Revelation 3:15-16 Luke Warm Church!

Revelation 3:15-16   I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I would 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.

    

Jesus did not have one good word for the church at Laodicea.  Jesus says they are "lukewarm".  They are coming to church and going through the motions of worship.  There is a lot going on in the church, but it is largely mechanical and of a social nature.  They have committee meeting, social gatherings, club meetings and about any kind of meeting you can think of, but there is very little emphasis on revival meetings, prayer meetings or Sunday night meetings.

   

  If they do have a revival meeting the evangelist and singers are hired with emphasis on entertainment instead of soul winning.  Jesus said, "I wish you were either cold or hot in your service for me."

   

  If they were "cold" they would feel a need to grow closer to Jesus.  They would recognize their lost state and repent. Since they were "lukewarm" they felt they were O.K. and did not feel they had a need to repent and grow closer to Jesus.  If the church was "hot" it meant they were seeking the will of Jesus, repenting of their sins and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit in their meetings every time they had church services.  They would seek to know what Jesus wanted them to do and work hard to meet the needs of the people around them.  Jesus said, "Because you are neither hot nor cold, but are lukewarm, I will vomit you out of my mouth."

In 11 Timothy 3:l-5 Paul describes the end-time church. "But know this, that in the last days, perilous time will come :  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters , proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power".

Revelation 3:17 Be a Church on Fire

Revelation 3:17  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.

    

Laodicea is condemned by Jesus more than any of the other seven churches. 

    

Some believe that each church stands for a church age.  If that is true Laodicea would stand for the present church age which began in 1900 A.D. and goes until the rapture of the church. 

  

   There has never been a time in history in which our churches have been so rich.  Yet many of our churches reject the inspiration of the scripture, the virgin birth of Jesus, the atonement and many basic doctrines of the Bible are openly denied.

    

 Many of our churches today are the finest money can buy.  We have fabulous architectures, million-dollar buildings, fund raising

, organizations, and strong church membership.  We think we do not need anything because all of our physical needs are met. We  do not realize we are in a poverty stricken state spiritually in the sight of Jesus.   Jesus said, "Without me you can do nothing."  We can organize, teach, promote, but only the Holy Spirit can transform the lives of men.  (Matthew 7:22-25.)  Jesus says,

"Many will say to me in that day, have we not prophesied, cast out demons, and done many wonderful works, and I will profess unto them I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of iniquity.

    

In the view of this world Laodicea was very successful.  Jesus saw the church with spiritual eyes and He said Laodicea was  "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked."  Jesus was looking at their spiritual condition.

The Seven Stages of the Church Age

Revelation 3:14   And to the angel of the church of the Laodicea's write.

     Some people believe that the seven churches not only represent seven actual churches in Asia, but they also represent the seven church ages.  

1. Ephesus:  "The Apostolic Church"  A.D.30 - A.D.100   This was the church age where the disciples and people who saw Jesus lived.

2. Smyrna:  "The Persecuted Church:  A.D.100 - A.D.312    Ten Roman Emperors severely persecuted the church, urged on by the Jewish synagogue Leaders,  The persecution began with Nero and ended with Diocletian.

3. Pergamum: "The Indulged Church"  A.D. 312 - A.D. 606  In 312 Constantine  made Christianity the religion of Rome.  Persecution ended, but many of the Pagan practices became part of the church.

4. Thyatira: "A Pagan church" A.D. 606 - A.D. 1500  This church depicts the "middle ages"  and the dominance of the Roman Catholic Church.  This age is know as the

"Dark  Ages" where paganism merged with Christianity.

5. Sardis: "The Dead Church"  A.D. 1500 - A.D. 1750   This age is known as  "The Reformation Period".  This age came to a crises when martin Luther, on Oct. 31, 1517 A.D. nailed his famous 95 Theses on the church door at Wittenberg, Germany. 

6. Philadelphia:  "The Church Jesus Loved" A.D. 1750 - A.D. 1900  This is the age where missionaries were going all over  the world preaching the gospel.  Jesus said, "I have set an open door before you and no man can shut it.  Jesus did not have one word of condemnation for this church.

7. Laodicea:  A.D. l900 - A.D. - to rapture   There are no words of praise given to this church.  Jesus said the church was lukewarm, just going through the motions of worship.  His presence was not in the church. They thought they were rich and increased in goods and in need of nothing spiritually.  They did not know that spiritually they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.  Jesus said, "Ask of me and I will give you gold tried by fire, white raiment to cloth you, and salve to anoint your eyes so you can see.

Revelation 3:10 God Will Save Us From the Hour Of Trial Coming Upon the World!

Revelation 3:10  Because you have kept my commandments to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.

    

 The church is promised deliverance from the hour of trial which will come upon the whole world. The word "trial" means the same thing as "tribulation."  This does not refer to normal "trials" or "tribulations" that we all face each day, but to a special hour of trial that will involve the whole world.  In some countries Christians are going through great tribulation and facing death each and every day.  This does not fulfill this verse because the persecution is not world wide.  The promise of the Lord is that the church will be kept from that hour of tribulation.

   

  This verse seems to indicate the church will be taken up to heaven  (ruptured) from the earth before the 'hour' of trial comes upon the whole earth. In the rapture Jesus meets His church in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.) The word rapture isn't used here, but it says in verse 17 "Then we which are alive shall be "caught up".  The dead in Christ will be raised first to meet Jesus in the air and we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

    

There are three main views of the rapture. l. Jesus will rapture the church before the tribulation. 2. Jesus will rapture the church in the middle of the tribulation 4. Jesus will rapture the church at the end of the tribulation.  The tribulation period will last seven years.

The most important thing to remember: "Jesus is coming for those who are looking for His coming.  We should be looking for Him to come at any moment.  Hebrews 9:28  'Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.'

Revelation 3:11-13 Jesus is coming quickly! Hold Fast to What you Have!

Revelation 3:11-13 Behold, I am coming quickly!  Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.  he who overcomes, I will make him a pillow in the temple of my God, and he shall go out no more.  I will write on him My new name.  He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the church.

    

Jesus promised to come quickly.  Two thousand years is a very short time for Jesus, who has always existed.

    

Jesus has another warning.  "Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown."  It isn't a question of someone stealing your crown.  It is a question of God taking your crown and giving it to someone else, because we are not worthy to wear the crown.  We must overcome the world.  All sin can be put in three categories, lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and pride of life.  Sometimes God gives us a task to do for Him.  For some reason we do not depend upon Jesus to help us and we get discouraged and do not complete the task God has given us to do.  God will give the task to someone else and we loose the blessing Jesus had planned for us. 

    

 Even if we fail Jesus will forgive us and give us another chance to follow His plan.  Jesus says,  "He will make the overcome a pillar in the temple of God and he shall go out no more".  A pillar speaks of stability and going out no more speaks of security.  We can have stability and feel secure in Jesus all our life only in serving Jesus.  Christians are often persecuted for their faith.  Jesus will identify us with the seal of His name and we will see Jesus face to face.  Jesus said,  "If you have  an ear listen to what the Sprit says.  We need to kneel and ask Jesus to come into our life, to cleanse us of all our sins, and save our soul. 

Revelation 3:9 The Synagogue of Satan

Revelation 3:9  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.

    

Jesus spoke these same words to the church of Smyrna.  Jesus said to Smyrna, "I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  When Jesus came as the promised Messiah, the religious leaders who belonged to the synagogue did not believe Jesus was the Messiah.  They persecuted and tried to kill Jesus before it was time for Him to die on the cross for our sins.  

 It was the Jewish religious leaders who convinced the Roman government to crucify Jesus on the cross.  After Jesus' death, resurrection and  assertion into heaven to be with His heavenly Father, these same Jewish leaders began to persecute the Christians.  Paul was part of this persecution of the Christians until his conversion on the way to Damascus to arrest and kill more Christians.

    

These Jewish religious leaders were also persecuting the church  at Philadelphia.  Jesus again says these Jewish leaders belong to the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie, and belong to Satan.  Jesus adds, "I will make them come and worship before your feet and to know that I have loved you."

God Gave to Them An Open Door

Revelation 3:8  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.

    

Jesus recognizes what we do as we serve Him.  Not one moment of what we do for Him is forgotten or lost.  Jesus told the church of Philadelphia, "I know your works.  Because of this assurance from Jesus, we should never get discouraged or give up.  Jesus set an open door before the church at Philadelphia and no one can shut the door.

    

 Jesus commends the church for their strength.  They do not have a lot of strength, only a little strength.   We do not need a lot of strength because Jesus will be our strength.  We need a willing heart to serve Him.

   

  Jesus commends the church because they have kept the word of God and did not deny the name of Jesus.  They not only believed the word of God, but obeyed the word of God.  Satan believes and trembles at the word of God.  (James 2:19)   We are to be doers of the word, not just hears of the word.  (James 2:22)

   

  We need to study the word of God and then put the word of God into our daily lives.  In our present life there is a temptation to compromise in order to gain opportunities in business.  It is our responsibility to do what is right and God will open doors of opportunity for us. Jesus told the church of Philadelphia, "You have kept my word, and have not denied my name.

Revelation 3:7 The Four Aspects of Jesus

Revelation 3:7   And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:   These things said He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, he who opens, and no man shuts, shuts and no man opens.

    

 The Philadelphia church was located in the center of Greek civilization.  This church remained an influence until the l4th century, when it was conquered by the Turks.    Philadelphia means "brotherly live."

    

 Not one word of condemnation was spoken against this church by Jesus.

   

  Four aspects of Jesus character are revealed to the Philadelphia church.  Jesus is holy.  1 Peter 1:16 says, "Be ye holy; for I am Holy."Jesus wants us to be separated from the world and live holy lives.  The second characteristic:  Jesus said he was true.  John l4:6 says "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me. "True" means perfectness and completeness.  Jesus is the true bread from heaven.  John 6:32-35  The third characteristic, Jesus has the Key of David.  This refers to the future when Jesus will rule the world. 

 We are looking for the second coming of Jesus when He will return to earth with all the saints returning with Him.  (1 Thess. 3:13 and Zech l4:5)    Jesus returns as King of King and Lord of Lord.   (Revelation 19: l6).  The fourth characteristic: Jesus opens and no man can shut, He shuts and no man can open. It is our duty to be obedient and follow Jesus.  He has everything under control.

Revelation 3:5-6 God Gives Promises To He Who Overcomes

Revelation 3:5-6   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.

   

  The church, as a whole, might not heed the Lord's call, but there will always be a remnant who will be faithful to Jesus.  It is to those who stay true to Jesus and obey His words that Jesus promises a white garment.  Jesus makes this promise in Revelation 3 verse 4 and 5.  When a verse is repeated it is to emphases the importance of this promise.  This white garment is given to us by Jesus because we overcame the world through the blood of Jesus.  Jesus gives us His righteousness. 

 I John 2:l5-l6 says "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 

 Jesus promises the "over comers", "I will confess your name before the Father and before His angel. Jesus tells us "Open your ears and listen when the Holy Spirit speaks to us.  Jesus sent the Holy spirit into the world to help us continually day and night.

Revelation 3:3 Remember that God is Good!

Revelation 3:3  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.

     Jesus is saying, "Remember how you heard and believed the gospel, keep on remembering day and night.  Never allow yourself to forget the enthusiasm you had when you first heard the message of the good news of the gospel.  We must remember the cross and the great gift of salvation Jesus gave us through His death on the cross.  Jesus died for our sins to give us life for ever and ever.

    

We are to keep the commandments of the gospel, walking always, day and night in the love of Jesus.  We can not be Christian one day and un-Christian the next day.  We are commanded to be ready and to watch for His second coming.  He could come at any moment in the twinkle of the eye. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)   We are to make every effort to be ready for His second coming.  He will come as a thief in the night.  (I Thessalonians 5:2.)  We do not know when a thief will come for this reason we do all we can to protect ourselves all the time.

    

Jesus is saying make this same careful preparation for His second coming.  We must not allow the trials of life to damper our love for Jesus.  We must not go through the motions of worshiping Jesus, but worship him in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

Revelation 3:3 Jesus is Coming Again!

Revelation 3:3  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.

     Jesus is saying, "Remember how you heard and believed the gospel, keep on remembering day and night.  Never allow yourself to forget the enthusiasm you had when you first heard the message of the good news of the gospel."  We must remember the cross and the great gift of salvation Jesus gave us through His death on the cross.  Jesus died for our sins to give us life for ever and ever.

    

 We are to keep the commandments of the gospel, walking always, day and night in the love of Jesus.  We can not be Christian one day and un-Christian the next day.  We are commanded to be ready and to watch for His second coming.  He could come at any moment in the twinkle of the eye. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)   We are to make every effort to be ready for His second coming.  He will come as a thief in the night.  (I Thessalonians 5:2.)  We do not know when a thief will come for this reason we do all we can to protect ourselves all the time.

    

Jesus is saying make this same careful preparation for His second coming.  We must not allow the trials of life to damper our love for Jesus.  We must not go through the motions of worshiping Jesus, but worship him in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

Revelation 3:1-2 The Spiritually Dead Church

Revelation 3:1-2      And unto the angel of the church in Sardis;  These things says He that hath the seven Spirits of God; and the seven stars.  I know your works, that you have a name that you live, 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. 

   

  Jesus introduced himself to the church at Sardis as the one who has the seven Spirits of God.  Isaiah 11:1-3 tells us that the seven spirits would rest upon Jesus.   Seven is the number of completeness and perfection, both physically and spiritually.  The number seven is used in the book of Revelation and throughout the Bible over and over. 

    

Jesus also holds the seven stars in His hand.  The seven stars represent the seven angels or ministers of the Church.  Jesus said, "I know your works that you have a name that you live, but you are dead."  Sardis was a very active church, but the Holy Spirit, from God, was not in the church.  We are to seek God's will for our church, and work to fulfill this will.

    

The church at Sardis believed they were alive, but they were spiritually dead.  Jesus urged them to strengthen all the things that remained, but were about to die.  Sardis is like so many of our churches today.  They were going through the motion of serving Jesus; but Jesus is not in the worship service.  They appeared to be spiritually alive but they were dead.

Revelation 2:24-29 Jesus KING of KINGS and LORD OF LORDS

Revelation 2:24-29   "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.  But hold fast  what you have till I come and he who overcomes, and keeps my works, until the end, to him I will give power over the nations.  He will 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: and I will give him the Morning star.  he who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

   

  The letter to Thyatira ends with a series of threats and promises.  The first part of this promise has to do with the return of Jesus to the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords to reign and rule on the earth with a rod of iron for one thousand years.  This is speaking of the millennium reign of Jesus  on the earth.  We will be with Jesus and help Him in the millennium reign of Jesus on the earth.  No persecution of any kind will exist and Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit for the thousand year reign of Jesus.

    

Jesus gives the church just a small glimpse of things to come.  These promises are made to the overcome.  It is the overcome who rules and reigns with Jesus.  The overcome will assume their royal position as kings and priest.  We will rule and reign with Jesus as He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.   Revelation 22:16 says "I am the Root and offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.

Revelation 2:22-23 Receive the Mercies of God!

Revelation 2:22-23   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.  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. 

    

The woman Jezebel had been given all the freedom that divine mercy could give her.  If she does not repent she will be cast into a bed of sickness and her followers will share the same fate. 

    

 Even now Jesus is extending mercy and grace and giving us a chance to repent.  Jesus died on the cross to be able to offer forgiveness to everyone no matter what we have done.  Jesus offered Jezebel that same forgiveness.  If we repent we will live forever with Jesus.  If we do not repent we will face death, without hope for ever and ever.  Jesus said, "All the churches will know I look at the mind and heart.  Everyone will be rewarded according to their works."

Revelation 2:20-21 God Ask His People to Repent

Revelation 2:20-21  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 to eat things sacrificed to idols.

    

The source of the trouble in Thyatira was a prophetess  called Jezebel.  Whether this was her real name or if Jesus was comparing her to Jezebel, wife  of  King Ahab who was the king of Israel, no one knows for sure. Jezebel, Ahab's wife, and the prophetess of Thyatira were guilty of the same sin.  Jezebel, Ahab's wife, caused Israel to Worship her idols instead of the true Living God.  You can find her story in 1 Kings Chapters 16-22.  Jesus said,"You allowed Jezebel to teach and to seduce my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things offered to idols."

     

These sins were not committed in the church, but in the temples dedicated to various Idols.  All citizen in Thyatira  were required to worship in these temples.  The Romans believed in many gods.  The Romans did not mind a Christian God to be added to their many gods. They just did not want the Christian God replacing their many gods.  This made it difficult for Christians because they believed in only one God. 

     

Part of the worship of these idols was a feast where they ate meat offered to idols.  Each temple also had temple prostitutes.  A Christian could not eat things offered to idols and commit  sexual immorality .  Exodus 2:3 says,"You shall have no other God's before me."

Revelation 2:18-19 Jesus, Our Savior

Revelation 2:18-19  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;  "I know your works, love, service, faith and your patience,  and as for your works, the last are more than the first."

    

 The city of Thyatira wasn't one of the more important cities of the age they were living in.  It was located about sixteen miles from the region's capital city, Pergamum.  It was at Thyatira that  Paul met Lydia, a seller of purple, and led her to the Lord.

   

  Jesus introduced Himself as the Son of God.  Jesus isn't just a great prophet.  He is the only Son of the living God.  Jesus is described as having eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass which speaks of judgment.  If Jesus does not judge sin and allow only  the pure in heart, born again Christians, into heaven there would be no difference between heaven and the earth as we know it.  People would behave in heaven just like they behave on the earth. That would not be heaven.  All we have to do is tell Jesus we are sorry for our sins and ask him to  forgive us. He will forgive us and puts a clean heart in us that makes us want to please Jesus instead of the world.

    

When you serve Jesus, you want to work for Him, You love all people, you want to serve and be of service to all people. You have total faith in Jesus knowing He does not give us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind. 11 Timothy 1:7.

Revelation 2:15-17 Is Compromising to Fit Into Society Wisdom From God?

Revelation 2:15-17   Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.  Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.  "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 Nicolaitans was a doctrine of compromise.  Jesus praised the church of Ephesus because they rejected the deeds of the Nicolaitans.  In the church of Pergamum it had become a doctrine of the the church to compromise.  And Pergamum allowed the doctrine of the Nicolaitans to become a part of the church.  Jesus hates compromise.  Jesus says, "Repent, or I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth, which is the word of God.

    

 Jesus says, "To him who overcomes I will give hidden manna to eat."  God fed Israel angel food while they were in the wilderness on their way to the promise land.  Phil. 4:19

"But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory  by Christ Jesus."

    

 In ancient times when a man had been tried for a crime, and given a white stone, it meant  they were found not guilty.  If a black stone was given it meant they were found guilty.

  

 Jesus will forgive anyone who calls upon Him for forgiveness and salvation.  He will give them a white stone, they will not be found guilty before God.   Our sins are completely forgiven and we will stand before Jesus guiltless.  Jesus died for our sins and gave us His righteousness.  He will give us a new name that only we will understand.

Revelation 2:14 Stumbling blocks

Revelation 2:14 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. 

    

The story of Balaam is in Numbers, chapter 22-31.  Balaam tried to prophesy a  curse against Israel in order to get money from Balak, King of Moab.  Balak was afraid of Israel as they were coming through his land on the way to the land promised to Israel .  Every time Balaam prophesied against Israel, words of blessings would come our of his mouth for Israel.  This made Balak very mad and to gain Balak's favor Balaam came up with another plan.  He suggested that Balak make an alliance between Israel and Moab. Then he convinced the leaders of Israel that the alliance would be a good idea.  As a result of the alliance the Israelites intermarried with the Moabites against God's will. 

 The Israelites were to be pure nation and not intermarry with the people who lived around them.  God's wrath came against Israel and many of them died.  The church at Pergamum was too tolerant of false doctrines and were in danger of having the Lord declare war on the church.  There were three  main temples in Pergamum, Zeus, Athena and Asclepius.  There was also a temple to honor the Empower of Rome. 

 The members of the church wanted to go to these temples and eat meat offered to idols and participate in the sexual immoralities in the temples.  Idolatry crept into the church.  You can not serve Jesus and Satan at the same time.  We must choose who we want to serve.   

Revelation 2:12-13 Be Faithful Even Unto Death

Revelation 2:12-13 And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:  These things writes He who holds the sharp two edge sword.  "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.

   

  Pergamum was one of the greatest cities in Asia.  Back in 282 BC Pergamum was made the capital city of the Seleucia kingdom.  Under Roman rule they became the capital of the providence of Asia.  Pergamum was famous for  its library which contained 200,000 parchment rolls.

    

Pergamum was the center of the worship of Athena and Zeus.  Pergamum was also connected to the worship of Asclepius known as the Pergamum god of healing.   Many people came to the temple of Asclepius for healing.  The emblem of Asclepius was a serpent which is still used in medicine today.  Since Pergamum, was a capital city, there was also a temple to the Emperor.  Once each year all citizens must bring incense to the temple and proclaim Caesar as Lord.

    

 No born again Christian could declare Caesar to be God.  Because of this they were considered disloyal to Rome.  For this reason every Christian in Pergamum was under threat of death.  This temple to the Emperor of Rome was probably what Jesus called the throne of Satan.    We do not know who Antipas was except he was willing to die rather than deny Jesus as his Savior and Lord. 

    

Revelation 2:12 Be faithful until the end

Revelation 2:12  and some of you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the Crown of Life. 

    

The church at Smyrna was told they would have tribulation ten days and that the devil was behind the persecution.  The ten days could refer to the ten Emperors of Rome

that severely persecuted the Christians.  This persecution began with Nero AD 64.  Nero set Rome on fire and blamed the Christians.  The persecution ended with Diocletian in

AD 310.  The worse of the persecution was under Diocletian.  The persecution ended under Constantine AD 312 when he made Christianity the religion of Rome. 

Rome had always believed in many Gods, but Constantine wanted to have one god who would protect him and his army.  As he was praying a cross appeared in heaven above the Sun.  Bearing the inscription "By this symbol you will conquer."  His army also saw this cross in the sky.  As Constantine was sleeping Christ appeared to him holding the same cross he had seen in heaven.  Christ commanded him to make a likeness of the cross he had see in heaven.  Constantine was to use the cross to safeguard him and his army  as they went to war.  Constantine made Christianity the world religion and persecution ended .

    

During John's lifetime persecution was very real.  The Christians at Smyrna suffered persecution each and every day.  John tells the church to be faithful even if it meant death and they would receive a Crown of Life.

A Time of Testing

Revelation 2:10a   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.

    

 Smyrna was known as the persecuted church.  it was a very dangerous thing  to be a Christian during the life time of John and for several years afterward.  To be put in prison sounds bad, but most of the time those put in prison were put to death.  The instigators of persecution of the Christians in Smyrna were the Jews.  The Jews would stir up trouble moving the Roman authorities to take action against the Christians.  Jesus said, "It was the devil who influenced this  behavior of the Jews against the church." 

    

 Jesus had only praise for the church of Smyrna.  He did not have one negative thing to say.  In time of great trouble we also grow close to Jesus.  He will help us through any difficult situation. 

God Knows Our Sufferings

Revelation 2:9    I know your works, tribulation and poverty (but you are rich), and I know that blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

    

Jesus tells the church at Smyrna.  I know about your good works and all the things you are going through.  We can take comfort in knowing this  "Jesus knows what we are going through and he is a very present help in times of difficulty." Jesus did not tell His disciples, "Follow me and everything will be wonderful."  Instead Jesus said, "They persecuted me and they will persecute you.  (John l5:20)   Jesus also knew about their poverty in this world, He said, "But you are rich" 

2 Corinthians 8:9 says Jesus was rich, (while he was in heaven) yet for your sakes he became poor that you through His poverty might be rich.  In Matthew 6:19-21 We have our treasure in heaven where neither moth or rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

   

  There were many Jewish people living in Smyrna.  They felt that the Christians were destroying Judaism and this led to great persecution of the Christians.  Some in the church wanted to mix Christianity with Judaism, making Christianity an extension of Judaism.  John said those who promote this doctrine belong to the synagogue of Satan.  We do not go to heaven by keeping the laws of Judaism.  We go to heaven by faith in Jesus.

Be Faithful to God, Because He is Faithful To You

Revelation 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.

    

      Smyrna faced strong persecution from the Jews who opposed their new found faith in Jesus.  The Jewish leaders did not believe Jesus was the messiah.  They believed this new Jesus movement was a threat to their own religion.   John, as a disciple of Jesus, knew Jesus was the Messiah and that He arose from the grave on the third day after His death on the cross.  John saw and talked to Jesus and watched as Jesus ascended back into heaven to be with His Father. .

   

  John encouraged the church at Smyrna to be faithful even unto death.  Many Christians today are willing to die for their faith in Jesus, just as they died in Smyrna because they would not give up their faith in Jesus.  In AD 155 Polycarp was martyred in Smyrna.  He was an apprentice of John.  Polycarp refused to blaspheme the name of Jesus and was burned alive.   When he was asked to deny Jesus replied, "Eighty six years I served Him and He had done me no wrong.  How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"

    

Jesus repeats, "I am the First and the Last which was dead, and is alive.  We should not fear those who can only destroy the body.  Just as Jesus arose from death, so will we arise from the dead and live with Jesus for ever and ever.     

Does God expect us to compromise with culture?

Revelation 2:6-7 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate. 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.

The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was a doctrine of compromise, They believed they could serve Jesus, yet join in with unsaved friends, participating in ungodly activities.

Galatians 5:l3 "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty, only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Also, read Romans 6:1-23.

They believed that the Christian was so protected by grace, mercy and forgiveness that he could go anywhere, do anything, and God would still be pleased with them and no matter what they did they would be protected by God's grace and would go to heaven. Jesus commended the church at Smyrna because they hated the deeds of the Nicoliatians.

Jesus promises the ones who overcome, "You will eat from the tree of life which is in Paradise." Jesus told the thief on the cross. "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb. The Lamb is Jesus who died on the cross for all mankind. The over comer is someone who does not compromise with the ways of the world.

Left Your First Love

Revelation 2:4-5 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.

The church at Ephesus left their love and excitement they had when they first became a Christian. They succumbed to the natural tendency of letting their new faith in Jesus become commonplace. The Ephesians church loved Jesus, but the excitement and enthusiasm was gone and they were working in the church as a routine duty. They no longer felt the Holy Spirit leading them as they did when they first accepted Jesus as their Savior.

Jesus said, "Repent or I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place.” Jesus is saying repent so you will regain the same love and excitement that you had when you first received Jesus as Savior.

Many churches today are going through the motion of "church". Doing everything they need to do to run a smooth church and add new members. But, they do not have revival services or invite the church members to give their life to Jesus and become born again Christians. Jesus says, "If you do not come back to the first love and excitement you had when you first became a born again Christian, I will remove your lamp stand. This means the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be removed from the church. Jesus is asking the church to repent and come back to their first love.

The Church of Ephesus

Revelation 2:l-3  "To the angel of the Church of Ephesus write, these things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands V.2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those how are evil, and you have tested those who say they are apostles and are  not and have found them liars:  V.3  And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 

 

Ephesus was a city of about 200,000 people.  The temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the world.  Ephesus was the wealthiest and greatest cities of Asia.

Jesus introduced Himself as the one who holds the seven stars in His right hand and who walks in the midst of the golden lamp stands.  The seven stars represent the seven angels or messengers of the seven churches.  The seven lamp stands with Jesus walking in the midst are the seven churches. 

Jesus has good things to say about Ephesus. 


 He said, "You work hard, you are patient and you do not tolerate those who are evil."  "You have tested those who say they are apostles and have found them to be false apostles."  Jesus commends them because they have persevered, labored and are patient for "My name's sake and have not become weary. 

Paul founded the church at Ephesus.  Paul's parting message to the church:  "I know this, that after my departing grievous 'wolves' will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also of your own selves shall many arise speaking 'grievous things', to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:29-30)

Revelation 1:19-20 The Seven Stars and Lamp Stands

Revelation 1:19-20 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands; The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamp stands which you saw are the seven churches.

Jesus tells John to write the things he has seen, the things that are happening right now and the things which will happen in the future. Jesus explains the seven stars. The seven stars, in the palm of Jesus' right hand, are the angels of the seven churches. The word used for angel could also mean messengers or pastors of the churches.

The seven lamp stands represent the seven churches. Jesus is in the midst of the seven churches. Christ loves the church and gave himself, as a sacrifice on the cross, that He might sanctify and cleanse the church with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself, a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Revelation 1:18 Jesus Our Salvation

Revelation 1:18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen; And I have the keys of hell and of death.

Jesus was crucified for our sins and the third day He arose from the grave. He will never die again.

Because he died for us, He has redeemed us from hell and death. As born again Christians we do not need to fear hell or death. Jesus leaves it up to each individual to accept or reject His plan of salvation. If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, now is the acceptable time.

2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you" Behold now is the accepted time behold, now is the day of salvation.

Revelation 1:16 Out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword!

Revelation l:16 Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.

The two-edged sword represents the word of God. (Ephesians 6:l7) When Jesus speaks it releases the power of God. This verse speaks of the coming judgments that are coming upon the whole world. (2 Thessalonians 2:8.) Isaiah ll:4 says,"He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth. This judgment will come upon the world that has rejected God's plan of salvation. Jesus wants to hold us in the palm of His hand and protect us from the coming judgments described in Revelation. (Isaiah 49:l6. )

Revelation l:l6 and His countenance was like the sun shinning in its strength.

John was present during the transfiguration of Jesus. His face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Matthew l7:2 )John recognized Jesus at once.

Revelation l:l7 and when I say Him I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last,

This also happened in Ezekiel l:28, 3:23, 43:3. There can be nothing but reverence in the presence of the holiness and glory of the Risen Savior. Jesus repeats again "I am the First and the Last."

Revelation 1:15 His Feet Like Unto Fine Brass

Revelation l:l5 and His feet like unto fine brass, as if refined in a furnace. This verse again warns of coming judgment if we do not repent as an individual and as a nation.

Jesus' feet once had spikes driven through them as He was crucified in order to redeem us from our fallen nature. The scars are still in His hands and feet. These same feet shall trample His enemies in the coming judgment upon the whole world. We are not under judgment now, but we are under His forgiveness. Now is the time of salvation.

The prophets of the old Testament warned of this coming judgment upon the whole world. Jesus died for us so we could escape so great a judgment. Repent, now is the time of salvation.

 

Eyes of Flame

Revelation l:l4 His eyes were as a flame of fire.

 Daniel also saw God's eyes as flames of fire. (Daniel l0:6.) This literally means,"His eyes shot fire." We are living during a time of mercy, grace and forgiveness. Many people have seen a vision of Jesus crying bitterly because the people he died for (on the cross) have rejected Him.

Jesus is still extending mercy, grace, and forgiveness today. All we have to do is to accept Jesus as our Savior and he will forgive us of our sins and remember them no more against us. The Book of Revelation tells of a time when judgment will fall upon the earth. When judgment comes to the earth Jesus eyes will no longer be eyes of mercy, but eyes as flames of fire as he judges the earth.

The Ancient of Days

Revelation 1:14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow.

John takes the description of God in the Old Testament and applies them to Jesus. Daniel 7:9 says, "His head and his hair were white, as white as wool, like snow; This was a description of the Ancient of Days, who is God Himself. His white hair speaks of the righteousness of God who has existed in the past and will exist forever in the future.   In doing so John was identifying Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah.

Many of the symbols used in Revelation are used in the Old Testament. If John had said, "I saw Jesus, the resurrected Lord standing there, the book of Revelation would have been destroyed by the Romans.

 

The members of the seven churches understood the symbols and were able to understand the message they received from John. The Romans did not understand the symbols and thought it was the writings of a crazy old man. And so the book Revelation was preserved and is relevant to us today. End-time prophecies are being fulfilled at a very fast pace during our lifetime.

The Son of Man

Revelation l:12-13 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me, and having turned I say seven golden lamp-stands, and in the midst of the seven lamp-stands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden girdle.

John turned to see who was speaking to him,. When he turned he saw seven golden lamp-stands. The lamp-stands represent the seven churches. In the midst of the seven lamp-stands, John saw One like the Son of Man.

The Son of Man is a name given to Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus is right there in the churches. Matt. 18:20 says where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there with them. John is saying the vision came from Jesus Christ himself. Jesus was wearing a robe that reached down to His feet. This describes the high priest. Jesus is our high priest opening the way for us to come into the presence of God.

A king and a prophet, who is a messenger of God, also wore this long garment. Here we see the three fold office of Jesus as Priest, King and Prophet.

Write to the Seven Churches

Revelation 1:10-11 On the Lord's day the Spirit took control of me, and I heard a loud voice, that sounded like a trumpet, speaking behind me. It said: "Write down what you see, and send the book to these seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

John was praying on the Lord's day on the Isle of Patmos. The voice sounded loud like a trumpet commanding him to write the vision he is about to receive from Jesus in a book. Jesus told John to send the book to the seven churches in Asia.

Jesus repeats: "I am alpha and omega," the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus was saying: "The kingdom of God has no beginning and it has no end."

You may feel like God has no place in your life, in society in the world today. But, God has no beginning and no end. God reveals himself to those that are looking for him, and to them He gives the secrets of the Kingdom. He writes it upon their hearts and it manifest in their lives.

Jesus Christ The Faithful Witness

Verse 4 From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of His throne,

The greeting is addressed to the seven churches which are in Asia. The seven churches were near the Mediterranean Sea. John's entire message was directed to these seven churches.

Ancient people regarded the number seven to represent the perfect number because it stands for completeness. The seven churches could also represent the characteristics of the church of Jesus Christ. Some believe the seven churches also represent the church age from the beginning of the church to the present age.

In verse 5 John makes the statement that the Revelation is also from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born Son who was raised from death, who is also the ruler of the kings of the earth. He loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins.

The Coming Glory

Revelation l:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

This is not a reference to the rapture of the church where we meet Jesus in the air. This is talking about the second coming of Jesus to the earth, with all the saints with Him. At this time He will set up His earth kingdom to reign on the earth for one thousand years. This is called the millennium reign of Christ.

Revelation l:8 "I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

Alpha is the first letter and omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. The phrase alpha and omega indicates absolute completeness from which nothing is lacking. Jesus is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The messiah of God that will come again in all of His glory. We must prepare for his return. We are prepared for his return when we put our faith in Christ Jesus for our Salvation.

God is our creator. He has existed throughout all eternity and He loves His creation. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.