Seven Churches
(Revelation 2-3)
Chapter
1 - Introduction
Seven
Churches in Revelation 2-3
I
am starting a series of teaching on the Seven Churches in Revelation 2-3. We
will also be covering Chapter 1 of Revelation, and just briefly touching on
some other things in the Book of Revelation.
The
author of Revelation is the Apostle John the Beloved. Historians believe John
wrote this book around 95-96 AD.
John
was caught up in a vision while exiled on the Isle of Patmos. He saw the Throne
Room in Heaven, the casting down of Lucifer from Heaven, and end-time
happenings.
Although
the focus is on the Body of Christ, generally speaking, it is usually on
end-time events and the rapture as it concerns the Book of Revelation.
The
theme of this Book is that it’s a revelation or unveiling of Jesus Christ. Jesus
is the focal point, not the Anti-Christ or things that will transpire in the
last days.
The
primary focus of this series will be on the letters written to the seven
churches in Revelation 2-3. John the Beloved sent a letter to each of the seven
churches.
When
John beheld Jesus in His majesty and glory in Revelation 1, Jesus is the One
who spoke the messages to each of the seven churches and John wrote down the
vision exactly as he saw and heard it.
In
each letter, John addresses each church in the same format.
1. Salutation to the
pastor or leaders of the church
2. Commendations (the
things they are doing right)
3. Liabilities (the things
where they have missed the mark and have gotten off track)
4. Promises to those who
overcome (promises are given to each of the seven churches)
5. Each letter ends with
the admonition: “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches.”
There
are three major interpretations of the messages to the seven churches. I would
also like to add a fourth possible interpretation.
1.
The
seven churches represent seven actual churches in Asia Minor (modern day
Turkey) existing at the time the book was written and the messages apply to
them.
2.
The
seven churches are representative of periods in church history during the
Church Age from the Apostolic Church to the end of the Age of Grace.
3.
The
seven churches are prophetic pictures of end-time churches and the admonitions
may be applied to given churches in our day.
4.
The
seven churches represent seven major groups of people within the Corporate Body
of Christ.
The
most meaningful interpretation of the above is that they are all correct.
In
my Shiloh Bible College handbook on the Seven Churches, they also point out the
correlation between the seven churches and the seven seals, trumpets and vials.
Also,
they show the association between the seven churches and the Kingdom parables
in Matthew 13 and the seven doctrines listed in Hebrews 6:1-2.
The
seven churches in Asia include:
1. Ephesus
2. Smyrna
3. Pergamos
4. Thyatira
5. Sardis
6. Philadelphia
7. Laodicea
Seven’s
in the Book of Revelation
1.
Seven
Churches
(Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis,
Philadelphia, Laodicea)
2.
Seven
Candlesticks
(7 Churches listed above)
3.
Seven
Golden Candlesticks (Seven 7-Branched Menorahs burning before the Throne)
4.
Seven
Spirits of God
1st Interpretation:
Isaiah 11:2
A)
Spirit
of the Lord
B)
Spirit
of Wisdom
C) Spirit of Understanding
D) Spirit of Counsel
E)
Spirit
of Might
F)
Spirit
of Knowledge
G) Spirit of the Fear (Holy
Reverence) of the Lord
This
verse is talking about Jesus the Messiah.
2nd
Interpretation:
The
seven Spirits of God are seven actual Spirit Beings that minister before the
Throne.
Other
Seven’s mentioned in Revelation:
1.
Seven
angels (Pastors or Bishops of the seven churches)
2.
Seven
Angels (Literal angels sent by God to pour out vials of wrath on His enemies)
3.
Seven
Seals (Written Proclamations from Heaven)
4.
Seven
Stars (Seven Pastors or Bishops of the seven churches)
5.
Seven
lamps of fire burning before the Throne (Seven Spirits of God – Seven actual
Spirit Beings). Also known as the Seven-Fold Spirit of God – Isaiah 11:2).
6.
Seven
horns (Jesus the Messiah – Horns represent strength and might)
7.
Seven
eyes (Jesus the Messiah – Eyes represent that He is Sovereign and sees
everything and knows everything. God is omnipotent – All Powerful; Omnicient –
All Knowing; and Omnipresent – Everywhere at the same time.)
8.
Seven
trumpets (Seven Pastors or Bishops of the Seven Churches; Trumpets are used to
make the clarion call, as well as proclaim the victory
9.
Seven
thunders (#9-16 is in reference to end times events and the anti-Christ and the
beast and worldwide catastrophes after the rapture has taken place; a time of
turmoil and wars).
10.
Seven
thousand
11.
Seven
heads
12.
Seven
crowns
13.
Seven
last plagues
14.
Seven
golden vials of the wrath of God
15.
Seven
mountains (high places, major obstacles); With faith, you can speak to your
mountain and it shall be removed. Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit
says the Lord of Hosts.
16.
Seven
kings
Revelation
1:11
Saying,
I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; and, What thou seest, write in a
book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia.
Unto
Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira,
and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Jesus
is still saying to the Church today, “I know thy works.”
He
is still examining motives, longing for fellowship with His people, and
extending promises to those who choose to be overcomers in this life for His
sake and that of the Gospel.
Revelation
is the only book in the Bible which promises a blessing to those who read it.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and
keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand”
(Revelation 1:3).
It
is also the only book in the Bible which pronounces a curse on anyone who adds
to it or takes away from it. Revelation 22:18-19 says:
18
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this
book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the
plagues that are written in this book:
19
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God
shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and
from the things which are written in this book.”
Seven
times in the Book of Revelation the Lord says, “He that hath an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.” The Lord has a message for us in
each of the seven churches. May we hear what the Spirit is saying to us today.
Chapter
2
Seven
Churches – Significant Triplets, Chapter 1
Throughout
Chapters 1-3 of Revelation, we see significant number patterns that are used
frequently.
(Actually,
throughout the entire book of Revelation we see these same numbers and
patterns. However, in this study we are going to deal primarily with Chapters
1-3.)
Beginning
with Chapter 1, we see patterns of triplets (3’s). Jesus, in His prose and
speech, communicated in a poetic language style where there are patterns of
three's in most of the verses in the first three chapters.
Also,
we see patterns of sevens (7’s) mentioned. We also see patterns of doubles
(2’s) which could be used for emphasis, or could be synonyms or antonyms. There
are also significant patterns of fours (4’s) and fives (5’s).
Triplets
(3’s) (Taken
from the New King James Version)
Chapter
1
Verse
1
1. The
Revelation of Jesus Christ
2. Which
God gave him (John) to show His servants
3.
Things which must shortly take place
Verse
2
1. Who
bore witness to the Word of God
2. And
to the testimony of Jesus Christ
3. To
all things that he saw
Verse
3
1. Blessed
is he who reads
2. And
those who hear the words of this prophecy
3. And
keep those things which are written in it
Verse
4
1. Him
who is, and who was, and who is to come
2. And
from the Seven Spirits who are before His Throne
3. From
Jesus Christ
Verse
5a
1. The
faithful witness
2. The
firstborn from the dead
3. And
the ruler over the kings of the earth
Verse
5b and 6
1. To
Him who loved us
2. And
washed us from our sins in His own Blood
3. And
has made us kings and priests to His God and Father
Verse
7
1. Behold,
He is coming with the clouds
2. And
every eye will see Him
3. Even
they who pierced Him
Verse
8
1. I
am the Alpha and the Omega
2. The
Beginning and the End
3. Who
is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty
Verse
9
1. Tribulation
2. Kingdom
3. Patience
Verse
11
1. I
am the Alpha and the Omega
2. The
First and the Last
3. What
you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia
Verse
13
1. One
like the Son of Man
2. Clothed
with a garment down to the feet
3. Girded
about the chest with a golden band
Verse
14
1. His
head and hair were white like wool
2. As
white as snow
3. And
His eyes like a flame of fire
Verse
16
1. He
had in His right hand seven stars
2. Out
of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword
3. His
countenance was like the sun shining in all its strength
Verse
17
1. And
when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead
2. But
He laid His right hand on me saying to me
3. Do
not be afraid; I am the First and the Last
Verse
18
1. I
am He who lives
2. And
was dead
3. I
am alive forevermore
Verse
19
1. Write
the things which you have seen
2. And
the things which are
3. And
the things which will take place after this
Chapter
3
Seven
Churches – Significant Triplets, Chapter 2
Throughout
Chapters 1-3 of Revelation, we see significant number patterns that are used
frequently.
We
see patterns of triplets (3’s). Jesus, in His prose and speech, communicated in
a poetic language style where there are patterns of three's in most of the
verses in the first three chapters.
Also,
we see patterns of sevens (7’s) mentioned. We also see patterns of doubles
(2’s), fours (4’s) and fives (5’s).
This
is a continuation of Chapter 2.
Verse
2a
1. I
know your works
2. Your
labor
3. Your
patience
Verse
2b
1. You
cannot bear those who are evil
2. You
have tested those who say they are apostles and are not
3. And
have found them liars
Verse
3
1. Persevered
2. Have
patience
3. Labored
Verse
5
1. Remember
therefore from where you have fallen
2. Repent
and do the first works
3. Or
else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place –
unless you repent
Verse
6
1. But
this you have
2. That
you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans
3. Which
I also hate
Verse
8
1. First
and the Last
2. Who
was dead
3. And
came to life
Verse
9
1. Works
2. Tribulation
3. Poverty
Verse
13
1. I
know your works
2. And
where you dwell
3. Where
Satan’s throne is
Verse
14
1. Who
taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel
2. To
eat things sacrificed to idols
3. To
commit sexual immorality
Verse
18
1. Son
of God
2. Eyes
like a flame of fire
3. Feet
like fine brass
Verse
22-23
1. I
will cast her into a sickbed
2. Into
great tribulation
3. I
will kill her children with death
Verse
24
1. Now
to you I say and to the rest in Thyatira
2. As
many as do not have this doctrine
3. Who
have not known the depths of Satan
Verse
26
1. And
he who overcomes
2. Keeps
My works until the end
3. I
will give power over the nations
Verse
27-28
1. He
shall rule them with a rod of iron
2. They
shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels
3. I
will give him the morning star
Seven
Churches
Chapter
4
Seven
Churches – Significant Triplets, Chapter 3
Throughout
Chapters 1-3 of Revelation, we see significant number patterns that are used
frequently. These include 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's and 7's.
We
see patterns of triplets (3’s) in Revelation 1-3. The way in which the letter
was written and the poetic style in which Jesus dictated the message to John in
the vision, we see repeated patterns of three's being used.
This
is a continuation of Parts 2-3.
Chapter
3
Verse
1
1. I
know your works
2. You
have a name that you are alive
3. But
you are dead
Verse
2
1. Be
watchful
2. Strengthen
the things which remain
3. I
have not found your works perfect before God
Verse
5
1. He
who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments
2. I
will not blot out his name from the Book of Life
3. I
will confess his name before My Father and before His angels
Verse
7
1. He
who has the Key of David
2. He
who opens and no one shuts
3. And
shuts and no one opens
Verse
8a
1. I
know your works
2. I
have set before you an open door
3. No
one can shut it
Verse
8b
1. You
have a little strength
2. Have
kept My Word
3. Have
not denied My Name
Verse
9
1. I
will make those of the synagogue of Satan
2. Come
and worship before your feet
3. And
to know that I have loved you
Verse
10
1. Because
you have kept My command to persevere
2. I
also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world
3. To
test those who dwell on the earth
Verse
11
1. I
am coming quickly
2. Hold
fast what you have
3. That
no one may take your crown
Verse
12
1. I
will make him a pillar in the Temple of My God
2. I
will write on him the Name of My God and the Name of the City of My God
3. I
will write on him My new Name
Verse
14
1. These
things says the Amen
2. The
Faithful and True Witness
3. The
Beginning of the Creation of God
Verse
15
1. I
know your works
2. You
are neither cold nor hot
3. I
wish you were cold or hot
Verse
16
1. You
are lukewarm
2. Neither
cold nor hot
3. I
will vomit you out of My mouth
Verse
18
1. Buy
from Me gold refined in the fire
2. And
white garments
3. Anoint
your eyes with eye salve
Verse
19
1. As
many as I love
2. I
rebuke and chasten
3. Be
zealous and repent
Verse
20
1. Behold,
I stand at the door and knock
2. If
anyone hears My Voice and opens the door
3. I
will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me
Seven
Churches
Chapter
5
Seven
Churches – Significant Doubles (2’s)
Throughout
Chapters 1-3 of Revelation, we see significant numerical patterns that are used
frequently. These include 3’s, 2’s, 4’s, 5’s and 7’s.
In
Parts 2-4, we saw patterns of triplets (3’s). It’s very interesting that Jesus
conveyed His message in a poetical style of language where you see repeated
patterns of three's all throughout the first three chapters.
Also,
Revelation 1-3 contains patterns of doubles (2’s). Some doubles are for
emphasis or explanation (such as the Seven Stars represent the Seven Angels –
the angels not being celestial beings, but rather bishops or pastors of the
churches).
Other
doubles could be synonyms and antonyms, or similarities and contrasts.
Some
doubles are symbolic representations. For instance, the phrase 1) “proceeding
out of Jesus' mouth was a 2) sharp two-edged sword.” The words “mouth and sharp
two-edged sword” go together. This phrase is talking about speaking the Word of
God (the two-edged sword is the Word).
Another
example of a pair of symbolic representations are: 1) Seven Lampstands
(Menorah's with 7 pipes) and 2) Seven Churches. Jesus goes on to explain that
the 7 Lampstands represent the 7 actual churches in Ephesus, Philadelphia,
Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Smyrna and Lacodicea.
Doubles
(2’s) (Taken
from the New King James Version)
Chapter
1
Verse
1a
1. Sent
2. Signified
Verse
1b
1. His
Angel
2. His
servant John
Verse
3
1. Blessed
is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those
things which are written in it
2. For
the time is near
Verse
4a
1. Seven
churches
2. Asia
Verse
4b
1. Grace
2. Peace
Verse
4c
1. Seven
Spirits (Seven Spirit Beings according to Kat Kerr who has been to Heaven many
times, xref Isaiah 11:1-4)
2. Before
His Throne
Verse
5
1. Loved
us
2. Washed
us
Verse
6a
1. Kings
2. Priests
Verse
6b
1. God
2. Father
Verse
6c
1. Glory
2. Dominion
Verse
6d
1. Forever
2. And
Ever
Verse
7
1. He
is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him
2. All
the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him
Verse
8a
1. Alpha
2. Omega
Verse
8b
1. Beginning
2. End
Verse
8c
1. Who
was, and who is, and who is to come
2. The
Almighty
Verse
9a
1. Brother
2. Companion
Verse
9b
1. Word
of God
2. Testimony
of Jesus Christ
Verse
10
1. I
was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day
2. I
heard behind me a loud Voice as a trumpet
Verse
11a
1. Alpha
2. Omega
Verse
11b
1. Write
in a book
2. Send
it
Verse
11c
1. Seven
Churches
2. Asia
Verse
12
1. I
turned to see the Voice that spoke with me
2. I
saw seven golden Lampstands (7-Branched Menorahs)
Verse
13
1. In
the midst of the seven golden Lampstands
2. One
like the Son of Man
Verse
14a
1. Head
2. Hair
Verse
14b
1. White
2. Wool
Verse
14c
1. White
2. Snow
Verse
14d
1. Eyes
2. Flame
of fire
Verse
15a
1. Feet
2. Fine
brass refined in a furnace
Verse
15b
1. Voice
2. Sound
of many waters
Verse
16a
1. Right
Hand
2. Seven
Stars
Verse
16b
1. Mouth
2. Sharp
two-edged sword (Word of God, xref Eph 6:17 and Heb 4:12)
Verse
16c
1. Countenance
2. Sun
shining in all its strength (visible bright glory emanating out of Him)
Verse
17a
1. I
saw Him
2. I
fell at His feet as dead
Verse
17b
1. He
laid His right hand on me
2. Saying
“Do not be afraid”
Verse
17c
1. First
2. Last
Verse
18a
1. Dead
2. Alive
forevermore
Verse
18b
1. Keys
of Hades
2. And
of Death
Verse
19
1. Write
2. Things
you have seen
Verse
20a
1. Seven
Stars
2. Right
Hand
Verse
20a
1. Seven
Stars
2. Seven
Angels (pastors, leaders, bishops)
Verse
20b
1. Seven
Lampstands
2. Seven
Churches
Seven
Churches
Chapter
6
Seven
Churches – Significant Doubles (2’s)
We
are talking about the significant numerical patterns that are used frequently
throughout Revelation 1-3 (and all throughout the entire Book of Revelation).
These include 3’s, 2’s, 4’s, 5’s and 7’s.
In
Parts 2-4, we saw patterns of triplets (3’s).
Revelation
1-3 also contains patterns of doubles (2’s). Some doubles are for emphasis or
explanation (such as the Seven Lampstands representing the seven churches).
Another example is 1) Antipas and 2) Faithful Martyr. Faithful martyr explains
who Antipas was.
An
example of doubles for emphasis purposes are: 1) Hold fast to My Name and 2)
Did not deny My faith. They are both saying the same thing, but Point #2
emphasizes Point #1.
Other
doubles could be synonyms and antonyms, or similarities and contrasts.
Some
doubles are symbolic representations. For example, 1) Seven Stars and 2) Right
Hand.
Another
example is: 1) “Jesus' feet were like 2) fine brass in a furnace.” The feet
having the appearance of fine brass is explained in Ezekiel 1. The brass is
talking about the color of amber mentioned in Ezekiel 1. Amber and flames of
fire symbolizes the Glory of the Lord. The Glory is in reference to the
Shekinah (which is a visible manifestation or appearance of God's Glory, such
as smoke, fire, bright light, a rainbow, etc.)
This
is a continuation of Part 5.
Chapter
2
Verse
1a
1. Angel
2. Church
of Ephesus
Verse
1b
1. Seven
Stars
2. Right
Hand
Verse
1c
1. Walks
2. Midst
of seven golden Lampstands
Verse
3
1. Labored
for My Name’s sake
2. Have
not become weary
Verse
4
1. I
have this against you
2. You
have left your first love
Verse
5a
1. Remember
2. Where
you have fallen
Verse
5b
1. Repent
2. Do
the first works
Verse
5c
1. I
will come to you quickly
2. Remove
your Lampstand from its place
Verse
6
1. Hate
the deeds of the Nicolaitans
2. Which
I also hate
Verse
7a
1. He
who has an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Verse
7b
1. Overcomes
2. Partake
of Fruit
Verse
7c
1. Tree
of Life
2. Paradise
of God
Verse
8a
1. Angel
2. Church
of Smyrna
Verse
8b
1. First
2. Last
Verse
8c
1. Dead
2. Came
to Life
Verse
9a
1. Poverty
2. Rich
Verse
9b
1. Blasphemy
2. Synagogue
of Satan
Verse
10a
1. Fear
2. Suffer
Verse
10b
1. Prison
2. Tested
Verse
10c
1. Tribulation
2. Ten
Days
Verse
10d
1. Be
faithful until death
2. I
will give you the Crown of Life
Verse
11a
1. He
who has an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Verse
11b
1. He
who overcomes
2. Shall
not be hurt of the second death
Verse
12a
1. Angel
2. Church
of Pergamos
Verse
12b
1. Says
(speaks)
2. Sharp
Two-Edged Sword (Word of God)
Verse
13a
1. Hold
fast to My Name
2. Did
not deny My faith
Verse
13b
1. Antipas
2. Faithful
Martyr
Verse
14
1. I
have a few things against you
2. Hold
to the doctrine of Balaam
Verse
15
1. Doctrine
of the Nicolaitans
2. Which
thing I hate
Verse
16a
1. Repent
2. Or
else I will come to you quickly
Verse
16b
1. Fight
against them
2. Sword
of My Mouth
Verse
17a
1. He
who has an ear
2. Let
Him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Verse
17b
1. To
him who overcomes
2. Give
some of the hidden manna to eat
Verse
17c
1. Give
him a white stone
2. On
the stone a new name written
Verse
18a
1. Angel
2. Church
of Thyatira
Verse
18b
1. Eyes
2. Flame
of fire
Verse
18c
1. Feet
2. Fine
brass
Verse
19
1. Works
2. The
last are more than the first
Verse
20a
1. Woman
2. Jezebel
Verse
20b
1. Teach
2. Seduce
Verse
20c
1. Commit
sexual immorality
2. Eat
things sacrificed to idols
Verse
21
1. Time
to repent
2. Sexual
immorality
Verse
22
1. Those
who commit adultery with her
2. Great
tribulation
Verse
23a
1. Searches
the minds
2. And
hearts
Verse
23b
1. Give
to each one of you
2. According
to your works
Verse
24a
1. As
many as do not have this doctrine
2. Who
have not known the depths of Satan
Verse
24b-25
1. I
will put on you no other burden
2. Hold
fast what you have until I come
Verse
26a
1. He
who overcomes
2. Keeps
my works until the end
Verse
26b
1. To
him I will give
2. Power
over the nations
Verse
27a
1. Rule
2. Rod
of iron
Verse
27b
1. Dashed
to pieces
2. Potter’s
vessels
Verse
29
1. He
who has an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Seven
Churches
Chapter
7
Seven
Churches – Significant Doubles (2’s), Chapter 3
There
are significant numerical patterns that are used frequently throughout
Revelation 1-3. These include 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s and 7’s.
In
Parts 2-4, we saw patterns of triplets (3’s).
Revelation
1-3 also contains patterns of doubles (2’s). Some doubles are for emphasis or
explanation. Some doubles are symbolic comparisons (such as Jesus' eyes are
like a flame of fire).
Other
doubles could be synonyms and antonyms, or similarities and contrasts.
This
is a continuation of Parts 5-6.
Chapter
3
Verse
1a
1. Angel
2. Church
of Sardis
Verse
1b
1. Seven
Spirits of God
2. Seven
Stars
Verse
1c
1. You
have a name that you are alive
2. You
are dead
Verse
2
1. Be
watchful
2. Strengthen
the things that remain
Verse
3a
1. Received
2. Heard
Verse
3b
1. Hold
fast
2. Repent
Verse
3c
1. I
will come upon you like a thief
2. You
will not know the hour I will come upon you
Verse
4
1. A
few names in Sardis who have not defiled their garments
2. They
shall walk with Me in white
Verse
5a
1. He
who overcomes
2. Shall
be clothed in white garments
Verse
5b
1. I
will not blot out his name from the Book of Life
2. I
will confess his name
Verse
5c
1. Father
2. His
angels
Verse
6
1. He
who has an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Verse
7a
1. Angel
2. Church
in Philadelphia
Verse
7b
1. Holy
2. True
Verse
7c
1. Key
2. David
Verse
7d
1. He
who opens and no one shuts
2. He
who shuts and no one opens
Verse
8
1. I
have set before you an open door
2. No
one can shut it
Verse
9a
1. I
will make those of the synagogue of Satan
2. Who
say they are Jews and are not
Verse
9b
1. Come
and worship before your feet
2. To
know that I have loved you
Verse
10
1. You
have kept My command to persevere
2. I
will keep you from the hour of trial
Verse
11
1. I
am coming quickly
2. Hold
fast to what you have so no one can take your crown
Verse
12a
1. He
who overcomes
2. I
will make a pillar in the Temple of My God
Verse
12b
1. Name
of My God
2. Name
of the City of My God (New Jerusalem)
Verse
12c
1. New
Jerusalem
2. Comes
down out of Heaven from My God
Verse
13
1. He
who has an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Verse
14a
1. Angel
2. Church
of the Laodiceans
Verse
14b
1. Faithful
2. True
Verse
14c
1. Beginning
2. Creation
of God
Verse
15
1. I
know your works
2. You
are neither cold nor hot
Verse
16
1. You
are lukewarm
2. I
will vomit you out of My Mouth
Verse
17
1. I
am rich
2. Have
need of nothing
Verse
18a
1. Gold
refined in the fire
2. That
you may be rich
Verse
18b
1. White
garments
2. That
you may be clothed
Verse
18c
1. Anoint
your eyes with salve
2. That
you may see
Verse
19a
1. Rebuke
2. Chasten
Verse
19b
1. Zealous
2. Repent
Verse
20a
1. Stand
at the door
2. Knock
Verse
20b
1. Hear
My Voice
2. Opens
the door
Verse
20c
1. I
will come in to him
2. Dine
with him and he with Me
Verse
21a
1. He
who overcomes
2. I
will grant with Me to sit on My Throne
Verse
21b
1. I
also overcame
2. Sat
down with My Father on His Throne
Verse
22
1. He
who has an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Seven
Churches
Chapter
8
Seven
Churches – Significant 4’s, Chapter 1
We
are discussing the significant numerical patterns that are used frequently
throughout Revelation 1-3 (and all throughout the entire Book of Revelation).
These include 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s and 7’s.
In
addition, I also found a few patterns of 8’s, 9’s and 12’s which I will mention
in a future chapter.
In
Parts 2-4, we saw patterns of triplets (3’s). Triplets could be in the form of
three phrases in one sentence that are unified or in agreement, or three
concepts that are alike in one sentence.
In
Parts 5-7, we saw patterns of doubles (2’s). Doubles are for emphasis,
explanation, synonyms and antonyms, similarities and contrasts, or symbolic
representations.
In
this chapter, and the next two, I will show you significant patterns of fours
that are used. The patterns of fours are four phrases in each verse or verses
that form a paragraph, regardless of whether or not the concepts are alike or
united.
The
difference between the four's and the three's is that the triplets usually are
three related words or concepts within the same sentence or verse. The four's
are four phrases within one or two verses which form a paragraph.
Fours
(4’s) (Taken
from the King James Version)
Chapter
1
Verse
1
1. The
Revelation of Jesus Christ
2. Which
God gave unto him (John)
3. Things
which must shortly take place
4. He
sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John
Verse
3
1. Blessed
is he that readeth
2. And
they that hear the words of this prophecy
3. And
keep those things which are written therein
4. For
the time is at hand
Verse
4
1. John
to the seven churches which are in Asia
2. Grace
be unto you, and peace
3. From
Him which is, and which was, and which is to come
4. And
from the seven Spirits which are before His Throne
Verse
5a
1. From
Jesus Christ
2. Who
is the faithful witness
3. The
first begotten of the dead
4. The
Prince of the kings of the earth.
Verse
5b-6
1. Unto
Him that loved us
2. Washed
us from our sins in His own Blood
3. Hath
made us kings and priests unto God and His Father
4. To
Him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Verse
7
1. Behold,
He cometh with clouds
2. Every
eye shall see Him
3. They
also which pierced Him
4. All
kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.
Verse
8
1. I
am Alpha and Omega
2. The
Beginning and the Ending
3. Which
is, and which was, and which is to come
4. The
Almighty
Verse
9
1. I
John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation
2. In
the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ
3. In
the isle that is called Patmos
4. For
the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ
Verse
10-11a
1. I
was in the Spirit on the Lord's day
2. Heard
behind me a great voice as of a trumpet
3. I
am Alpha and Omega
4. First
and the Last
Verse
11b
1. That
thou seest
2. Write
in a book
3. Send
it unto the seven churches
4. Which
are in Asia
Verse
13
1. In
the midst of the seven candlesticks
2. One
like unto the Son of Man
3. Clothed
with a garment down to the foot
4. Girt
about the paps with a golden girdle
Verse
14-15
1. His
head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow
2. His
eyes were as a flame of fire
3. His
feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace
4. His
Voice as the sound of many waters
Verse
16-17a
1. He
had in His right hand seven stars
2. Out
of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword
3. His
countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength
4. When
I saw him, I fell at His feet as dead
Verse
17b-18
1. Fear
not
2. I
am the First and the Last
3. I
am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore
4. And
have the keys of hell and of death
Verse
20
1. The
mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand
2. The
seven golden candlesticks (Menorahs with 7 pipes)
3. The
seven stars are the angels of the seven churches
4. The
seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches
Seven
Churches
Chapter
9
Seven
Churches – Significant 4’s, Chapter 2
We
are discussing the significant numerical patterns that are used frequently
throughout Revelation 1-3 (and all throughout the entire Book of Revelation).
These include 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s and 7’s.
In
addition, I also found a few patterns of 8’s, 9’s and 12’s which I will mention
in a future post.
In
Parts 2-4, we saw patterns of triplets (3’s). In Parts 5-7, we saw patterns of
doubles (2’s).
In
Part 8, I showed you significant patterns of fours that are used in Chapter 1
of Revelation. This post will focus on Chapter 2.
Chapter
2
Verse
2
1. Works
2. Labor
3. Patience
4. Thou
canst not bear them that are evil
Verse
3
1. Persevered
2. Have
patience
3. Labored
4. Not
become weary
Verse
5
1. Remember
therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent
2. Do
the first works
3. Or
else I will come unto thee quickly
4. And
will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent
Verse
7
1. He
that hath an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches
3. To
him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life
4. Which
is in the midst of the Paradise of God
Verse
8
1. And
to the angel of the church in Smyrna write
2. These
things says the First and the Last
3. Who
was dead
4. And
came to life
Verse
9a
1. Works
2. Tribulation
3. Poverty
4. Rich
Verse
9b-10a
1. I
know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not
2. But
are the synagogue of Satan
3. Fear
none of those things which thou shalt suffer
4. The
devil shall cast some of you into prison
Verse
10b
1. Ye
shall be tried
2. Ye
shall have tribulation ten days
3. Be
thou faithful unto death
4. I
will give thee a Crown of Life.
Verse
11
1. He
that hath an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches
3. He
that overcometh
4. Shall
not be hurt of the second death
Verse
12-13a
1. To
the angel of the church in Pergamos write
2. These
things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges
3. I
know thy works
4. And
where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is
Verse
13b
1. Thou
holdest fast My Name
2. Hast
not denied My Faith
3. Even
in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr
4. Who
was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth
Verse
14
1. But
I have a few things against thee
2. Thou
hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam
3. Who
taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel
4. To
eat things sacrificed unto idols and to commit fornication
Verse
15
1. So
hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I
hate
2. Repent
3. Or
else I will come unto thee quickly
4. Will
fight against them with the sword of My mouth
Verse
17a
1. He
that hath an ear
2. Let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches
3. To
him that overcometh
4. Will
I give to eat of the hidden manna
Verse
17b
1. Will
give him a white stone
2. And
in the stone a new name written
3. Which
no man knoweth
4. Saving
he that receiveth it
Verse
18
1. Unto
the angel of the church in Thyatira write
2. These
things saith the Son of God
3. Who
hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire
4. His
feet are like fine brass
Verse
26-27a
1. He
who overcomes
2. And
keeps My works until the end
3. To
him I will give power over the nations
4. He
shall rule them with a rod of iron
Verse
27b-29
1. They
shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels, as I also have received
from My Father
2. I
will give him the morning star
3. He
who has an ear
4. Let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Seven
Churches
Chapter
10
Seven
Churches – Significant 4’s, Chapter 3
We
are discussing the significant numerical patterns that are used frequently
throughout Revelation 1-3 (and all throughout the entire Book of Revelation).
These include 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s and 7’s.
In
addition, I also found a few patterns of 8’s, 9’s and 12’s which I will mention
in a future post.
In
Parts 2-4, we saw patterns of triplets (3’s). In Parts 5-7, we saw patterns of
doubles (2’s).
In
Parts 8-9, I showed you significant patterns of fours that are used in Chapters
1-2 of Revelation. This post will focus on Chapter 3.
Chapter
3
Verse
1
1. These
things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars
2. I
know your works
3. That
you have a name that you are alive
4. But
you are dead
Verse
2
1. Be
watchful
2. Strengthen
the things which remain
3. That
are ready to die
4. For
I have not found your works perfect before God
Verse
3
1. Remember
therefore how you have received and heard
2. Hold
fast and repent
3. Therefore,
if you will not watch I will come upon you as a thief
4. You
will not know what hour I will come upon you
Verse
4-5a
1. You
have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments
2. They
shall walk with Me in white
3. They
are worthy
4. He
who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments
Verse
5b-6
1. I
will not blot out his name from the Book of Life
2. I
will confess his name before My Father and before His angels
3. He
who has an ear
4. Let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Verse
7a
1. And
to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write
2. These
things says He who is holy
3. He
who is true
4. He
who has the key of David
Verse
7b
1. He
who opens
2. And
no one shuts
3. And
shuts
4. And
no one opens
Verse
8
1. I
will make those of the synagogue of Satan
2. Who
say they are Jews and are not, but lie
3. I
will make them come and worship before your feet
4. And
to know that I have loved you
Verse
14
1. And
to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write
2. These
things says the Amen
3. The
Faithful and True Witness
4. The
Beginning of the creation of God
Verse
20
1. Behold,
I stand at the door and knock
2. If
anyone hears My voice and opens the door
3. I
will come in to him and dine with him
4. And
he with Me
Verse
21
1. To
him who overcomes
2. I
will grant to sit with Me on My throne
3. As
I also overcame
4. And
sat down with My Father on His throne
Seven
Churches
Chapter
11
Seven
Churches – Number 5 and Its Meaning
The
number 5, in Scripture, usually speaks of grace and goodness.
It
also represents the Pentateuch, or also called the Torah (five books of Moses
consisting of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).
In
Scripture, the number 5 is often associated with law (as 10 is the number of
law and testimony, and half of 10 is 5). While ten (being the law, i.e. 10
commandments) usually speaks of judgment without mercy when breaking the law,
five means that God desires to show mercy over that of judgment.
Five
is often associated with the sacrifices (such as offering 5 lambs, 5 goats, 5
rams, etc).
In
addition, five symbolizes the 5-fold (or hand) ministry mentioned in Ephesians
4:11 (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers). The Apostle is the
thumb, who is able to touch the other 4 fingers.
The
Apostle is a pastor (and a founder of multiple churches or works), prophet (or
prophetic), an evangelist (or evangelistic), and a teacher all in one. The
prophet is the index finger, who points getting his/her message across.
The
evangelist is the middle finger, the longest finger. The evangelist extends
themselves the farthest out from home to reach the lost masses. The pastor is
the ring finger, who is married to the church. The teacher is the smallest
finger, who is concerned about details and able to get into tiny crevices.
Five,
in the Bible, was often used in terms of measurements, much like in the same
way that we use the dozen as a common measurement. Multiples of fives were also
used in terms of numbering (a group, an army, monetary figures), such as 50,
100, 500, 1000, 5000, 500,000.
In
Revelation 1-3, patterns of fives can be seen.
Notice
that the majority of Scripture verses (in Revelation 1-3) with five phrases are
verses that deal with heavy issues, or disciplinary or even judgment issues.
However, the Lord is looking for repentance because He desires grace (or mercy)
over judgment.
Lists
of Fives (5’s)
Revelation
2:19
1. Works
(mentioned twice in Verse 19)
2. Love
3. Service
4. Faith
5. Patience
Revelation
3:17
1. Wretched
2. Miserable
3. Blind
4. Poor
5. Naked
Five
“Seven’s”
1. Seven
churches
2. Seven
golden candlesticks (lampstands)
3. Seven
stars
4. Seven
angels
5. Seven
Spirits of God
Five
“Firsts”
1. First
begotten of the dead (Rev 1:5)
2. First
and the Last (Rev 1:11,17; 2:8)
3. First
Love (Rev 2:4)
4. First
Works (Rev 2:5)
5. More
and improved works than the first (Rev 2:19)
Five
Times the Golden Candlesticks Are Mentioned
1. Rev
1:12 – I saw seven golden candlesticks
2. Rev
1:13 – In the midst of the seven candlesticks
3. Rev
1:20 – And the seven golden candlesticks
4. Rev
1:20 – The seven candlesticks which thou sawest
5. Rev
2:1 – In the midst of the seven golden candlesticks
Five
Times the Seven Stars Are Mentioned
1. Rev
1:16 – He had in His right hand the seven stars
2. Rev
1:20 – The mystery of the seven stars
3. Rev
1:20 – The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches
4. Rev
2:1 – He that holds the seven stars in His right hand
5. Rev
3:1 – These things says He who has the Seven Spirits of God and the seven stars
Verses
With Five Phrases
Revelation
2:12-13a
1. To
the angel of the church in Pergamos write
2. These
things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges
3. I
know thy works
4. And
where thou dwellest
5. Even
where Satan's seat is
Revelation
2:13b
1. Thou
holdest fast My Name
2. Hast
not denied My Faith
3. Even
in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr
4. Who
was slain among you
5. Where
Satan dwelleth
Revelation
2:14
1. But
I have a few things against thee
2. Thou
hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam
3. Who
taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel
4. To
eat things sacrificed unto idols
5. To
commit fornication
Revelation
2:15
1. So
hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans
2. Which
thing I hate
3. Repent
4. Or
else I will come unto thee quickly
5. Will
fight against them with the sword of My mouth
Revelation
2:17
1. He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches
2. To
him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna
3. Will
give him a white stone
4. And
in the stone a new name written
5. Which
no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it
Revelation
2:20
1. Notwithstanding
I have a few things against thee
2. Thou
sufferest that woman Jezebel
3. Which
calleth herself a prophetess
4. To
teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication
5. And
to eat things sacrificed unto idols
Revelation
2:21-22
1. And
I gave her space to repent of her fornication
2. She
repented not
3. I
will cast her into a bed of sickness
4. And
them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation
5. Except
they repent of their deeds
Revelation
2:23
1. I
will kill her children with death
2. All
the churches shall know that I am He who searches
3. Minds
and hearts
4. I
will give to each one of you according
5. To
your works
Revelation
2:24-25
1. Now
to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira
2. As
many as do not have this doctrine
3. Who
have not known the depths of Satan
4. I
will put on you no other burden
5. But
hold fast what you have till I come
Revelation
3:8
1. I
know your works
2. I
have set before you an open door and no one can shut it
3. For
you have a little strength
4. You
have kept My word
5. Have
not denied My name
Revelation
3:10-11
1. Because
you have kept My command to persevere
2. I
also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world
3. To
test those who dwell on the earth
4. I
am coming quickly
5. Hold
fast what you have, that no one may take your crown
Revelation
3:12
1. He
who overcomes
2. I
will make him a pillar in the temple of My God
3. He
shall go out no more.
4. I
will write on him the Name of My God and the Name of the city of My God, the
New Jerusalem
5. And
I will write on him My new name
Revelation
3:15-16
1. I
know your works
2. You
are neither cold nor hot
3. I
could wish you were cold or hot
4. You
are lukewarm
5. I
will vomit you out of My mouth
Revelation
3:17a
1. Because
you say
2. I
am rich
3. Have
become wealthy
4. Have
need of nothing
5. And
do not know that you
Revelation
3:17b
1. Are
wretched
2. Miserable
3. Poor
4. Blind
5. Naked
Revelation
3:18a
1. I
counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire
2. That
you may be rich
3. And
white garments
4. That
you may be clothed
5. That
the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed
Revelation
3:18b-19
1. Anoint
your eyes with eye salve
2. That
you may see
3. As
many as I love
4. I
rebuke and chasten
5. Be
zealous and repent
Seven
Churches
Chapter
12
Seven
Churches – Significant Sevens (7’s)
Key
Phrases to Each of the Seven Churches
“To
him who overcomes” … is mentioned 7 times, once to each of the seven churches
(Rev 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21). “Overcomes” is mentioned 8 times in the entire Book
of Revelation.
“I
know your works” is mentioned 7 times, once to each of the seven churches (Rev
2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15). “Works” is mentioned 12 times in the entire Book
of Revelation.
Key
Admonition to Each of the Seven Churches
“He
that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” is
mentioned 7 times, once to each of the seven churches (Rev 2:7,11,17,29;
3:6,13,22).
Key
Words Repeated Seven Times
“Church”
(i.e. To the church at Ephesus write … To the church at Smyrna write … etc).
“Repent”
is mentioned seven times (Rev 2:5,16,21,22; 3:3,19). The word “repent”, in the
Greek, means to change one’s thinking. When a person’s thinking is changed,
then their actions will follow.
“Right
hand” is mentioned seven times in the entire Book of
Revelation (Rev 1:16,17,20; 2:1; 5:1,7; 13:16). The right hand symbolizes
strength, honor, authority.
Seven
Churches
Revelation
1:11
1. Ephesus
2. Smyrna
3. Pergamos
4. Thyatira
5. Sardis
6. Philadelphia
7. Laodicea
Seven
Angels
In
this reference, the angels are talking about bishops or pastors.
In
the Greek, the word angel is defined as: “a messenger; to bring tidings; a
heavenly spirit being sent to earth to execute God’s purposes; guardian angels;
by implication, a pastor.”
1. To
the angel (pastor) of the church of Ephesus (Rev 2:1)
2. To
the angel (pastor) of the church of Smyrna (Rev 2:8)
3. To
the angel (pastor) of the church of Pergamos (Rev 2:12)
4. To
the angel (pastor) of the church of Thyatira (Rev 2:18)
5. To
the angel (pastor) of the church of Sardis (Rev 3:1)
6. To
the angel (pastor) of the church of Philadelphia (Rev 3:7)
7. To
the angel (pastor) of the church of Laodicea (Rev 3:14)
Sevens
Mentioned in Revelation 1-3
1. Seven
Churches
2. Seven
Golden Candlesticks (or Lampstands) – referring to the Jewish Menorah with 7
lamps.
3. Seven
Stars
4. Seven
Angels
5. Seven
Spirits of God
Format
of Letters to Each of the Seven Churches
1. Seven
Salutations
2. Seven
Promises to those who overcome
3. Seven
times ending each letter with “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
says to the churches”
NOTE:
There are only five liabilities mentioned, where the churches have missed the
mark. Philadelphia and Smyrna are the churches with no liabilities, where there
was nothing that Jesus needed to bring correction to.
There
are only six commendations mentioned, where the churches did things that were
right and pleasing in God’s eyes. Laodicea is the only church where Jesus had
nothing to commend them for.
Seven
Promises To the Seven Churches For Those Who Overcome
1. I
will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of
God (Rev 2:7).
2. Shall
not be hurt of the second death (Rev 2:11).
3. I
will 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
(Rev 2:17).
4. 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. And I will give him the morning star. (Rev 2:26b-28)
5. Shall
be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book
of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels
(Rev 3:5).
6. I
will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I
will write upon him the Name of My God, and the Name of the City of My God,
which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from My God: and I will
write upon him My new Name. (Rev 3:12)
7. To
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne (Rev 3:21)
Seven
Church Headings (according
to the New King James Version)
1. Ephesus
- Loveless Church
2. Smyrna
- Persecuted Church
3. Pergamos
- Compromising Church
4. Thyatira
- Corrupt Church
5. Sardis
- Dead Church
6. Philadelphia
- Faithful Church
7. Laodicea
- Lukewarm Church
Seven
Beatitudes in Revelation
1. Rev
1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy.
2. Rev
14:13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
3. Rev
16:15 Blessed are all who are watching for Me, who guard their clothing.
4. Rev
19:9 Blessed are those who are called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
5. Rev
20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.
6. Rev
22:7 Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
7. Rev
22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right
to the Tree of Life, and enter through the gates into the city.
Significant
7’s:
1. Seven
heads of the great red dragon (Revelation 12:3)
2. Seven
crowns on the heads on the great red dragon (Revelation 12:3)
3. Seven
heads of a Beast rising up from the sea (Revelation 13:1; 17:3)
4. Seven
heads of Scarlet Beast (Revelation 17:3)
5. Seven
days of rain coming upon the earth (Genesis 7:4)
6. Seven
ewe lambs (Genesis 21:28-30)
7. Seven
years (Genesis 29:18,20)
8. Seven
days journey (Genesis 31:23)
9. Seven
kine (Genesis 41:3)
10. Seven
ears of corn (Genesis 41:5)
11. Seven
years of famine (Genesis 41:27)
12. Seven
years of plenty (Genesis 41:47)
13. Seven
daughters (Exodus 2:16)
14. Seven
days of eating unleavened bread (Exodus 12:15,19; 13:7)
15. Seven
lamps (Exodus 25:37)
16. Seven
times sprinkle the blood before the Lord (Leviticus 4:6)
17. Seven
Sabbaths (Leviticus 23:15)
18. Seven
altars (Numbers 23:1)
19. Seven
oxen (Numbers 23:1)
20. Seven
rams (Numbers 23:1)
21. Seven
bullocks (Numbers 23:29)
22. Seven
nations (Deuteronomy 7:1)
23. Seven
weeks (Deuteronomy 16:9)
24. Seven
ways will your enemies flee from you (Deuteronomy 28:7)
25. Seven
priests (Joshua 6:4)
26. Seven
trumpets (Joshua 6:4)
27. Seven
times compass the city (Joshua 6:15)
28. Seven
tribes (Joshua 18:2)
29. Seven
locks of his head (Judges 16:19)
30. Seven
sons (Ruth 4:15)
31. Seven
children the barren has borne (1 Samuel 2:5)
32. Seven
months (1 Samuel 6:1)
33. Seven
hundred wives Solomon had (1 Kings 11:3)
34. Seven
times the child who came back to life sneezed (2 Kings 4:35)
35. Seven
years old was Joash when he began to reign (2 Kings 11:21)
36. Seven
thousand men (1 Chronicles 19:18)
37. Seven
days of joy (Ezra 6:22)
38. Seven
princes of Persia (Esther 1:14)
39. Seven
maidens (Esther 2:9)
40. Seven
sons and three daughters (Job 1:2)
41. Seven
thousand sheep (Job 1:3)
42. Seven
days and nights (Job 2:13)
43. Seven
times purified (Psalms 12:6)
44. Seven
times a day do I praise Thee (Psalms 119:164)
45. Seven
abominations (Proverbs 26:25)
46. Seven
pillars (Proverbs 9:1)
47. Seven
times does a just man fall (Proverbs 24:16)
48. Seven
women (Isaiah 4:1)
49. Seven
steps (Ezekiel 40:22,26)
50. Seven
day feast (Ezekiel 45:25)
51. Seven
pipes to the seven lamps (Zechariah 4:2)
52. Seven
eyes of the Lord (Zechariah 4:10)
53. Seven
loaves and fishes (Matthew 15:36)
54. Seven
baskets full (Matthew 15:37)
55. Seven
brethren (Matthew 22:25)
56. Seven
times in a day forgive him who trespasses (Luke 17:4)
57. Seven
men of honest report (Acts 6:3)
58. Seven
nations in the land of Canaan (Acts 13:19)
59. Seven
churches (Revelation 1:4)
60. Seven
Spirits which are before His Throne (Revelation 1:4)
61. Seven
golden candlesticks (Revelation 1:12)
62. Seven
stars (Revelation 1:16)
63. Seven
lamps of fire burning before the Throne (Revelation 4:5)
64. Seven
seals (Revelation 5:5)
65. Seven
angels (Revelation 8:2)
66. Seven
trumpets (Revelation 8:2)
67. Seven
thunders (Revelation 10:3-4)
68. Seven
heads and ten horns of the beast (Revelation 12:3)
69. Seven
last plagues (Revelation 15:1,6)
70. Seven
golden vials of the wrath of God (Revelation 15:7)
71. Seven
heads are the seven mountains (Revelation 17:9)
72. Seven
kings (Revelation 17:10)
Seven
Year Tribulation
See
Daniel, chapters 7-12.
Seven
Spirits of God
Revelation
1:4, 3:1, 4:5, 5:6. Cross Reference: Isaiah 11:2-4
Also
known as the “Seven-fold” Spirit of the Lord. The seven Spirits of God are not
only seven characteristics of the Holy Spirit (which they are), but also seven
Spirit Beings in Heaven who minister before the Throne and are sent into all
the earth to minister. Seven is the number of totality and fullness.
In
the Tabernacle of Heaven where God’s Throne is, the Holy Spirit is symbolized
by the seven lamps (some versions say torches) of fire burning before the
Throne (Rev 4:5).
In
the earthly tabernacle, the seven-fold Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) is
symbolized by the 7-branched Menorah.
The
Holy Spirit brings illumination and revelation, as well as sanctifies the heart
just as fire purges the dross.
The
seven Spirits of God are also known as the seven Horns and seven Eyes mentioned
in Revelation 5:6 that are sent to and fro throughout the whole earth to
minister.
Isaiah
11:2-4
If
Interpreting This Passage as seven Spirit Beings:
1. Spirit
of the Lord
2. Spirit
of Wisdom
3. Spirit
of Understanding
4. Spirit
of Counsel
5. Spirit
of Might
6. Spirit
of Knowledge
7. Spirit
of the Fear of the Lord
If
Interpreting This Passage as the Seven-fold Character of God:
1. Spirit
of Wisdom
2. Spirit
of Understanding
3. Spirit
of Counsel
4. Spirit
of Might
5. Spirit
of Knowledge
6. Spirit
of the Fear of the Lord
7. Righteousness
(vs 4)
Seven-fold
unity expressed in Ephesians 4:4-6
1. One
body
2. One
Spirit
3. One
hope
4. One
Lord
5. One
faith
6. One
baptism
7. One
God and Father of all
The
seven principles of the Doctrine of Christ in Hebrews 6:1-2
1. Repentance
from dead works and of faith toward God
2. Doctrine
of baptisms (Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other
tongues)
3. Doctrine
of baptisms (Water baptism)
4. Doctrine
of baptisms (Baptism into the Body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:13)
5. Laying
on of hands – 1 Timothy 4:14
6. Resurrection
of the dead
7. Eternal
Judgment
Seven
Feasts of Israel
1. Passover
2. Unleavened
Bread
3. Firstfruits
4. Pentecost
5. Trumpets
6. Day
of Atonement
7. Tabernacles
Seven
Days of Creation
1. Light,
Day, Night
2. Heavens,
Sky
3. Land,
Seas, Trees, Flowers, Plants
4. Sun,
Moon, Stars
5. Sea
Life, Birds
6. Animals,
Mankind
7. God
Rested
Seven
Deacons in the Early Church
1. Stephen
2. Philip
3. Prochorus
4. Nicanor
5. Timon
6. Parmenas
7. Nicolas
Armor
of God in Ephesians 6:10-18
1. Belt
of Truth
2. Breastplate
of Righteousness
3. Feet
Prepared with the Gospel
4. Shield
of Faith
5. Helmet
of Salvation
6. Sword
of the Spirit which is the Word of God
7. Pray
in the Spirit
Nations
Conquered in Deuteronomy 7:1
1. Canaanites
2. Hittites
3. Girgashites
4. Amorites
5. Perizzites
6. Hivites
7. Jebusites
It
is considered in the Jewish culture that bearing seven children is the highest
blessing and honor, especially if a woman was previously infertile. And bearing
more sons than daughters is considered to be the highest blessing and honor as
well. “The barren has borne seven.” 1 Samuel 2:5
In
the Jewish culture, to bear seven sons is considered to be one of the highest
honors. “And he (Boaz) shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a
nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, Ruth, which loveth thee,
which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.” Ruth 4:15
Seven
Churches
Chapter
13
Seven
Churches – Meaning of the Number 7
Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary says:
A
sacred number to the ancient Hebrew people. The word is used often in the Bible
to symbolize perfection, fullness, abundance, rest, and completion.
Smith’s
Bible Dictionary says:
The
first mention of the number seven occurs in Genesis 2:2-3. God created the
world in six days, but on the seventh day he rested from His work, setting
aside the seventh day as holy. The fourth of the Ten Commandments states,
“Remember the Sabbath day [that is, the seventh day], to keep it holy” (Exodus
20:8).
The
number seven also had a ritual importance to the Hebrews. Several of the
religious acts of the Old Testament received a sevenfold repetition, for
instance, the sprinkling of blood (Leviticus 4:6), or the dipping of Naaman the
leper in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:10,14).
Periods
of time composed of seven units are often used in the Old Testament (Genesis
2:2; Daniel 9:25). Within visions and dreams, the number seven often plays a
prominent part. Pharaoh dreamed of two herds composed of seven animals each.
These symbolized the seven years of famine and the seven years of plenty, as
did the two groups of seven heads of grain (Genesis 41:1-36).
In
the New Testament, Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2) and
fed the 4,000 with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish (Matthew
15:32-39). The number seven appears frequently in the Book of Revelation.
The
Sabbath being the seventh day suggested the adoption of seven as the
coefficient, so to say, for their appointment of all sacred periods; and we
thus find the 7th month ushered in by the Feast of Trumpets, and signalized by
the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and the Great Day of Atonement; 7
weeks as the interval between the Passover and the Pentecost; the 7th year as
the sabbatical year; and the year: succeeding 7X7 years as the Jubilee year.
Seven
days were appointed as the length of the feasts of Passover and Tabernacles; 7
days for the ceremonies of the consecration of priests, and so on; 7 animals to
be offered on any special occasion, as in Balaam's sacrifice. Numbers 23:1, and
especially at the ratification of a treaty, the notion of seven being embodied
in the very term signifying to swear, literally meaning to do seven times.
Genesis 31:28.
Seven
is used for any round number, or for completeness, as we say a dozen, or as a
speaker says he will say two or three words.
Easton's
Bible Dictionary
This
number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest.
“Jacob's seven years' service to Laban; Pharaoh's seven fat oxen and seven lean
ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the
seven priests who sounded them; the seven days' siege of Jericho; the seven
churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many
others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number” (see Leviticus
25:4; 1 Samuel 2:5; Psalms 12:6; 79:12; Proverbs 26:16; Isaiah 4:1; Matthew
18:21,22; Luke 17:4).
The
feast of Passover (Exodus 12:15,16), the feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:9), of
Tabernacles (13:15), and the Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8), were all ordered by
seven.
Seven
is the number of sacrifice (2 Chronicles 29:21; Job 42:8), of purification and
consecration (Leviticus 4:6,17; 8:11,33; 14:9,51), of forgiveness (Matthew
18:21,22; Luke 17:4), of reward (Deuteronomy 28:7; 1 Samuel 2:5), and of
punishment (Leviticus 26:21,24,28; Deuteronomy 28:25).
It
is used for any round number in such passages as Job 5:19; Proverbs 26:16,25;
Isaiah 4:1; Matthew 12:45. It is used also to mean “abundantly” (Genesis
4:15,24; Leviticus 26:24; Psalms 79:12).
Bearing
seven children is considered to be the most tremendous blessing there is (1
Samuel 2:5). The barren has borne seven.
McClintock
and Strong Encyclopedia
The
symbolism of the number seven would be traced back to the symbolism of its
component elements three and four, the first of which = Divinity, and the
second = Humanity, whence seven = Divinity+ Humanity, or, in other words, the
union between God and man, as effected by the manifestations of the Divinity in
creation and revelation.
So
again the symbolism of twelve is explained as the symbolism of 3 x 4, or a
second combination of the same two elements.
Fausset's
Bible Dictionary
Seven
represents rest and release from toil, also a divine work, in judgment or mercy
or revelation (Genesis 4:24; 41:3,7; Matthew 18:22; Exodus 7:25). Leviticus
26:18, “I will punish you seven times more for your sins,” Leviticus
26:21,24,28; Isaiah 4:1; 11:15; 2 Samuel 24:13. Daniel 4:16,25, “seven times
shall pass over thee” (Nebuchadnezzar).
Revelation
15:1, “the seven last plagues.” divine fullness and completeness is the thing
signified; as Revelation 1:4, “the seven spirits ... before His throne” are the
one Holy Spirit in His manifold fullness; Isaiah 11:2-3 corresponds. So in
offerings and divine rites: Leviticus 12:2,5; 13:4,6,21,26,31,33,50,54;
14:7-9,16,27,38,51; 15:13,19,28; 16:14,19; Numbers 12:14; 2 Kings 5:10,14.
The
seven days' grace (Genesis 7:1-10); and at the taking of Jericho (Joshua
5:13-6:20); the antitype, spiritual Babylon, shall fall at the sounding of the
seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:13,15; 14:8). The sevenfold candlestick (Exodus
25:37), the seven churches corresponding (Revelation 1:12,20), the seven
deacons (Acts 6), the sevenfold ministry (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12:1).
Seven
prayers are given in full in the Old Testament. Seven petitions of the Lord's
prayer in the New Testament. The seven beatitudes (Matthew 5; Psalms
12:7). Satan mimics the divine seven (Proverbs 6:16; 26:25): Mary Magdalene's
seven devils (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2); the unclean spirit returning with seven
more wicked spirits (Matthew 12:45); the seven Canaanite nations subdued by
Israel (Deuteronomy 7:1; Acts 13:19); the dragon with seven heads and seven
crowns (Revelation 12:3; Numbers 23:1).
International
Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Historical
use of seven
The
number 7 also figures prominently in a large number of passages which occur in
historical narrative, in a way which reminds us of its symbolic significance.
The
following are some of the most remarkable: Jacob's 7 years' service for Rachel
(Genesis 29:20; compare verses 27 f), and his bowing down 7 times to Esau
(Genesis 33:3); the 7 years of plenty, and the 7 years of famine (Genesis 41:53
f).
Samson's
7 days' marriage feast (Judges 14:12 ff; compare Genesis 29:27), 7 locks of
hair (Judges 16:19), and the 7 withes with which he was bound (verses 7 f); the
7 daughters of Jethro (Exodus 2:16), the 7 sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10), the
7 sons of Saul (2 Samuel 21:6), and the 7 sons of Job (Job 1:2; compare 42:13).
The
7 days' march of the 7 priests blowing 7 trumpets around the walls of Jericho,
and the 7-fold march on the 7th day (Joshua 6:8 ff); the 7 ascents of Elijah's
servant to the top of Carmel (1 Kings 18:43 f); the 7 sneezes of the
Shunammitish woman's son (2 Kings 4:35); the heating of Nebuchadnezzar's
furnace 7 times more than it was wont to be heated (Daniel 8:19), and the
king's madness for 7 times or years (4:16,23,25,32).
Anna's
7 years of wedded life (Luke 2:36); the 7 loaves of the 4,000 (Matthew 15:34-36
parallel) and the 7 baskets full of fragments (Matthew 15:37 parallel); the 7
brothers in the conundrum of the Sadducees (Matthew 22:25 parallel); the 7
demons cast out of Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9 parallel Luke 8:2); the 7
ministers in the church at Jerusalem (Acts 6:3 ff), and the 7 sons of Sceva
(19:14, but the Western text represents them as only 2).
The
number must no doubt be understood literally in many of these passages, but
even then its symbolic meaning is probably hinted at by the historian. When a
man was said to have had 7 sons or daughters, or an action was reported as done
or to be done 7 times, whether by design or accident, the number was noted, and
its symbolic force remembered.
It
cannot indeed be regarded in all these cases as a sacred number, but its
association with sacred matters which was kept alive among the Jews by the
institution of the Sabbath, was seldom, if ever, entirely overlooked.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
14
Seven
Churches – Two’s and Their Meaning
Two’s
(2’s) in Revelation 1-3
Revelation
1:8 and 11, Jesus says twice that He is:
Alpha
and Omega (meaning, He is the A-Z and everything in between). He’s the first
and the last, the beginning and the end. The first alphabetical letter in the
Greek is called Alpha and the last letter is called Omega. This is equivalent
to our A and Z.
Revelation
1:4 and 8, Jesus gives the salutation twice:
Which
is, and which was, and which is to come
Revelation
1:4 and 3:1, twice it mentions the Seven Spirits (Holy Spirit):
Seven
Spirits of God (Revelation 3:1) and Seven Spirits before His Throne (Revelation
1:4)
Revelation
2:6 and 15, Jesus says that He hates:
Doctrine
(vs. 15) and deeds (vs. 6) of the Nicolaitans
Revelation
1:5 and 3:14. twice it says that Jesus is the:
Faithful
Witness (3:14 says “Faithful and True Witness”)
Revelation
2:10 and 13 mentions twice about His people being faithful:
Faithful
until death (2:10) and Antipas My faithful martyr (2:13)
Revelation
1:17 and 2:10 says to not fear:
1. Fear
not, I am the First and the Last (1:17)
2. Fear
none of those things which thou shalt suffer (2:10)
Revelation
1:11 and 19 says twice to write the vision in a book:
1. What
thou seest, write in a book and send it unto the seven churches (1:11)
2. Write
the things which thou hast seen, and the things which shall be hereafter
(1:19).
Revelation
1:4 and 11 mentions the key phrase twice:
“To
the seven churches which are in Asia”
Revelation
1:20 and 3:5 mentions angels twice:
The
angels (pastors) of the seven churches
The
Father’s angels (heavenly beings)
Revelation
1:14 and 2:18 says twice:
His
eyes were like a flame of fire
Revelation
1:15 and 2:18 says twice:
His
feet were like fine brass
The
Meaning of 2 in the Bible:
Union
(Two are better than one – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Double
portion restoration (Isaiah 61:7, Zechariah 9:12)
Testimony
(two tables of the testimony – Exodus 31:18)
Witness
(God’s witness is two-fold: His Word and His Oath) - Hebrews 6:13,17
Witness
(as in “in the mouth of two or three witnesses let every word be established”)
– Matthew 18:16
Covering,
Protection, Support (two cherubim covering the Ark of the Covenant and two
associates, Aaron and Hur, upholding Moses’ hands) – Exodus 17:12
Division
(as in two opposing groups) - John 9:16
Division
(as in separating two things) - Hebrews 4:12
Requital
in full (Exodus 22:4, Job 42:10)
The
Father and His Son (John 8:17-18; 10:30; 14:9)
God
instituted marriage between a man and a woman. Adam and Eve were the first
husband and wife in Genesis.
Covenant
(such as between husband and wife, God and Abraham, God and Jacob, etc.)
Two-fold
concepts in Scripture:
· Grace
and Peace
· Grace
and Truth
· Grace
and Favor
· Mercy
and Judgment
· Faithful
and Unfaithful
· Honor
or Dishonor
· True
and False
· Strong
and Weak
· Awake
or Asleep
· Rock
Solid or Wavering
· Doubt
and Unbelief
· Health
and Sickness
· Rich
and Poor
· Wealth
and Prosperity
· Riches
and Honor
· Power
and Dominion
· Green
Light and Red Light
· Stop
or Proceed
· Cleansed
Conscience and Evil Conscience
· Good
and Bad
· Obedience
or Disobedience
· Respect
or Disrespect
· Fear
and Torment
· Fear
and Punishment
· Fear
and Guilt
· Fear
and Condemnation
· Mature
and Immature
· Fruitful
or Unfruitful
· Sadness
or Gladness
· Far
or Near
· Blessing
or Cursing
· Strife
and Every Evil Work
· Unity
and the Anointing
· Wisdom
from above
· Wisdom
of earth
· Suffering
or Prospering
· Genuine
or Fake
· Friend
or Enemy
· Gratitude
or Complaining
· Houses
and Lands
· Wellness
and Sickness
· Health
and Healing
· Acceptance
or Rejection
· Promise
Keeper or Promise Breaker
· Keep
your word / don’t follow through on your promises
· Faithful
and True
· Beginning
and the End
· First
and the Last
· Lord
and Savior (Jesus Christ)
· Healer
and Redeemer (Jesus Christ)
· King
and Royalty (Jesus Christ)
· God
and Master (Jesus Christ)
· Good
Shepherd and Protector (Jesus Christ)
· Defender
and Shelter from the storm (Jesus Christ)
· Edify
and Esteem
· Encourage
and Exhort
· Listen
and Speak
· Give
and Take
· Give
and Receive
· Loyal
and Loving
· Salvation
and Everlasting Life
· Good
Fruit and Bad Fruit
· Ripe
Fruit and Unripe Fruit
· Plant
and Reap
· Trust
and Obey
· Happiness
and Contentment
· Faith
and Rest
· Rest
and Relaxation
· Rest
and Recreation
· Family
and Friends
· Delight
and God’s Presence
· Delight
and Enjoyment
· Delight
and Satisfaction
· Delight
and Pleasure
· Delight
and Glory
· Delight
and Joy
· Delight
and Rejoicing
· Delight
and Peace
· Delight
and Love
· Delight
and Bliss
· Delight
and Happiness
· Delight
and Gladness
· Delight
and Blessedness
· Delight
and Seventh Heaven
· Heaven
and Paradise
· Paradise
and Tree of Life
· Beauty
and Splendor
· Majesty
and Magnificence
· Holiness
and Being Set Apart
· Honor
and Respect
· Respect
and Reverence
· Radiant
and Full of Glory
· Joy
Unspeakable and Full of Glory
· Unity
and Harmony
· Agreement
and being in one accord
· Secure
and Insecure
· Fear
or Faith
· Hope
or Despair
· Rude
or Courteous
· Polite
or Unmannerly
· Arrogant
or Humble
· Hard
Worker or Laziness
· Diligent
and Thorough
· Blameless
and Pure
· Wholesome
and Clean
· Virtuous
and Excellence
· Wisdom
and Discretion
· Wisdom
and Understanding
· Wisdom
and Prudence
· Wisdom
and Long Life
· Wisdom
and Wealth
· Wisdom
and Health
· Wisdom
and Revelation
· Wisdom
and Insight
· Pure
or Impure
· Integrity
or Dealing with a Slack Hand
· Husband
and Wife
· Man
and Woman
· Boys
and Girls
· Sisters
and Brothers
· Alpha
and Omega
· Kings
and Priests
· First
and the Last
· Beginning
and the End
· Light
and Darkness
· Joy
and Gladness
· Joy
and Peace
· Joy
and Love
· Joy
and Celebration
· Joy
and Rejoicing
· Joy
and Strength
· Righteousness
and Peace
· Mourning
and Dancing
· Day
and Night
· Praise
and Worship
· Garment
of Praise or Spirit of Heaviness
· Grieving
and Rejoicing
· Black
and White
· Glory
and Honor
· Wealth
and Riches
· Rich
and Poor
· Power
and Dominion
· Faith
and Love
· Faith
and Works
· Faith
and Patience
· Faith
and Hope
· Love
and Hate
· Forgiveness
and Unforgiveness
· Honesty
and Integrity
· Heaven
and Earth
· Heaven
and Hell
· Serving
two masters (God and mammon)
· Kingdom
of God and kingdom of this world
· Believers
and Unbelievers
· Redeemed
and the Lost
· Sheep
and Goats
· Tares
and Wheat
· Wise
and foolish virgins
· Good
and Evil
· Truth
and Deception
· Truth
and Error
· “Let
the weak say I am strong”
· “Let
the poor say I am rich”
· Winter
and Spring
· Summer
and Fall
· Land
and Sea
· Planting
and Harvesting
· Sowing
and Reaping
· Spirit
and Soul
· Joints
and Marrow
· Death
and Life
· Cursing
or Blessing
· Laughter
and Tears
· Singing
and Dancing
· Loud
or Quiet Spirit
· Peace
or Turmoil
· Pride
and Humility
· Gentleness
and Meekness
· Sweet
and Sour
· Gentle
and Rough
· Kind
or Cruel
· Thoughtful
and Considerate
· Thoughtful
or Selfish
· Happy
or Angry
· Sweetness
or Bitterness
· Freedom
or Bondage
· Mountains
and Valleys
· Day
and Night
· Cold
and Heat
· Sunshine
and Dark Clouds
· Moon
and Stars
· Two
Great Lights (Sun and Moon)
· Bride
and Groom
· Mother
and Father
· Best
friend and lover (Song of Solomon)
· Teaching
and Preaching
· Piano
and Organ
· Decree
and Declare
· Speak
the Promise and Receive the Answer
· Tried
and True
· Refined
as pure gold and Vessel of Honor
· Stable
and Strong
· Dependable
and Reliable
· Teachable
and Trainable
· Correctable
and Quick to Repent
· Family
and Friends
· Companionship
and Love
· Home
and Hospitality
· Children,
Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren
· Fun
and Recreation
Seven
Churches
Chapter
15
Seven
Churches – Number 3
We're
talking about the significance and meaning of key numbers that are often seen,
or number patterns revealed, in the Book of Revelation.
Three
is a Divine number, much like seven is. In the next post we will look at the
Biblical meaning of number three. In this post, we will see patterns of three's
as it concerns the seven churches in Revelation 1-3.
Clothed
in White Garments
In
three verses (Revelation 3:4,5,18) it talks about being clothed in white
garments.
Warning
Against Fornication
Jesus
gives a strong warning concerning fornication three times in Revelation Chapter
2 (Revelation 2:14,20,21).
In
the entire Book of Revelation, the Lord warns against this 12
times.
First
and the Last
In
three verses (Revelation 1:11,17; 2:8), Jesus says He is the “First and the
Last”.
Eyes
In
three verses, eyes are mentioned:
1. Revelation
1:14, 2:28 – referring to Jesus’ natural eyes being as a flame of fire
2. Revelation
3:18 – referring to the Lacodiceans’ spiritual eyes
Seven
Churches Is Symbolized By:
1. Seven
Candlesticks (Menorah’s with seven lamps)
2. Seven
Angels (pastors of the seven churches)
3. Seven
Stars (angels or pastors of the seven churches)
Was
dead, but is Alive
1. First
begotten of the dead (1:5)
2. I
am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore (1:18).
3. These
things saith the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive (2:8).
Thrones
In
three verses, thrones are mentioned three times
1. Seven
Spirits before the Throne (Revelation 1:4)
2. Son’s
Throne (Revelation 3:21)
3. Father’s
Throne (Revelation 3:21)
Three-Fold
Salutation
Greeting
from John to the Seven Churches
1. Grace
to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come (Revelation
1:4)
2. And
from the seven Spirits who are before His throne (Revelation 1:4)
3. And
from Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5a)
Three
Amen’s
1. To
Him be glory and dominion forevermore. Amen. (Revelation 1:6)
2. All
kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so. Amen. (Revelation
1:7)
3. I
am alive forevermore. Amen. (Revelation 1:18)
The
4th Amen is one of the many Names of Jesus (“These things saith
the Amen” – Revelation 3:14).
The
word Amen, is derived from Hebrew origin, meaning: “Surely, trustworthy, so be
it, truth, faithful, firm, truly.”
Three-Fold
Descriptive Name in Which John Introduces Jesus
In
John’s greeting to the seven churches, he introduces Jesus as:
1. The
Faithful Witness (Revelation 1:5)
2. Firstborn
from the dead (Revelation 1:5)
3. Ruler
over the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5)
Three-Fold
Descriptive Names in Which Jesus Introduces Himself
Jesus’
Introduction of Himself to the seven churches:
1. Alpha
and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
2. Beginning
and the End (Revelation 1:8)
3. Who
is, and who was, and who is to come – the Almighty (Revelation 1:8)
To
the church at Smyrna Jesus introduces Himself as:
1. First
and the Last (Revelation 2:8)
2. Was
dead (Revelation 2:8)
3. And
came to life (Revelation 2:8)
To
the church at Thyatira Jesus introduces Himself as:
1. Son
of God (Revelation 2:18)
2. Who
has eyes like a flame of fire (Revelation 2:18)
3. And
His feet like fine brass (Revelation 2:18)
To
the church at Philadelphia Jesus introduces Himself as:
1. Holy
(Revelation 3:7)
2. True
(Revelation 3:7)
3. Has
the Key of David (Revelation 3:7)
To
the church of the Laodiceans Jesus introduces Himself as:
1. The
Amen (Revelation 3:14)
2. Faithful
and True Witness (Revelation 3:14)
3. Beginning
of the Creation of God (Revelation 3:14)
Name
of God
An
attributive Name of God with three parts:
Which
is, and which was, and which is to come (Revelation 1:4,8)
This
is saying that God is in the present, the past and
the future all at the same time. He is eternal.
Write
the Vision
1. Write
the things which you have seen (Revelation 1:19)
2. The
things which are (Revelation 1:19)
3. The
things which will take place after this (Revelation 1:19)
A
Blessing For Hearing and Reading the Book of Revelation
1. Blessed
is he that reads (Revelation 1:3)
2. And
they that hear the words of this prophecy (Revelation 1:3)
3. And
keep those things which are written therein (Revelation 1:3)
Seven
Churches
Chapter
16
Seven
Churches – Meaning of 3
Three
Means:
· Unity
· Divine
completeness and perfection
· Divinity
(Godhead)
· The
Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) – Revelation 1:4-5, Matthew 28:19, 2
Corinthians 13:14
· Christian
marriage union (God, Husband and Wife united as one)
· Three-fold
cord not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
· Witness
(“in the mouth of two or three witnesses let every word be established” – 2
Corinthians 13:1)
· Three
Crosses (Jesus being crucified in the middle)
· Inner
Circle in ministry (i.e. Peter, James and John were Jesus’ closest associates;
Moses, Aaron and Miriam were 3 siblings, who were the three main leaders in
delivering the Israelites out of Egypt and establishing the tabernacle in the
wilderness)
Fausset's
Bible Dictionary says:
Three,
like seven, is a divine number. The Trinity (Revelation 1:4; 4:8); three great
feasts (Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:16); the threefold blessing (Numbers
6:14,24); the thrice holy (Isaiah 6:3); the three hours of prayer (Daniel 6:10;
Psalms 55:17); the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2). Christ is “the Way, the
Truth, the Life,” “Prophet, Priest, and King.” The threefold theophany (Genesis
18:2; 1 Samuel 3:4,6,8; Acts 10:16).
International
Standard Bible Encyclopedia says:
Three
Heaven,
earth, and sea (or “the abyss”); morning, noon and night; right, middle, and
left, etc. In other words, 3 readily suggested completeness, and was often used
with a glance at that meaning in daily life and daily speech.
Three
is often found of persons and things sacred or secular, e.g. Noah's 3 sons
(Genesis 6:10); Job's 3 daughters (Job 1:2; 42:13) and 3 friends (Job 2:11);
Abraham's 3 guests (Genesis 18:2); and Sarah's 3 measures of meal (verse 6;
compare Matthew 13:33 parallel); 3 in military tactics (Judges 7:16,20; 9:43; 1
Samuel 11:11; 13:17; Job 1:17); 3 great feasts (Exodus 23:14); the 3 daily
prayers (Psalms 55:17; Daniel 6:10,13); the 3 night watches (Judges 7:19).
God's
3-fold call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:8); the 3 keepers of the temple threshold
(Jeremiah 52:24); the 3 presidents appointed by Darius (Daniel 6:2); the 3
temptations (Matthew 4:3,5 f. 8 f parallel); the 3 prayers in Gethsemane
(Matthew 26:39,42,44 parallel); Peter's 3 denials (Matthew 26:34,75 parallel);
the Lord's 3-fold question and 3-fold charge (John 21:15 ff); and the 3-fold
vision of the sheet (Acts 10:16).
In
a very large number of passages 3 is used of periods of time: 3 days; 3 weeks;
3 months and 3 years. Jesus’ resurrection “on the 3rd day” or “after 3 days”
(Matthew 16:21; 27:63, etc.).
The
number 3 is also used in a literary way, sometimes appearing only in the
structure. Note as examples the 3-fold benediction of Israel (Numbers 6:24 ff);
the Thrice Holy of the seraphim (Isaiah 6:3); the 3-fold overturn (Ezekiel
21:27 (:32 in Heb); the 3-fold refrain of Psalms 42-43 regarded as one psalm
(Psalms 42:5,11; 43:5).
The
3 names of God (the Mighty One, God, Yahweh, Joshua 22:22; compare Psalms
50:1); the 3 graces of 1 Corinthians 13; the 3 witnesses (1 John 5:8); the
frequent use of 3 and 3rd in Revelation; the description of God as “who is and
who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:4); and “the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
Seven
Churches
Chapter
17
Seven
Churches – Number 4 and Its Meaning
Four’s
(4’s) in Revelation
The
words “right hand” is mentioned 4 times to the seven churches (Revelation 1:16,17,20;
2:1). The right hand, in Scripture, signifies strength, honor, authority. The
right hand is mentioned 7 times in the entire Book of
Revelation.
The
word “mystery” is mentioned 4 times in the entire Book of
Revelation (Revelation 1:20; 10:7; 17:5,7).
The
Heavenly City, New Jerusalem, is built foursquare like a cube (1500 miles in
length, width and height) – Revelation 21:16.
Four
Living Creatures, each having four faces (man, ox, lion, eagle) – Revelation
4:6-11; 5:6,8,14; 6:1,6; 7:11; 14:1-3; 15:7; 19:4.
Four
angels – Revelation 7:1-2; 9:14-15
Four
corners of the earth – Revelation 7:1
Four
winds of the earth – Revelation 7:1
Twenty
Four elders (24 means “apostolic government” – i.e. two 12’s = 24, twelve
meaning government, apostolic authority, perfect order) – Revelation 4:4-11;
7:11; 11:16-17; 14:1-3; 19:4
144,000
– Revelation 7:4; 14:1-3 (12 tribes of Israel multiplied by 12,000 each =
144,000) = 12,000 is a round figure representing governmental authority in
God’s kingdom (12 = Government and 1000 = Divine Completeness, the Father’s
Glory, Righteous Reign)
Four
Horns – Revelation 9:13
Four
divisions of time (year, month, day, hour) – Revelation 9:15
Four
quarters of the earth – Revelation 20:8
144
cubits is the thickness of the wall of the New Jerusalem (Amplified Version
says 72 yards thick and the Living Bible says 216 feet across) – Revelation
21:17-18
Meaning
of Four (4)
· Four
corners of the earth (North, South, East, West)
· Worldwide
Extension
· All
Nations of the world
· Creation
· Creative
works of God
· The
whole earth
· Four
Gospels
Smith's
Bible Dictionary
Four
is used in reference to the 4 winds, Daniel 7:2, and the 4 corners of the
earth; the creatures, each with 4 wings and 4 faces, of Ezekiel, Ezekiel 1:5,
ff.; 4 Rivers of Paradise Genesis 2:10; 4 Beasts, Daniel 7:1, and Revelation
4:6 The 4 equal-sided temple-chamber. Ezekiel 40:47.
Fausset's
Bible Dictionary says:
Four
symbolizes worldwide extension. The four winds and quarters of the earth
(Revelation 7:1; Daniel 7:2). The four living creatures or cherubim with four
wings and four faces (Ezekiel 1:5, etc.; Revelation 4:6, in contrast to the
four beasts, Daniel 7; 2:40 the four kingdoms); Eden's four streams (Genesis
2:10; Ezekiel 40:47). Four expresses the spread of God's kingdom over the
earth. As Christ's seamless vest marks its unity, so the rending of the outer
garment into four by the four Roman soldiers symbolizes its ultimate worldwide
extension (John 19:23-24).
International
Standard Bible Encyclopedia
The
Number Four: The 4 points of the compass and the 4 phases of the moon will have
been early noticed, and the former at any rate will have suggested before
Biblical times the use of 4 as a symbol of completeness of range, of
comprehensive extent.
The
4 winds are mentioned again and again (Jeremiah 49:36; Ezekiel 37:9), and the 4
quarters or corners (Isaiah 11:12; Ezekiel 7:2; Revelation 20:8). We read also
of the 4 heads of the river of Eden (Genesis 2:10 ff), of 4 horns, 4 smiths, 4
chariots, and horses of 4 colors in the visions of Zechariah (Zechariah 1:8,
Septuagint, 18 ff; 6:1 ff), the chariots being directly connected with the 4
winds; 4 punishments (Jeremiah 15:3; Ezekiel 14:21, the latter with a
remarkable Assyrian parallel).
The
4 kingdoms in Nebuchadnezzar's dream as interpreted (Daniel 2:37 ff) and
Daniel's vision (7:3 ff); the 4 living creatures in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:5 ff;
compare 10), each with 4 faces and 4 wings, and the 4 modeled after them
(Revelation 4:6, etc.). Four sets of hearers of the gospel in the parable of
the Sower (Matthew 13:19-23).
24
Crowns Mentioned in the Bible
Crown
of Life (James
1:12 KJV) – “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been
approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to
those who love Him.” Revelation 2:10b NKJV “Be faithful until death, and I will
give you the crown of life.”
Crown
of Righteousness (2
Timothy 4:8 KJV) – “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Crown
of Glory (1
Peter 5:2-4 NKJV) – “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as
overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the
flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory
that does not fade away.”
Crown
of Splendor (Isaiah
62:3 NIV) – “Thou shalt also be a crown of splendor in the hand of the LORD,
and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.”
Crown
of Rejoicing (1
Thessalonians 2:19 KJV) – “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?
Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
Crown
of Beauty (Isaiah
61:3 NIV) – “To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of
gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of
despair.”
Crown
(wreath or garland) of gracefulness (Proverbs 4:8-9 AMP) – “Prize Wisdom
highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to
honor when you embrace her. She shall give to your head a wreath of
gracefulness; a crown of beauty and glory will she deliver to you.”
Crown
of eternal blessedness (1 Corinthians 9:25 AMP) – “Now every athlete who
goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all
things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to
receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.”
Crown
of Loving-Kindness and Tender Mercies (Psalms 103:4 NKJV) – “Who redeems your
life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies.”
Crown
of Conquering (Revelation
6:2 NKJV) – “And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a
bow; and a crown was given to Him, and He went out conquering and to conquer.”
Crown
of Victory (1
Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV) – According to Dr. David Jeremiah, the imperishable
crown is a crown of victory. “And everyone who competes for the prize is
temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we
for an imperishable crown.”
Crown
of Goodness (Psalms
21:3 NKJV, 103:4-5 AMP) – “For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You
set a crown of pure gold upon his head.” “Who redeems your life from the pit
and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness
and tender mercy. Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your
personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the
eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!”
Crown
of a Virtuous Woman (Proverbs
12:4 NIV) – “A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a
disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
Crown
of Flourishing (Psalms
132:18 AMP) – “His enemies will I clothe with shame, but upon himself shall his
crown flourish.”
Crown
of Riches and Wisdom (Proverbs
14:24 AMP) – “The crown of the wise is their wealth of Wisdom, but the
foolishness of [self-confident] fools is [nothing but] folly.”
Crown
of Children’s Children (Proverbs 17:6 KJV) – “Children's children are the
crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”
Crown
of the Bride and Bridegroom (Song of Solomon 3:11 NKJV) – “Go forth, O daughters
of Zion, and see King Solomon with the crown with which his mother crowned him
on the day of his wedding, the day of the gladness of his heart.”
Crown
of the High Priest (Exodus
29:6 AMP) – “And you shall put the turban or miter upon his head and put the
holy crown upon the turban.”
Crown
of Holiness unto the Lord (Exodus 39:30 NKJV) – “Then they made the plate of
the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription like the engraving
of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD.”
Crown
of the Anointing Oil (Leviticus
21:12 AMP) – “Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary nor desecrate or make
ceremonially unclean the sanctuary of his God, for the crown or consecration of
the anointing oil of his God is upon him. I am the Lord.”
Crown
of Ruling and Reigning (2 Kings 11:12 AMP) – “And Jehoiada brought out the
king's son and put the crown on him and gave him the Testimony [the Mosaic
Law]; and they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their
hands and said, Long live the king!”
Crown
of Majesty (Esther
2:17 KJV) – “And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained
grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the
royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
Crown
of Triumph in Battle (1
Chronicles 20:2 AMP) “David took their king's crown from off his head and found
that it weighed a talent of gold and that precious stones were in it. It was
set upon David's head. He brought also very much spoil out of the city of
Rabbah.”
Crowns
of Worship that
the 24 elders cast down to the Lamb of God who sits upon the Throne (Revelation
4:4,10-11 NKJV) – “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the
Thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had
crowns of gold on their heads.” “The twenty-four elders fall down before Him
who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast
their crowns before the throne, saying: You are worthy, O Lord, to receive
glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they
exist and were created.”
Seven
Churches
Chapter
18
Seven
Churches – Four Living Beasts
Text: Revelation
4:6-11 (KJV)
Revelation
4:6-11
6
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the
midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes
before and behind.
7
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the
third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of
eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord
God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9
And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to Him that sat on the
throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10
The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and
worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the
throne, saying,
11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast
created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Cross
Reference Text: Ezekiel 1:4-15 (Four Living Creatures)
Four
Beasts Are Emblematic of the Divine Providential Administration
The
four living beasts are associated with decreeing and executing the holy
judgments of God. They represent the righteous government of God.
The
four beasts are specifically mentioned in Revelation as proclaiming the
judgments contained in each of the first four seals when the Lamb (Jesus)
opened each one.
1st
Seal - White Horse Conquering
Revelation
6:1-2 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard,
as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a
crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
2nd
Seal – War
Revelation
6:3-4 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second
beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and
power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that
they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
3rd
Seal – Famine
Revelation
6:5-6 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast
say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him
had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the
four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley
for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
4th
Seal – Death
Revelation
6:7-8 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of
the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and
his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was
given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with
hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
The
four living creatures are not specifically mentioned in the execution of the
5th, 6th and 7th seals, but is assumed to be associated because later on in
Revelation 15 one of the four beasts gave to the seven angels (in the 7th seal)
seven bowls of the wrath of God to pour out.
5th
Seal - Martyrs
Revelation
6:9-11
9
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them
that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost
thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them,
that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also
and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
6th
Seal - Worldwide Catastrophes and Terrorism
Revelation
6:12-17
12
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great
earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became
as blood;
13
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her
untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every
mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief
captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid
themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of
him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
7th
Seal - Silence in Heaven for half an hour (brief period of time), followed by
seven angels blowing seven trumpets.
Revelation
8:1-2 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in
heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood
before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
The
first six trumpets sounded the alarm of six worldwide calamities that are the
same kind of plagues as the first six seals, but far worse in severity and
destruction (Rev 8:1-9:21).
The
seventh trumpet heralds the ushering in of Christ setting up His kingdom on the
earth and the world being under the control of God's righteous universal
government (Rev 11:15).
The
phrase: “The kingdoms of this world have now become the kingdoms of our Lord
and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15) could have a two-fold meaning:
1. Since
the fall of Adam into sin, the kingdom of this world was under the rule of
Satan. Through Jesus' shed Blood, death and resurrection, He defeated the
devil and triumphantly gained back the kingdom of the earth. We as His
children have been granted dominion and vested with authority to rule and reign
with Christ—not only in eternity but in the here and now. The only power
the devil has is the power of suggestion, deception, oppressing with fear,
control and manipulation tactics.
2. Refers
to the millennium when Christ's kingdom is set up on this earth and all His
enemies are subdued.
The
four living creatures are specifically mentioned again in Revelation 15:5-8 in
association with executing the righteous judgments of God.
Revelation
15:5-8
5
After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in
Heaven was opened.
6
and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed
in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their chests with golden sashes.
7
Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden
bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.
8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the Glory of God and from His Power,
and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven
angels were finished.
Physical
Description of the Four Beasts
Faces
The
four holy beasts in Revelation and the four living creatures in Ezekiel are
similar in description. The difference is that Ezekiel described them as having
four faces each (a man's face in front, face of an eagle in the back, the face
of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side - Ezekiel
1:6,10).
John
describes the four beasts in Revelation 4:7 as each beast having their own
separate face and appearance. The first beast is the likeness of a lion. The
second beast is the likeness of a calf. The third beast has the face of a man.
The fourth beast is like a flying eagle.
Wings
Each
living beast in Revelation has six wings (Rev 4:8).
The
four living creatures in Ezekiel are mentioned as having four wings
each (Ezekiel 1:5-6).
Eyes
The
four beasts in Revelation are covered with eyes all around -- in front and in
back, and even under their wings (Rev 4:6,8).
The
four living creatures in Ezekiel are also described as having eyes all around
their body (Ezek 10:12). The Wheels (an angelic order similar to but unique
from the cherubim) are mentioned along with the four living creatures in
Ezekiel.
Symbolism
of the Appearance of the Four Beasts
Wings
The
wings express the rapidity of fulfilling God's will.
Eyes
All Around
Manifold
wisdom of God
Omni-presence
of God (everywhere at the same time)
Omniscience
of God (all knowing)
Four
Faces
1. Lion =
king of the forest; Gospel of Matthew; Christ as King;
Jesus is Majesty; kingly righteousness with hatred of evil, as a lion springing
on its victim; the Church having the boldness and strength of a lion; the lion
is the symbol on the banner of the tribe of Judah (Judah means “praise”).
2. Ox =
king of the field; Gospel of Mark; Christ's laborious
endurance; servanthood; diligence and patience in duty (as an ox is
bound to the soil); able to bear others' burdens; very gentle and meek; the ox
is the symbol on the banner of the tribe of Ephraim (Ephraim means “double
fruitful”).
3. Man =
king of creation; Gospel of Luke; Christ as fully man and
fully God; Christ's brotherly love and compassion for the whole human race;
intelligence and wisdom of man; face of a man speaks of the mind, reason,
affections, emotions and all the things that encompass humanity; a man is the
symbol on the banner of the tribe of Reuben (Reuben means “behold a son”).
4. Eagle =
king of the birds of the air; Gospel of John; Divinity; Heavenly;
Christ shown as being God Almighty; the soaring majesty of the Divine Word made
flesh; ascending to heavenly places in Christ Jesus; soaring above the storms
and distresses of life; incredible vision; wisdom; faithfulness; freedom in the
Spirit; contemplation of heavenly things as the eagle; being renewed like the
eagles; a swift bird strong and powerful, not becoming weary; feasting on pure
things; the eagle is the symbol on the banner of the tribe of Dan (Dan means “a
judge”).
The
four beasts (or living creatures) represent the elect redeemed from the four
corners of the earth - the Body of Christ worldwide.
The
Church is being perfected to walk in its four-fold aspect, ministering and
functioning as king-priests unto God.
The lion and eagle speak
of kingship or dominion, and the ox and man speak
of priesthood.
1
Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who
has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Revelation
5:10 says, “And has made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign
on the earth.”
The
four standards (banners) under which Israel encamped in the wilderness was a
lion for Judah on the East, an eagle for Dan on the North, an ox for Ephraim on
the West, and a man for Reuben on the South. In the middle was the tabernacle
with the Shekinah Glory Cloud, which is God's Presence visibly seen.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
19
Seven
Churches – Number 8 and Its Meaning
Key
word: “Spirit” is
mentioned 8 times in Revelation 1-3 (Revelation 1:10; 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22).
“Spirit” is mentioned 16 times in the entire Book of
Revelation.
Key
word: “Angel” is
mentioned 8 times throughout Revelation 1-3. In Rev 1:1, the angel is referring
to a heavenly being sent from God to explain the vision to John. The other 7
references to angels are talking about bishops or pastors. In the Greek
definition of the word “angel”, depending on the context of the verse, it could
be referring to a celestial being sent from the Lord or could be talking about
a pastor.
Key
word: “Overcomes” is
mentioned 8 times in the entire Book of Revelation – once to
each of the seven churches, and then near the end of Revelation where the Lord
says that he who overcomes will inherit all things (Revelation 2:7,11,17,26;
3:5,12,21; 21:7).
Meaning
of 8
· New
beginnings
· New
era
· New
series
· New
birth
· New
life
· New
start
· Resurrection
Fausset’s
Bible Dictionary says:
Eight
begins a new era and life after the seven has been completed (Exodus 22:30;
Leviticus 9:1; 22:27). Lepers are reinstated on the eighth day (Leviticus
14:10; 15:13,29). Circumcision on the eighth day begins a new life in the
covenant. The eighth day after the seven of the feast of tabernacles (Leviticus
23:36). From the eighth day, when the firstfruit sheaf was waved, the seven
sevens were counted; and on the 50th day or Pentecost (the eighth day after
seven) a new era began (Leviticus 23:11,15-16; Acts 2:1).
Leviticus
25:8-9, type of the eternal Sabbath, the new era of a regenerated world (Romans
8:21; Isaiah 61:1; Acts 3:21); the Lord's day, the eighth after the seventh,
ushers in the new Christian era. The eight saved souls left the ark on the
eighth day, after the last seven of anxious waiting, the representative heads
of regenerated mankind. Of man in his fallen state Ecclesiastes 1:15 writes,
“that which is crooked cannot be made straight,” but what is “impossible with
man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27); at Messiah's coming “the crooked shall
be made straight” (Isaiah 40:4).
Eight
Types of Prayer:
1. Prayer
of consecration
2. Prayer
of petition
3. Prayer
of authority
4. Prayer
of faith
5. Prayer
of thanksgiving
6. Prayer
of agreement
7. Prayer
of supplication
8. Prayer
of intercession
Seven
Churches
Chapter
20
Seven
Churches – Number 9 and Its Meaning
Key
word: “Hear” (what
the Spirit says) is mentioned 9 times in Revelation 1-3 (Revelation 1:3;
2:11,17,29; 3:6,13,20,22).
Key
word: “Write” (what
the Spirit shows you) is mentioned 9 times to the seven churches (Revelation
2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,12,14).
Meaning
of the Number 9
Number
9 speaks of the Holy Spirit and His work of regeneration and sanctification in
our lives. Nine is the number of Divine completeness from the Father.
Nine
Fruits of the Spirit –
Galations 5:22-23
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Longsuffering
(or patience)
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faith
(or faithfulness)
8. Gentleness
9. Self-Control
(or temperance)
Nine
Graces of the Spirit –
2 Peter 1:5-8
1. Diligence
2. Faith
3. Virtue
4. Knowledge
5. Temperance
6. Patience
7. Godliness
8. Brotherly
Kindness
9. Love
Verse
8:
For
if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nine
Gifts of the Spirit –
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
1. Word
of Wisdom
2. Word
of Knowledge
3. Faith
4. Gifts
of Healing
5. Working
of miracles
6. Prophecy
7. Discerning
of Spirits
8. Diverse
kinds of tongues
9. Interpretation
of tongues
Nine
Basic Forms of Davidic Worship in the Tabernacle of David:
1. Speaking
2. Singing
3. Shouting
4. Lifting
up of holy hands
5. Clapping
6. Use
of musical instruments
7. Bowing
and kneeling
8. Standing
9. Dancing
Nine
Beatitudes – Matthew 5:3-11
Vs
3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Vs
4 - Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Vs
5 - Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Vs
6 - Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled.
Vs
7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Vs
8 - Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Vs
9 - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Vs
10 - Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.
Vs
11 - Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall
say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
21
Seven
Churches – Number 10 and Its Meaning
Meaning
of 10
1. Law
2. Responsibility
3. Testimony
(as in a court of law)
4. Political
consummation
5. World’s
activity
Ten
Commandments –
Exodus 20:3-17
The
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary says:
The
ten laws given by God as guidelines for daily living. They are part of a
covenant between God and His people (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 4:13; 10:4).
These laws are often called the Decalogue, from the Greek word which means “ten
words.”
Although
God gave the Ten Commandments to His people through Moses at Mount Sinai more
than 3,000 years ago, they are still relevant today. They have an abiding
significance, for God's character is unchangeable. These laws originate from
God and from His eternal character; therefore, their moral value cannot change.
These
ten laws include:
1. Thou
shalt have no other gods before Me.
2. Thou
shalt not make unto thee any graven image nor bow down to it.
3. Thou
shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember
the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor
thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the
Lord thy God giveth thee.
6. Thou
shalt not kill.
7. Thou
shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou
shalt not steal.
9. Thou
shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou
shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife,
nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor any
thing that is thy neighbor's.
Ten’s
in the Book of Revelation:
1. Ten
days of tribulation – Revelation 2:10
2. Ten
thousand times ten thousand, and thousands and thousands – Revelation 5:11
3. Ten
horns – Revelation 12:3; 13:1; 17:3,7,12,16
4. Ten
crowns – Revelation 13:1
5. Ten
kings – Revelation 17:12
Other
Ten’s in the Bible
1. Ten
years
2. Ten
camels
3. Ten
shekels
4. Ten
times
5. Ten
bulls
6. Ten
foals
7. Ten
donkeys
8. Ten
brethren
9. Ten
curtains
10. Ten
pillars
11. Ten
cubits
12. Ten
sockets
13. Ten
thousand
14. Ten
women
15. Ten
days
16. Ten
homers
17. Ten
cities
18. Ten
portions
19. Ten
princes
20. Ten
men
21. Ten
sons
22. Ten
loaves
23. Ten
cheeses
24. Ten
parts
25. Ten
oxen
26. Ten
bases of brass
27. Ten
lavers
28. Ten
candlesticks
29. Ten
tables
30. Ten
pieces
31. Ten
tribes
32. Ten
talents of silver
33. Ten
changes of raiment
34. Ten
chariots
35. Ten
degrees
36. Ten
rulers
37. Ten-stringed
instrument
38. Ten
mighty men
39. Ten
acres
40. Ten
baths
41. Ten
horns
42. Ten
kings
43. Ten
disciples
44. Ten
talents
45. Ten
virgins
46. Ten
silver coins
47. Ten
lepers
48. Ten
servants
49. Ten
pounds
50. One
hundred and ten years old
Seven
Churches
Chapter
22
Seven
Churches – Number 12 and 24, and Its Meaning
Key
word: “Works” is
mentioned 12 times in Revelation 1-3 (Revelation 2:2,5,9,13,19,23,26;
3:1,2,8,15)
Key
word: “Churches” (plural)
is mentioned 12 times in Revelation 1-3 (Revelation 1:4,11,20; 2:7,11,17,23,29;
3:6,13,22).
In
the entire Book of Revelation, a warning is given 12 times
concerning fornication (Revelation 2:14,20,21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2,4; 18:3,9;
19:2).
Meaning
of the Number 12
1. Government
2. Apostolic
authority
3. Perfect
order
24
(double 12’s) = Apostolic Government (24 Elders who are seated around the
Throne of God)
Fausset’s
Bible Dictionary says:
Twelve
is the church number. The 12 tribes; 12 Elim wells; 12 stones in the high
priest's breastplate; 12 shewbread loaves; 12 patriarchs; 12 apostles; 12
foundation stones; 12 gates; 12,000 furlongs of New Jerusalem; 12 angels
(Revelation 21:16-21; 12:1). Twelve squared and multiplied by 1,000, the symbol
of the world divinely perfected, gives 144,000, the sealed Israelites
(Revelation 7:4).
The
twelve disciples of Jesus in Luke 6:13-16 include:
1. Simon
Peter
2. Andrew
3. James
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Matthew
8. Thomas
9. James
the son of Alphaeus
10. Simon
11. Judas
the brother of James
12. Judas
Iscariot (After Judas’ death, he was replaced by Matthias)
The
24 elders are the 12 heads of the Old Testament and the 12 of the New Testament
churches combined, “elders” is the term for ministers; the 24 courses of
priests anticipate the final combination of the two, Jews and Gentiles, made
one new man in Christ (Revelation 4:4).
Seven
times twelve is connected with the Lamb's bride. Six is to twelve as three and
a half to seven. Six symbolizes the world given over to judgment. The judgments
on the world are complete in six; by the fulfillment of seven the world
kingdoms become Christ's. Hence there is a pause between the sixth and seventh
seals, the sixth and seventh trumpets.
As
12 is the church's number, so six (its half) symbolizes the world kingdom
broken. Six, the world number, is next to the sacred seven which it mimics
(Revelation 13:1) but can never reach.
International
Standard Bible Encyclopedia says:
The
12 pillars set up by Moses (Exodus 24:4); the 12 jewels in the high priest's
breast-plate (Exodus 28:21); the 12 cakes of shewbread (Leviticus 24:5); the 12
rods (Numbers 17:2); the 12 spies (Numbers 13); the 12 stones placed by Joshua
in the bed of Jordan (Joshua 4:9); the 12 officers of Solomon (1 Kings 4:7);
the 12 stones of Elijah's altar (1 Kings 18:31); the 12 disciples or apostles.
The
number pointed in the first instance at unity and completeness which had been
sanctioned by Divine election, and it retained this significance when applied
to the spiritual Israel. Philo indeed calls it a perfect number. Its double in
Revelation 4:4, etc., is probably also significant.
Twelve’s
in the Book of Revelation
1. Twelve
thousand sealed from each tribe (12 tribes), totaling 144,000 (Revelation
7:5-8)
2. Twelve
stars (Revelation 12:1)
3. Twelve
gates (Revelation 21:12,21)
4. Twelve
angels (Revelation 21:12)
5. Twelve
tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12)
6. Twelve
foundations (Revelation 21:14)
7. Twelve
Apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14)
8. Twelve
thousand furlongs (Revelation 21:16)
9. Twelve
pearl gates (Revelation 21:21)
10. Twelve
fruits (Revelation 22:2)
24
Crowns Mentioned in the Bible
1. Crown
of Life – James 1:12; Revelation 2:10 (KJV)
2. Crown
(or royal diadem) of Glory – 1 Peter 5:4; Isaiah 62:3; Proverbs 4:8-9 (AMP)
3. Crown
of Righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)
4. Crown
of Rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (KJV)
5. Crown
of Splendor – Proverbs 4:9 (NIV)
6. Crown
(or garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes – Isaiah 61:3 (AMP)
7. Crown
(wreath or garland) of gracefulness – Proverbs 4:8-9 (AMP)
8. Crown
of eternal blessedness – 1 Corinthians 9:25 (AMP)
9. Crown
of Loving-Kindness and Tender Mercies – (Psalms 103:4)
10. Crown
of Conquering – (Revelation 6:2)
11. Crown
of Victory – (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) – According to Dr. David Jeremiah, the
imperishable crown is a crown of victory.
12. Crown
of Goodness – Psalms 21:3, 103:4-5
13. Crown
of a Virtuous Woman – Proverbs 12:4
14. Crown
of Flourishing – Psalms 132:18
15. Crown
of Riches and Wisdom – Proverbs 14:24
16. Crown
of Children’s Children – Proverbs 17:6
17. Crown
of the Bride and Bridegroom – Song of Solomon 3:11
18. Crown
of the High Priest – Exodus 29:6
19. Crown
of Holiness unto the Lord – Exodus 39:30
20. Crown
of the Anointing Oil – Leviticus 21:12
21. Crown
of Ruling and Reigning – 2 Kings 11:12
22. Crown
of Majesty – Esther 2:17
23. Crown
of Triumph in Battle – 1 Chronicles 20:2
24. Crowns
of Worship that the 24 elders cast down to the Lamb of God who Sits Upon the
Throne – Revelation 4:4,10-11
Seven
Churches
Chapter
23
Seven
Churches – Number 16 and Its Meaning
The
word “seven” is mentioned 16 times in Revelation 1-3.
(Revelation 1:4,11,12,13,16,20; 2:1; 3:1)
The
word “write” is mentioned 16 times in the entire Book
of Revelation. (Revelation 1:11,19; 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,12,14; 10:4; 14:13;
19:9; 21:5)
The
word “dead” is mentioned 16 times in the entire Book
of Revelation. (Revelation 1:5,17,18; 2:8; 3:1; 11:8,9,18; 14:13; 16:3;
20:5,12,13)
Meaning
of Sixteen
Two
8’s. Eight means “new beginnings”, a “fresh start” or a “resurrection” of some
kind. Sixteen may imply double portion new beginnings or resurrection.
God
did promise to give us a double portion recompense of blessings and joy for the
trouble and shame we’ve been through (Isaiah 61:7).
God
can certainly resurrect dead dreams and give you a fresh start with double joy.
Sixteen
also speaks of “love” (according to John Paul Jackson).
There
is very little information about this number, but it’s apparent that there is
some significance since there are at least three patterns of 16’s in the Book
of Revelation.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
24
Seven
Churches – Maps of the Seven Churches
The
seven churches, during the time that John wrote to the churches in 95 AD, was
located in Asia Minor, which is present-day Turkey. John was exiled on the Isle
of Patmos in the Aegean Sea when persecution was fierce against Christians.
While on Patmos, he had the vision of Jesus Christ and all the things he wrote
about in the Book of Revelation.
Each
church was situated along a major highway in the Roman Empire. The distance
from one church to the next closest church was anywhere from 20 – 50 miles
away.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
25
Seven
Churches – (A) What the Spirit is Saying to the Church
Revelation
1-3 contains messages and admonitions written to the seven churches in western
Asia Minor. These seven churches include Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos (or
Pergamum), Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
These
churches were in geographical existence during the time that John the Beloved
Apostle had the vision while on the Isle of Patmos and then wrote letters to
each of the seven churches.
God
spoke to each of these churches revealing to them how He viewed them. Jesus
acknowledged their strengths and commendable actions. Promises were given to
the overcomers in each of these seven churches.
The
Lord also gently confronted their liabilities and areas of sin, and gave them
warnings and admonitions. Jesus said that who He loves, He chastens and
rebukes.
Any
time we are disciplined by the Lord, it’s proof of how much He loves us —
because He desires to show mercy over that of judgment. He wants to see
repentance on our part. He lets us know where we're missing it and gives us
many chances to make right choices. And He will even help us to repent by
giving us strength and grace, or delivering us from situations.
God
wants to add blessing upon blessing to our lives. He’s trying to teach His
children obedience, just like natural parents discipline their children so that
their children learn responsibility, learn to make better choices and have a
better future.
The
admonitions written to the seven churches apply to the Church (corporate Body
of Christ) today. The number seven is the sum of totality, completion and
fullness. Out of the many churches in existence around 95-96 AD, the Lord chose
only seven to send letters to. That is because these seven churches represent
to us today all the types of Christian churches around the world.
Many
churches are Philadelphia churches (faithful to the Lord and on fire for God).
Some churches are like Sardis where the people gather, they have programs, but
the church is dead spiritually. Some churches are like Thyatira where there is
the tolerance of false doctrine and even sexual immorality condoned.
Some
churches around the world, such as the underground churches in China or
Christians in some middle eastern countries, are like the church of Smyrna
where they go through persecution for their faith.
Also,
even within the same church, not everyone necessarily will be likeminded or at
the same level spiritually. People's experiences may be different. You may see
seven different groups of individuals who are characteristic of the seven
churches (Philadelphia Christians, Sardis Christians, Ephesus Christians,
Thyatira Christians, Laodicea Christians and Pergamos Christians).
Also,
there are Smyrna Christians who undergo persecution for their faith, are mocked
or reviled for Christ's sake, go through religious discrimination on their jobs
or in the city in which they live. God has promises for those who are
overcomers.
God
has not changed and His message is still the same. Seven times (once to each of
the seven churches), Jesus ends each letter with “He who has an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
A
continual prayer of mine is “Lord, give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a
heart to comprehend what you are saying and showing me.”
The
question may be asked, “What is the Spirit saying to the Church today?” Out of
many things He is speaking, seven themes stand out in particular:
1. Return
to your first love and do the first works.
2. Repent
from allowing false doctrines and carnality to remain in the Church and in your
personal lives.
3. Seek
a relationship with Jesus Christ, as opposed to just being religious.
4. Put
on your spiritual garments and guard against getting them soiled.
5. Repent
from being spiritually lukewarm.
6. God
is restoring the Tabernacle of David and the Key of David today.
7. God
is looking for overcomers and has many blessings for them.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
26
Seven
Churches – (B) What the Spirit is Saying to the Church
We
are talking about the seven churches in Revelation 1-3. The admonitions and
promises given to the seven churches apply to the corporate Church today. God
has not changed and His message is still the same. The question may be asked,
“What is the Spirit saying to the Church today?” Out of many things He is
speaking, seven themes stand out in particular:
1. Return
to your first love and do the first works
2. Repent
from allowing false doctrines and carnality to remain in the Church
3. Seek
a relationship with Jesus Christ, as opposed to just being religious
4. Put
on your spiritual garments and guard against getting them soiled
5. Repent
from spiritual lukewarmness
6. God
is restoring the Tabernacle of David and the Key of David today
7. God
is looking for overcomers and has many blessings for them
The
Spirit is saying to return to our first love and do the first works. For many
Christians, the honeymoon with Jesus is over with. When once they were filled
with passion and zeal for Him, the flame has died down. The Lord wants us to
fall in love with Him again afresh, and be on fire for Him as we were when we
were first born again.
God
also wants us to love others in the same way He loves them. He wants us to see
people through His eyes. We demonstrate our love for Jesus as we show love to
others.
God
wants us to get back to the basics. Some examples include prayer, studying the
Word, faith in action, worship and praise, holiness, labor and patience,
spiritual discernment, practical wisdom for everyday living, and getting back
to the simplicity of the salvation message and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The
Spirit is saying that the Church is to repent of allowing false doctrines to
enter in, as well as justifying sinful practices. During the time these letters
were written to the seven churches, false doctrine and deception had crept into
the church. An example was Balaam worship and the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Today there are false doctrines that enter into the Church. Cults are a result
of this.
For
centuries a Jezebel spirit has infiltrated the churches in order to weaken
God’s people and ultimately bring destruction. Some examples of a Jezebel
spirit include witchcraft and occultic practices, magical arts, false prophetic
experiences that are of the dark realm (God said to test the spirits - there is
the true prophetic), idolatry, control, rebellion, sexual immorality,
pornography, addictions, and preaching a gospel where you can get to Heaven
without going through the Cross and Jesus.
We
are responsible to study the Word of God and to guard against deception
entering in. As we study the Word of God, we will be able to rightly divide it,
and the truth of the Word will set us free.
The
Spirit is also saying that the Church is to speak up about purity and holiness.
Today there is much carnality mixed in to the Church. It goes undealt with. We
all have weaknesses and areas of sin that we struggle with. We are all
dependent on God’s grace and mercy. However, many churches today are silent
about moral issues of our day.
Many
churches do not teach what the Scriptures say about what is right and wrong.
Many Christians today are living the same way as the world. There should be a
distinction between light and darkness.
Some
examples of carnality, besides what I mentioned above, include dishonesty and
lack of integrity, hatred, slander, backbiting, abusive behavior, pride, lying,
strife. Ephesians 4 says that at one time we lived like the world. But we are
no longer children of darkness, but children of light, and should put aside
deeds of darkness.
Reverence
for the Lord, and for the House of the Lord, is lacking in our day and age. God
is calling His people back to the reverential fear of the Lord. This means to
hold Him in high esteem, showing Him respect and honor, wanting to please Him
and do that which is right.
Psalm
15 talks about who may enter God’s holy hill. It’s those with a pure heart,
clean hands, honest gain, and a reverential fear of the Lord. The Spirit is
calling the Church back to holiness and uprightness.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
27
Seven
Churches – (C) What the Spirit is Saying to the Church
We
are talking about the seven churches in Revelation 1-3. The admonitions and
promises given to the seven churches apply to the Church today. God has not
changed and His message is still the same.
The
question may be asked, “What is the Spirit saying to the Church today?” Out of
many things He is speaking, seven themes stand out in particular:
1. Return
to your first love and do the first works
2. Repent
from allowing false doctrines and carnality to remain in the Church
3. Seek
a relationship with Jesus Christ, as opposed to just being religious
4. Put
on your spiritual garments and guard against getting them soiled
5. Repent
from spiritual lukewarmness
6. God
is restoring the Tabernacle of David and the Key of David today
7. God
is looking for overcomers and has many blessings for them
The
Spirit is saying that He wants us to have an intimate relationship with Jesus
Christ, which is entirely different than being religious. (I’m talking about
intimacy in spirit and soul.)
The
Pharisees and Sadducees were very religious in Jesus’ day. They observed all
the religious ceremonies and feasts. They wore clergy robes. They were experts
in the law and knew the Scriptures backwards and forwards. However, they did
not mix the truth of the Scriptures with faith.
Jesus
compared the Pharisees and religious leaders to white-washed tombs. They looked
clean on the outside, but were dead on the inside. He compared them to cups
that are clean on the outside but not washed on the inside. They had a form of
godliness, but denying the power thereof.
They
were not transformed on the inside. Their righteousness came more from outward
things than from being clothed in Jesus’ righteousness. They were even involved
in corruption.
A
person can be a church member, or even a pastor of a church, yet not be saved.
The difference between religion and a relationship with Christ is that religion
involves certain beliefs about God, religious activities, as well as the
keeping of rituals. A relationship with the Lord may also involve all of that,
but to be born again, it’s not by observing religious activities. Salvation is
by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and making Him Lord of your life.
To
be born again also means that you are filled with the Holy Spirit and alive in
Christ. A relationship with the Lord is a transformation experience from the
inside out. Religion focuses on reforming the outward part of man through man’s
own efforts, but until there is a change of heart true reformation won’t take
place.
A
relationship with Christ is not just a one-time prayer, but an ongoing
relationship of love, intimacy in spirit and soul, faithfulness and commitment.
It’s a marriage. The Church is likened to the Bride of Christ.
Religion
seeks to be righteous through man’s own works and keeping of the laws of God.
Works and keeping God’s laws are vitally important. However, there is none
righteous, not even one. The Word says that our own righteousness is as filthy
rags.
We
are MADE righteous, and DECLARED righteous by the Blood of Jesus (not by how
good we can be in our own efforts). The Lord clothes us in a robe of
righteousness (but it’s not our own righteousness, but His righteousness).
The
spirit of religion is an antagonistic spirit against Jesus Christ, the truths
of God’s Word, and against Christians who do choose to have a close walk with
the Lord. Religion tries to quench the moving of the Holy Spirit and does not
even welcome the Holy Spirit. Religion is antagonistic against the anointing of
God flowing.
Religion
can also be mean towards people. Religion can either keep people in bondage by
the keeping of all the rules and the focus on the outward, or it can be the
other way around where anything goes.
God
doesn’t want us to be focused on just religious activities, but to seek to know
Him intimately. He wants to do a work on the inside of us and change our
hearts. Religion won’t change a person’s heart, but relationship with Christ
will. It’s all about Him (Jesus).
The
church of Sardis had a reputation of being alive, when in reality they were
spiritually dead. The people gathered together, they came dressed very nice,
the church had programs and activities. But spiritually, the church was dead.
The Holy Spirit was not welcomed in that church. On the inside of people’s
hearts, they were dead inwardly while alive physically.
The
Spirit is saying that we are to become alive in Christ Jesus. To be alive in
Him means to be born again and to abide in Him, receiving our life from Him, in
the same way the branch receives life from the vine. Jesus is the Vine and we
are the branches. If we remain connected to Him, we will bear much fruit (John
15).
Seven
Churches
Chapter
28
Seven
Churches – (D) What the Spirit is Saying to the Church
We
are talking about the seven churches in Revelation 1-3. The admonitions and
promises given to the seven churches apply to the Church today. God has not
changed and His message is still the same.
The
question may be asked, “What is the Spirit saying to the Church today?” Out of
many things He is speaking, seven themes stand out in particular:
1. Return
to your first love and do the first works
2. Repent
from allowing false doctrines and carnality to remain in the Church
3. Seek
a relationship with Jesus Christ, as opposed to just being religious
4. Put
on your spiritual garments and guard against getting them soiled
5. Repent
from spiritual lukewarmness
6. God
is restoring the Tabernacle of David and the Key of David today
7. God
is looking for overcomers and has many blessings for them
The
Spirit is saying that the Church is to put on their spiritual garments.
Galatians 3:27 says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed
yourselves with Christ” (NIV).
We
are also to keep our garments clean – by staying in close relationship with the
Lord, obeying His Word, letting Him do a work of purification in our lives. If
our robes should become soiled, they can be washed clean in the Blood of Jesus.
In
the natural, garments keep us warm, protect us from exposure to the elements,
and cover our nakedness. In the spiritual, the garments God provides for us
acts as warmth to our soul and spirit, and protects us from the wiles of the
enemy.
Examples
of spiritual garments include:
1. Salvation
(Isaiah 61:10, Ephesians 6:17)
2. Armor
of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
3. Joy
and Gladness (Psalm 30:11)
4. Praise
(Isaiah 61:3)
5. Name
and Blood of Jesus (covered by the Blood; Atonement)
6. Cloak
of Zeal (Isaiah 59:17)
In
Ephesians 6:11 we are told to put on the whole armor of God. The garment, or
loin belt, of truth binds and encircles us. As the loin belt held the other
pieces of armor in place, the truth holds everything together. When the truth
is missing, everything begins to unravel at the seams and fall apart.
The
garment or breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts and emotions. This
garment represents holiness, purity, uprightness and integrity.
The
shoes of the Gospel of peace represent our daily walk with Christ. As we live
out what we share with others, the world will be drawn to hear the message of
the Gospel – which is peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The
garment of faith acts as a shield, repelling the fiery darts of Satan. These
fiery darts come in the form of lies, accusations, words of doubt, verbal
abuse, gossip, fear and intimidation, and curses spoken against us. The shield
of faith causes these fiery darts, that would otherwise wound us severely, to
fall to the ground extinguished and powerless.
The
garment of salvation is like a helmet which protects our spirit, our minds, our
intellect, and our thought processes.
The
sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is both a defensive and
offensive weapon used against the devil. When the enemy comes at us with all
his lies and tricks, we can declare like Jesus did: “It is written …” (and
confess those Scriptures from the Word) and the devil will flee eventually.
(The
devil knows the Scriptures better than many Christians and will use it against
you to control and manipulate you, or to whip you and keep you in bondage and
guilt. However, the enemy will distort and twist the Scriptures, or tell you
partial truth but not quote the entire passage or give you the whole counsel of
God about a particular matter. That’s why it’s so important to study the Word
and to rightly divide it, so that you are on guard against the devil’s
schemes.)
As
we look into the Word of God, we will be changed into His likeness. 2
Corinthians 3:18 says that we are transformed into His image, from glory to
glory (one level of glory to the next level of glory).
And
all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word
of God] as in a mirror the Glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured
into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of
glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit. 2
Corinthians 3:18 AMP
It
is possible for us to remove our spiritual garments. We lay aside our garments
when we are out of fellowship with God, or in total or partial disobedience. If
our clothes are missing, then we are vulnerable and exposed. We are wide open
to being wounded by the attacks of the enemy.
Our
garments can become soiled through any kind of sin, sexual immorality,
corruption or spiritual adultery (referring to idolatry and witchcraft/occultic
practices). Our garments are soiled when we refuse to repent of areas of sin
that the Holy Spirit has pointed out to us.
The
Greek definition of “repent” means to change one’s thinking. As a man thinks in
his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Before our actions can change, our minds
and thinking must first be transformed. We must begin to think differently. As
we begin to change the way we think, then the course of our life will begin to
go in a different direction. The Word of God has the power to renew the mind
(Romans 12:2).
The
Blood of Jesus can wash us, remove every stain, and give us clean white
garments to wear. 1 John 2:1 says, “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with
the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” And 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess
our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.”
White
garments (or robes of righteousness) in the Scriptures is talking about the
righteousness of the saints.
And
to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the
fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Revelation 19:8
The
Spirit is saying to put on our spiritual garments, to keep them from becoming
spotted and soiled, to live holy lives, to obey the Lord and His Word, and to
allow Him to cleanse and purify us.
Always
be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil (the anointing of the
Holy Spirit and also the oil of joy). Ecclesiastes 9:8
These
are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14 NKJV
I
will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has
clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of
righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride
adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 NKJV
Seven
Churches
Chapter
29
Seven
Churches – (E) What the Spirit is Saying to the Church
We
are talking about the seven churches in Revelation 1-3. The admonitions and
promises given to the seven churches apply to the Church today. God has not
changed and His message is still the same.
The
question may be asked, “What is the Spirit saying to the Church today?” Out of
many things He is speaking, seven themes stand out in particular:
1. Return
to your first love and do the first works
2. Repent
from allowing false doctrines and carnality to remain in the Church
3. Seek
a relationship with Jesus Christ, as opposed to just being religious
4. Put
on your spiritual garments and guard against getting them soiled
5. Repent
from spiritual lukewarmness
6. God
is restoring the Tabernacle of David and the Key of David today
7. God
is looking for overcomers and has many blessings for them
The
Spirit is saying to repent from being lukewarm. God would rather us be hot or
cold, but not lukewarm. We cannot have one foot in the world and one foot in
the kingdom of God.
Many
Christians have become lukewarm because of the cares of this world, materialism
and working hard to have sustenance for everyday living. While they are not
necessarily out of fellowship with God, they have become distracted.
Many
have developed apathy when it comes to spiritual things. For example, they may
be born again, and yet have no time to pray, worship, read the Word, or attend
church. It’s not a priority because they have so many other things going on.
Many
are saved, yet show little interest in talking about God or about spiritual
matters. They would rather discuss business, sports, the news, the weather. And
those things aren’t bad necessarily. Usually what is of utmost importance to
you, and on your heart, are the things that will come out of your mouth.
In
our society, lukewarmness is prevalent. There are many who believe in God, who
go to church, who have truly been born again. However, their passion and zeal
for God has grown cold. God wants us to burn with passion and love for Him, and
His kingdom.
The
Spirit wants us to make a decision whether or not we will be hot or cold, but
He doesn’t want us to be lukewarm. May the Lord restore that burning passion
and zeal.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
30
Seven
Churches – (F) What the Spirit is Saying to the Church (Key of David)
We
are talking about the seven churches in Revelation 1-3. The admonitions and
promises given to the seven churches apply to the Church today. God has not
changed and His message is still the same.
The
question may be asked, “What is the Spirit saying to the Church today?” Out of
many things He is speaking, seven themes stand out in particular:
1. Return
to your first love and do the first works
2. Repent
from allowing false doctrines and carnality to remain in the Church
3. Seek
a relationship with Jesus Christ, as opposed to just being religious
4. Put
on your spiritual garments and guard against getting them soiled
5. Repent
from spiritual lukewarmness
6. God
is restoring the Tabernacle of David and the Key of David today
7. God
is looking for overcomers and has many blessings for them
Revelation
3:7 refers to the Key of David. What is the Key of David?
1. Access
2. Authority
3. Opening
Doors and Closing Doors
4. Locking
Doors and Unlocking Doors
5. Governmental
and Kingly ruling and reigning
6. Priestly
Anointing
7. Prophetic
Anointing
8. Praise
and worship as it was in the Tabernacle of David
9. Intercession
Rebuilding
the Tabernacle of David
Acts
15:16-17 NKJV
16
After this I will return and will rebuild the Tabernacle of David, which has
fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up;
17
So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are
called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things.
Cross
reference: Amos 9:11
Praise
and Worship
In
the last 30 years, the Holy Spirit has been restoring to the corporate Body of
Christ the praise and worship as it was in the Tabernacle of David. In David’s
Tabernacle, worship went on continually day and night, and the Shekinah Glory
of the Lord dwelt there.
There
was no Veil separating the Ark of the Covenant from the people. David’s
Tabernacle was a prophetic picture of the time when Jesus would come and shed
His Blood as a ransom for sin, and the way would be made for us to have free
access to the Presence of God. The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes the Throne
Room of God and the Mercy Seat in Heaven.
David
came into the Holy of Holies not with an animal sacrifice, but with the
sacrifice of praise. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving
and into His courts with praise.” The gates and courts are referring to the
outer court of the Tabernacle. This verse is telling us the protocol of how to
come into the King’s chambers. We enter in by praise and thanksgiving.
In
David’s Tabernacle (where there was an atmosphere of worship and glory 24 hours
a day), it was the place of communion and intimacy with God. It was the place
of revelation. Worship and the Word are the keys to unlocking the treasures of
wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17-18).
The
prophetic gifts flow in an atmosphere of worship. Somehow the Lord created the
sound of musical chords, instruments and worship to be a carrier of the
presence and glory of the Lord. Worship is like a current that keeps the
anointing flowing like a river.
When
we worship the Lord, His glory descends upon our lives. Worship is one of the
keys to ushering in the glory of the Lord and revival. Praise is a key to
victory and triumph in our Christian life. Praise is a form of spiritual
warfare which puts the enemy in confusion, as well as strengthening God's
angels to fight for us.
Psalms
34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be
in my mouth.” God wants us to always have a song, and word, of praise on our
tongue. We can choose to bless the Lord or say something negative.
Worship
magnifies the Lord, helps us take our focus off of our problems, and gives us a
new perspective on situations. There is an old chorus which says that the
things of this earth will grow dim in the light of God's glory and grace, as we
turn our eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face.
The
worship in David’s Tabernacle is being restored to the Church today. Some forms
of Davidic worship include: the use of musical instruments, singing, choirs,
kneeling, bowing, dancing (choreographed and spontaneous), lifting up holy
hands, clapping, shouting, laying prostrate before the Lord, silence at times,
use of flags and banners, a prophetic flow. Worship could include speaking your
praise as well as singing praises, and standing in honor of His presence.
In
David’s Tabernacle, there was freedom in the Spirit to worship, and it went on
day and night. The singers and musicians ministered in shifts.
Prophet,
Priest and King
The
Key of David also involves the role of prophet, priest and king as David
operated in a three-fold anointing. Jesus is also Prophet, Priest and King.
Revelation
1:5-6 And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead,
and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us
from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to
His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation
5:9-10 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll,
and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your
blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made
us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the
earth.”
1
Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a
holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
A
king has dominion and authority. God wants to raise up sons and daughters who
would take dominion in the earth, and authority over the devil’s wickedness.
A
prophet decrees, declares and proclaims God’s will in the earth. The prophet
summons the people together.
The
priest offers up prayer and intercession to God on behalf of others and
himself. The priests also are the worshippers and musicians.
An
intercessor operates in the role of prophet, priest and king.
Kingly
Office
The
Key of David involves walking in the kingly anointing. A king has access,
authority and dominion. Isaiah 22:22, in the Amplified, says: “And the key of
the house of David I will lay upon his shoulder; he shall open and no one shall
shut, he shall shut and no one shall open.”
A
key is a symbol of authority and access. With a key, you are authorized to go
in and out.
Jesus
said that He would open doors that no man can shut, and shut doors that no man
can open (Revelation 3:7). Then in the next verse Jesus says, “I know your
works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” The
Lord has an open door for you to walk through.
Isaiah
2:2, in the KJV, says that nations shall flow through us. “And it shall come to
pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be
established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills;
and all nations shall flow unto it.”
In
early February 2011, I attended a Harp & Bowl Meeting at my church. The
harp represents our worship. The bowls represent our prayers and intercessions
going up as incense before God. See Revelation 5:8 in the NKJV or AMP. There
was one particular prophetic word I wanted to mention that was given concerning
the kingly anointing.
“God
is birthing kings in the Spirit (the Bible says we are kings and priests, a
royal priesthood). These kings will take on the 7 mountains (7 worldly
systems):
1. Family
2. Government
3. Business
4. Education
5. Religion
6. Media
7. Arts
and Entertainment
There
is the spirit of momentum and escalation. You will get more done in less time.
There is a remnant who will arise and build by faith.
These
kings will release God’s children from a poverty and beggar’s mentality. God’s
people will be infused with the spirit of dominion, at which the oceans would
obey at our mouth. (The oceans refer to the sea of humanity.) Kings and Priests
are being raised up.”
Prophetic
Song after the above prophetic word was given:
Come
kings, be crowned tonight
Come
kings, come kings
Come
kings, be crowned tonight
Come
kings, come kings
Seven
Churches
Chapter
31
Seven
Churches – (G) What the Spirit is Saying to the Church
We
are talking about the seven churches in Revelation 1-3. The admonitions and
promises given to the seven churches apply to the Church today. God has not
changed and His message is still the same.
The
question may be asked, “What is the Spirit saying to the Church today?” Out of
many things He is speaking, seven themes stand out in particular:
1. Return
to your first love and do the first works
2. Repent
from allowing false doctrines and carnality to remain in the Church
3. Seek
a relationship with Jesus Christ, as opposed to just being religious
4. Put
on your spiritual garments and guard against getting them soiled
5. Repent
from spiritual lukewarmness
6. God
is restoring the Tabernacle of David and the Key of David today
7. God
is looking for overcomers and has many blessings for them
The
Spirit is saying that God desires for us to be overcomers. He does not want us
to lay down and accept defeat or mourning as our lot in life. He doesn’t want
us to give up or have a failure mentality.
He
wants us to rise up, trust God, and allow Him to turn our weaknesses into
strengths. He wants to turn our sorrows into joy. He wants to turn
disappointments or setbacks into opportunities for advancement. He wants us to
have faith and speak those things that are not as though they were (Romans
4:17).
We
are not to give in or shrink back, but to stand strong and move forward. 2
Corinthians 2:14 says, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphant
procession in Christ, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the
knowledge of Him” (NIV).
God
has rich rewards for those who overcome. He has made specific promises to
overcomers in this life.
1. I
will give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of
God (Rev 2:7).
2. You
shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev 2:11).
3. I
will 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 knows saving he that receives it
(Rev 2:17).
4. 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. And I will give him the morning star. (Rev 2:26b-28)
5. Shall
be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book
of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels
(Rev 3:5).
6. I
will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I
will write upon him the Name of My God, and the Name of the City of My God,
which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from My God: and I will
write upon him My new Name. (Rev 3:12)
7. To
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne (Rev 3:21)
In
Revelation 2-3, seven times it says, “He who has an ear let him hear what the
Spirit is saying to the churches.” The Spirit says that He has rich and eternal
rewards for those who overcome.
Through
Christ, we are strengthened and can do all things (Philippians 4:13). 1 John
5:4 says that our faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
Revelation
21:7 (NKJV) is a very encouraging Scripture. It says, “He who overcomes shall
inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”
Overcomers
are not limited to seven promises, but they shall inherit ALL things according
to Revelation 21:7.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
32
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:1-2
We
are discussing the seven churches in Revelation 1-3. I have given an overview
and introduction of the seven churches, listed the promises to overcomers, and
talked about the significant number patterns found in the Book of Revelation.
I
am going to now start with Chapter 1 and go verse by verse explaining what it
means. After Chapter 1, I will go through each of the seven churches, one by
one.
Chapter
1
Verses
1-2 (Amplified Version)
1
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ [His unveiling of the divine mysteries].
God gave it to Him to disclose and make known to His bond servants certain
things which must shortly and speedily come to pass in their entirety. And He
sent and communicated it through His angel (messenger) to His bond servant
John,
2
Who has testified to and vouched for all that he saw [in his visions], the word
of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
The
Book of Revelation was authored by Jesus Christ and given (by way of vision) to
John the Apostle around 95-96 AD. John was affectionately known as John the
Beloved, but also Son of Thunder. He was full of love, yet also zeal. He was
very outspoken and fiery in his preaching, and especially dealing with issues
of sin and walking in love.
John
was also Jesus’ cousin, as well as appointed caretaker of Jesus’ mother Mary.
John's death was around 100 AD, and church records report that he lived to be
in his upper 90's.
The
book entitled “The Twelve: The Lives of the Apostles After Calvary” by
C. Bernard Ruffin says on Page 89 that according to the Apostolic History of
Abdias, it stated that John was 97 when he died. That means he would have been
in his early 90's when he had the Vision in 95-96 AD.
The
Roman Emperor Domitian ruled from 81-96 AD. Persecution and martyrdom against
Christians was intense during that time.
Earlier
attempts during the reign of Domitian were made to persecute, torture and
martyr John, but were unsuccessful (God supernaturally intervened and he lived
and escaped). Later on John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos to a prison camp
as a form of persecution for preaching the Gospel.
It
was while he was at Patmos that he received the Vision. Patmos is a tiny, rocky
island in the Aegean Sea, around 25 miles off the coast of Miletus – Miletus is
around 35 miles south of Ephesus.
The
word “revelation” comes from the Greek word apokalupsis from
which we have our word Apocalypse. It is defined as: “disclosure of what was
concealed or hidden, an uncovering, to lay open what has been veiled,
manifestation, to make known, a revealing, an appearance.”
The
main theme of the Book of Revelation is that it is a revelation of Jesus
Christ. The Amplified says “His unveiling of the divine mysteries.”
The
Bible Exposition Commentary says,
“John's
prophecy is primarily the revelation of Jesus Christ, not the revelation of
future events.
In
Revelation 1-3, Christ is seen as the exalted Priest King ministering to the
churches.
In
Revelation 4-5, He is seen in heaven as the glorified Lamb of God, reigning on
the throne.
In
Revelation 6-18, Christ is the Judge of all the earth; and in Revelation 19, He
returns to earth as the conquering King of kings.
The
book closes with the heavenly Bridegroom ushering His bride, the church, into
the glorious heavenly city.”
God
first imparted the revelation to His Son Jesus Christ.
Then
Christ sent an angel to reveal the Vision to His servant John.
Then
John sent the Vision to the seven churches.
According
to Bible Knowledge Commentary, the angel who appeared to John is not named, but
some theologians believe the angel was Gabriel, who explained visions to
Daniel, and who brought messages to Mary and Zacharias (Daniel 8:16; 9:21-22;
Luke 1:5-31).
The
Greek word for angel is agellos, and it simply means “a messenger;
to bring tidings; one who is sent.”
The
definition also says that the word angel could apply to a heavenly spirit-being
or could be in reference to a pastor. In Revelation 1:1, the angel is a
heavenly being, probably Gabriel.
In
the letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3), the seven angels are seven
pastors or bishops.
The
phrase, in the NKJV, “The revelation which God (the Father) gave Him (His Son
Jesus) to show (for Jesus to show) His servants (servants
would be John, the seven pastors of the seven churches and other servants)”—the
Amplified Version uses the word disclose.
The
Greek word translated as show or disclose is the word deixai or deiknuoo which
means: “to point out, to cause to see, to present to the sight, to give
evidence or proof of a thing, to show by words, to teach.” This suggests that
what was to be revealed was to be presented to the sight by tokens, symbols and
words.
The
phrase, “certain things which must shortly and speedily come to pass in their
entirety” could mean:
1. That
the action will be sudden when it comes, not necessarily that it will occur
immediately. Once the end-time events begin, they will occur in rapid
succession.
2. Time
does not exist with God in the same way that we have time here on the earth. A
thousand years is as a day in light of eternity, and a day is as a thousand
years. On earth, we live in chronos time (the ticking away of the clock in
terms of years, months, weeks, days, hours, and minutes). Kairos time is the
set appointed time for something to be fulfilled when everything is in place.
The
phrase: “He sent and communicated it through His angel” (AMP).
The KJV says “sent and signified”. The Greek word translated as
communicated or signified is the word semaino meaning “to make
known by signs or symbols,” but the verb also includes communication by words.
The
word “bondservant” (referring to John) in Verse 1 denotes the idea of being a
love slave of Christ. It also refers to being a servant leader. Jesus said that
he who is greatest in the kingdom of God must first of all be a servant
(Matthew 23:11).
The
term bondservant is used by Jesus (Philippians 2:7
NKJV), Paul (Romans 1:1, Galations 1:10, Philippians 1:1,
Titus 1:1 NKJV), Timothy (Philippians 1:1 NKJV), Epaphras (Colossians
4:12 NKJV), James (James 1:1 NKJV), Peter (2
Peter 1:1 NKJV), John (Revelation 1:1 AMP) and Jude (Jude
:1 NKJV).
Philippians
2:7 says that Jesus, Himself, was a bondservant—serving His Father and serving
others around Him. Mark 10:45 NKJV says, “For even the Son of Man did not come
to be served (to be ministered to - KJV), but to serve (minister - KJV), and to
give His life as a ransom for many.”
Philippians
2:5-11 NKJV
5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
6
who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with
God,
7
but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant,
and coming in the likeness of men.
8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient
to the point of death, even the death of the Cross.
9
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above
every name,
10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of
those on earth, and of those under the earth,
11
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father.
Verse
2 –
John was an eyewitness of what had occurred in the life, death, resurrection
and ascension of Jesus.
In
John’s writings and public ministry (preaching, teaching, working of miracles
and healings, testifying about Christ), John regarded himself as a witness of
what he had seen and heard, and claimed only to make a faithful and fair record
of it.
The
phrase “The Word of God” could be referring to:
1. The
teachings of God
2. A
Name of Jesus Himself (i.e. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God”).
The
phrase “testimony of Jesus” could be referring to:
1. John
testifying of what he had seen with his own eyes and heard with his own ears
the things which Jesus taught, the miracles He performed and other displays of
Jesus’ glory (such as on the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-8 when
Jesus transformed into spirit, yet man. Bright light emanated from Him. He
spoke with Moses and Elijah. The Father’s Voice from Heaven said “This is My
Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” They were all enveloped by the Shekinah
glory cloud.)
2. The
testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10).
The
words “witness” and “testimony” are legal terms. It gives the picture of being
in a court room and giving an eyewitness account of what happened, what you saw
and heard, what was said, what was done, who was involved, when it happened,
and so forth.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
33
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:3-5a
Chapter
1
Verses
3-5a (New King James Version)
Revelation
1:3-5a
3
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep
those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Greeting
the Seven Churches.
4
John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him
who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are
before His throne,
5
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and
the ruler over the kings of the earth.
Verse
3
“Blessed”
in the Greek means: happy, well off, fortunate, to be envied.
“Blessed”
(in Verse 3) is the first of seven blessings, or beatitudes, in the Book of
Revelation. The seven beatitudes are:
1. Rev
1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this
prophecy and keep those things which are written in it.
2. Rev
14:13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
3. Rev
16:15 Blessed are all who are watching for Me, who guard their
clothing.
4. Rev
19:9 Blessed are those who are called to the Marriage Supper of the
Lamb.
5. Rev
20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.
6. Rev
22:7 Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
7. Rev
22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have
the right to the Tree of Life, and enter through the gates into the city.
In
Verse 3, a blessing is given to the reader of the prophecy. Writings were
copied by hand, and so therefore, not everyone in the seven churches had their
own scroll to read on their own. An appointed speaker would stand up at the
podium in the public assembly and read outloud the words of the prophecy to the
congregation.
A
blessing is given to the hearers of what they heard being read outloud. As the
people heard this book being read, its message would give them strength and
hope. The message would also help them examine their own lives, and each local
assembly, to determine those areas needing correction.
A
blessing is given to those who keep those things written in it. The blessing
would come not just by hearing, but putting into practice what they heard and
guarding it as a precious treasure. James 1:22-25 (Amplified Version) tells us:
22
But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it,
betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].
23
For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of
it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror;
24
For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets
what he was like.
25
But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is
faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener
who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing
(his life of obedience).
“For
the time is near”, in Verse 3, means that we are in the last days for all these
prophecies to be fulfilled and for the second return of Christ to occur. Jesus
said He was coming soon 2000 years ago. To us, 2000 years does not sound like
anytime soon.
In
the third chapter of Peter, the Apostle Peter talks about the return of Jesus
Christ as well as false teachers. He said in Verse 8-10a:
8
But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a
thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is
longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should
come to repentance.
10
The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.
Time
is different in heaven than here on earth. In Heaven, a thousand years is as if
one day had elapsed and a day could seem like a thousand years.
Time
here on earth is chronos time (the ticking away of the clock which is measured
in terms of years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds). Kairos time (God's
timing) means the appointed time, the set time for something to be fulfilled or
to happen.
One
reason for the delay in Christ’s coming, is that the Lord is merciful and is
giving people more time to repent. His will is that all would come to
repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God sent His Son Jesus to die for everyone in the
world, and His will is that all would be saved and none would be lost.
The
Greek definition for the word repent means “to change one's thinking.” The
mindset has to be changed or enlightened first before one's actions change. A
person cannot go beyond their level of thinking. As a man thinks in his heart,
so is he (Proverbs 23:7). For true repentance (a turnaround) to take place, one
has to begin to think in a new way. Mental strongholds and traditions are
powerful and keep the mind locked in to think a certain way. However, the Word
of God is more powerful and has the ability to renew the mind so that we are
transformed (Romans 12:2).
“Greeting
to the Seven Churches” (Verse 3) is in reference to seven actual historical
churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). There were many more than just
seven churches, but Jesus chose seven, out of all, of the churches to give a
message to.
Seven
is the number of totality, perfection, completion, fullness. The seven churches
encompass every church in the world to ever exist, as well as seven groups of
people within the Body of Christ. The messages to the seven churches are
applicable to every church, and every Christian, today.
The
seven churches included: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis,
Philadelphia and Laodicea.
“Grace
and peace” (Verse 4) is a common salutation throughout the New Testament. To
wish someone grace, is to wish them goodwill, lovingkindness, favor, benefits,
and that which affords joy, pleasure, delight and sweetness. Grace is also
defined as the unmerited favor of God and mercy.
To
wish someone peace is the same as saying “Shalom”. Shalom is defined as:
1. Peace,
quietness, tranquility
2. Salvation
and Baptism of the Holy Spirit
3. Rest,
Joy, Hope, Faith
4. Love
5. Absence
of war
6. Absence
of strife and contention
7. Harmonious
state of the soul and mind
8. Covenant
relationship with God
9. Peace
in our spirit (rational intellect, the part of us that communes with God)
10. Peace
in our soul (mind, will, emotions)
11. Peace
with God, especially in covenant relation
12. Peace
that surpasses our understanding; peace like a river
13. Unity;
concord; harmony (the anointing oil flows with unity)
14. Freedom
from confusion and captivity of any kind
15. The
Lord looses the prisoners
16. Success
and Blessings (family, children, grandchildren, houses, lands, cars, both
material and non-material things)
17. Giving
thanks for all your blessings
18. Prosperity;
wealth; living debt free; debts cancelled
19. Satiation
of God’s goodness
20. Being
filled up with the Word of God
21. Possessing
the promises of God
22. Completeness,
Wholeness
23. Restoration;
Rejuvenation; Refreshment; Relaxation; Recreation
24. Contentment
25. Friendship;
Friendliness (especially friendship with God)
26. Soundness
in mind and physical body; excellent health; wellness; healing
27. With
long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation
28. Security
29. Welfare,
Happiness
30. Nothing
missing and nothing broken
31. Safe
(in mind, body or estate)
32. Restitution;
compensation
33. To
walk in favor with God and man
34. God
gives His Beloved sleep
35. Days
of Heaven upon earth
36. A
greeting (“May it be well with you”)
37. Messianic
Reign
“Him
who is and who was and who is to come” (Verse 4) is based on God's
self-identification in Exodus 3:14, “I am who I am,” or, “I will be who I will
be” (from Jewish New Testament Commentary).
“Him
who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are
before His throne, and from Jesus Christ”. This salutation may be alluding to
the Trinity. John mentions the Godhead in other writings of his. I’ll mention
one in particular. In 1 John 5:7, John records: “For there are three that bear
record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus is the Word made flesh), and the
Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
“Seven
Spirits” is in reference to the Holy Spirit. It’s talking about the fullness of
the Holy Spirit. Seven is the number of totality, perfection, fullness and
completion.
The
Seven Spirits of God are also known as “the seven-fold Spirit of the Lord.” See
Isaiah 11:2-4 as a cross reference. Other references of the Seven Spirits of
God are found in Revelation 3:1, 4:5, 5:6.
In
addition to the seven-fold Spirit of God being seven characteristics of the
Holy Spirit, the seven Spirits of God are also seven Spirit Beings that
minister in front of the Throne and are sent out into all the earth to
minister. They are also known as the seven Horns and seven Eyes in Revelation
5:6.
In
the Throne Room of Heaven, the seven-fold Spirit of God is symbolized by the
seven lamps (torches) of fire burning before the Throne (Rev 4:5).
In
the earthly tabernacle (which was patterned after the real Sanctuary in
Heaven), the seven-fold Spirit of God is symbolized by the 7-branched Menorah
that continually burned day and night.
The
seven torches of fire, and the seven-branched Candelabra symbolizes the Holy
Spirit bringing illumination and revelation. The Holy Spirit also sanctifies us
just as fire purges the dross.
In
Revelation 3:1, Jesus is said to have those Seven Spirits of God. This is
symbolized by the seven horns and seven eyes of the Lamb in Revelation 5:6.
This verse says: “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the
four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,
having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent
forth into all the earth.”
The
horns speak of Jesus’ power and the eyes speak of Jesus’ manifold wisdom.
The
Holy Spirit is the spirit of the Father (Matt 10:20, John 15:26) AND the Son
(Gal 4:6, Phil 1:19). The Son issues out of the Father (John 8:42).
Isaiah
11:2-4a
2
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 of
the fear of the Lord.
3
His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of
His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears;
4a
But with righteousness He shall judge the poor.
If
interpreting this passage as the seven-fold character or attributes of God:
1. Spirit
of Wisdom
2. Spirit
of Understanding
3. Spirit
of Counsel
4. Spirit
of Might
5. Spirit
of Knowledge
6. Spirit
of the Fear of the Lord
7. Righteousness
(vs 4)
If
interpreting this passage as Seven Spirit Beings:
1. Spirit
of the Lord
2. Spirit
of Wisdom
3. Spirit
of Understanding
4. Spirit
of Counsel
5. Spirit
of Might
6. Spirit
of Knowledge
7. Spirit
of the Fear of the Lord
“The
faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of
the earth”. The Bible Exposition Commentary says, “Jesus Christ is seen in His
threefold office as Prophet (faithful Witness), Priest (First-begotten from the
dead), and King (Prince of the kings of the earth).
First-begotten
does not mean ‘the first one raised from the dead,’ but ‘the highest of those
raised from the dead.’ Firstborn is a title of honor (see Romans 8:29;
Colossians 1:15,18).”
A
faithful witness is a reliable one. Proverbs 14:5,25 says, “A faithful witness
will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. A true witness delivereth
souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.”
“Firstborn”
and “ruler over the earth's kings” corresponds to Psalms 89:27, which says:
“Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.”
The
messages to the seven churches was given during a time of heavy persecution
against the Church. The Jewish New Testament Commentary says the following:
“The
original readers were greatly encouraged in their struggle against persecution
by these three aspects of Yeshua the Messiah:
1. He
is the faithful witness (or “the faithful martyr”). He witnessed unto the point
of his own death, and especially through his own death, that God is in control
of history.
2. He
is the firstborn (or “foremost, chief”) of those who get raised from the dead.
This means that faithful believers too can look forward to being resurrected
and having eternal fellowship with God, even if in this world they receive no
reward and die ignominiously.
3. He
is the ruler of the earth's kings, the “King of Kings” (17:14, 19:16) who will
one day subject to himself even the most unbridled and oppressive governments.”
Seven
Churches
Chapter
34
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:5b, Part 1
Revelation
1:5b
5
To Him who loved us …
Just
those four words are a powerful statement. Who can comprehend the vastness of
the love of God? God’s love is an ocean that never runs dry.
God
loved us while we were yet sinners and was willing to sacrifice His only Son so
that you and me, and all mankind, may have eternal life.
Romans
5:8-9, in the Amplified Version, says:
8
But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while
we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.
9
Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought
into right relationship with God) by Christ's blood, how much more [certain is
it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God.
The
word “love” is Revelation 1:5 is agapao (Strong’s #26 in the New Testament).
Agapao is a verb, which is an action word. Love is not just a feeling, but love
is action. Love is demonstrated by deeds (primarily) as well as words.
The
Greek word agape (Strong’s #25) is a noun.
Agapao
is defined as:
A. to
love, to be full of good-will and exhibit the same
B. to
have a preference for, wish well to, regard the welfare of
C. used
often in the First Epistle of John of the love of Christians toward one another
D. used
of the benevolence which God, in providing salvation for men, has exhibited by
sending his Son to them and giving him up to death
E. used
of the love which led Christ, in procuring human salvation, to undergo
sufferings and death
F. used
of the love with which God regards Christ
G. When
used of love to a master, God or Christ, the word involves the idea of
affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, grateful recognition of benefits
received
H. to
take pleasure in the thing, prize it above other things, be unwilling to
abandon it or do without it
I. to
welcome with desire, long for
J. Concerning
the unique proof of love which Jesus gave the apostles by washing their feet
(from
Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by
Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
Love
is essential for faith to work. Galatians 5:6 says, “For in Christ Jesus
neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working
through love.”
Kenneth
E. Hagin Sr. tells of an account of when he was asked to pray for someone’s
child who had an affliction in their body. When he went to pray for the child,
the Lord told him that the mother was not walking in love, but was carrying
bitterness in her heart towards someone.
The
mother’s bitterness opened a door for the devil to afflict her child with
sickness. When the mother repented of bitterness and began to walk in love and
forgiveness, her child became well.
This
situation is not always the case of why a person is sick, but bitterness and
unforgiveness is one door where the enemy may get in.
Faith
alone is not always enough to get prayers answered. Faith must be combined with
its twin in order for it to work. Faith twins include:
1. Faith
and works (corresponding action)
2. Faith
and love
3. Faith
and patience
4. Faith
and hope
5. Faith
and grace
6. Faith
and favor of God
7. Faith
and speaking to the mountain
8. Faith
and saying positive things
9. Faith
and speaking the Word of God
10. Faith
and calling those things which do not exist as though they did exist
11. Faith
and meekness
12. Faith
and joy of the Lord
13. Faith
and trust
14. Faith
and peace of God
15. Faith
and diligence
16. Faith
and holiness
17. Faith
and obedience
18. Faith
and the reverence of the Lord
19. Faith
and praise
20. Faith
and worship
21. Faith
and delighting yourself in the Lord
22. Faith
and decreeing a thing
23. Faith
and asking God
24. Faith
and learning to forgive others
25. Faith
and leaning on the Lord
26. Faith
and the zeal of the Lord
27. Faith
and resting in the Lord
28. Faith
and confidence
29. Faith
and claiming what belongs to you
30. Faith
and boldness
31. Faith
and Thanksgiving
32. Faith
and giving of one’s time, resources, finances, compliments, friendship, love,
gifts
33. Faith
and Blessing Others
34. Faith
and Labor
35. Faith
and rightly dividing the Word
36. Faith
and Perseverance
37. Faith
and Overcoming
38. Faith
and Sowing Seed
39. Faith
and Declaring the Promise
40. Faith
and Preparing for the Promise to arrive
41. Faith
and Being a Good Steward of your Finances and Assets
42. Faith
and Being Optimistic
43. Faith
and Kindness
44. Faith
and Believing for the Best
45. Faith
and Looking at a Vision Board Everyday
46. Faith
and Mercy, Compassion
47. Faith
and Faithfulness
48. Faith
and Generosity
49. Faith
and Goodness
50. Faith
and Power of the Holy Spirit
51. Faith
and Family
52. Faith
and Salvation
53. Faith
and Justification
54. Faith
and Repentance
55. Faith
and Conquering
56. Faith
and Provision
57. Faith
and Abundant Life
58. Faith
and Bearing Good Fruit
59. Faith
and Victory
60. Faith
and Courage
61. Faith
and Edification
62. Faith
and Encouragement
63. Faith
and Esteeming Others
64. Faith
and Unity with other believers
65. Faith
and Ministry
66. Faith
and Prosperity
67. Faith
and Promotion
68. Faith
and Wisdom
69. Faith
and the Word
70. Faith
and Liberty in Christ
71. Faith
and Wealth
72. Faith
and Health
73. Faith
and Success
74. Faith
and Triumph
75. Faith
and Gladness of Heart
76. Faith
and Purity in heart, spirit, soul and body
77. Faith
and Fidelity
78. Faith
and Consecration
79. Faith
and Truth
80. Faith
and Wholeness
81. Faith
and Gentleness
82. Faith
and a Quiet Spirit
83. Faith
and Yielded to God
84. Faith
and Prayer, Intercession
85. Faith
and Performing Miracles
86. Faith
and Humility, Servanthood
87. Faith
and Obeying Laws of the Land
88. Faith
and Bearing Trials
89. Faith
and Submission to Authority
90. Faith
and Being Trustworthy
91. Faith
and Flourishing
92. Faith
and Multiplication
93. Faith
and Mighty in God
94. Faith
and the Anointing
95. Faith
and being an Oak Tree of righteousness – strong and sturdy
96. Faith
and Fun and Laughter
97. Faith
and the fruit of the Spirit
98. Faith
and the sword of the Spirit
99. Faith
and Sonship, Co-Heir with Christ
100. Faith
and Accepted in the Beloved
101. Faith
and Integrity
102. Faith
and Honesty
103. Faith
and Righteousness
104. Faith
and being Blameless
105. Faith
and having clean deeds
106. Faith
and Restoration
107. Faith
and Rejuvenation
108. Faith
and Recompense
109. Faith
and Glory
110. Faith
and Presence of God
111. Faith
and Remission of Sins
112. Faith
and Eternal Life in Heaven
113. Faith
and Being Complete in Christ
114. Faith
and Abiding Fully Satisfied
115. Faith
and Seeking after God as the deer pants after the water brooks
116. Faith
and Sanctification
117. Faith
and Protection in the shelter of the Most High
118. Faith
and soaring like the eagles
119. Faith
and your desert turned into an Eden
120. Faith
and Rivers of Living Water that proceed from the Throne of God
121. Faith
and Redemption through the Blood of Jesus
122. Faith
and the Cross of Christ
123. Faith
and Propitiation of sin through Christ
124. Faith
and every good gift proceeds from the Father above
125. Faith
and every spiritual and physical blessing flows from above
126. Faith
and having an excellent spirit
127. Faith
and being a virtuous woman
128. Faith
and being a diligent and skillful worker
129. Faith
and raising godly children in the fear and admonition of the Lord
130. Faith
and taking responsibility for your pets and flocks
131. Faith
and studying to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be
ashamed.
132. Faith
and loving-kindness that is everlasting.
133. Faith
and leveling the mountains and obstacles in our lives through our faith-filled
words.
134. Faith
and positive confession
135. Faith
and forgiving others so that we may be forgiven
136. Faith
and being rooted and grounded in God and His Word
137. Faith
and blossoming out like the rose
138. Faith
and having intimacy in spirit and soul with Jesus Christ
139. Faith
and having a dear friendship with the Holy Spirit and calling Him “Papa”
affectionately
140. Faith
and knowing God the Father as “Abba Father”
141. Faith
and being satiated in God’s goodness
142. Faith
and flourishing like new, fresh, green grass
143. Faith
and having the knowledge of Christ
144. Faith
and baptism (in the Holy Spirit, immersed in water, and baptism into the Body
of Christ)
145. Faith
and partaking of the Eucharist or Holy Communion
146. Faith
and our white robes of righteousness having no spots or wrinkles or stains, but
being bright white by the Blood of the Lamb
147. Faith
and Light (if we dwell in love, we also dwell in light)
148. Faith
and not having any fear, guilt or unworthiness
149. Faith
and our conscience purged by the Blood of Jesus
150. Faith
and no condemnation in Christ Jesus
Seven
Churches
Chapter
35
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:5b, Part 2
Revelation
1:5b NKJV
5
To Him who loved us …
The
Greek word for “loved” in Revelation 1:5 is agapao, which is a verb or action
word.
In
1 Corinthians 13, the Greek word for “love” (translated as charity in the KJV)
is agape, which is a noun.
In
the Greek there are various words for love, but the kind of love that Jesus
loves us with is agape (noun) or agapao (verb) love. He wants to fill our
hearts with His love so that we are able to love others in the same way He
loves us.
Romans
5:5 says, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad
in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Agape
love, in 1 Corinthians 13, is defined as:
1. Patient (Strong’s
New Testament #3114 makrothumeo) – to be long-spirited, forbearing,
patient; to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others; to be
mild and slow in avenging; to be long-suffering; slow to anger; slow to punish.
2. Kind (5541
chresteuomai) – to show oneself helpful; i.e. act benevolently; to
show oneself mild.
3. Not Envious (2206
zeloo) – to have warmth of feeling against; to be heated or boiling;
jealousy.
4. Not Boastful (4068
perpereuomai) – braggart; to vaunt oneself.
5. Not Proud
or Arrogant (5448 phusioo) – to be haughty; to inflate;
blow up; blow out; to cause to swell up.
6. Not Rude (807
aschemoneo) – to be (or act) unbecoming; behave unseemly.
7. Not Self-Seeking (2212
zeteo) – seek; require; demand (one’s own way); selfish;
self-centered.
8. Not Easily
Angered (3947 paroxuno) – to exasperate; to irritate;
provoke; rouse to anger; to talk sharp.
9. Thinking
No Evil (2556 kakos) – troublesome; injurious; pernicious;
destructive; baneful; [keeping a record of wrongs].
10. Not Rejoicing
in Iniquity (93 adikia) – injustice; moral wrongfulness
(of character, life or act).
11. Rejoices
in Truth (225 aletheia) – what is true in any matter under
consideration (opposed to what is feigned, fictitious, false); truth as a
personal excellence; that candor or mind which is free from affectation,
pretence, simulation, falsehood, deceit.
12. Beareth
all Things (Protects) (4722 stego) – to roof over, i.e.
(figuratively) to cover with silence; to keep secret; to hide; conceal; to
protect or keep by covering; to preserve; to bear up against; hold out against;
and so to endure, bear, forbear.
13. Believeth
all Things (Trust) (4100 pisteuo) – to have faith (in, or
with respect to, a person); to think to be true; to be persuaded of; to credit;
place confidence in.
14. Hopeth
all Things (Expect) (1679 elpizo) – to expect; [expect the
best].
15. Endures
all Things (5278 hupomeno) – abide; remain; i.e. bear
(trials); have fortitude; persevere.
16. Love
Never Fails (or Falls) (4098 pipto) – to fall; used of
descent from a higher place to a lower; used of descent from a standing to a
prostrate position; to fall from a state of uprightness; i.e. to sin; to come
to an end; cease.
Years
ago I watched the Believer’s Voice of Victory television broadcast, week after
week, where Gloria Copeland was teaching on the subject of love.
She
said that if one personalizes this passage by replacing the word “love” with
the word “I”, and declares it aloud as an act of faith, then after a while it
will take root and will come to fruition.
Declare
aloud …
I
am patient. I
am long-suffering. I am slow to anger. I am patient in
bearing the offenses of others.
I
am kind. I
am mild. I am benevolent. I am helpful.
I
am not
envious. I have no feelings of jealousy against another.
I
am not
boastful. I do not vaunt or brag on myself.
I
am not
proud or arrogant. I am not haughty. I am not puffed up.
I
am not
rude. I do not act unbecoming. I do not behave unseemly.
I
am not
self-seeking. I do not demand my own way. I am not
selfish or self-centered.
I
am not
easily angered. I do not get exasperated quickly. I am
not easily provoked. I am not sharp with others.
I think no
evil. I do not keep a record of wrongs. I do not have
spiteful, destructive, injurious or malicious thoughts towards anyone.
I do not rejoice in
iniquity. I do not take pleasure in injustice and moral
wrongfulness. I do not rejoice in someone else’s calamity.
I rejoice in the
truth. I do not pay heed to what is fictitious and
false. I take no part in rumors.
I bear all
things. I protect and cover. I do not expose the secrets
of others. I can be trusted to keep a confidence.
I believe all
things. I have faith in that person. I trust that
person. I have confidence in that person. (This is not
saying that you should trust every person because not every person can be
trusted. This passage may be saying to look for the best in every
person.)
I hope all
things. I expect for the best.
I endure all
things. I remain steadfast in bearing trials. I have an
attitude of fortitude and perseverance.
I will never fall away
from Christ because I walk in love.
I will not fall
into sin as long as I put on love. My love for Jesus Christ and
others will never end.
I will never cease
to show love. Love is always the answer. Love never
fails.
Amen,
so be it!
If
there is fear in your life, the love of God is the solution to that. 1 John
4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear; because
fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect (mature, complete) in
love.”
2
Timothy 1:7 tells us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power
and of love and of a sound mind.” He’s given us a sound mind because we are
filled with His love and power.
John
the Beloved Apostle teaches much about walking in love in his writings. In 1
John 4:19-21, John writes:
19
We love Him (Jesus) because He first loved us.
20
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who
does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not
seen?
21
And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his
brother also.
John
goes on to say that if we do not walk in love, we walk around in darkness. But
if we walk in love, we abide in the light as Christ is in the light (1 John
2:9-11, 1 John 1:5-10), and there is no cause of stumbling in us.
The
prayer of my heart is “Lord, teach me how to love. Baptize me in Your love.”
Sources:
The
Holy Bible, King James Version, Biblesoft Electronic Database, PC Study Bible
Thayer’s
Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database, PC Study Bible, Copyright 2000 by Biblesoft
Biblesoft’s
New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright 1994. Biblesoft and International
Bible Translators, Inc.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
36
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1 5c
Revelation
1:5c Unto Him that …. washed us from our sins in
His own Blood.
The
Greek word translated as “washed” is the word luo. It means to
loosen, unbind, to set free, release from bonds, to loose one who is bound, to
dissolve, to loose any person tied or fastened.
Jesus
has set us free from our sins by His Blood. His Blood breaks off every fetter
and delivers us from the power of sin. The Blood of Jesus gives us the power to
crucify sin in our own lives.
If
you are struggling with any sin or addiction, and you are bound, be encouraged
by this verse which says that Jesus washed (loosed) [past tense – He already
loosed us] from our sins in His own Blood. There is tremendous power in the
Blood of Jesus when it’s applied to your life.
How
is the Blood of Jesus applied to your life? By faith.
It
begins with accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If you
would like to receive salvation, just pray:
Dear
Lord Jesus,
I
receive you as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart. Wash me from all my sins
and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I believe that You died and rose again. Help
me become the person you created me to be. Thank You for saving me today. Thank
You for eternal life.
In
Jesus’ Name, Amen
Seven
Churches
Chapter
37
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:6
Revelation
1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His
Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Jesus
Christ is a Priest-King like Melchizedek (Hebrews 7), and we are seated with
Him on His throne ruling and reigning with Him (Ephesians 2:1-10).
1
Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
A
royal priesthood reigns on this earth in the here and now (not just when they
get to heaven or during the millennium). Revelation 5:10 tells us: “And have
made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”
Kings
and priests exercise spiritual authority and serve God in this earth.
Kings
rule and reign. Kings decree a thing and so shall it be established. Kings make
laws and change laws and regulations. Kings have dominion. Kings conquer their
enemies and have the victory. Kings are wealthy. Kings have an audience with
people in high places. Kings primarily serve in the marketplace and
governmental reigning.
At
my church, a prophetic word was given in January 2011 concerning the role of
kings. The word is:
God
is birthing kings in the Spirit. These kings will take on the 7 mountains (the
7 mountains being the 7 worldly systems):
1. Family
2. Government
3. Business
4. Education
5. Religion
6. Media
7. Arts
and Entertainment
There
is the spirit of momentum and escalation. You will get more done in less time.
There is a remnant whom will arise and build by faith.
These
kings will release God’s children from a poverty and beggar’s mentality. God’s
people will be infused with the spirit of dominion, at which the oceans would
obey at our mouth. (The oceans refer to the sea of humanity.) Kings and Priests
are being raised up.
Priests
primarily serve in the five-fold ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12 refers to the
five-fold ministry.
11
And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers;
12
For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
The
Barnes’ Notes Commentary says the following regarding kings and priests in
Revelation 1:6:
The
quotation in 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6 and Revelation 5:10 comes from Exodus
19:6: “And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests.”
This
idea is expressed here by saying that Christ had made us in fact kings and
priests; that is, Christians are exalted to the dignity and are invested with
the office, implied in these words.
The
word “kings,” as applied to them, refers to the exalted rank and dignity which
they will have; to the fact that they, in common with their Savior, will reign
triumphant over all enemies; and that, having gained a victory over sin and
death and hell, they may be represented as reigning together.
The
word “priests” refers to the fact that they are engaged in the holy service of
God, or that they offer to him acceptable worship.
In
the Levitical priesthood, a priest could not be a king and a king could not be
a priest. They were two separate offices.
However,
since Jesus comes from the priesthood of Melchizedek (who was both a priest and
a king), and because we are in Christ we have the divine nature of God living
on the inside of us, we can reign in this life as both kings and priests.
King
David was a type of Christ in that he was a king, priest and prophet all at the
same time. And David came from the tribe of Judah (the tribe of kings).
In
a teaching I posted about intercession, we see how intercessors operate in the
3-fold anointing as prophet, priest and king.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
38
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:7
Revelation
1:7 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.
Cross
Reference:
Matthew
24:30-31
30
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all
the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the
clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall
gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the
other.
Also
see: Matthew 26:64, Mark 13:26, Mark 14:62, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
This
coming of the Lord is His second coming. It could be talking about one of two
things:
1. The
rapture, because it says that His angels shall gather together His elect from
the four winds (four corners of the earth … worldwide extension … north, south,
east, west).
2. This
verse could be talking about Jesus’ coming after the rapture has already
occurred, when Jesus comes to set up His kingdom on this earth during the
millennium.
The
Lord, when He returns, will come accompanied with clouds. Clouds are symbols of
Majesty and the Shekinah Glory.
God
spoke from the Cloud that led the Israelites through the wilderness.
Jesus
will appear in the sky, in the literal clouds. In the same way He ascended to
heaven, is the same way in which He will return to earth. Acts 1:9-11.
They
who pierced Him is probably in reference to those who crucified Him (the Jewish
people and the Gentiles). His feet and hands were pierced, as was His side.
This is also in reference to those who have pierced His heart (figuratively
speaking) through habitual sin, rebellion, rejection and wrong doing.
Every
eye will be able to see Him … this is possible with modern-day media and
satellite. His coming will be a visible appearing.
All
the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. The Barnes’ Notes Commentary
says they shall:
“Wail
on account of their treatment of Jesus. The coming of the Savior will be an
event which will call to remembrance the sins of the people and they will be
overwhelmed with the apprehension of wrath to come.”
The
word “Amen” means: so be it, assuredly, certainly. The word “Amen”
in this verse is an affirmation of a certainty, rather than an expression of a
wish.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
39
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:8
Revelation
1:8 “I am the Alpha and the 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 of the Greek alphabet. It looks exactly like an “A” in the
English alphabet.
Omega
is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. It is equivalent to the letter “Z” in
the English alphabet.
Jesus
is the A to the Z, and everything in-between.
“I
am Alpha and Omega” — I am from eternity to eternity.
“The
Beginning and the End” — God is the establisher of all things and the end of
all things. He has always existed and will always exist. He was there at the
beginning of creation and will be there at the close of the world as we know it
now.
The
language in this verse implies Divinity, and can be applied to no one but the
true living God. Jesus is God. In other writings of John, he establishes the
Divinity of Jesus Christ. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and
the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word is talking about Jesus.
“Who
is” – God is in the present
“Who
was” – God is in the past
“Who
is to come” – God is in the future
God
can be in the past, present and future all at the same time because He’s
eternal.
If
you have pressing needs that you are praying about, be assured that God has
already worked it out for you. He’s prepared the way and gone ahead into your
future, and already taken care of the matter. Not too long from now you’ll
begin to see the manifestation of answered prayer.
“The
Almighty” — The All-Powerful One. The Hebrew name for Almighty is El Shaddai.
Other
references in which Jesus introduces Himself as the Alpha and Omega are:
Revelation
1:11
Revelation
21:6
Revelation
22:13
Seven
Churches
Chapter
40
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:9
Revelation
1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation,
and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called
Patmos, for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Adam
Clarke’s Commentary says:
[Your
brother] A Christian, begotten of God, and incorporated in the Heavenly family.
[Companion
in tribulation] Suffering under the persecution in which you also suffer.
[In
the kingdom] For we are a kingdom of priests unto God.
[And
patience of Jesus] Meekly bearing all indignities, privations, and sufferings,
for the sake and after the example of our Lord and Master.
[For
the testimony of Jesus Christ.] For preaching Christianity, and converting
pagans to the Lord Jesus.
Information
below is derived from Adam Clarke’s Commentary and an article by Rick Renner
entitled “A Light in Darkness”, June 2011 issue of Victory Magazine (Kenneth
Copeland Believers Voice of Victory). The article is based on Rick Renner’s new
book called “A Light in Darkness – Seven Messages to the Seven Churches”.
Patmos
was a small, desolate island of about 30 miles in circumference. It belonged to
a group of islands called the Sporades. It’s located in the Aegean in the
region known as the Icarian Sea. Patmos is around 60 miles from Ephesus and 25
miles to the nearest coastline of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
Patmos
was the “Alcatraz” of the first century. The worst of the common criminals
(murderers, rapists) and political offenders were brought to this island. It
was an open-air prison. Common criminals were fettered, scourged and treated
very harshly. They had to do hard labor.
Political
offenders were treated with more respect and were allowed to roam the island
freely. However, no food, clothing, supplies or medical care was provided.
Political offenders formed communities to create a better chance of survival.
John
was exiled to this island as a political offender for spreading the Gospel of
the Lord Jesus Christ. It was here that John had the Vision and was caught up
to Heaven (in his spirit).
Seven
Churches
Chapter
41
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:10-11
Revelation
1:10-11
10
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as
of a trumpet,
11
saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you
see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to
Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and
to Laodicea.”
[I
was in the Spirit] The Spirit of Prophecy; under the influence of the Holy
Spirit; in a trance; shutting the outer world and everyone else out; in a state
of ecstasy; the inner spirit of man being under total possession of the Holy
Spirit, establishing an immediate connection with the invisible world.
[Lord’s
Day] The first day of the week; the Christian Sabbath; Sunday; the day of the
week that Jesus rose from the dead. A distinction was made between the Sabbath
Day and the Lord’s Day.
[I
heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet] Loud, clear, bright and distinct
like a trumpet; the clarion call; the trumpet was used for calling assemblies
together, for going to battle, summoning to religious feasts, etc.
[I
am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last]
[What
you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia]
John
was told to record on paper the visions God showed him. Journaling what the
Lord shows you and speaks to you is very important. If you do not write things
down, you may forget important details.
Habakkuk
2:2-3 says:
2
Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on
tablets, that he may run who reads it.
3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and
it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come,
it will not delay.”
The
seven churches are: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia
and Laodicea. These seven churches were in geographical existence in Asia Minor
(modern-day Turkey) during that time.
These
seven churches represent churches and groups of Christians today. The messages
given to each church applies to churches and groups of Christians.
Seven
is the number of rest, totality, fullness and perfection.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
42
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:12
Revelation
1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having
turned I saw seven Golden Lampstands.
The
Lampstand (also called the Golden Candlestick) is the seven-branched Menorah.
In
verse 20, Jesus explains that the seven Lampstands are the seven churches,
which are:
1. Ephesus
2. Smyrna
3. Pergamos
4. Thyatira
5. Sardis
6. Philadelphia
7. Laodicea
The
symbolism of the Lampstand with seven stems represents:
1. The
seven Spirits of God (which is interpreted two ways: 1) the characteristics of
the Holy Spirit and 2) Seven actual Spirit Beings).
2. The
Lord Jesus Christ as the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5)
3. The
New Testament Church, both local and universal (Matthew 5:14-16 and Revelation
1:12, 20)
In
Keven J. Connor’s book entitled The Tabernacle of Moses, City Bible
Publishing, p. 41-46, he brings out some good points.
The
Golden Candlestick did not have candles that burned. Rather, it was a Lampstand
filled with oil and wicks that were trimmed daily. Candles burn by
self-consumption, while lamps burn by the continual supply of the Oil of the
Holy Spirit.
The
chief purpose of the Lampstand was to give light and to illumine all that was
in the Sanctuary.
Jesus
is the light of the world and He has called us to let our light shine before
men (Matthew 5:16).
The
Lampstand was made out of pure gold. Gold symbolizes the Divinity of Christ.
The gold of the Candlestick speaks to us of Deity and Divine nature as first
seen in Christ, and second in the Church. It is in the Church that the Divine
nature of Jesus will be revealed.
Gold
is put through a refining process and impurities are removed. After the gold is
brought to this point, it can be fashioned in the hands of the goldsmith. This
process is typical of that which God works in His Church. God, by His Spirit,
purifies and sanctifies the Church.
The
Golden Candlestick was fashioned out of one piece of gold. It had a central
shaft from which proceeded six branches – three on either side of the main
shaft. This speaks to us that Jesus is the Vine (central shaft) and we are the
branches (John 15).
The
Lampstand burned continually. The flames never went out. In the same way, God
wants us as individuals, and His Church, to burn continually for Him and to let
our light shine.
The
Candlestick had three types of ornamentation:
1. Knops
(or buds)
2. Flowers
3. Almond
Bowls
The
knop, or round unopened bud is a type of the Father God who is the source and
beginning of everything.
The
central flower is a type of the Son of God who was crushed as a flower emitting
a sweet-smelling savor.
The
almond bowl is a type of the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and
produces fruitfulness in the people of God.
In
Walter L. Wilson’s book entitled A Dictionary of Bible Types,
Hendrickson Publishers, he says the following regarding the Candlestick:
The
Candlestick is a type of the Holy Spirit illuminating all the things of God.
The pure gold represents the purity of the Spirit and of His Word. The seven
branches or stems represent the fullness and completeness of the revelation of
the Spirit. The bowls represent the great provision of the Spirit. The flowers
represent the beauty of the Spirit.
The
Candlestick also represents God’s people (Revelation 1:12,20). In Revelation
1:20 we find a type of the church as she gives light on the Scriptures and
reveals Christ by her ministries.
Numbers
involved in the Lampstand:
One
piece of gold — unity, oneness, one accord, one Body of Christ
Three
knops — the Godhead; Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Seven
Lamps — Fullness, completion, totality and perfection. The Seven Spirits of God
in Isaiah 11:1-2; Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5. Seven horns (authority, power,
anointing) and seven eyes (manifold wisdom of God, Omniscience) in Revelation
5:6. Six days of creation culminating with the Sabbath. Seven doctrines of
Christ in Hebrews 6:1-2. Seven Churches in Revelation 2-3.
Nine
Ornaments — In each of the six branches there were three bowls, three knops and
three flowers. Each branch had nine ornaments in all. The number 9 is the
number of the Holy Spirit. Nine fruits of the Spirit (Galations 5:22-24). Nine
gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Nine graces of the Spirit (2 Peter
1:5-7).
Twelve
Ornaments — On the main shaft, there were four sets of three knops, three bowls
and three flowers, totaling twelve ornaments. The number twelve speaks of
Apostolic Fullness and Government.
Sixty-Six
— When the knops, bowls and flowers on the branches and shaft are totaled, it
adds up to sixty-six ornaments. Sixty-six speaks of the 66 books of the Canon
(Bible).
The
Canon is the sixty-six books of the bible recognized as God-Breathed and
written under Divine inspiration. Several very stringent guidelines and
standards were put into place to determine, out of thousands of manuscripts
dating back to the Old Testament and New Testament era, which ones were
God-Breathed. Only sixty-six of the writings met the strict criteria and were
included in the Canon, or known today as the Holy Bible.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
43
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:13-15
Revelation
1:13-15
13
And in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with
a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
14
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a
flame of fire;
15
His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the
sound of many waters.
[Seven
Lampstands] The seven lampstands are the seven churches, according to verse 20.
These churches include:
1. Ephesus
2. Smyrna
3. Pergamos
4. Thyatira
5. Sardis
6. Philadelphia
7. Laodicea
These
churches were in geographical existence in John’s day and located in Asia Minor
(modern-day Turkey). Each of these churches was located along a major highway.
[Son
of Man] The Son of Man is another name for Jesus Christ. There are multiple
references for this:
Matt 8:20;
9:6; 10:23; 11:19; 12:8,32,40; 13:37,41; 16:13,27-28; 17:9,12,22; 18:11; 19:28;
20:18,28; 24:27,30,37,39,44; 25:13,31; 26:2,24,45,64. Mark 2:10,28;
8:31,38; 9:9; 12:31; 10:33,45; 13:26,34; 14:21,41,62. Luke 5:24; 6:5;
7:34; 9:22,26,44,56,58; 11:30; 12:8,10,40; 17:22,24,26,30; 18:8,31; 19:10;
21:27,36; 22:22,48,69; 24:7. John 1:51; 3:13-14; 5:27; 6:27,53,62;
8:28; 12:23,34; 13:31. Acts 7:56. Rev 1:13;
14:14. Daniel 7:13-14.
Daniel
7:13-14 is a cross reference to Revelation 1:13. This was Daniel’s vision of
the Son of Man:
13
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of Man came with the
clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near
before Him.
14
And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people,
nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting
dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be
destroyed.
[Clothed
with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band]
This is a description of a Priest-King. The garment is a long robe like the
priest wears. The sash around His chest is regal. Jesus is our Great High
Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Jesus is the
King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16, Revelation 17:14, 1 Timothy
6:15).
Daniel
10:5-6 is a cross reference to Revelation 1:13 (and also verses 14-15).
5
I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose
waist was girded with gold of Uphaz!
6
His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes
like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the
sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.
[His
head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow] This verse corresponds to
Daniel 7:9 which says, “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the
Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His
head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning
fire.”
The
white hair is an emblem of Jesus’ antiquity. Also, it’s His glory. The
whiteness of His head and hair proceeded from the rays of bright light and
glory emanating from Him.
[His
eyes like a flame of fire] Jesus’ eyes are penetrating. When He looks at you,
it’s a look where you know that He knows every secret and everything about you.
There is nothing you can hide from Him. You feel completely exposed. Yet He
loves and accepts you just the way you are.
In
2000 I had a dream where I saw Jesus and His eyes are what stood out the most.
I could literally feel the weight of His stare. As He looked at me, I literally
felt heat penetrating holes in my heart (but no pain), as if there were
invisible laser beams coming from Jesus’ eyes. The fire also speaks of the Lord
being a refining fire. He purges sin and all impurities from our lives through
the refining process.
In
Daniel 10:6, it is said of the man who appeared to the prophet on the banks of
the river Hiddekel, that his eyes were “as lamps of fire.”
[His
feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace] This is an emblem of
stability and permanence, as brass being the most durable of all metallic
compounds. Brass is the color of amber. In Ezekiel 1:26-28, amber is associated
with the Glory of God.
Ezekiel
1:26-28
26
And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in
appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness
with the appearance of a man high above it.
27
Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color
of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the
appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire
with brightness all around.
28
Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the
appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the
likeness of the glory of the Lord.
[His
voice as the sound of many waters.] The same description is found in Ezekiel
43:2: The glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east; and his
voice was like the noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Daniel
10:6 says that the voice of His words is like the voice of a multitude.
His
voice is loud and majestic.
Jesus
speaks through His Church (Body of Christ). I’ve been in a church service where
there were 2000 people present, and the whole church was praying out loud in
small groups of 3 or 4 people. It sounded like the rushing of many waters.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
44
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:16
Revelation
1:16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp
two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.
[Right
hand] The hand of strength, protection, honor, pronouncing the blessing
[Seven
stars] Seven pastors or bishops of the seven churches
[Sharp
two-edged sword] The Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the Word of God is
living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the
division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The
Word of God is termed the sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17. This verse
says, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the Word of God.”
The
Barnes’ Notes Commentary says “the two edges of the sword were designed to cut
both ways; and such a sword is a striking emblem of the penetrating power of
truth, or of words that proceed from the mouth; and this is designed
undoubtedly to be the representation here – that there was some symbol which
showed that his words, or his truth, had the power of cutting deep, or
penetrating the soul.”
In
Revelation 1:16, it says that the sword of the Spirit (or the Word of God)
proceeded from Jesus’ mouth. He spoke the Word and it produced substance.
God
has made us speaking spirits. When we speak what the Word says, we will see
more answers to prayer. The Lord wants us to come into agreement with what His
Word says and speak that only. Don’t speak the problem, or doubt and unbelief.
Find Scriptures that pertain to your situation and confess that. The Word says
that we will have what we say. Speak what you would like to see happen and
watch God move in your situation.
2
Corinthians 4:13 says, “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is
written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and
therefore speak.”
[His
countenance] Jesus’ face
[The
sun shining in its strength] Full sun as on a clear summer day with no clouds.
This is talking about the majesty and glory of God shining from His
countenance.
When
Moses had spent time with God on Mt. Sinai, when he came down from the mountain
his face was so bright that he had to wear a veil when speaking to the
Israelites (Exodus 34:32-35).
Seven
Churches
Chapter
45
Seven
Churches – Revelation Chapter 1:17-20
Revelation
1:17-20
17
And when I saw 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.
18
I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And
I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
19
Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things
which will take place after this.
20
The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven
golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and
the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.
[I
fell at His feet as dead] The appearance of the glory of the Lord had the same
effect on Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:28), and when Gabriel appeared to Daniel (Daniel
8:17). Paul was struck to the ground in a similar way when he saw Christ in His
glory (Acts 9:4).
The
splendor and majesty of the Lord was more than John’s mortal body could
withstand, and he fell down deprived of his senses and consciousness. John was
overwhelmed with the suddenness of the vision.
[He
laid His right hand on me] The touch of Jesus’ hand imparted strength to John
to behold the vision.
[Do
not be afraid] Jesus was giving John reassurance that all was well. Others in
the Old and New Testaments who saw a supernatural appearance of the Lord or of
an angel were also told to fear not.
The
Bible Exposition Commentary says:
We
need not fear life, because He is "The Living One." We need not fear
death, because He died and is alive, having conquered death. And we need not
fear eternity because He holds the keys of hades (the world of the dead) and of
death. The One with the keys is the One who has authority.
[I
am the First and the Last] Jesus is eternal. The Barnes’ Notes Commentary says:
“I always live – have lived through all the past, and will live through all
which is to come – and therefore I can accomplish all my promises, and execute
all my purposes."
[I
am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.] This is
referring to Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. The Adam Clarke’s
Commentary says:
He
(John) now saw that he was in the presence of that Savior whom more than half a
century before he had so tenderly loved when in the flesh, and whom, though now
long absent, he had faithfully served, and for whose cause he was now in this
lonely island. His faith in his resurrection had not been a delusion; he saw
the very Redeemer before him who had once been laid in the tomb.
Because
Jesus lives, we who are in Christ shall live also.
John
11:25-26 says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me,
though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall
never die. Do you believe this?”
[Amen]
This word is used as a strong affirmation, meaning “truly” or “certainly so”.
This expression was used by Jesus often when He wished to give emphasis or to
express anything strongly.
[I
have the keys of Hades and of Death] The key here signifies the power and
authority over life, death, and the grave.
When
Jesus died, He went to hell for you and for me. Jesus disarmed the
principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over
them in the Cross (Colossians 2:15). The One who possesses the keys is the One
in authority.
[Write
the things which you have seen] Write a record of what he has already
experienced up till the Vision
[Write
the things which are] Write Revelation 2-3, which are the messages to the seven
churches
[Write
the things which will take place after this] Write the rest of the Vision which
is recorded in Revelation 4-22
Verse
20 – Jesus defines that the seven stars are the seven pastors or bishops of the
seven churches. He also defines that the seven Lampstands represent the seven
churches in Asia Minor (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis,
Philadelphia and Laodicea).
Jesus’
right hand denotes strength, protection, honor and blessing.
Are
you saved? Have you accepted Jesus Christ into your heart as your personal
Savior? If you would like to be born again, just pray this prayer:
Dear
Lord Jesus, I invite You to come into my heart. Be my Lord and Savior. I
believe that You died and rose again. Wash away all of my sins by Your Blood.
Holy Spirit, you are welcome to come and dwell in me. Help me to live for you.
In
Jesus' Name, Amen
Seven
Churches
Chapter
46
Seven
Churches – Ephesus: The Loveless Church (A)
Historical
City
Ephesus
had been the home of the Apostle John for several years before he was exiled to
the Isle of Patmos. John cared for Mary, the mother of Jesus, until
her death. According to author Rick Renner of the book entitled A Light in
Darkness, there is historical evidence that Mary lived in Ephesus. The most
significant evidence of Mary’s residency is that a church was named in her
honor (the first church to be named in her honor). Churches were
built in honor of local saints at that time, so it’s reasonable to conclude
that Mary was a local resident.
Author
Rick Renner also states that John lived in a Christian community right on the
outskirts of Ephesus at a location known as Mount Ayasuluk. This small
Christian community was situated high above the temple of Artemis, just beyond
the notice of Roman authorities.
A
higher level of toleration was given to people living outside the city limits
because their refusal to conform to local standards was not as obvious. The
authorities were more concerned about in-town citizens who violated Roman law
or the Emperor’s edicts for all to worship him. There was more freedom for
believers to gather together and for spreading the Gospel.
Rick
Renner goes on to say that the most important reason John lived on the
outskirts of the city is because he had oversight of all the churches in Asia
Minor. He met with leaders who traveled to see him. If they had met within the
city limits of Ephesus, the situation would have been more dangerous and a
higher chance of being arrested.
Ephesus
was an important seaport on the Mediterranean, handling more trade than any
other city in Asia Minor. People of many nationalities were drawn to this
center of commerce where wealth flowed in abundance.
It
was at Ephesus that Paul asked the brethren, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost
since ye believed?” and they answered, “We have not as much heard whether there
be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2). Paul laid hands on them and they received the
Holy Spirit, and he stayed in the city two years. All they which dwelt in Asia
heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (Acts 19:10).
Paul’s
preaching impacted the commerce of Ephesus since one of the major businesses
was the making of silver shrines in honor of Diana. Ephesus boasted of a temple
larger than the Greek Parthenon in honor of this many-breasted goddess. Worship
of Diana was the worship of sexual lasciviousness.
As
the city began to feel the impact of the Gospel, Demetrius, a silversmith,
called the craftsmen together (Acts 19:25-27). The Gospel was affecting their
income because they were getting less business. The town clerk succeeded in
quieting the uproar and dismissed the assembly. The opposition to Paul was only
the beginning of persecution for the Ephesian church.
Today
the city of Ephesus lies in ruins.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
47
Seven
Churches – Ephesus: The Loveless Church (B)
Salutation — Revelation
2:1
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
lampstands.”
The
angel is the presiding bishop of the church. Timothy was the pastor of the
congregation at Ephesus.
The
seven stars are the seven pastors of the seven churches. The seven golden
lampstands (seven-branched Menorah’s) represent the seven churches.
God’s
right hand represents strength, safety, protection, honor and blessing. In
other words, Jesus was holding the seven pastors in the palm of His
hand. He was upholding them with His righteous right hand.
Assets — Revelation
2:2-3
I
know your works — your deeds and actions
Your
labor — industry, activity
Your
patience — endurance, stability
And
that you cannot bear those who are evil — holiness expressed in hatred of evil
And
you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found
them liars — spiritual discernment
You
have persevered and have patience — you have stuck in there and have
forbearance
And
have labored for My Name's sake — not labored for themselves, but for the
Lord.
And
have not become weary — have waited on God, Isaiah 40:31
You
hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate — a false sect which had
also infiltrated the church of Pergamos
Liabilities
– Revelation 2:4-5
Nevertheless,
I have this against you, that you have left your first love — hearts have grown
cold. Lack of love for Jesus and for one another.
Remember
therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I
will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you
repent — Get back to the basics or your light (revelation) will be removed.
This
verse could possibly be interpreted as the Lord removing the church unless they
return to their first love.
The
church of Ephesus was busy doing the work of the ministry. They started out
right (reaching out to people because of the love of God in their hearts).
However, they got off track and their motivations for doing things changed.
Paul
said in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 that if we speak in tongues, prophesy, have all
knowledge, give to the poor, have faith to move mountains, give our body to be
martyred ... yet have not love, it profits us nothing.
Our
personal relationship with God is our first priority. It’s from that intimacy
with the Lord that we reach out in ministry.
Promise
— Revelation 2:7
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.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
48
Seven
Churches – Smyrna: The Persecuted Church
Historical
City
The
name Smyrna means “myrrh”. Myrrh has a sweet-smelling aroma, but is very
bitter. Myrrh prophetically speaks of suffering.
Smyrna
was 40 miles north of Ephesus.
Smyrna
was called the “Crown of Asia” because of its beauty. This city was well
planned and laid out, having beautiful temples, noble buildings and broad,
paved streets. Beautiful mountains began at the harbor and circled the entire
city.
Its
natural harbor made the city an important commercial center. Smyrna enjoyed the
trade of the rich. Because of its loyalty to Rome, it obtained permission to
build a large and splendid temple for cult emperor worship.
This
is the city which is noted as having the “Synagogue of Satan”. These were those
who said they were Jews, but were not. They professed to be worshipers of God,
but rather were regarded as being in the service of Satan.
Smyrna
was the home of the Roman Forum. Today the city is known as Izmir in Anatolia.
Salutation
“To
the angel of the church in Smyrna write … “
The
angel is the pastor. Polycarp was the leader of the church of Smyrna. He was a
pupil of the Apostle John. In 155 A.D. Polycarp was arrested and brought to the
public arena. There he was given a choice. He refused to worship Caesar and was
burned at the stake. When urged to recant he said, “four-score years and six I
have served the Lord, and He never wronged me; how then can I blaspheme my King
and Savior?” (from Fausset's Bible Dictionary)
There
were many in Smyrna who would not go to the temple of Caesar, burn incense or
worship him. Extensive persecution was the result. When John’s letter arrived
in Smyrna, Polycarp read the message from God to the church: “Fear none of
these things which thou shalt suffer – prison – tribulation – be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
The
sword of persecution was wielded mightily against the Church for two hundred
years. The devil sought to destroy the Church, but it only caused a purging and
an increase in the number of those willing to be faithful unto death.
“These
things says the First and the Last” – Jesus is Alpha and Omega, He is Sovereign
and in control, He is eternal, He knows the beginning from the end.
“Who
was dead and came to life” – the One who conquered death has conquered it also
for you.
Assets
“I
know your works …”
“Tribulation”
– great trouble, severe trial
“Poverty”
– poor in material goods but rich in eternal things
“I
know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a
synagogue of Satan” – pretenders cleansed out. 2 Timoty 2:19 “The Lord knoweth
them that are His.”
Encouragement
“Do
not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil
is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will
have tribulation ten days” – ten days means a short period of time.
Liabilities
None
(Jesus had nothing negative to say to the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia)
Promise
Be
faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Also see James
1:12.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
49
Seven
Churches – Pergamos: The Compromising Church
Historical
City
Pergamos
was the chief city of Mysia, near the Caicus River in northwest Asia Minor
(modern-day Turkey). The city was 15 miles from the Aegean Sea.
Great
buildings were erected. The city was noted for its vast library, containing
200,000 volumes. The Egyptians, concerned with this library which rivaled their
own at Alexandria, refused to ship papyrus to Pergamos. As a result, a new form
of writing material, Pergamena charta, or parchment, was developed.
In
the days of Roman dominance throughout Asia Minor, Pergamos became the capital
of the Roman province of Asia.
Pergamos
was a government center with splendid temples built to Athena, Zeus and
Asklepios (the Greco-Roman god of medicine and healing).
In
the Book of Revelation, John spoke of Pergamos as the place “where Satan’s
throne is” (Revelation 2:13). This could be a reference to the cult of emperor
worship, because Pergamos was a center where this form of loyalty was pledged
to the emperor of the Roman Empire (Nelson’s Bible Dictionary). Some suppose
“Satan’s throne” to be in reference to the worship of Aesculapius, from the
serpent being his characteristic emblem (Smith’s Bible Dictionary).
Pergamos
was noted for its wickedness, insomuch that our Lord says “Satan’s seat” was
there. The church of Pergamos was rebuked for swerving from the truth and
embracing the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. Antipas, Christ’s
“faithful martyr”, here sealed his testimony with his blood (Easton’s Bible
Dictionary).
The
modern name of the city is Bergama.
Salutation
Revelation
2:12: “These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword”
The
sword is the Word of God spoken out of the mouth of Jesus Christ (see
Revelation 1:16). We are to have a two-edged sword in our hand according to
Psalm 149:6. “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a
two-edged sword in their hand.” The sword brings either mercy or
judgment.
Assets
“I
know your works” — your deeds
“And
where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is” — living in a place that is the
center of cult worship and much Satanic activity
“You
hold fast to My Name” — did not deny the Lord
“And
did not deny My faith” — even when Antipas was martyred they did not deny their
faith
Liabilities
“There
are those who hold to the doctrine of Balaam” — Numbers 22:5-7; 31:16; 25:1-2.
1. Associating
with the evil one
2. Eating
meat sacrificed to idols
3. Committing
fornication
“You
also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which I hate.”
1. Licentiousness
2. Unrestrained
indulgence
3. Abusing
the grace of God
“Repent
or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword
of My mouth” — turn quickly to God to avoid certain judgment. You don’t ever
want the Lord fighting against you.
Promises
“I
will give some of the hidden manna to eat” — spiritual food, rhema, revelation
in the Word
“I
will give him a white stone” — a stone of acquittal
“On
the stone a new name written” — a new name denotes a change of character (such
as Jacob to Israel, and Saul to Paul).
Seven
Churches
Chapter
50
Seven
Churches – Thyatira: The Corrupt Church
Thyatira
was located on the borders of Lydia and Mysia in Asia Minor (Turkey). Its
modern name is Akhissar (meaning “white castle”).
Lydia,
the seller of purple (cloth dyed this color), was from this city (Acts 16:14).
She was the Apostle Paul’s first convert in Europe.
Although
never a large city, Thyatira was a thriving manufacturing and commercial center
during New Testament times. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of many
trade guilds and unions here. Membership in these trade guilds, necessary for
financial and social success, often involved pagan customs and practices such
as cult worship, union feasts using food sacrificed to idols, and loose sexual
morality (Nelson’s Bible Dictionary).
There
was a certain woman named “Jezebel” who taught and beguiled Christians to
conform to pagan practices and to commit sexual immorality. She called herself
a prophetess. Fausset’s Bible Dictionary says that it could have been a
collection of prophets (the feminine in Hebrew idiom expressing a multitude).
Whether
“Jezebel” was one woman, or a company of so-called prophets, Jezebel was
closely attached to and influential over the church of Thyatira and its
presiding bishop, just as Jezebel in the Old Testament had control over her
weak husband Ahab.
The
presiding bishop should have exercised his authority, as Jezebel seduced many
into the practices of Balaam and the Nicolaitans.
Balaam
worship (Numbers 22:5-7; 31:16; 25:1-2) included:
1. Associating
with the evil one
2. Eating
meat sacrificed to idols
3. Committing
fornication
The
doctrine of the Nicolaitans included:
1. Licentiousness
2. Unrestrained
indulgence
3. Abusing
the grace of God
Salutation
Son
of God — divine authority
Who
has eyes like a flame of fire — intense love. His eyes also purge the soul.
His
feet are like fine brass — strong and immovable
Assets
I
know your works — your deeds
1. Love
— love for all, beginning with love for God
2. Service
— showing faith by works, James 2:18
3. Faith
— faith in God to do what He has promised
4. Patience
— endurance
As
for your works, the last are more than the first.
Liabilities
You
allow that woman Jezebel
1. Which
calls herself a prophetess
2. To
teach
3. To
seduce My servants into sexual immorality
4. Gave
her time to repent of sexual immorality, but she did not repent
Sexual
immorality also applies to pornography and racy pictures. Behind pornography is
the spirit of Jezebel. This spirit seduces men (and women, but mostly men), and
even men of God, into sexual immorality.
Pornography
is a form of adultery and fornication, because Jesus said that if a man
lustfully looks on a woman, he has committed adultery in his heart. Pornography
also leads to acting out behaviors. Pornography hurts marriages.
Pornography
opens the door to demons in your life. The only way to get free from this
spirit is by prayer, intercession, fasting, and submitting to accountability
(such as a Christian men’s group or a group that focuses on getting set free
from addictions).
The
result of being under Jezebel’s seducing control is great tribulation for her
and them that commit adultery with her. Idolatry is spiritual adultery.
Death
to her children — all she produces will die.
All
the churches shall know that I am He who searches the reins and the hearts.
Psalms
7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just:
for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
Psalms
139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
I
will give to each one of you according to your works.
In
John Paul Jackson’s book entitled Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit he
goes into a detailed description of the characteristics of the Jezebel spirit.
It’s a spirit that can work through both men and women. John Paul Jackson goes
into great detail about how this spirit works in churches.
Promises
Dominion
and authority. Overcomers shall have equal power and authority with Jesus.
And
he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power
over the nations. He shall rule them with a rod of iron. 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.
Seven
Churches
Chapter
51
Seven
Churches – Sardis: The Dead Church
Sardis
was the capital of Lydia in Western Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). It was
50-60 miles northeast of Smyrna. Sardis stood on the river Pactolus, at the
foot of Mount Tmolus.
Sardis
was the capital of the ancient Lydian Empire and the residence of kings. It
passed to the Persians, Greeks and Romans during their dominance of the ancient
world. In AD 17, an earthquake desolated Sardis and eleven other cities in Asia
Minor. The city was rebuilt, although it did not thrive like it did prior to
its destruction.
The
church of Sardis had a reputation of being alive, although it was spiritually
dead. The church of Sardis was affected by the complacency of the city and its
reliance on its past glory.
Sardis
was like whitewashed tombs which appear outwardly beautiful, but are full of
dead men’s bones (Matthew 23:27). Its thriving, healthy appearance masked an
inner decay (Nelson’s Bible Dictionary).
Salutation
“These
things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God” – xref Isaiah 11:2-4
1. Spirit
of the Lord
2. Spirit
of wisdom
3. Spirit
of understanding
4. Spirit
of counsel
5. Spirit
of might
6. Spirit
of knowledge
7. Spirit
of the fear of the Lord
The
seven Spirits of God are the seven-fold character of the Lord. (Kat Kerr, who
has been caught up to Heaven on many occasions, says that the seven Spirits of
God are seven actual literal Spirit Beings who minister before God’s Throne.)
“And
the seven stars” – the seven stars are the seven angels (bishops) of the seven
churches, according to Revelation 1:20.
Assets
I
know thy works …
1. Remember
therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.
2. You
have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they
shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
Liabilities
1. I
know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead –
physically alive, but spiritually dead (a church, nation, individual)
2. Be
watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I
have not found your works perfect before God.
3. 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.
Promises
“He
that overcomes …”
1. Shall
be clothed in white garments (Revelation 19:8 – robe of righteousness).
2. I
will not blot out his name from the Book of Life. Those whose names
are written in the Book of Life will have access forever to the tree of life in
Revelation 22:2
3. I
will confess his name before My Father and before His angels (Matthew 10:32)
Seven
Churches
Chapter
52
Seven
Churches – Philadelphia: The Faithful Church
The
name “Philadelphia” means love of the brethren or brotherly love.
Philadelphia
was a city of the province of Lydia in Western Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
Philadelphia was about 28 miles southeast of Sardis.
Philadelphia
was a center of the wine industry. Volcanic activity contributed richness to
the soil for growing vines.
Philadelphia
has been nearly destroyed several times by earthquakes. The promise, “him that
overcometh I will make a pillar,” i.e. immovably firm, stands in contrast to
Philadelphia often shaken by earthquakes. A portion of a stone church wall
topped with arches of brick remains; the building must have been magnificent,
and dates from Theodosius. This church had but “little strength,” i.e. was
small in numbers and poor in resources, of small account in men's eyes. The
cost of repairing the often shaken city taxed heavily the citizens (from
Fausset's Bible Dictionary).
Still
a city of considerable size, Philadelphia is known today by the Turks as
Allah-shehr “the city of God” (from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary).
Revelation
3:7-13
Salutation
“These
things says …
1. He
who is holy (pure, undefiled, set apart)
2. He
that is true (faithful)
3. He
that has the Key of David (Amos 9:11 and Acts 15:16 refer to the Tabernacle of
David being restored). The Key of David is praise and worship,
kingly authority, prophet and priestly authority, governmental authority.
4. He
who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens (cross reference is
Isaiah 22:22) – has access to go through doors and authority to lock and unlock
doors
Assets
“I
know thy works …
1. See,
I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it (“A great and
effectual door is opened unto me” – 1 Corinthians 16:9)
2. For
you have a little strength, and have kept My word (small in number, not rich,
not strong and powerful, yet faithful to the Word)
3. And
have not denied My Name (have not denied the faith, have not denied that His
Name is Lord)
4. 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.
5. Because
you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of
trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the
earth.
6. Behold,
I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
Liabilities
None
(Jesus had nothing negative to say to the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna)
Promises
“He
who overcomes …
1. I
will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more (a
strong support in God’s house, steadfast and unmovable); see Galations 2:9 –
James, Peter and John were regarded as pillars.
2. “I
will write upon him …
a. The
Name of My God (those who belong to Him bear His Name, Revelation 14:1, Acts
9:15)
b. The
name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven
from My God (Revelation 21:2 and Galatians 4:26)
c. My
new name (bridal relationship with Jesus, Revelation 2:17)
Seven
Churches
Chapter
53
Seven
Churches – Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church
Revelation
3:14-22
In
writing to the seven churches, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John, drew
spiritual applications from the natural surroundings in which the people found
themselves.
To
the Laodiceans it was written: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither
cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Verse 16).
Laodicea,
directly east of Patmos from which John wrote, was in the Lycus Valley. Its
water was obtained from the hot springs nearby. Tumbling over rocks and cliffs,
it was lukewarm by the time it reached the city.
Other
references to the city’s status are given:
1. It
was a banking center – “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods … I
counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire (Verses 17 and 18).
2. Sheep
grown in the valley produced luscious wool, making Laodicea a clothing center –
they were told to buy “white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed” (Verse 18).
3. The
city had a medical school and made eye salve – Jesus said “Anoint thine eyes
with eye salve, that thou mayest see” (Verse 18).
Material
prosperity and affluence characterized this city, but they were warned that
spiritually they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked”
(Verse 17).
Perhaps
even worse than these characteristics is the attitude which says, “I have need
of nothing” (Verse 17). God can meet the need of the miserable, poor, blind and
naked, but there is no hope for the individual, the city, or the nation that
says they have no need of God.
God’s
mercy is indeed longsuffering for He issues to this church an invitation of
fellowship that He does not include in any of the other letters: “Behold, I
stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I
will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Verse 20).
Salutation
“These
things saith … “
1. “The
Amen” - Once in the New Testament “Amen” is a title of Christ, Revelation 3:14,
because through Him the purposes of God are established, 2 Corinthians 1:20
(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words).
2. “The
faithful and true witness” – this is an amplification of the word “Amen”, as
one of the definitions of “Amen” is: “God is faithful”.
3. “The
beginning of the creation of God” – John 1:1-2
Assets
There
is nothing to commend them for.
Liabilities
“I
know thy works … “
1. “Thou
art neither cold nor hot” – be either for Me or against Me, but not apathetic.
2. “Thou
art lukewarm” – implies that they were once hot and then cooled off.
3. “Thou
sayest, I am rich and increased with goods” – spiritual pride. Material
prosperity had become idolatry to them. It is possible to be rich
and yet not make money an idol, or to put your trust in riches. It all depends
on the condition of the heart.
4. “And
have need of nothing” – this is the epitome of the independent or prideful
spirit.
5. “Knowest
not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” –
they didn’t know their own position before God.
6. “I
counsel thee to buy of me” – I advise you to purchase from me these things:
a. “gold
tried in the fire” – deity, purity, divine nature
b. “that
thou mayest be rich” – spiritually rich
c. “white
raiment” – marriage garment
d. “that
thou mayest be clothed” – fit to come into my presence
e. “eye
salve” – revelation of God, insight into the Word of God
f.“that
thou mayest see” – see God for who and what He is and then see your spiritual
condition
7. “Be
zealous … and repent” – chastening is for sons and daughters because of love.
Proverbs 3:11-12, Hebrews 12:5-11
Promise
“To
him that overcomes” …
Will
I grant to sit with me in my throne, as I also overcame and have sat down in My
Father’s Throne” — to him who overcomes he shall sit where I sit, having the
same power and authority that I have.
The
highest promise given to the seven churches is for the ones that can overcome
the apostasy of the last days.
It
is God's will that no one should perish (end up in hell), but that ALL should
come to repentance.
For
God so loved this world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whosoever
believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God
did not send His Son into this world to condemn the world, but that the world
through Him would be saved.
The
thief (Satan the devil) comes only for to kill, steal and destroy. But Jesus
has come to give us life, and life more abundantly, until it overflows.
I
urge you to come to the Cross today and receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
He will wash away all your sins and make you as clean and white as fresh
snow.
Just
pray this prayer and mean it with your heart:
Dear
Lord Jesus (if you are not able to call him Lord yet, then just say
"Jesus")
I
receive You as my Savior and Lord. I give my life over to You. I believe that
You died and rose again, and that if I call on the Name of the Lord I shall be
saved.
I
accept you into my heart right now, and confess that You are Lord and have
risen from the dead and forever live to make intercession for me.
Thank
You for washing my heart pure and clean and making me whole, and for giving me
peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Thank
You that now I am a new creature in Christ Jesus. The old has gone and the new
has come.
And
there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after
the flesh (carnality and sin), but walk after the Spirit. In Jesus'
Name, Amen.
If
you prayed this prayer, I believe you got born again and are now heaven bound
and will be with the Lord forever and have eternal life. Your sins are now
forgiven. You are accepted in the Beloved.
I
would encourage you to find a good Bible based local church to help you grow in
your faith, to learn the Word of God, to praise and worship Him, and to have
fellowship with the saints.
Serving
Christ is the best decision you will ever make.
God
bless you!!!
