According To The Scriptures:
According To The Scriptures:
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Paul would have a hard time today with all the angels, crosses, pictures of Jesus, flags, beads, etc., which are supposed to represent Jesus. Today's churches need to have a housecleaning!
"God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).
Revelation Chapter 2 can be outlined this way:
COMMENDATION (Rev. 2:1-3): 1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works [We don't have to have the applause of men. If God has said to do or to preach something, do it -- God knows!], and thy labour [Thank God for those who are willing to labour in the Lord's work!], 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: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted [God's will is certain to be done (Rom. 8:28)]. CONDEMNATION (REBUKE) (Rev. 2:4):
COMMENDATION (Rev. 2:1-3) CONDEMNATION (REBUKE) (Rev. 2:4) COMMAND (Rev. 2:5) CONSIDERATION (Rev. 2:6) PROMISE (REWARD) (Rev. 2:7) This message is sent to the angel of the church at Ephesus. It is clear to me that every true church has a protecting angel. "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches" (Rev. 1:20). Man is never called an angel in the Bible. Men are never referred to as "stars" that I can find, so this angel is not a pastor. Notice that they were not to get their instructions from any man or institution (such as Rome or Salt Lake City) but from the Bible. "What thou seest, write in a book" (Rev. 1:11).
This church was a militant church. "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you" (I Thess. 5:12). In the city where I live many churches have been put out of business because of false preachers -- men who claimed to be true but were not.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
QUESTION: Are we still in love with Jesus and His blood-bought church (Eph. 5:25) as we were when we were first saved?
COMMAND (Rev. 2:5):
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
CONSIDERATION (Rev. 2:6):
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
The churches of our day need to take heed to this warning. Nicolaitans: "Nikao" (to conquer) "laos" (laity) -- which means that the church at Ephesus had some men who would boss the church, i.e., "conquer the laity". God hates church bosses.
"Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (I Pet. 5:3).
PROMISE (REWARD) (Rev. 2:7):
The church of Smyrna represents the second church age. According to scholars, the word "Smyrna" means "myrhh" which comes from crushing a small kernel to get the fragrance that was sometimes used in preparing a dead body for burial. The church at Smyrna was a very persecuted church and represents a persecuted church period. Jesus makes it very plain that His presence is with this church. I do not find one fault that is said against this church. Satan has tried to destroy the Lord's churches since Jesus instituted His church in Galilee. "That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee..." (Acts 10:37). It was Galilaeans that were empowered at Pentecost with the ability to speak to all nations. "And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? (Acts 2:7-8). Satan has "denominated" the religious world to the point that most denominations do not examine their doctrines to see if they are true. Thank God for the church at Smyrna that they would die in poverty rather than compromise and live. History records that, during the period of Smyrna, they were slaughtered by the millions rather than accept sprinkling for baptism. 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 (Rev. 2:10). There are five crowns mentioned that a child of God can receive and each one is conditional. 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 (Rev. 2:11). The second death is described by Jesus: "And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell [Gehenna], into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:43-44). Every time that Gehenna is called "hell" it speaks of the body of the unsaved. Man is called a "worm": "How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?" (Job 25:6). "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people" (Psa. 22:6). "Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel" (Isa. 41:14). The body of man is the worm that dieth not. After that body has been resurrected, it will exist in a dying condition but it can never completely die. "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:12-15). 18 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; COMMENDATION 19 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. CONDEMNATION 20 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. NOTICE: God did not call Jezebel a prophetess -- she called herself a prophetess! How important this message is! When the angels who were over the creation of the earth in its beginning failed (Isa. 14:12-17; Rev. 12:7-9), God wanted a human to replenish the earth (Gen. 1:28). God first made a man, Adam. Later he formed Eve from one of Adam's ribs. From the creation of Adam until the church in Thyatira (more than 5,000 years of man's existence), God never designated or allowed a woman to be a religious leader. Before the flood, man was the leader. In the Old Testament, a woman was never a priest. Of the 12 patriarchs, none were women. Of the 12 disciples, none were women. In the New Testament, these two statements are found: "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence" (I Tim. 2:11-12). "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law" (I Cor. 14:33-34). The two places that speak of church leaders both speak of the bishop being the husband of one wife (I Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6). Can a woman be a husband? There have been some denominations which have allowed women to become leaders, even starting the denominations. God says the church that allows women to teach have "Jezebels" in the church as teachers. OUTCOME We are dealing with our eternal souls. We must be able to read our doctrines from the Bible or they are not Scriptural. You can read these doctrines from the Scriptures: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18). Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life (John 6:47). Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him (I John 5:1). God loves you and wants you to be saved:
7 He that hath an ear [pay close attention!], let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches [not to the individual]; To him that overcometh [now the Spirit speaks to the individual] will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Remember: The book of Revelation is sent to us to instruct the churches and is signed by God Almighty.
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come [Jesus], the Almighty" (Rev. 1:8).
The overcomers in the Ephesus church, which represents the first church age, are to be rewarded with the privilege to eat of the tree of life (Rev. 2:7).
THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive [Jesus]; (Rev. 2:8).
9 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 (Rev. 2:9).
According to scholars, during the period of the church of Smyrna they suffered under ten cruel rulers.
It is important to remember that salvation is never conditional. Salvation is always a gift (Eph. 2:8-9), but rewards and crowns are always conditional. The apostle Paul taught that the crown of righteousness will be given to those who love His (Christ's) appearing (II Tim. 4:8). The backslider will not love the appearing of Jesus.
Those who are born of God overcome the world (I John 5:1-5). After telling the church at Smyrna that they should suffer and be killed, Jesus assures them that they would not suffer the second death. They were overcomers. To be born once is to die twice. To be born twice is to die once.
THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS
The church at Pergamos was a very worldly church as you can see as we study these verses. I outline the message to the church at Pergamos this way:
THE WARNING (Rev. 2:12-13)
THE CONDEMNATION (Rev. 2:14)
THE PROBLEM (Rev. 2:15)
THE SOLUTION (Rev. 2:16)
THE REWARD (Rev. 2:17)
THE WARNING
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;This refers us back to Rev. 1:16 and is describing the "one like unto the Son of man" (Rev. 1:13).
13 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.This church existed during the reign of Constantine. He was said to be a "protector of Christianity" (The American Peoples Encyclopedia, pages 6-116) which went on to say, "He did not officially become a Christian until his deathbed conversion." Churches seem to let up on some of the stricter doctrines when they are not being persecuted. God knew that the church at Pergamos had started dwelling "where Satan's seat is" (Rev. 2:13). Of course, the devil is "the god of this world" (II Cor. 4:4).
THE CONDEMNATION
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. Israel was a very separated religious people. They had the ten commandments, a very strict diet, and strict religious rules. For the Lord's church to let Balaam's doctrine come into a church was ridiculous.
THE PROBLEM
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.The best information that I can find indicates that the Nicolaitans were a ruling people. The Lord's churches were never to have a "boss" or group of "bosses" in the churches but that there be "an equality" (II Cor. 8:14). "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another" (I Cor. 12:25). "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (I Pet. 5:3). Elders are to be such good examples that the people will want to follow their example.
THE SOLUTION
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Sometimes the churches need to stop and look at the congregation and see what is being taught among the church family. It may be like Jesus found after the feeding of the five thousand. "Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled" (John 6:26). If you want to know what kind of church you are in, just cut out the entertainment, gifts, trips through the mountains, and other worldly happenings. Just preach, teach, pray, and sing good gospel songs. What's left of the congregation will be the true church.
THE REWARD
Pay close attention to the fact that the rewards are given to those who were still there when the entertainment in all seven of the church ages was gone.
17 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 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. I had the experience of seeing a church that I had pastored get a young preacher who wanted to make a name for himself. He had a "God and Country Day" (supposedly). He led the church to build a large building. He had a governor come and speak (at a tremendous cost). He hired singers and they had a record-breaking day. He ran off the crowd of 230 that the Lord had led to the church before he came, and took the church down to about 30 members -- and he left. The church now has about 20 in Sunday School.
There are still some false teachers trying to get into the Lord's churches today. Entertainment will bring in the crowds -- but only being born again will take you to heaven (John 3:7).
THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA
The church in Thyatira is the middle of the seven churches and so is in the last half of that period and will be in the last day of the churches on earth. The message to this church comes with a very stern warning:
The two underlined statements are symbols of judgment. In Rev. 1:13-14, the same two symbols are used by one like unto the Son of man. In Thyatira, the one pictured was the very son of God. This makes me believe that the warning to this church age is more serious for this church. We shall see, as we continue to study, some of those in its membership who were unfaithful to God's Word will go into great tribulation while some who are faithful overcomers shall rule over nations.
How commendable!
21 And I gave her space to repent [change; quit teaching] of her fornication [spiritual]; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery [spiritual] with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 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.This church will go all the way to the great tribulation. We will see the results of those who remain steadfast to the end. It is up to each individual to "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" (John 5:39).
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:3-5).
Thyatira was allowing women to teach in the church. The ones who were following the teaching of the women will go with them into the tribulation and, if they do not repent, will die in the tribulation. The ones who stood fast in Thyatira and would not accept the doctrine taught by Jezebel are called "the rest in Thyatira".
24 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.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. Notice the "till I come". Those who are deceived by women teachers, which God has never allowed, will go into great tribulation (Rev. 2:22). Those who are "overcomers" will rule with Christ on earth in Christ's 1,000-year reign on earth.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 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.Up until now the overcomers in the churches have never ruled over the nations. In fact, they have never ruled over anything. At the announcement of the birth of Jesus, the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26) announced to Mary that the child that she would bring into this world would be "great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus could not sit upon the throne of His father, David, when He came in birth. But, after Jesus catches up the overcomers at the "rapture", He will build again the Davidic type of kingdom.
"Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up" (Acts 15:14-16).
"In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God" (Amos 9:11-15).
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" (Rom. 11:25).
When Christ rules on His Father David's throne, the twelve disciples will reign with Him.
"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28).
The overcomers from the churches shall rule the nations (Rev. 2:27).
28 And I will give him the morning star.The "morning star" is Jesus (Rev. 22:16). The twelve disciples and the overcomers will have Jesus with them as they rule the earth for 1,000 years.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.The Bible has warned us in all seven messages to the churches that it will be much better for those who are overcomers. It is so easy to slip into this liberal church world that God just keeps on warning us about. The church at Thyatira is an example of the fact that some church members, though they (or may I say we) will not be caught up in what we so often call the "rapture" even though we are saved -- unless we are overcomers. Those in Thyatira who had allowed women teachers to seduce them to commit spiritual fornication will be killed in the great tribulation (please read again Rev. 2:20-23).
My prayer is that every one of us will examine our confession, baptism, church membership, way of life, and see if we will be found overcomers, faithful to Jesus regardless of the cost. Jesus died for us. Will we live for Him?
