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The Book of Revelation Series 1
The Seven Golden Candlesticks
By Ricky Ricardo Morris
A Vision of Jesus Christ Copyright © 2013 by Ricky Ricardo Morris All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means – electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying), recording, or otherwise – without prior permission in writing from the author. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: Enter number here Learn more information at: www.uponthisrockministry.org
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgements .................................................................. i
About the Author .................................................................... 1
Introduction............................................................................ 2
Who is the Revelator? ............................................................. 3
What does Revelation mean? .................................................. 5
The purpose of the Revelation: ................................................ 5
The Servants of God ................................................................ 7
God's Time Clock ..................................................................... 8
The Inspiration of Revelation ................................................. 10
John on the Island of Patmos ................................................. 13
A Vision of Christ ................................................................... 19
Prophetic Application ............................................................ 24
The Seven Churches of Asia ................................................... 35
The Persecution of the Churches ........................................... 36
The Prophecy of the Churches ............................................... 38
The Church at Ephesus .......................................................... 42
The Church at Smyrna ........................................................... 46
The Church at Pergamum ...................................................... 49
The Church at Thyatira .......................................................... 53
The Church at Sardis .............................................................. 58
The Church at Philadelphia .................................................... 62
The Church at Laodicea ......................................................... 65
Prophetic Symbols ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
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The Keys to the Revelation & Prophecy ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
The Books contained in the Revelation Series; ....................... 71
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Acknowledgements
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank my late Pastor Willie E. Gordon for imparting to me Love, Knowledge and Wisdom concerning the things of God. He was truly gifted with knowledge and wisdom and the ability to preach prophecy and history regarding the "The Book of Revelation". He gave me my first opportunity in teaching the New Testament in prophecy and History. I will ever be grateful for this great man of God whom I have regarded as a Father, Mentor, Brother and Friend.
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About the Author
Brother Ricky Ricardo Morris
My Ministry Evangelistic
Writing\Publishing Multimedia
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/rickmorris1213
Website: http://www.uponthisrockministry.org/
Blog: http://blog.uponthisrockministry.org/
The Book Store:
http://shop.uponthisrockministry.org
Social Media
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Introduction
Revelation 1:1-3
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 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. People today are obsessed with future events, when false prophets predict the future of the so-called "end of the word", there seem to be a rise of great concern. When the movie "2012" came out, that is the prediction that the world would end according to the Mayan calendar there was a great scare among a many of people. There was a news reports and much talk escalated about this coming event that never happened. All such attempts to discern the future, however, are in vain. There is one who knows and declares the future: God (Isa. 44:7; 45:21; 46:9-10). Only in scripture can truth about the future be found. Many prophets and sages from the Old Testament provided us with glimpse into the future. Even in the
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New Testament Jesus and the Apostles spoke much about the coming future. But the book of Revelation provides the most detailed account of the Church's conquest and trials through history and revelation. This stunning vision that John saw shows us the Glory of Christ and his church down through the ages and is a great encouragement for those who are under persecution and oppression. Also it shows us the outcome of the battle and future of bliss for all of those who overcome.
Who is the Revelator?
First of all I would like to say, this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. This is not the Revelation of Saint John the Divine as some commentators would put it. The Introduction of the first verse tells us that this revelation belongs to God the Father and He gave it to his son Jesus Christ, and Jesus gave it to His servants. This Revelation is only for the servants of Jesus Christ. If someone wrote you a letter and someone else opened it and read it even thought the letter was not address to them how would you feel. I will tell you how you probably would feel. You probably would feel violated, intruded upon and offended that someone has open your mail.
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Everyone who calls themselves a Christian in this day and age doesn't mean that they are a servant of Jesus Christ. Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 13:11, because it is given unto you know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Jesus also sent and signified it by his angel, that is by his presence in the vision so that we would know who is the author and intended audience for this revelation. It was Jesus who laid his hands on John and revealed the vision unto him. This book is about Jesus Christ and His bride. It talks about candlesticks, seals, trumpets, beasts, a dragon, frogs, rivers, fountain, stars, the moon and the sun. It talks about the things that we see and understand to be interpreted as symbols relating to condition that existed at the time of the writing and what would take place in the future. It's about earthly things being symbolized to represent spiritual things. Jesus said on one occasion if I tell you about earthly things and you believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? See John 3:12. Jesus told John to write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. Rev. 1:19. This is speaking to the past, present and future. This Revelation was to cover the ages. This Revelation is the record of God.
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This Revelation is the Testimony of Jesus Christ. This is also the testimony of all the things that John saw in the vision
What does Revelation mean?
The discovering to others of what was unknown to them. Disclosure, enlightening, an act of revealing or communicating divine truth.
The purpose of the Revelation:
To Show to his servants (The Saints), things that would shortly come to pass or transpire in the following ages to come. Why? In order that the church might be aware of the enemy’s battle tactics so they would know how to prepare to fight and conquer. It reveals clearly what the battle is, and where the battle is. We need to know the revelation because we have all been affected by those things which John saw in the vision. John saw spirits and forces at work, which are present in the world today. These spirits are loose and can affect our soul if we let them. So we see that church history can teach us something if we will let it, we can profit by other’s failures and mistakes as well as their victories. The bible says in, 1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends
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of the ages have come”. NKJV This Revelation is signified by His Angel, unto his servant John. This means that it is written in a language of symbols. A symbol we know is something that stands for, or suggests something else by reason of association or relationship. The Bible is comprised of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament and it took a period of about 1500 years to write them. The bible was written by 40 different men who spoke, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. These men were farmers (herdsman), and fisherman, etc. Some were educated like Paul and some were Tax Collectors, and some were uneducated, but they were all from many different walks of life. I am convince that you can go to the best seminaries in the world and still not understand God’s Holy Word. Schools may make doctors, lawyers and teachers, but it takes God to make a preacher. Because a holy man will live with God, walk with God, He is God’s instrument. He is the pen in God’s hand. These books don’t belong to the writer, it belongs to the author. He is simply God’s secretary, He is God’s hands, eyes and ears, and he is simply writing down what God said. The letter belongs to God. He is the owner. The key to doing anything for God is; you must be holy.
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Now we come to the book of Revelation, It is the very zenith of the bible. It is God’s last words in Prophecy to man. It is the most powerful Panoramic presentation of God’s Word; it is God’s Word in a graphical panoramic vision. It is God’s word in powerful symbols. There are some folks who don’t regard the book of revelation as a useful book today. Some has said don’t read that book you will go crazy. Why is it in a graphical panoramic presentation? Because people have a tendency to retain more of what they see, than what they hear. Hab. 2:1,2
The Servants of God
First of all let me say the book of revelation is not for everyone. The unrepentant, the unregenerate, those who are yet living in sin and those who are just religious without a real experience of the new birth, cannot understand the book of revelation. In Revelation verse 1, the bible says The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him to show unto his servants. Just because you go to church and sing in the choir and may have been baptized doesn’t make you a servant of God either. You must be born again and in the Kingdom of God.
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God's Time Clock
We will take a look at God’s time clock. The term “must shortly come to pass” denotes a time period. Believe it or not, God actually has a time clock and it’s in the bible to help us in our study, we will like to learn a little bit about God’s time clock. Down through the ages God has always had a period when He dealt with man on some level. There was the antediluvian age (Noah), there was the Patriarch Age (Abraham), and The Age of the Law of Moses, there was the age of the Prophets, all the way up until John the Baptist. God in every age has always revealed to his people the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now some will tell you that God’s clock of prophecy was stopped at Calvary, and that it will not start ticking again until Jesus return, But that is not true, for God’s clock is ticking right now. One scripture says Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. The following passage denotes a time and a day, and we shall talk about that day. If God’s time clock has stop, no one could get saved. God's time clock has not stopped concerning salvation and has not stop in regards to prophecy being fulfilled either.
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Important Historic Dates in Church History
These dates apply to the Hereafter aspect of this bible prophecy and they can be applied accordingly.
1. AD 33 - The Birth of the Church, Historically this represent the morning time church age.
2. AD 250 - The Great Persecution - Emperor Decius launched
an empire wide persecution of the Christians - The Church
flies into the wilderness
3. AD 540 - The Rise of the Papacy - Gregory a powerful
politician who gave away everything to become a monk,
became the first bishop of Rome to gain the status that
would later be linked to the title "Pope". This was
considered the dark age.
4. AD 1517 - The Age of Reform when Martin Luther writes
the 95 these (topics of debate) on a chapel door in
Wittenberg Germany which sparks a great protest and the
rise of Protestantism. This is considered the age of reform.
5. AD 1700s - The Great Awakening or the Age of Revival. In
1730 John and Charles Wesley, Jonathan Edwards and
George Whitefield and others through revival efforts lead
thousands of people to Christ.
6. AD 1800s - The Evening Light Age. Barton Stone began to
preach that Christians should leave denominations behind
and return to the bible only. And another counterpart near
the latter end of this century preached the evening light
message of "Come Out of Babyon". This man was Daniel
Sidney Warner of the Church of God. Their goal was to
restore New Testament Christianity. This was considered
the Age of Restoration.
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7. AD 1900s - To the Present – the time of Midnight. This is the time of the Gathering, when all of God's Children are being gathered out of sects of men and gathered unto the coming of the Lord.
According to some charts the dates may be 5-10 years out of sync, but overall history agrees with what has taken place prophetically.
The Inspiration of Revelation
2 Tim 3:16, 17 All Scripture is given by the Inspiration of God False concepts of Revelation exposed; It’s a isolated book It’s too hard to understand Don’t’ read that book, you will go crazy and lose your mind This book is the mind of Christ. It reveals his attitude toward the church and false religion. It is the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 19:10 and I fell at his feet to worship him, but the angel said to me “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”. NKJV
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Note: This was a New Testament Minister, one may say how do you know? · He was a fellow servant (a man) · Your Brethren (spiritual brother) · He had the testimony of Jesus Real angels don't have the testimony of Jesus, they are not the brethren. Biblical scholars classify interpretations of the Book of Revelation into three categories: The Preterist view, the Futurist view, and the Historic view. Preterists understand the visions of the Book of Revelation as allegorical recounting of the Roman Empire’s persecution of the Early Church. Futurists believe the Book of Revelation describes the events that surround the Second Coming of Christ and the ushering in of a millennial Kingdom of God on the earth. Historicists view the Book of Revelation as a symbolic depiction of events in history ranging from the First Century to the end of time.
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The Church—Historic View This study approaches the Book of Revelation from a branch of the Historic interpretation known as the Church-Historic interpretation. The primary difference between the Church-Historic and the Historic interpretations is that the Church-Historic view interprets the Revelation as a prophetic preview of church history whereas the Historic view takes a more general approach to history dealing with the political and social conditions of the Christian era
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John on the Island of Patmos
Patmos is a small volcanic island in the Aegean Sea,
13 sq. miles.
God spared John from a boiling pot of hot oil for a
purpose, to give him the Revelation, to show unto us
his servants, so we see the importance attached to
this book.
Question: why did Jesus give only John this
revelation?
Answer: Because about this time, when the vision
was given, He was the only Apostle left, the others
had been persecuted to death.
John had been exiled to the Isle of Patmos, That
island was about 17 miles long and 15 miles wide. It
was a island where existed a penal colony. A island
where all the undesirables of the Roman Empire
ended up. Often times ships would come bringing
prisoners and tradition has it that John was able
through get letters back to the main land from those
whom he had favor with who were on the ships.
At the age of about 86-90 years of age, no doubt he
faced discouragement from being banish and
separated from his brethren and the churches he
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help establish in Asia Minor. He probably thought he
was all washed up and have come to the end of his
road.
But one day, that is the first day of the week as he
began to worship on the Lord’s Day. He was in the
Spirit, and the Lord began to appear to him in a
vision. God rolled back the canopy of the spiritual
world and began to unfold a vision unto him. The
Lord was there to encourage him and cheer him up
just like he did Daniel in the second chapter of Daniel
and Ezekiel the Prophet in the first two chapters of
the Book of Ezekiel. The bible says where there is no
vision the people will perish. Whenever God’s
people were in trouble and dire situation God has
always encourage them through visions. Now we
have the last Apostle and Prophet of that day facing
banishment, hunger, destitution, exiled and no doubt
other trials that had came his way.
But he stayed in the Spirit and one Sunday Morning
Jesus came to John in a vision to let him know, it isn’t
over, I’m not done with you yet.
Jesus unfolded one of the greatest visions of the
ages concerning Himself and the Church. And told he
what thou see write in book and send it to the
churches, because I want my people to see that I am
he who is still walking through the seven golden
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candlesticks, and I dwell in your midst, you are not
alone, or forsaken.
So now we have the vision in a book to comfort and
cheer us to endure until the end.
In this book you will find the opening of seals, the
sounding of trumpets, strange looking beast,
plagues, woes, angels and etc.
Also in this book are symbols, which we can learn so
that we may understand what the vision is saying to
us. The bible says in, Matthew 13:10-17 and the
disciples came and said to Him, "Why do you speak
to them in parables?" 11 He answered and said to
them, "Because it has been given to you to know the
mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it
has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him
more will be given, and he will have abundance; but
whoever does not have, even what he has will be
taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them
in parables, because seeing they do not see, and
hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14
And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which
says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
and seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the
hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are
hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, Lest
they should see with their eyes and hear with their
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ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts
and turn, So that I should heal them.' 16 "But
blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for
they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many
prophets and righteous men desired to see what you
see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear,
and did not hear it. NKJV
This Revelation is no longer a mystery book to the
servants of God. Matt 11:25 at that time Jesus
answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things
from the wise and prudent and have revealed them
to babes. NKJV
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you
think you have eternal life; and these are they which
testify of Me. NKJV
For example, just as God showed us the mystery of
sin, the mystery of Salvation, and the mystery of the
resurrection, He can also show us the mystery of the
Revelation of Jesus Christ. Please note that this
mystery is not shown unto sinners, and Apostates. 1
Corinthians 2:9-16 But as it is written: "Eye has not
seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart
of man The things which God has prepared for those
who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us
through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things,
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yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows
the things of a man except the spirit of the man
which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of
God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have
received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit
who is from God, that we might know the things that
have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things
we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom
teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing
spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man
does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for
they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he
who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is
rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the
mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we
have the mind of Christ. NKJV
Some people are willing ignorant, 2 Peter 3:1-9
Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in
both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of
reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words
which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and
of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord
and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will
come in the last days, walking according to their own
lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His
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coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things
continue as they were from the beginning of
creation." 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the
word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth
standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which
the world that then existed perished, being flooded
with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which
are now preserved by the same word are reserved
for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of
ungodly men. 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. NKJV
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A Vision of Christ
John was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day when he
heard the voice and saw the vision. John turned to
see the voice that spoke to him. We must be willing
to turn aside from everyone, and all non-essential
things to have a vision to receive a spiritual blessing.
We also must be in the spirit to receive spiritual
things.
Jesus told John “What thou seest, write in a book,
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and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in
Asia. Why?
There are times when the church need a fresh,
revelation or vision of Jesus Christ in our midst to
encouraged us on to victory. There’s a time when
the people of God needs a fresh vision and
revelation of the church, to show us where we are at
in the battle, and to show us the present and coming
distress the church would face in these last days.
As we study, you will find that the revelation will
show us Christ in the midst of the church, his people,
and what He is saying to the church in our time.
At the time of this revelation the church was in
spiritual decline. Things had crept into the church.
Her pristine glory was fading away. See the letter to
Jude.
Great distress and persecution was upon the church
of God at this time. She needed encouragement; she
needed a fresh vision of Jesus Christ.
The church was faced with the lost of its first love,
tribulation, spiritual poverty; Satan had a seat in the
church, false worship, spiritual death and
lukewarmness.
1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto
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him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3Blessed 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.
4John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindred's of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so. Amen.
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8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
9I 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.
10I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11Saying, 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.
12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
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15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Next we will study the keys and symbols to get a understanding of this language and the interpretation of these things.
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Prophetic Application
(Keys to the symbols) One may ask how these symbols are being applicable to us today. How can I apply these symbols that I may the proper understanding and the correct interpretation of the Spirit of God? First of all in 2 Peter 1:20, 21 says that only the Holy Spirit is the true Interpreter of the scriptures, but we as bible students must know how to apply what we have learned. We are not to interpret, but to apply and make a sound presentation. The Bible says we must study to rightly divide the word of truth. 1 Timothy 2:15. The Bible say a scribe well instructed of the kingdom will go in his treasure and bring out things new and old. Matthew 13:52 The bible says all scripture is given by inspiration 2 Timothy 3:16
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The Old Testament is the New Testament contained and the New Testament is the Old Testament explained. We have the Old Testament types and shadows, which will be New Testament truths. Anything that does not have it roots written in the types and shadows, or prophecy is not truth. The method of prophetic application is grounded in the scriptures itself it is a valid approach in understand prophecy. The fulfillment of all prophecy is within the flow and framework of history. It incorporates history, and realism. It has to do with symbolic presentation of good and evil, and the principles that apply to every age. The Book of Revelation is applicable to every age and every generation. The message applies to God’s people any and every where. To understand the Book of Revelation we must approach from four points of application and study.
1. The Bible – Because the Revelation contains
65 books of the bible.
2. Topology – The Study of types and shadows
3. Symbolism – The Study of signs and symbolic
language
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4. Numerology – The study of numbers in the
scriptures.
With all that has been said let’s dive in the scriptures and get the blessings of this book.
Revelation 1:4 - John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
The Seven Spirits that are before the throne represent the Sevenfold ministry of the Holy Spirit throughout the sevenfold gospel age. Read Isaiah 11:1, 2 the word Spirit is uppercase denoting that this is speaking of the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. These are the seven manifestation of the Spirit;
1. The Spirit of the Lord
2. The Spirit of Wisdom
3. The Spirit of Understanding
4. The Spirit of Counsel
5. The Spirit of Might
6. The Spirit of Knowledge
7. The Spirit of Fear
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These seven Spirit represent the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit. Revelation 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:1, 6. Here are also other symbolic descriptions of the Holy Spirit;
The Seven Horns (Powers)
T the Seven Eyes (Discernment)
The Seven Lamps of burning fire
Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.
This applies to all who have been or will be raised from the dead; Jesus is the preeminent One, the only One who is the rightful heir. When we think of the firstborn we think of heir or the inheritance of all things pertaining to God. Revelation 1:6 - And hath made us kings and priests unto
God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen Kings and Priest - All the believers who live in the sphere of God’s rule, and kingdom. A king is one who reigns and a priest is one who brings and offer sacrifices. We as Christians are kings who reign over sin and this world, and we are priest before God that
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offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. I Peter 2:5.
Revelation 1:7 - Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindred’s of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Coming with clouds - (See Dan. 7:13) - Not with clouds of heaven, but clouds of Glory. In the Old Testament, God often manifested Himself in an energized, blazing light, called the Shekinah or glory cloud. No one could see it fully and live (Exod. 33:20), so it had to be veiled. But when Christ returns, the glory will be completely visible. They who pierced him: This refers to the Roman soldiers involved in Christ’s crucifixion, and also the Jews who were actually responsible for his death.
All the tribes will mourn - This mourning is the result of the guilt for sin and fear of punishment. Alpha and the Omega These are the first and last letters of the alphabet. An alphabet is an ingenious way to store and communicate knowledge. The twenty-six letters in the English alphabet, arranged in almost endless combinations, can hold and convey all knowledge. Christ is the supreme, sovereign alphabet; there is nothing outside His knowledge, so
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there are no unknown factors that can sabotage His second coming (Col. 2:3)
Revelation 1:8: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Almighty God occurs eight times in Revelation, underscoring that God’s power is supreme over everything.
Revelation 1:8 - 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.
This speaks to the Christians who were persecuted for their faith; Membership in the redeemed church over which Christ is Lord and King. The patience that he speaks of is that he has put all rule under his feet. The Island, called Patmos is Located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia Minor. Patmos was a barren, rocky crescent-shaped island that is about seventeen miles long and about fifteen miles at its widest point. It served as a Roman penal colony. According to the early Christian historian Eusebius, the emperor Nerva (AD 96-98) release John from Patmos.
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Revelation 1:10 - I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. This was not a dream. It was a vision. John was supernaturally given this dream while awake-not sleeping-to an experience beyond the normal senses. The Holy Spirit empowered his senses to perceive this revelation from God. The phase appears in many early Christian writings and refers to Sunday, the first day of the week, and the day of the Lord’s resurrection. His voice as the sound of a trumpet, He sounds a message of awakening, alarm, and warning. Isa. 58:1, Joel 2:1. Throughout Revelation, a loud sound or voice indicates the solemnity of what God is about to reveal.
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.
The Greek word refers to a scroll made of parchment formed from papyrus, a reed that grows plentifully along the Nile.
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Revelation 1:12, 13 - And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
These were portable gold lampstands that held small oil lamps. Each lampstand represented a church, from which light was given to. Throughout Scripture, seven is the number of completeness, so these seven lampstands are representative of the burning Spirits of God. The term “Son of Man” According to the Gospels, this is the title Christ used most often for Himself during His earthly ministry (eighty one times in the gospels). Taken from the heavenly vision in Daniel 7:13, it is an implied claim to deity. The word garment most occurrences of this word is in the Septuagint, the Greek Old Testament, refer to the garment of the high priest. The golden sash across His chest completes the picture of Christ serving in His priestly role. Christ being clothed to the foot with a garment. These are the garments of a priest Ex. 28:4, Heb 4:14, Holy Garments (Christ in His Holiness), (Christ
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as our mediator and Intercessor). Girt about the paps with a golden girdle. Ex 28:4. This symbolizes Christ being full of truth Eph. 4:4, John 1:14 “full of grace and truth”.
Revelation 1:14 - His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; He had hair white as snow. This symbolizes his glory, and way of righteousness.
His eyes were as a flame of fire. This is His all searching and discerning power of his penetrating vision, that could pierce into every heart and reins of mankind. The fact that they were flaming shows us that He was discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 4:12,13. With His eyes He searches, and discerns the conditions of His people, i.e. the church in Thyatira. Rev. 2:18-23. God knows what shape we are in, God knows where we stand, God knows the things that dwell among us. God knows when we should repent. Revelation 1:15 - And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. His feet were like fine brass as if they were burned in a furnace. Brass is tough, enduring, hard to break element. This denotes stability and permanence. Also brass is a symbol of strength. Job 40;18. Our Strength is in Christ only.
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His voice as a sound of many waters, This symbol shows us that this message is for all nations, tongues, multitudes, and people. Rev. 17:15 Revelation 1:16 - And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. The Seven Stars in His right hand, The Seven Stars are the Angels of the Seven Churches, or the ministry of the seven churches. Rev. 1:20. A sharp two-edged sword went out of his mouth, and This sword is the word of God. Heb 4:12; Eph. 6:17; and 2 Thess.2:8. His countenance was as a sun shining in His strength. The Sun is a symbol of the gospel in full strength, and the full light of His word. Note: If you don’t teach the revelation, you are not teaching the gospel in full strength. You are not giving his servants the full light of His word.
Revelation 1:17 - And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: John says he “Fell at his feet”, To fall at his feet is a common act of Humility: A common response to seeing the awesome glory of the Lord
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Jesus was the “First and the Last” which applies this Old Testament name for Yahweh to Himself, clearly claiming to be God. Idols will come and go. He was before them, and He will remain after them. Revelation 1:18 - Keys of Hell and Death Death and Hell are essentially synonyms, but death is the condition and Hades equivalent to the Old Testament Sheol, the place of the dead. Christ decides who lives, who dies, and when.
Revelation 1:19 - Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; This applies to the past, present and the future.
The Angels - The word literally means “messenger”. It is not referring to angelic host up in heaven, because angels are never leaders in the church. These messengers are the spiritual leaders representing each of those churches. (See Rev. 19:7-10; 21:9-10; 22:8-1.) Revelation 1:20 - Seven Churches which are in Asia The Seven Golden Candlesticks represent the seven congregations in Asia to whom these letters are addressed to. Jesus said himself that the seven golden candlestick are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20. The letters are from him "Who is and who is to come". God’s eternal presence is not
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limited by time. He has always been present and will come in the future. He is same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the Alpha and Omega. He had the first say so and will have the last say so. For more insight about Jesus, read Philippians 2:5-11.
The Seven Churches of Asia
An Overview of the Churches
Our study will cover the section on the seven churches found in Revelation 2:1--3:22. Those churches existed at the time John wrote, about 96 A.D. They were real churches in real towns in real places in Asia Minor. However, their importance lies in their prophetic implications.
John gives a personal message to each of the seven churches. They are listed in the order you would visit them in Asia Minor if you followed a counterclockwise circle upon leaving
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Ephesus. Every exhortation John gives them is spoken with urgency in the light of the return of Christ.
The Persecution of the Churches
The Fire of Persecution
All seven of the churches were under the persecution of the Roman Emperor Domitian (who reigned from A.D. 81-96). Certain methods of persecution had been developed: People were boiled in oil, strung up by their fingers, and had things pushed underneath their fingernails. Then they would be killed. All seven of those churches existed in the midst of that kind of serious persecution.
The Reasons for Persecution
You say, "Why were they persecuted? What were they doing that was so wrong?" The people in the churches at the time of Domitian were second generation Christians (most of the
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first generation had died). They were persecuted for five basic reasons:
1. THEY HAD MISSIONARY ZEAL
The nature of Christianity is missionary--Christians try to win people to Christ. Consequently, they were persecuted.
2. THEY DEMANDED OBEDIENCE TO THE KING OF KINGS
Christians were persecuted because they demanded absolute and total obedience to the King of kings, and not to Caesar. That didn't endear them to Caesar!
3. THEY REFUSED TO BOW TO HEATHEN IDOLS
When an emperor issued a proclamation that the people were to worship a certain god, they bowed down--or else! But Christians didn't do that.
4. THEY WERE THOUGHT TO BE CANNIBALS
People in the Roman Empire believed that Christians were cannibals because they had heard about what was called, "the Last Supper," "Communion," or "the breaking of bread." When they heard that Christians were eating the body and the blood of the Lord, they assumed that they were cannibals. Rumors began that Christians ate little babies. Later, that reason was used as a pretense for persecuting Christians.
5. THEY WERE LOOKED DOWN ON
Everyone looked down on Christians, considering them to be the trash of the earth.
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Since Christians wouldn't bow to his wishes, Domitian tried to annihilate them. That is something many people have tried to do throughout the years--without any success.
The true Christ-honoring church will be hated by the world. It was hated during the reign of Domitian and it is still hated today. The church that honors Jesus Christ is the antagonist of the world, so the world hates it. The best commentary on any church is what the world thinks of it.
Domitian mercilessly persecuted the seven churches. Prophetically, they reflect the persecution of the true church in all ages.
1. ACTS 14:22 -- Paul said, "... we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
2. 1 PETER 2:21 -- "For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us ...."
That is the badge of your faithfulness. Any church that is a true church--if it names the name of Jesus Christ and lives a Christ like life--is going to antagonize the world and thus be persecuted.
The Prophecy of the Churches
How do these churches fit into a prophetic book? John is writing to the ministers of those churches with instructions. (The term "Angels" in the text literally means "messengers.") What does that have to do with prophecy? First, those churches have prophetic importance because they can be seen as representing all of the churches.
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The number seven denotes completion in the bible. You may say, "What do you mean by that?" Seven is God's sacred number. It symbolizes completion, perfection, totality. By choosing seven churches, He is saying in effect, "This is my message to the total church." Although the churches were actual churches or congregations existing in Asia Minor, they represent the complete picture of the total church throughout that day. So when Christ speaks to those churches, He is speaking to all the churches in the period of prophetic time. Although the messages in Revelation 2--3 are often overlooked by Christians, they have a tremendous meaning for the church today. That is why John concludes every one of the seven letters with the same words: "He that hath an ear, let him hear ..." (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). In other words, whatever age you are alive in, these messages are for you. There is tremendous prophetic importance in those churches because their messages represent the total message to the total church.
In Revelation 2--3, while the Apostle John was exiled on the isle of Patmos, he wrote seven different letters to seven different churches in Asia Minor to inform them about what God expected. As we study those churches, we will be considering what God expects His church to be. Those two chapters in Revelation deal primarily with Christ ministering to His churches. The vision in Revelation 1:12-16 showed Christ moving among the candlesticks (churches) and ministering to His churches. Each church was pictured as a lampstand. And Christ is pictured as a High Priest. Each of the seven churches represents a particular church in a real place in Asia Minor. They also represent a different type of church age throughout the history of the church. One of the churches is a dead church. Another church is a missionary church. Another church is a church where love grew cold.
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Each of those churches is characteristic of seven particular church ages.
These churches are also characteristic of particular types of Christians. There are Christians whose love has grown cold, and--as far as God is concerned--might as well be dead since they do nothing. Also, there are Christians who are zealous missionaries.
The seven churches are prophetic & historical, but they have tremendous importance for the Church of God today because they reveal the conditions the church faced. They represent all types of congregations and Christians.
Now I do believe that there are seven important periods in history where seven important events has taken place that coincide with prophecy that support the truth of Revelation.
Here is a Historical time frame that each of these historic period into. In order for church history to run parallel with bible prophecy, there must be significant important events that support the prophecy.
Here I will apply the most significant, important events in history that support bible prophecy down through the gospel ages. This chart of events are referencing the historic view of the seven churches as ages.
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Ephesians 3:1-5
This mystery was not revealed in past ages, denoting historic time frames of the past ages, that is under the Patriarch ages or the Mosaic ages of the law. When the prophets came glimpse of what was to come to past began to show through other Prophets such as Daniel.
In Ephesians 2:6,7 Paul spoke of the ages to come, that is there would be more historic time frames when God would show more of the richness of his grace. And he has done that through the last prophetic book of the bible, the book of Revelation.
This chart of events are referencing the prophetic view of the seven churches as ages.
Candlesticks Dates Church Age Historical
Environment Key Figures
1st Candlestick - Ephesus A.D. 70 The Morning Time The Falling Away The Apostle Paul
2nd Candlestick - Smyrna A.D. 270 - 530 The Age of Obscurity
The time of Persecution
Emperor Constantine
3rd Candlestick - Pergamos A.D. 530 - 1530 The Dark Ages Satan's Seat
Pope Gregory - The First Pope
4th Candlestick - Thyatira A.D. 1530 - 1700 The Age of Reform The spirit of Jezebel Martin Luther
5th Candlestick - Sardis A.D. 1700 - 1800 The Age of Revival The Dead Church
John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards
6th Candlestick - Philadelphia A.D. 1800 - 1900
The Age of Restoration The Open Door
Stone, Campbell, and Warner
7th Candlestick - Laodicea A.D. 2000 The Age of Harvest Lukewarm
The Angel with Trumpet
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The Seven Letters
The Church at Ephesus
Prophecy: Revelation 2:1-7
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
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7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh willl I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
The City of Ephesus was a thriving city of much
wealth and prosperity. It was also overrun with
idolatry and contained many temples of Paganistic
worship. Near the head of the bay stood the temple
of the great goddess Diana, This temple was a
magnificent structure measuring 425 feet long, 220
feet wide, and boasted over 200 marble columns 60
feet high. It was the pride of all Asia.
In spite of all their heathen practices, God raised up
a church of God congregation in this city. The Apostle
Paul’s labors were very effective in this city and we
find the account in Acts 19 where many believed and
brought their books of curious arts and burned
them, the value of which amounted to about
$10,000.00. Acts 19:18-20
Note: Watch what we are reading. What is on your
bookshelf? With every book goes a spirit.
Considering the scarcity of books in those days, we
can see that the gospel was taking great strides in
Ephesus. In later verses of this same chapter we
read of the uproar caused by Demetrius the
silversmith, who made silver shrines for Diana.
(Sounds familiar) Because so many people were
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being converted to true Christianity his means of
livelihood was in danger of coming to an end.
Consequently he started a riot that filled the whole
city with confusion.
Never the less, the Word of God grew mightily and
prevailed, and by the year 100 A.D. we are told the
church at Ephesus numbered about 10,000 saints.
· I know thy works, and
· Thy labour, and
· Thy patience, and
· How thou canst not bear them which are evil
· Tried False Apostles, and
· Hast borne, and
· Hast patience, and for my name sake hast
laboured, and has not fainted.
They left their first love, they had fallen
(Apostatize) fallen away from their devotion and
love and fellowship of God’s spirit. They no longer
communed with God.
The process of backsliding is an inner process first
and next it is manifested outwardly. Prov. 14:14.
· They were admonished to repent or Jesus
would remove the candlestick.
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To repent meant to turn back, go to the place you
left and find thy first love.
The Teachings of the Nicolatian
This was a religious doctrine that began to flourish in
the first century A.D. which tolerated compromise
with pagan cults, allowing participation in their
sacred banquets, etc. it is thought by scholars to be
the forerunner of the great Gnostic concepts that
tried to hid God’s word behind a mask of secret
knowledge, not accurate, and offered for sale to the
unwary in an endless series of lessons.
A current label now in vogue is ‘new age’ religion.
But there is nothing really new here. Simple a wide
spectrum of compromises of the Gospel teaching.
This is purely the signet rings of a ‘found life’. This is
why Jesus said, “Those who find their lives will lose
it, but those who lose their lives for the sake of the
Gospel will find it and inherit eternal life.
A pagan approach would be to ignore Christ and His
Gospel completely, but in the Nicolatian teaching, a
compromise between the two is reached.
Words of Encouragement
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7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
The Church at Smyrna
Prophecy: Revelation 2:8-11
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
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A city in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey) where
one of the seven churches in the this book of
Revelation was situated (Rev. 1;11; 2:8-11). Smyrna’s
superb natural harbor made the city an important
commercial center. In spite of keen competition
from the neighboring cities of Ephesus and
Pergamos, Smyrna called itself “the first city of Asia.
As early as 195 B.C. Smyrna foresaw the rising power
of Rome and built a temple for pagan Roman
worship. In 23 B.C.., Smyrna was given the honor of
building a temple to the Emperor Tiberius because of
its years of faithfulness to Rome. Thus, the city
became a center for cult of emperor worship—a
fanatical “religion” that later, under such emperors
as Nero (ruled A.D. 54-68) and Domitian (ruled A.D.
81—96), brought on severe persecution for the early
church. The apostle John encouraged the
persecuted Christians of Smyrna to be “faithful unto
death” and they would receive a “crown of life” (Rev.
2:10)
· Good Works,
· Tribulation and Poverty (But thou are rich)
· Suffering foretold
They were encourage to be “thou faithful until
the death.”
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You say, "I don't know of any suffering churches." What about the church in China? They are suffering. No one knows how many tens of thousands of Christians have been martyred in Communist China. Even closer to home, missionaries suffer abuse in South America. Some of the Christians who really love Jesus Christ even suffer abuse in the United States.
Christ can't even find anything wrong with the church at Smyrna because the dross is burned up when a church suffers for Jesus Christ.
There are also Smyrna-type members in the church. They pay for their boldness for Christ by suffering. They give testimony to Jesus Christ and suffer abuse from people for doing that. I know of people who are willing to open their mouth to share Jesus Christ no matter how people criticize them or what it might cost them. I thank God for Smyrna-type members!
Words of Encouragement
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
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The Church at Pergamum
Prophecy: Revelation 2:12-17
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the
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stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it
Pergamos was located about 60 miles to the north of
Smyrna and about 20 miles inland. It lay the farthest
north of all the seven churches, thus signifying that
of the seven ages this one had the coldest climate
spiritually. The light of the church shone dimly
through
· Knew their works,
· Where thou dwells (living condition),
· Where Satan’s seat is (the place where the
Devil is working the most).
According to the knowledge they held a standard,
and held fast His name, and has not denied the
faith (doctrinal teaching).
But they tolerated them who taught the people of
God False Doctrine. They had a sect, a schism, a
division right among themselves.
The conclusion for Pergamos was to repent or
Jesus would fight against them.
Knew their works, and where thou dwells (living
condition), even where Satan’s seat is (the place
where the Devil is working the most.
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Balaam was a prohet of Israel and Balac (spelled
Balak in the Old Testament was king of Moab,
Balak sent messengers to Balaam desiring him to
come and curse the Israelites because of his fear
of the children of Israel, Balaam knew he could
not curse the Israelites. Though Balaam was
helpless to bring the curse, he did teach Balak
how “to cast a stumbling block before the
children of Israel.” The plan devised was to have
the woman of moab to entice the men of Israel to
lust after them and intermarry amoung them.
The plan worked and in short time the Israelites
also turned from worshipping the true God to
worshipping the Moabites’ idols, thus committing
spiritual fornication.
The doctrine of the Nicalaitans was similar to the doctrine of Balaam. They held that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication. They also practiced polygamy. Those who held that doctrine were, by an impure worship, drawing men into impure practices, even as Balaam did the Israelites.
This is the church that married the world. Revelation 2:13 says, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's throne is ...." Where is Satan's throne? He is the prince of the world. The church that marries the world is
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characterized by a country club atmosphere with no standards. It is socially oriented--doing anything for the sake of social preservation. It is compromising--never taking a true stand. It lowers its standards to cater to compromising people. It is more concerned with the fashions of the world than with the things of God. There are many of those kind of churches existing today.
The church at Pergamum was married to the world. There are members in the church today who are married to the world. They are preoccupied with their money, car, job, fashion, and themselves. They are concerned about how they relate to the world, but they are making compromises to Satan. They are unwilling to pay the price of a true disciple, so they lower their standards to court the world and discredit the name of Jesus Christ. They weaken the church and are useless to God.
Revelation 2:13 says, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's throne is ...."
Revelation 2:17 says, "... To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth except he that receiveth it."
Words of Encouragement
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
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The Church at Thyatira
Prophecy: Revelation 2:18-29
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
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24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The city of Thyatira was located a little southeast of
Pergamos. Let us take a look at what character
Christ assumed toward the Thyatirans as He
addressed them in verse 18:”…These things saith the
Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of
fire and his feet are like fine brass.” Christ was
reminding this congregation of people that His vision
was all-penetrating. He knew every thought, motive,
and action. He knew whom they fellowshipped and
allowed to teach and preach in their midst, and
could see through any and all camouflages, knowing
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the real reasons for anyone going astray, should that
happen. Brass is a symbol of strength. In Eph. 6:15
Paul tells us to have our fee shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace. Here we see
Christ having a very strong preparation, ready to
execute judgement in fulfillment of the ultimatum
given in verse 15,”…fight against them with the
sword of my mouth.”
Christ commended this congregation for their works,
charity, service, and faith,. Their works were
mentioned twice, and He said that last were more
than the first.
Notwithstanding their good qualities, Christ had a
few things against them. In verse 20-22 we read:
Rev 2:19-22 Nevertheless I have a few things against
you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who
calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My
servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things
sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent
of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22
Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who
commit adultery with her into great tribulation,
unless they repent of their deeds. NKJV
A number in this congregation had gotten under the
influence of false teachers, being symbolized by the
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woman Jezebel, who was a wicked queen
responsible for killing God’s prophets in Elijah’s day.
God was telling them in no uncertain terms to stand
against such false teachers lest He turn them over to
committing spiritual adultery and they all die a
spiritual death.
· They had works,
· charity,
· Service,
· faith,
· patience, and
· more works
But they tolerated false prophets to teach God’s
people error. God gave these false prophets
space (time) to repent, but they didn’t. God final
judgment was to cast them in a bed, (this
symbolize spiritual sleep) and them that joined
and supported and fellowshipped these false
teachers.
Jesus said except they repent, I will kill her
children with death (spiritual death), the children
were there offspring .i.e. her converts, and for
those who supported not this doctrine (false
teaching), and know how deeply satanic this
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doctrine is, which these false prophets are
teaching. I will not burden (trouble) you, with
which that you have already (the truth) hold fast
till I come. I will give you power over the nations,
(the denominations) and you shall rule them with
a rod of iron (God’s Word). And as a vessel of
Potter shall be destroyed, so it will be with these
false teachers.
Revelation 2:20 says, "Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou allowest that woman, Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." That is the sinful church that teaches false doctrine.
Words of Encouragement
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
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28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Church at Sardis
Prophecy: Revelation 3:1-6
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
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5 He that overcometh, the same 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.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches
The capital city of Lydia in the province of Asia, in
western Asia Minor (Modern Turkey). Sardis was
situated on the east bank of the Pactolus River about
50 miles east of Smyrna; it occupied a rocky spur of
Mount Tmolus and a valley at the foot of this
Mountain. In ancient times Sardis was well fortified
and easily defended. It became the capital of the
acncient Lydian empire, then passed successively to
the Persians, the Greeks, and the romans during
their respective dominance of the ancient world.
During its days as a Roman city, Sardis became an
important Christian center. However, the church at
Sardis was evidently affected by the complacency of
the city and its reliance on past glory: “You have a
name that you are alive, but you are dead” Rev. 3:1.
Sardis, the dead church, was like “whitewashed
tombs which…appear beautiful outwardly, but inside
are full of dead men’s bones” Matt. 23:27. Its
thriving, healthy appearance masked an inner decay.
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The most impressive building of ancient Sardis must
have been its magnificent Temple of Artemis, built in
the fourth century B.C. The temple was 327 feet long
and 163 feet wide and had 78 Ionic columns each 58
feet high. Some of these columns remain standing
until this day.
· A Name that livest, and are dead (A
profession)
Jesus admonition for this church was “Be
watchful, and strengthen the things which
remain. (The little, one may half left, i.e.
spiritually). Strengthen that which is ready to
die, (.i.e decay, before mortification set in):
This church works were not perfect before
God. They were not complete in holiness
before God, they were on the road of
backsliding. Remember (Let me call you
memory to attention), how thou has received
and heard). How you started off. The
experience you once had with God, the faith
the love, joy and zeal, when you didn’t won’t
to do anything wrong.
Hold fast, (Get firm, settled, rooted, don’t so
easily let go, hang on for dear life). Repent
(turn from that dead backsliding condition).
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There are a few names who have not defile
their garments (garments of holiness,
righteousness and praise). Walk with me in
white, (Purity and Holiness). For they are
worthy. Only the pure in heart are worthy to
walk with Jesus.
He that overcometh (Get the victory), the
same (this privilege is extended to all), shall be
clothed in white raiment (Purity and
Holiness). In order to walk with Jesus, some
things must be overcome first.
Words of Encouragement
5 He that overcomes, the same 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.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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The Church at Philadelphia
Prophecy: Revelation 3:7-13
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I 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
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heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches
Philadelphia (brotherly love) – a city of the province
of Lydia in western Asia Minor (Modern Turkey) and
the site of one of the seven churches of Asia.
Philadelphia was situated on the Cogamus River, a
tributary of the Hermus (modern Gediz) and was
about 28 miles southeast of sardis. It was founded
by Attalus II Philadelphus, who reigned as king of
Pergamos from 159 B.C. until 138 B.C. Philedelphia
was a center of the wine industry. It’s chief deity
was Dionysus, in Geek mythology the god of win
(The Roman Bacchus).
John describes the church in Philadelphia as the
faithful church and the church that stood at the
gateway of great opportunity. Christ said to this
church, “See, I have set before you an open door and
no one can shut it” (vs. 8). The “open door” means
primarily access to God, but it also refers to
opportunity for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Still a city of considerable size, Philadelphia is known
today as Alashehir.
· I know thy works.
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I know thy works of righteous deeds, and I
have set before thee a open door ( the door of
opportunity), and no man can shut it. (No man
can take this opportunity from thee), Why?
Because of their spiritual strength, they kept
His word (Obedience), and didn’t deny His
name (His authority) and that Jesus Christ
stood for). Rev. 3:9. God will let everyone
know who and what his approval is upon,
why? That we may not be ashamed. So we
see God is guaranteed to manifest himself on
this behalf). Why? Because thou has kept the
word of my patience 9kept the word with
consisted endurance).
Hold fast that, which we have, (Quickly hold
firm, without hesitantly), that no man take thy
crown (victory), I will make you a Pillar in the
Temple ( One who is unmovable and able to
stand the test of time. Just like the old pillars
from the Grecian and Roman period, All they
know to do is stand. They are yet standing
today.
Your reward shall be the name of God (The
Word of God – the truth). A name of the city
(New Jerusalem). A new name, the name of
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Jesus will I write upon him who
overcometh.Rev. 19:11-14.
Words of Encouragement
12 Him that overcomes will I 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.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Church at Laodicea
Prophecy: Revelation 3:14-22
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
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17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 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.
21 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.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
A city in the Lycus Valley of the province of Phrygia
where one of the seven churches of Asia Minor was
situated. It was about 40 miles east of Ephesus and
about 10 miles west of Colossae, Laodicea was built
on the banks of river Lycus, a tributary of the
Maeander River. The words of the risen Christ to
Laodicea in Revelation contain allusion to the
economic prosperity and social prominence of the
city. Founded by the Seleucids and named for
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laodice, the wife of Antiochus II (261-247 B.C.),
Laodicea became extremely wealthy during the
Roman period. For example, in 62 B.C. Flaccus seized
the annual contribution of the Jews of Laodicea for
Jerusalem amount to 20 pounds of gold. Moreover,
when the city was destroyed by an earthquake in
A.D. 60 (along with Colossae and hierapolis), it alone
refused aid from Rome for rebuilding (compare the
self sufficient attitude of the church of Laodicea in
Rev. 3:17. Laodicea was known for its black wool
industry; it manufactured garments from the raven-
black wool produced by the sheep of the
surrounding area.
The Apostle Paul does not seem to have visited
Laodicea at the time he wrote Colossians 2:1
Epaphras, Tychicus, Onesimus, and Mark seem to
have been the early messengers of the gospel there
(Col. 1:7; 4:7-15). A letter addressed to the
Laodiceans by Paul (Col 4;16) has apparently been
lost; some consider it to be a copy of the Ephesian
letter. A church council was supposedly held at
Laodicea (A.D. 344-363) but all that has come down
to us are statements from other councils.
The site of Laodicea is now a deserted heap of ruins
that the Turks call Eski Hisar, or “old castle”.
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According to the comments about the church at
Laodicea in Revelation, this congregation consisted
of lukewarm Christian. The living Lord demands
enthusiasm and total commitment from those who
worship Him.
· I know thy works
· Thou are neither hot or cold, but lukewarm
· I will spue thee out of my mouth
Because thou sayest ( you profess) I am rich,
(Saved, Sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost),
and have need of nothing ( totally complete in
Him),
It’s one thing for us to say this about
ourselves, but what is Jesus saying about us. Is
he please with our life.
And don’t know (blind to the fact), that thou
are wretched (full of sin) Romans 7th chapter.
You are miserable (No good for God, and no
good for the world), you are in a state of
wretchedness. Thou are poor (without
salvation), and blind, (just like the Pharisees,
(just religious). And naked, without God,
separated from his presence.
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I counsel thee (Let me give you some good
advice), buy of me gold (An experience) tried
in the fire, that you may actually have what
you are professing., and that thou mayest be
clothed (with salvation), and that the shame of
thy nakedness do not appear. (everyone can
see you condition that you are in). Anoint thy
eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Let
the Holy Spirit give you a anointing in your life
that you may spiritually see).
As many as I love I rebuke ( chastise, correct,
and admonish). Heb. 12:7-29. be zealous (Get
a zeal that’s according to knowledge. Rom
10:1-3 and repent, turn from this lukewarm
condition.
Behold I stand at the door (the door of your
heart) and knock (the convicting power of the
Holy Spirit), If any man will hear my voice (His
Word) and open the door. Christ will not force
Himself in, you must let Him in. I will come in
to him, and sup with him. (that is have
fellowship with). And he can have fellowship
with me. 1 John 1:1-10; 2:1-6;5:1-21.
To him that overcometh (this lukewarm
condition) will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, (reigning with Christ) even as I also
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overcame, and am set down with my Father in
his throne? (In order to reign with Christ in
victory, I must first get to the throne of mercy
and get the victory of sin, so that I can truly
reign with him in power and authority over all
this world below.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit (The Holy Ghost) saith unto the
churches.
Words of Encouragement
21 To him that overcomes 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.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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The Books contained in the Revelation Series;
1. The Seven Golden Candlesticks
2. The Opening of the Seven Seals
3. The Sounding of the Seven Trumpets
4. The Conquest and Trials of the Church
5. The Pouring out of the Seven Vials
6. The Binding and Loosing of the Dragon
7. New Jerusalem, God’s New Creation
The Book Store:
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