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” and Hebrews 11:2 says, “For by it the elders obtained a good report.” The mind and heart, even though physically a few inches apart, are miles apart in the Spirit.

Jesus knew this church in Pergamos would have a very hard time. The evil outside the church and the compromise in the church tries to draw more of these people out of the church. Maybe they had very good intentions, but they got very bad results. Jesus goes so far as to call this evil city, “Satan’s seat”. We know by this that evil prevailed because fellowship with the world brings compromise. Jesus points out this very thing in telling them, “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” (Vs 14).

The Lord also reproved them for allowing members who practiced the “doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans” to remain within their congregation (Vs 15). The word “Nicoliatane” comes from two Greek words, one meaning “to conquer” and the other meaning “the laity.” It is symbolic of the development of a priestly order which ruled over the laity in contrast to Christ’s command regarding serving one another given in Matthew 23: 8-9.
The headship of Christ had been set aside in favor of an ecclesiastical hierarchy. Peter also addresses this issue, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Peter 2: 1,2). Although they were victorious in keeping their faith during persecution, they opened the door to spiritual destruction when they compromised with the world. Apostasy is “to lay open to danger.” In spiritual matters, any position of compromise opens you up to danger and corruption.

Compromise is rampant throughout the Body of Christ and the Spirit of God is calling us to allow the “sword of the Spirit”, the Word of God, to expose and remove compromise just as a surgeon removes a cancerous growth. God cannot and will not tolerate compromise! Even the smallest compromise opens the doors to additional compromise, which leads to even greater compromise and eventually, spiritual death. If you have compromised in any area of your life, you must do what Jesus told believers at Pergamos: REPENT!

Jesus issued a stern warning to the church of Pergamos, “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth” (2: 16).

Repent means to be truly sorry and turn away from evil. Go a new direction. Walk in right standing with the Lord. The sword that Jesus fights with is His Word. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God. Jesus has not given up on them. He just wants them to change their ways. Although the majority of the church at Pergamos were not deceived and were not following the doctrine of the Balaamites and the Nicolaitans, they were guilty of indifference toward the sin within their church.

But Jesus goes on to assure them that, “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it]” (Vs 17).

As we said before, hear with our inner man. There is a battle, and we are God’s soldiers. The Spirit and the flesh are locked in battle. When we allow the Spirit of God to control our flesh, then we are His. He is our God, and we are His people.

The stone mentioned in V-17, most think was a diamond. It was probably the stone worn by the high priest that had God’s name on it. It was hidden from view next to the heart behind the Urim and the Thummim. The others’ stones were symbolic for the Tribes of Israel, and all 12 of them were on the breastplate of the high priest. We have received the name of Jesus Christ if we are truly His. We are Christians. Whatever the stone is, I am happy to know that our name will be on it.

Jesus will feed us His hidden manna. Manna fell from heaven miraculously and fed the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land in Exodus 16:14-15. This manna was symbolic of Jesus who is the Bread of Life. We will eat of the Tree of Life (Jesus) and live forever.

The mystery Jesus is revealing is Himself in His fullness.
• He is the Tree,
• He is the Bread,
• He is the Manna,
• He is LIFE.

We, too, like Pergamos must repent and come to Jesus with all that we are or ever hope to be. We are nothing until He fills us with Himself. Amen.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | April 5, 2015
THE SEASON FOR SINGING IS UPON US!

“Draw me away! We will run after you. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn you. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love. My lover spoke and said to me, ‘Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me” (Song of Solomon 1: 4; Jeremiah 31: 3; Hosea 11: 4).

I rejoice that I am saved by the precious blood of the Lamb this day and I rejoice that He chose to die for my sins! Many who consider themselves part of the “body of Jesus Christ” will look at the ones worshiping beside them and think they were always the way they see them now. This is not so; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3: 23). My own life is a living example of God’s amazing grace. Yesterday a friend said, “Well, if you train a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not turn from it.” I then asked her, “What if the child is not trained in the way he should go?”

I was raised in the church from a very early age and I really liked to attend the services. However, as a teenager, I was more influenced by my friends and my “wants” and I quickly turned away from the LORD when I left home at seventeen. My life from that point was far from godly. Eventually I married and had children. I loved my three children, but I wasn’t there much. Their early years were spent in a daycare and in the evenings they were with various babysitters while their mom was “out for awhile”. Sunday was not a day I chose for church, it was a recovery day from the weekend.

I remember my mother being there to help me out when I got myself into messes and she never complained, or criticized me (Matthew 7: 1; Romans 8:1; 14: 10). Before she left to go home she would always say, “Judy, Jesus loves you and so do I.” I used to get roaring mad when she’d say that and would respond with, “Mom, just be quiet! I don’t want to hear about Jesus every time you open your mouth” (John 16: 1-11; 2 Corinthians 4: 3-5)! Time went on and in 1996 God decided it was time to draw me back under the shadow of His wing. I have never been the same since and I am so VERY GRATEFUL for His mercy and grace! I am now the mother who says to my sons, “Jesus loves you and so do I”, but there is a difference for them; they never grew up in a church environment as I did. So, what about my sons and all the people out there who have never been in church and who haven’t heard the good news of the Gospel?

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective and I personally believe there is hope for them because Jesus died for ALL (John 3: 16, 17) and He was raised from the dead and before He ascended into heaven, His command to all of us is in Matthew 28: 18-20. WE are to go and tell others about Christ and through our own life reveal His nature (Galatians 5: 22) and great love. He calls us to be the salt of the earth by positively affecting the people He brings around us. We are to be lights that shine from the indwelling glory of His presence (Matthew 5: 13-16).

One of the main reasons I believe there is hope for all people is a small statement mentioned in James: “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (5: 16). “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer” (1 Peter 3:12). PRAYER! What a privilege it is to be able to seek the LORD on behalf of the lost. I have faith in God and His Word says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3: 9). The book of Revelation mentions that the prayers of the saints are like bowls full of incense and the smoke of the incense comes up before God (5: 8; 8: 4). So, I will pray for my sons and for my loved ones and for those all around the world who have not yet made Jesus the LORD of their life.

One of my favorite Old Testament prophets is Jeremiah; he had many long talks with God and God used him to speak His words to the tribe of Judah (southern kingdom). Not all to whom we are called to witness will hear us. Not all we pray for will accept Christ Jesus as LORD.

Don’t be discouraged, no one listened to Jeremiah either, yet he is still being used by God to speak to all people groups today! Hallelujah! It is not for us to worry about how God will grab a person’s attention or bring the person to the place where they realize their need for Christ. We are only called to be witnesses for Jesus; to take Jesus with us wherever we go and be ready to: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction…” (Timothy 4: 2-5; also John 12: 37-43).

I am convinced that we in the western churches are in a very precarious place. We have been so blessed yet we apparently feel we don’t need God. Many churches have become like storehouses partially filled with people who are fat, satisfied, and under the illusion that they have reached spiritual maturity.

Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe. In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” (Mark 16: 15- 18). This promise is to all the tribes of Israel, not only to Judah. The restoration will include all people who trust God. God reaches toward His people with kindness motivated by deep and everlasting love. He is eager to do the best for them if they will only let Him.

Listen to what the Spirit of God has to say to YOU….

“Hear the word of the LORD, O nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’ … They will come and shout for joy in the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD–the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and the herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,” declares the LORD (Jeremiah 31: 10-14). Hallelujah… God bless you.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | March 29, 2015
THE SEVEN CHURCHES: SMYRNA (The Persecuted Church)

Revelation 2: 8-9
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; “These things saith the First and the Last, which was dead, and is Alive;” “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.”

Located about 35 miles north of Ephesus, Smyrna was a rich and beautiful commercial city in Asia Minor and was recognized by Rome as its loyal ally and a center of emperor worship. In His message to this church, the Lord again commended their good works, “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty.” These believers were persecuted and often lost their means of livelihood as a result of their commitment to the Lord. Making a public confession of their faith meant poverty, hunger, imprisonment, and sometimes death. The word “tribulation” used here paints a picture of a huge rock crushing whatever lies beneath it. The word conveys intense and constant pressure. Can you identify with that? Many of you are experiencing “intense and constant pressure.” You aren’t forgotten! Jesus sees and knows.

It is interesting to me that Jesus calls Himself differently here than at the church of Ephesus. In the Ephesus letter He says, “He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” Here at Smyrna He calls Himself, “the First and Last, which was dead, and is alive.” This message is not from the Father or the Holy Spirit, but from God the Son, Jesus, as we know Him. We see from this that God does not deal exactly the same with everyone. He deals with us at the level of our understanding.

In the synagogue in Jerusalem, when Jesus called them “whited walls” Matthew 23:27; “clean on the outside and filthy on the inside” Jesus said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” Jesus called them a ‘generation of vipers’ (Matthew 23:33). You see not all those who claim to be Christians are actually Christians. If we are not careful, we will be like these Jews. We may say we are a Christian, and the world might actually believe that we are because of our outward appearance. Jesus looks at the heart. We read in Matthew 7:22, “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name and in Thy name have cast out devils, and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, “I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7: 23). Their Christianity was a front for some selfish motive.
The repentance and salvation that really counts is what goes on in the heart. It is like having a new regenerated heart placed inside of you, washed in the Blood of the Lamb. Being born again is having a brand new heart, having no desire to sin. The heart is either desperately wicked or clean in Jesus. Some call it a change of heart. Whatever commitment is made must be made in the heart.

• When Jesus speaks of His being “the First and Last”, He is speaking of His eternal Spirit.
• When He speaks of “which was dead, and is alive”, He is speaking of His body which resurrected from the grave.

Jesus knows all; He was walking, and is walking amidst the churches. These eyes of fire see everything, even in our hearts. He has nothing but good things to say about this church in Smyrna. To know them is to love them. Jesus knows how hard they have worked for the kingdom. He knows that they are rich in service to Him. They are rich in knowledge of His Word. They have diligently sought Him in His Word. They are rich in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They have been through great tribulation. Tribulation comes to make you strong. They are strong, because they have been tried and they have not failed God.

Perhaps, their poverty spoken of here indicates that they are not obsessed about having worldly wealth. They are not rich in things the world would class as wealth. Their wealth is of spiritual things. The treasure that we should all be seeking is the treasure stored up in heaven. If there is a church in this group that we should all want to be like, it would be this church at Smyrna.

This “synagogue of Satan” that comes against them is what we were discussing before. These are religious people with an outward appearance of belief but with no inward conviction. This literal church at Smyrna had many martyrs who stood against the evil, idolatrous people around them even unto the death.

In our day it is the same situation. If we are in God’s army, we must be willing to stand for what is right even unto death. The Spirit and the flesh (world) will be locked in battle until the return of Jesus. The world and its system, and even the idolatrous church is opposed to true righteousness and holiness. Jesus is coming back for a church that is without spot or wrinkle.

Revelation 2:10.. “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.”

He said they would suffer. He is letting them know that He and the Father know all about their suffering. They must stay faithful unto the end, and great rewards will be theirs in heaven. Jesus warns them they will be thrown into prison. We know from history that these believers, in the literal church of Smyrna, were thrown into prison. Many in our day are being thrown into prison for their faith. It is becoming harder and harder to be a Christian, and even more difficult to be a minister. The church is under attack of the devil.

The meaning of Christ’s words to this church, that they would have tribulation for “ten days” may refer to the fact that the Early Church suffered ten major persecutions under Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Severus, Maximum, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian, and Diocletian. There were also some notable persecutions in the local Smyrna Church which lasted “ten days” (as one day often is reckoned as one year in biblical prophecy).

It is very easy to follow Jesus when everything is going good. The true test is, will you stay when all odds are against you? When your friends and relatives have given up, will you stand? If we are faithful and stand, there is a crown of life awaiting us. The crown of life is the one the Lord Himself prepares for us. Crown of life means; “ruling over death”. There will be no more death, neither shall there be sorrow. “neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21: 4-5). Many shall be martyred before the return of Christ.

Christ’s message to you today, in the midst of your pain, suffering, persecution, and testing is, “Fear Not!” No matter what you are facing, sickness, disease, family problems, or even the possibility of death, do not fear because “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1: 7).

Revelation 2:11… “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

We hear again, take out the stoppers in your inner man and receive from God His truths. There is a great promise to the overcomers. The death associated with hell, will not happen to them. They have been crowned with everlasting life.

The greatest gift that we could ever receive is the gift of eternal life with Jesus. To know we would be separated from Jesus for all of eternity would be more hell than I would care to bear. The only life worth having is with Him. I cannot say enough good about this church at Smyrna. There are only two in the seven that God has no reprimand for. Smyrna is one of them. Under great persecution this church stands, and having even faced death, still stands. If you were to describe this church in modern English, you would just say that the pure Word of God is preached to people who will accept the Truth.

2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | March 22, 2015
EPHESUS (Part Two)

Here are seven warning signs that signal that a church or individual has left their first love.

• Christ is no longer the central focus in your life.
• You neglect your relationship with the Lord and spend less time in prayer, worship and the Word.
• You allow family, friends, job and your own desires to come between you and your relationship with God.
• There is a loss of intimacy in your relationship with God.
• You are caught in a cycle of dead works
• You are more tolerant of sin
• You will no longer have a burning passion for the lost

Your works were motivated by intense love and devotion to the Lord. Compare your love for the Lord today with what it was then.

Has your love grown deeper or has it lost its fervency?
Are your works motivated by a passionate love for God or are you doing them merely out of a sense of duty?
If so, ask the Lord to forgive you for leaving your first love. Begin to do your first works again. Make a new commitment to the basics of prayer, worship, and the Word. Fan the flame of the dying embers of your first love through renewed communion with the Lord. This fervent love is required of all those who belong to the Lord. Jesus called this the first and great commandment:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22: 37, 38).

‘But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate’ (Revelation 2: 6).

Notice that Jesus (as did the church of Ephesus) hates sin and not the sinner. The deeds are hated, not the doer. It is possible to hate evil and still not be living a pleasing life in God’s sight. Worldliness is something we must avoid entirely.

The doctrine of Baalam, Nicaulous, and the Jezebel church thought that being Christians freed them from the moral law. They believed that idolatry and fleshly things would not be held against them, because they had been set free by Christ. Some of the liberalism we see in the churches today stem from this very belief.

Many are trying to bring Jesus down to our level, or to elevate us up to His level. This is a very dangerous doctrine that tends to promote ourselves as gods; it is why Lucifer was thrown out of heaven. Worldliness must not be mingled in with worship of God. We must not only not participate in this, but actually hate this practice.

‘He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God’ (Revelation 2: 7).

We all have ears, but this is speaking of that inner ear of the heart that receives God’s truth. Note that Spirit is capitalized meaning God’s Spirit. This is not just any spirit, but the Holy Spirit of God. We also see that He is speaking to the churches, and then suddenly jumps to individuals in the church when He says, “to him that overcometh”.

We are not saved collectively but as individuals. We as individuals must decide who we will follow. We notice here also that there is something to overcome. We must overcome lustful temptations of the flesh.

All believers in Jesus will eat of the tree of life. Jesus is the Tree of Life. Paradise is heaven, not hell, as many believe today. When Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Many have tried to make it fit with Jesus’ body being in the grave but Jesus’ Spirit went to heaven directly from the cross, as our spirit will leave our body the instant we die.
Jesus said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:” Luke 23:46. The Spirit of Jesus went to God immediately. His Spirit rejoined His body three days later. Forty days later Jesus’ body and Spirit were taken to heaven on a cloud.

God is a Spirit; Jesus is Spirit Who was housed in a body for His stay on earth. We are spirit as well; housed in a body. If we are a believer, our spirit will immediately go to heaven when it leaves our body. The body will rise at resurrection and rejoin our spirit.. This is like a heavenly restoration of the Garden of Eden; the heavenly being far more wonderful. What a glorious day that will be!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | March 16, 2015
THE SEVEN CHURCHES: EPHESUS (Part One)

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; ‘These things saith He that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars, and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.’ ” (Revelation 2: 1-3)

There are many things that we must note about these verses. First, it is the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is speaking. Many believe that this particular church was symbolic of the apostolic age from about 30 to 100 AD – It is called the Apostolic Church. I believe, after viewing it carefully, we can see some of the churches in our own day falling into this category. The words of this passage of scripture was the message then and it is the same message for today. Second, we are reminded that Jesus holds these stars in His right hand. Jesus walks in the midst of this church; so we know then, it falls into the category of Christianity.

Notice Jesus always starts off by telling something good. Here He commends them for their hard work, and patience. To be patient is certainly a virtue, and one that most of us do not possess. The leader of this church and the people, seem to be working for the Lord. This spiritual leader hates evil. Note that this leader seems to do as the Scripture suggests, and tests the spirits to see whether they are of God or not. This church does not just accept everyone who says he is an apostle; they judge the message before they accept the apostle. It seems that this church is well grounded in the Word.

The church of Ephesus was one of the older churches founded by Paul and nurtured by Timothy. The physical church of Ephesus was located in a busy city and was just sixty miles north east of the isle of Patmos. From the spiritual standpoint of churches today, we would see this church located in the midst of very worldly surroundings but it was a church that was holding up a standard against the evil within its surroundings; it was a spiritual church guided and taught through the Holy Spirit of God; full of the power and presence of God. This church will be found working when the Lord comes back.

Jesus then tells the church in Ephesus about the weaknesses He sees; for even though this church has worked hard and not given up, they have a few short-comings.

“But I have this one charge to make against you: That you have left, abandoned the love you had at first; you deserted Me, your first love” (2:4).

Our first love, if we are believers, is putting Jesus ahead of everything else. The Ephesus church had spiritual problems that can be seen in most of our churches today. God will not allow compromise or complacency in our lives as members of the church body; yet it is where we are! 2 Timothy 3:5 tells us where I see today’s church, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Maybe this church has gotten too sophisticated for seeing the gifts of the Spirit of God in operation, like healing and deliverance; perhaps some of the world’s music has crept in unawares, or the church has begun to entertain more than teach. T his is a church that is more appealing to the world than to God. As we prayerfully consider the church of Ephesus and the church of today, we must examine ourselves and our church and what category we fall into. If we find that we are individually and corporately falling away from our ‘first love relationship’ with Jesus Christ, what are we to do in order to ‘right ourselves?’ Well, the Lord tells us in this next verse.

“Remember then from what heights you have fallen. REPENT (change the inner man to meet God’s will) and do the works you did previously, when you first knew the Lord, or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place. UNLESS YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND AND REPENT” (2:5).

There is no substitute for undivided, fervent, undying love for Jesus Christ. Jesus warned the church at Ephesus to “Repent, and do the first works,’ or else judgment would fall. They would no longer be a true light and witness to the world.

How many of our churches today are lifeless, dull, and mechanical? How many lack the light and witness of Christ and His power? The condition in this church, and in our churches and individual lives, did not happen overnight. It was a gradual process whereby believers left their “first” love; their passionate “bridal” love for Christ for the passions and lusts of worldly things.

The “first love” to which Christ called the church in Ephesus to return to can be likened to the “bridal” love in a marriage relationship. A new bride is so in love with her husband that he is the central focus of her life. When she takes her wedding vows, she promises to forsake all others and give herself solely to him. She eagerly anticipates his desires and lovingly tries to meet all his needs. She spends every possible moment with him. In this “bridal love relationship,” there is a special intimacy that develops between the bride and her bridegroom. She longs to know everything possible about him. She opens her heart to him, revealing her innermost secrets and desires. When they are apart from one another, she longs for him and eagerly anticipates when she will be with him once again. Because of her love, the bride puts her bridegroom first, before all else, including her own needs, desires, and ambitions.

It is this type of pure, fervent, self sacrificing “bridal love” for Christ that made the disciples willing to give themselves 100% for the cause of Christ. It was this type of love that burned up their own selfish desires, motivated them to serve Christ with single-hearted devotion and made them willing to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ.

It is this type of love that we must have burning within us to enable us to fulfill the purposes of God in these final moments of time before Christ’s return. Just as Christ called the church in Ephesus to return to their first love, He is walking among us today, calling us to repent and return to our first love. Where are you in this relationship this hour?

(to be continued….)

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | March 9, 2015
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION AND YOU

The Lord recently drew my attention back to the Revelation of John while he was imprisoned on the Island of Patmos. I was going through some photos I had taken while in Turkey in 2013 and they brought me to the geographical areas of these these churches in Biblical days. The ruins helped me to understand the culture of that day and also made me realize that some things never change throughout the passage of time. I have been prompted by Holy Spirit to write again about each of these churches and of course the people who make a church what it is both then and into today. I will endeavor to do one church each week over the following seven weeks and trust they will give you a deeper understanding of then and now and how the messages to the churches relate to your own personal relationship with the Lord.

When you read Revelation chapters 2 and 3, it’s important to see there are four applications to the messages:

1. Each message was given to the seven churches as originally addressed. And these churches were in existence in Asia at the time of the revelation. Many other churches existed in Asia at the same time, but the churches selected were representative of the spiritual conditions which existed at that time.

2. The message can also be applied historically. According to history, the Church has passed through eras similar to that which is described in each of the seven churches.

3. These messages can be applied to current churches of today. These special messages were written to the specific churches in Asia but the same strengths and weaknesses can be found in today’s Body of Christ (the Church).

4. The messages can be applied to each of us on an individual basis. Look at the messages for each church during that time and ask yourself how you measure up personally today.

These messages were written by John in 95 AD when the Church of Jesus Christ was about 66 years old. The church had experienced tremendous growth despite intense persecution. Under the rule of Rome, records show over 45,000 Christians were slain by crucifixion, burned to death and thrown to wild animals. In addition, corruption was springing up in the Church. When John wrote the messages to the seven churches, many believers were afraid about an unsure future. They were afraid of being strong enough to stand up to adversities that they would be facing and if they could endure the persecution. To these early Christians Jesus gave his end time plan through these messages.

John was told to write what he saw in a book and send that book to the 7 churches in Asia (Rev. 1 v.11). The entire Book of Revelation which includes the special messages to those 7 churches, was sent to those churches and a blessing was pronounced upon all who would read, hear, and keep the words contained in this prophecy. Jesus wanted believers to know that He knew exactly where they were. He saw their good works, faithfulnes, and patience in the face of persecution. He also saw the bad which included their compromise, apostasy, indifference, and lukewarmness (Apostasy). He wanted them to know that despite persecution from without and corruption from within, He stood in their midst as a Mighty Conqueror and that through Him they too could overcome.

Christ’s purpose in sending those messages to the seven churches was to empower believers to overcome the enemy. His purpose was to rise up His people in victory, to make them strong. When we take the mask off, we see that today’s Church in its present condition is not ready for Christ’s return.

That’s why Christ is again walking in the midst of His people preparing His Bride for His coming. By His Spirit, He is stirring us out of our complacency. He is revealing and reproving sin, calling us to repentance, bringing us to a new, stronger position of dedication and commitment, and releasing a fresh anointing of His Spirit upon us.

As Jesus walks in our midst, He knows our individual and corporate strengths and weaknesses. His message to us today is the same as it was to the seven churches in Asia: “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

As we study the messages given to each of these churches, open your spirit to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you. Ask God to reveal any problems that need to be dealt within your life. Yield yourself fully to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to purge anything from your life that is displeasing to Him. God bless you on this journey into becoming all He has created you to be!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »