The Seven Churches.

Of the many hundreds of churches scattered through Asia minor, Greece and the rest of the Roman Empire, it is remarkable that Jesus directs John to address and send the book of Revelation to a specific cluster of seven churches. When reading Revelation 2 and 3, these turn out to be very different churches. The seven churches are in a cluster north and east of Ephesus, where John spent most of his later life. We can imagine that Jesus would have considered these seven very different churches as representative to the church as a whole, and a picture of the kind of situations we may expect to arise in the church of our day.

These seven cities were within walking distance from each other, and must have been known to John. The distance from Ephesus to Smyrna is approx. 60km northwards. Ephesus doesn’t exist anymore, only the ruins, but Smyrna does, although now called Izmir. Both cities were coastal cities of the current-day Turkish coastline, facing Greece across the Aegean sea. Positioned with the shortest route to Athens, these were two major trading cities and the gateway to Asia Minor (Turkey).

The early church:

The Church in Antioch and its leaders. (cf Richard Harris)

To get an idea of the composition of the early churches, we may look at the first church outside Israel and Jerusalem, Antioch. Luke describes them in this way in Acts 12:25-13:3 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark. Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away

This is what Luke had to say earlier on in Acts 11 about the ‘birth’ of the Church in Antioch: Acts 11:19-21 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

It is always encouraging to have ‘a good mixture’ of people and ages in a congregation. Clearly, this was the case in Antioch as the fledgling Church grew. I would suggest there was a combination of different backgrounds, cultures and religious experiences within this Community

We know Joses, (Joseph) who was known as Barnabas, was a Levite from Cyprus. He would have been well educated and have had a great command of the Old Testament. As he was born in Cyprus, he would have been well versed in Greek, as well as knowing the Greek and possibly Roman Cultures. Being part of the ‘Priestly clan,’ he would also have had a depth of knowledge, similar to Saul, when it came to Synagogue and Temple Worship. We know Barnabas was in Jerusalem very early on, when the Church was established. It is possible, he was there on the Day of Pentecost, as that was a requirement for Jews and, as a Levite, and it is unlikely he would have missed it. The home of his cousin, John Mark, is also the traditional site of ‘The Upper Room’ and a regular meeting place for the Apostles. As a result, he would have been well known by the Early Church. This would explain his name change from Joses to Barnabas, as well as the decision to send him to Antioch.

Then we have ‘Simeon,’ who was also called ‘Niger.’ This could mean, he was a Jew of African descent, or that he had a dark complexion. It is possible that he, like Lucius, was from Cyrene, one of five Greek colonial cities based in Libya. This is what is recorded about him in Mark 15:21 Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. Paul references a Rufus in Romans 16:13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Paul was saying, that Simeon’s wife was like a mother to him as well. If Simeon is one and the same person, then it would be consistent with the whole family coming to faith in Jesus. Certainly, on the Day of Pentecost, it is recorded that there were Jews from Cyrene present, when the Holy Spirit came down on the Disciples in the Upper Room. (Acts 2:10 And the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene.)

In addition to Simeon, we also have ‘Lucius,’ also from Cyrene, who was a Jewish believer in Jesus. Paul has this to say about him in Romans 16:21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. We know Paul wrote Romans whilst he was in Corinth, most likely on his Third Missionary Journey, and it appears as if Lucius was with him, along with Timothy and others. Whilst he didn’t accompany Paul when he and Barnabas went their separate ways, it appears that he either went with Paul on the Third Mission, or perhaps met him in Corinth.

Another interesting person, alongside these men, was Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch. It is likely, he was either an adopted brother or foster brother to Herod. (This was the Herod who beheaded John the Baptist and was the father of King Agrippa, whom Paul tried to evangelize in Caesarea.) We know, from Luke, that ‘Joanna,’ the wife of ‘Chuza,’ who was the manager of Herod’s household, was a supporter of Jesus financially. I wonder if there is a link here, where a senior member of Herod’s household was a follower of Jesus. Growing up in Herod’s house, meant Manaen would have been well educated and, no doubt, Biblically literate.

Last, but not least, we have ‘Saul,’ who was a Pharisee, born in Tarsus which gave him a great understanding of both Greek and Roman Culture. He would have had a depth of Biblical knowledge, as well as a command of the Oral Law, passed down from Pharisee to Pharisee. We know he spent much of his early life, perhaps from the age of thirteen, in Jerusalem studying under ‘Gamaliel’ and was a very devout Pharisee. Initially a persecutor of the followers of the Way, he later became the foremost advocate for Christianity. Having both a Levite and a Pharisee together preaching and teaching in Antioch was an extraordinary opportunity.

What a wonderful combination of gifts and talents in one Church – prophets and teachers combining to educate this fledgling Church. As believers, we can look at this group of people and say, ‘Wow, if only my Church had these people in it!’ However, the reality is, God will raise up the people needed if we, as a Church, choose to spend time with the Lord in prayer. In my experience He will either bring the people or raise up people who are already there. Each of us is unique, Dear Readers, and each of us carry gifts and abilities necessary for the building up of the Body of Christ. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. There is no doubt, God chose this distinct and diverse group of people to be in Antioch at this time. He knew who was necessary to build up a Church that had a passion for mission as well as to support less well-off ministries. The wonderful thing is ~ the same God who drew these men and women to Antioch, is the same God we worship today. He not only knows the needs of our local churches, but He also knows why He has placed us there… Our gifts are just as important to build up the body, as any others, we just need to have the courage to step out and offer them.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. (LOVE)

Assessing our spiritual condition.

Jesus addresses the spiritual condition of the seven churches before he commences with the remainder of the vision given to John. We will discuss the condition of each church separately, and the great emphasis there is on being overcomers. All but two of the seven churches had been contaminated by deception. This was either by a corruption of the gospel brought in by ‘tares’ within the church, or is loss of focus due to worldliness creeping in and disempowering them.

Hence, as we approach the Millennium, our assessment similarly needs to be on our internal state .

Jesus desires that we are as expectant of Him as a bride is on the day before the wedding.

We now desire more like Christ, so that we can embrace Him without reservation when He comes. This desire is not motivated by a need to earn approval, as we already have God’s approval because of our faith in Jesus. We  embark on a journey to become more like Christ because it pleases Him. Our transformation to Christlikeness in our attitudes and actions will assist us as we enter the last days. Jesus tells us specifically to be aware and alert. We are to be prepared soldiers in God’s army:

“Watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things…”(Luke 21:36).

• Is there any guidance what this watching and praying entails?
• How to prepare our hearts – is there any guidance on this?

The best guidance on how to prepare our hearts is found in the book of Revelation. This guidance is specifically given by Jesus to the church of that time and beyond, and is in the form of the letters dictated by Jesus himself. These are the letters to the seven churches. Our study and interpretation of these letters has much practical value to help guide us into the end-times.

In many ways our approach to these letters is vital. How we read these letters may determine how we are going to read the rest of Revelation and the prophets. How may we have read these letters in the past? We may have previously read these letters as an historical account of these particular churches only. We may have seen the guidance, warnings and encouragements in these letters as background information and not applicable to ourselves. We may even have been taught not to apply these commendations and warnings to ourselves for fear of reading them ‘out of context’.

Alternately, we may also have read some creative theories on these letters which may have seemed very far-fetched and a little contrived. For example, there is a theory that the sequence of the letters to these churches is a type of prophecy about the future church as a whole and the way in which they were going to develop historically. Especially since we seem to correspond to the Laodicean, or lukewarm church today. Maybe this is possible, but there is no benefit in speculating about this. The benefit we must look for in these letters is on how we are to remain standing, should we have to live through the worst persecution of Christians yet. There will be trouble as the world has never seen before, says Jesus himself, before His physical return to earth.

Our contention is that these letters were meant for every generation. These letters are as applicable to you and me as they were to those in the first century and beyond.

The message to the seven Churches:

There are many interpretations on what the broader message of the seven churches is. Clearly, the initial intent of the letters was to address current problems at the time in these churches. Some of these problems were due to the influence of personal sin, the cravings for wealth, power, lust and comfort. But many were also from the direct influences of demonic forces, and from infiltration by heretics, manipulators and seducers.

Jesus’ words to these churches vary widely, from glowing commendations to outright rebukes. But all churches, without exception, are also encouraged. In the last verse of each letter, each church is encouraged to be overcomers in their particular situations. Overcomers rely on God to obtain victory over personal sin, temptations and the deception for wealth, power, lust and comfort. A promise of rewards then follows for the overcomers, tailored for each situation.

These rewards are all spiritual, to be fulfilled to ‘the overcomers’ when we meet Jesus: “He that overcomes:

•  … will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God,
• … shall not be hurt by the second death
• … 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.
•  ...and keep my works unto the end, to him will I give power over nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as 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.
•  …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.
• …I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall no more go out: and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of God, which comes down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name.
• …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.”

There is so much to look forward to. In Titus 2:13 Paul calls this our blessed hope. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Short reflections on the seven churches: , by Richard Harris; richardharris61@tpg.com.au.)

Revelation 2:1-7 “To the angel of the church in 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: “I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’

These seven churches were all active and functioning Churches in the first Century. Whilst there are common threads through each of the seven letters, it is also clear that God had a specific Word for the individual Church as well.

Michele and I have been so blessed to have visited the ruins of six of them. I believe there are important lessons Jesus wanted these Churches to learn, which are still relevant to us today.

The first of the Churches John wrote to was in Ephesus, which was probably the largest and most significant of the seven. It had a population of over 200 000 people, was a major port and had the Temple dedicated to Artemis which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. ‘Emperor-worship’ was common and Emperor Domitian had a 25-foot statue of himself placed there. There was also worship of perhaps another fourteen deities as well ~ the City was not particularly encouraging to Christians!

Jesus begins His letter to them with some lovely words of encouragement – “I know your works, your labour, your patience…” This is important because they demonstrated a willingness to work hard for the Lord as well as continuing patiently with great commitment. Not only that, they also showed wisdom when false apostles came and tried to teach there and lead them astray. Jesus also reminded them, later in the letter, that they hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans. They were followers of a man called ‘Nicolas’ who taught that you could do anything you wanted to, no matter how immoral, because it wouldn’t impact on your spiritual life. (Obviously a heretical position.) The other key comment Jesus made was that, through their perseverance they had not grown weary. This is important and something Paul also encouraged in Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. This is something which can easily happen to us, as Christians, if we do not see good fruit coming from the hard work we are doing for the Lord…

Then, Jesus gets to the ‘key point’ He wants to make “Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” This is a significant statement from Jesus because it speaks very strongly to motivation. Paul reminds us that love is vital to the Christian life, especially our love for the Lord. If our love has grown cold or is waning, we risk becoming indifferent and doing things which may please the Lord but are not what He desires most – our love! All the ‘good works’ in the world lose their value if they don’t come out of a loving heart! (Refer my Devotion 15th October ‘The Most Excellent Way – Love!’)

Jesus challenges them to ‘Remember therefore from where you have fallen!’ This is important because this remembrance brings back memories which should kindle in their hearts a fresh ‘flame of love.’ From remembrance will come repentance and restoration which is critical for all Christians! If we make our relationship with God a priority, we will once again see spiritual growth and a passion to see our Heavenly Father central in our lives. As Jesus tells them, repent and do the first works; In other words, return to your first love or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Sadly, if you visit Ephesus today, whilst it is an amazing and fascinating place with much to see, there is no Church there anymore….

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” I believe the final words from Jesus, to the Church at Ephesus are a reminder to them as well as to us Dear Readers! What was the Spirit saying to them and what is He saying to us today? He is calling for believers to remain steadfast in faith no matter what the ‘world may throw at us!’ This is certainly a challenge, even in the Western World, as we face different forms of persecution. Perhaps our greatest concern should be about complacency amongst Christians. It is very easy for our faith to grow cold as we find ourselves caught up in the busyness of life. But, as Jesus said to the Ephesians and now us “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Praise the Lord this is our future hope as we remain faithful to the Lord and keep Him as our ‘first love!’

To the Angel of the Church in Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 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. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’

Smyrna was a coastal City, about 65 kilometres North of Ephesus, and was very wealthy. Like Philadelphia, it was the only other City to be praised and not rebuked by Jesus. A student of John, by the name of ‘Polycarp,’ (well worth reading about) became the first Bishop of Smyrna. It is interesting that he continued to celebrate Passover, rather than Easter, which was what was happening in Rome by this stage. The Jews in Smyrna had allowed Syncretism to creep in and included the worship of Zeus in their Synagogue. At the same time the Roman Citizens of Smyrna worshiped the Emperor of Rome along with their own gods. The early Christians were persecuted by both groups and Polycarp was martyred as a result of the actions of the local people.

When writing to the ‘Church’ in Smyrna, John is referring to them as an assembly or ‘called out ones,’ which is what ‘Church’ means. I think this word is significant because the word ‘holy’ means ‘sacred’ or ‘set apart’ and so, by using the word ‘church’ it is a reminder to them that they are called and set apart by Jesus as well. Jesus reminds them that He is the first and the last (the Alpha and the Omega) and so He carries the authority to write to them. Not only that, but He is the one who was dead, and has come to life. Jesus is reminding them that He has conquered death and rose victorious from the grave. What this means for them is that they have a hope for the future as the Church of the living God… This is important to reflect on for ourselves as well. We do not worship a dead saviour, but a living one, whose authority we carry into this fallen and broken world.

‘I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich): I always find it encouraging when we are reminded how God knows what we are going through and doesn’t stand back from us, but enters into that struggle with us. Jesus is saying the same to the Church in Smyrna. I know your works: Jesus knows what they are doing for Him and understands if they feel, on occasion, that their work is in vain. We could all feel the same way on occasion, but Jesus is reassuring them, and us, that He is aware of everything that is happening in our lives, and is walking that journey with us. Not only that, but He understands our financial struggles as well. And tribulation: We generally think of tribulation as suffering trials because of persecution – which is true. Tribulation also has a less common definition that comes from a farming background – to press or squeeze, by-product of a threshing sledge, or crush with a millstone. Jesus was aware of what they were going through and the pressure they were under and reminded them that they weren’t alone in this – He was with them. And poverty (but you are rich): Smyrna was a wealthy City which had no doubt treated Christians badly because of their faith in Christ. They may have had limited employment opportunities or perhaps even lost their jobs as a result of converting to Christianity. Fortunately, as Christians, our wealth, isn’t measured by the world’s standards, but by God’s!! Even if we don’t have much, we are still rich with Jesus!

For a time, the early Christians were seen as an offshoot of Judaism and were allowed to worship God without any problems. This was because Judaism was seen as an ancient monotheistic religion, which exempted Jews from Emperor Worship. Somehow, Emperor Worship had crept into the Synagogue in Smyrna, so Jesus called it a synagogue of Satan! The Jews who had accepted Jesus, rejected Emperor Worship which then caused conflict with their fellow Jews. We certainly don’t have an Emperor to worship but even Christians can fall into the trap of putting other things before God, but thus didn’t happen in the Church in Smyrna!!!

Jesus now warns them that even greater suffering would come to the Church in Smyrna, including imprisonment and possibly even death. Jesus reminds them that even in death they would inherit the crown of life. Around 160 AD the Bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp was arrested. When the police arrived to take him into custody he responded with ‘God’s will be done’ and then gave them food and drink! Imagine that! He then asked if he could pray and spent the next two hours interceding. Finally, when he was in the arena, the Proconsul asked him to deny Christ and he responded: ‘86 years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?’

I have included a link for you to read if you would like to follow the whole story. https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/polycarp/

I really appreciate Paul’s words to Timothy when he knew his time on earth was coming to an end: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. Powerful words of encouragement to Timothy, from Paul, which should encourage us as well!

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” My question for you, Dear Readers, is ‘do you have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches today?’ As we look at the Church in Smyrna, we can see a group of Christians who remained faithful under very difficult circumstances. They were a great witness to the other six Churches which Jesus wrote to and I am sure an encouragement to us as well. When Jesus talked about the ‘second death’ He was referring to those who denied Jesus and therefore came under God’s judgement ~ something the Christians in Smyrna obviously didn’t do. Bishop Polycarp’s witness is amazing if you can take time to read it. My prayer for you, is that the faith of those in Smyrna will encourage you in your faith. Like them (and Paul) I pray we will all look forward to the Crown of life, and spending eternity with the Lord….

Revelation 2:12-17 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write,

‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’

 

Forty years after John wrote the Book of Revelation, Pergamum became the Capital of the Roman Province of Asia. It is 70 kilometres North of Smyrna and, because it is on a high rocky outcrop, is a natural fortress. It became the centre for ‘Emperor worship’ and there were at least five major Temples to Zeus, Athena, Nikephoids, Dionysus and Asklepios. ‘Asklepios’ was the god of medicine and, in the valley below Pergamum there was a hospital which specialised specifically in mental illnesses. I have visited the ruins of the hospital on a couple of occasions and it is an amazing place. It dates back to the 4th Century BC and centres around a natural spring. On the hillside was the seat of Satan or the throne of Satan, which is now in the Pergamum Museum in Berlin. (In the photo above you can see the place where it was originally built.)

 

In Roman times the ‘right of the sword’ was a term used by the Romans to express the authority of the Governor of a Province. In this letter to the Church in Pergamum, Jesus was reminding the people that all authority was vested in Him because He carried ‘the sharp two-edged sword’ and ‘the sword of my mouth.’ This is an important statement from Jesus that applies to us today as well. Whatever is going on around us, whatever uncertainty we may feel and whatever challenges we face, God is still on the throne and He is the ultimate authority over all things. When we take into account that the authorities in Pergamum were given the right to capital punishment, for which the sword was a symbol, this statement from Jesus had far more significance.

 

There are a number of things that Jesus said to all seven churches and one of them was “I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is.” If I received this letter, I would be very encouraged because Jesus is reminding us that He does see what’s going on. The people lived in a very hostile environment with all the temples and emperor worship going on, which made it become a stronghold for Satan.  As we are reminded in 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We know Satan’s aim is to kill and destroy and Jesus is reassuring them that they aren’t alone in the struggle ~ that He is with them! He tells them “you hold fast to my name,” which is significant in a place with so many conflicting faiths and a community which is hostile to those who are different. To the people of Pergamum, Jesus would have just been one ‘god’ amongst many others. However, for the Christians living there, He was the name above every name, the name through whom we are saved. Not only did they hold fast to His name but, as Jesus said, you did not deny my faith: One of the challenges we face today, which is no different to the Church in Pergamum, is holding onto the fundamental truths of our faith. The Virgin birth, Jesus dying for us on the Cross, His bodily Resurrection, His imminent return and even the truth of Scripture. These are truths that some theologians and many Pastors and Church Leaders deny. For the people of John’s day, these were truths they held onto because they knew people, like John, who had literally walked with Jesus and were eyewitnesses to these truths. These men and women kept strong in the faith, even when some amongst them, like Antipas (a Pastor there) were killed. He was burnt alive because he refused to deny Jesus and proclaim Caesar as god. The wonderful testimony of Antipas is, Jesus knew his name and he was counted amongst the Saints who were martyred for their faith.

 

Then Jesus says these words which would have ‘cut them to the heart!’ But I have a few things against you: Whilst there were many who were faithfully getting on with the ministry that they were given, some were willing to compromise. There were some who ‘hold the doctrine of Balaam’ who was unable to curse the Israelites but suggested that Balak, the King of Moab, entice them to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Many Israelites were corrupted in this way and something similar was happening in Pergamum. As Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1:9 there is nothing new under the sun – the same thing happens today. There are people who allow God authority in some parts of their lives but exclude Him from other parts. Like the Church in Ephesus, they also had problems with the Nicolaitans, but, unlike the Ephesians, they allowed them a foothold in the Church. Jesus then gives them a very stern warning: Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. He warned them there would be swift judgement for disobedience if they continued to compromise and didn’t confront error in the Church.

 

Jesus finishes with an encouraging word: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. We know God fed the children of Israel for forty years in the Wilderness with manna which He gave supernaturally. Jesus was offering to feed the Church in Pergamum because they lived in a city filled with ‘worldly pleasures’ and anti-Christian activity. He was offering them something superior to that which the world gave. Then Jesus says this, which may initially seem very obscure: And I will give him a white stone: Why was a ‘white stone’ so significant that Jesus would offer it to His believers in Pergamum? These stones were given to people as a precious gift connected to an important moment. Apparently, a judge would give a white stone to someone he had just found not-guilty. For us, as Christians, as we repent and put our faith and trust in Jesus, we too will be found not-guilty on judgement day… A soldier was given one as a memento after a victory – in the same way, Christians who keep the faith to the end, will win a great victory too. Friends would give a white stone to a friend to be redeemed in their hour of need. So too, as Christians, we are reminded by Jesus to help those in need as well. They could also be given as a ticket to an event – all who respond to the call of Jesus receive an invitation to eternal life. What better ‘event’ would you want to be at? Finally, a Bridegroom may give a stone to his fiancé as a pledge that they will get married – we are invited to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb!! The final promise: “and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we become a ‘New Creation,’ and we are no longer condemned as sinners. In a way it’s like getting a new name to accompany our ‘new character’ when we are redeemed. There is also the implication of a personal relationship with our Lord and Saviour as He calls us by this name that only we know. In Egypt, there was an understanding that knowing someone’s ‘secret name’ would give us power over them. By accepting this ‘new name’ we would also be accepting Jesus’ authority in our lives and only His…

 

Well, Dear Readers, are you counted amongst those who overcome and so receive manna, a stone and a new name? Are you willing to stand firm on the foundations of our faith and not allow compromise for the sake of cooperation? Like the Antipas’ of the world, are you willing to stand strong in the face of all opposition? These are rhetorical questions as only you can answer them. Perhaps, as you finish this Devotion, you can take some timeout to consider what Jesus would like to say to you today as you reflect on the challenges faced by the Christians in Pergamum, which may not be very different to ours…

 

Revelation 2:18-29 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,

 

‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like burnished bronze “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 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. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

 

“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

 

‘He 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. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

 

Thyatira, is more than 50 kilometres inland from Pergamum and used to be a military outpost which protected the road from Pergamum to Sardis. It also had a significant number of Guilds for the different trades, which included weavers, leather-workers, dyed products, potters and bronze-workers. When Paul was in Philippi, he met a woman called Lydia, who came from the Jewish settlement in Thyatira. She was a dealer in purple cloth, made from a purple dye known as ‘Turkey Red.’ She was most probably a member of the ‘Dyers Guild’ situated in that town. It is believed, some of Pauls converts in Ephesus, travelled around the towns and evangelised them, including Thyatira. One of the challenges, for Christian Guild members, was the expectation that they attended worship in the various Temples as well as Guild feasts which had religious connotations.

 

‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like burnished bronze: It is interesting that this letter opens with these words about Jesus having feet of fine bronze considering the town was famous for its bronze work. Just like in Pergamum, where Jesus had the double-edged sword as a sign of His absolute authority, so too here He makes a connection with the bronze as well. Something else would have jumped out at them as well. Jesus called Himself the Son of God, which would have caught the attention of the Emperor worshipers, who considered Caesar the son of god as well. This letter also gives them much encouragement as Jesus says these words: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience: Their love was demonstrated by service to the community, and their faith by their patience during trials. The word ‘service’ was from the Greek word ‘diakonia’ which is often translated ‘Deacon.’ Jesus continued with these words: and as for your works, the last are more than the first. This is significant because He was saying to the Church, I know you haven’t slackened off and are in fact doing more for Me now than you did before. This is important in any Ministry, because it is easy to begin with much enthusiasm but then ‘slow down’ at the end.

 

Having encouraged them, Jesus then gets to the crux of the letter when He says this: Nevertheless, I have a few things against you. Anyone reading the letter would think ‘here we go…’ but Jesus is referring to a woman whom He calls ‘Jezebel,’ who claimed to be a prophetess. Jezebel was a worshiper of Baal and influenced King Ahab to turn from the Lord and follow the Baal’s. This was in the days of Elijah where he killed all the Baal prophets, but then fled from Jezebel because she threatened to kill him. The Church in Thyatira was allowing this woman to prophecy and to teach and encourage the Church members to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. One of the many wonderful things we discover about God’s nature is that He is merciful and long-suffering. He gives us plenty of opportunities to repent and turn back to Him, as He did for ‘Jezebel.’ But there will come a time when God says enough and He warns them that this will be soon. There will be great tribulation for her and all who follow her practices as well as death to her children. By children, He means those who didn’t repent from the wickedness and false doctrines which they got involved and entangled in, because of Jezebel.

 

All the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. It is quite possible, some of the people, in Thyatira, believed God would not notice their sins, so Jesus is reminding them that He searches the minds and hearts of everyone. He is well aware of the good and the bad and will reward each person accordingly. This is a challenge for all of us, as individuals, as well as our Churches. If we imagine Jesus writing to us today, what would He say about our lives as well as the priorities of the Churches we attend? Would He speak positively or would we have to fear His judgement?

 

Having focused on the great concern He has for the Church; Jesus then encourages all who have been faithful with these words: I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. I believe we face the same challenges today, as the Church in Thyatira did ~ making sure we remain faithful and true to the Lord, even when others may fall away. Remembering that this life on earth is just a temporary one and, whilst we may face many challenges, we know that it will all work out in the end. For those who ‘hold fast’ till Jesus returns, there will be many benefits including ‘power over the nations’ and the ‘gift of the morning star.’ Ultimately, Jesus will rule over the nations and all who have kept the faith with Him will play their part as well. He will rule with a ‘rod of iron’ which is very much like the situation His believers are facing right now ~ the authorities, who have power over them and also oppress and persecute them. The morning star could very well be a reference to Jesus Himself, which is a description he uses in Revelation 22:16. The Apostle Peter wrote this which also seems to connect with Jesus, but in this case, His return: 2 Peter1:19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Whatever darkness they are facing as a Church, eventually the Morning Star will come, with all His power and glory, and darkness will flee.

 

The question we all need to ask ourselves, Dear Readers, is “do we carry the ‘morning star’ in our hearts? Are we keeping the faith as many in the Church at Thyatira were, or are we finding the ‘Jezebels’ of the world encroaching in on us? It is a challenge for every generation of believers, as we try and navigate ‘being in the world but not of the world.’ We will all, one day, hear the trumpet sound as the redeemed of the Lord are caught up in the air with Him. Let’s make sure we fellowship with Him now and allow His Holy Spirit to guide and direct our hearts and our lives, so that we will be counted amongst the redeemed.

 

Revelation 3:1-6 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

 

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 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. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

 

Sardis is about 50 kilometres South of Thyatira and had a significant strategic position, overlooking a military road through the Hermus River Valley. It was noted for its Acropolis, Temple of Artemis and Necropolis. The Acropolis rose almost 250 meters (about 800 feet) above the North section of Sardis, the Temple was the same size as the one in Ephesus (only never finished) and the Necropolis (cemetery) was visible 11 kilometres away. Within the ruins of Sardis have been found the remains of a Synagogue and evidence of early Christian activity up until the second and third centuries. It had a thriving wool-dyeing industry and, being on a trade route, also benefited from travellers as well. It was a very rich city which ultimately led to moral decadence and William Barclay (Theologian and commentary writer) had this to say about Sardis: Sardis was a city of peace, not the peace won through battle, but “the peace of the man whose dreams are dead and whose mind is asleep, the peace of lethargy and evasion”

 

John begins the letter by describing Jesus as He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: Jesus is reminding the Church that He is God because He carries the seven Spirits of God – The Holy Spirit in His fullness. We read this in Isaiah 11:2 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. Jesus is also reminding them that, in Him, they have the strength and power of the Holy Spirit but, without Him they are lost. He also talks about the seven stars, which most likely represents the leaders in the Church. Jesus follows this up with these words: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” The Church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive and Spirit filled ~ a Church that was moving in the Spirit and doing God’s work. The problem was, this was no longer true and they were living on a reputation which no longer existed. Unlike Pergamum and Thyatira, there is no mention of false doctrines in this Church however, although they appeared to be doing everything right, meeting together, doing good works etc. they were spiritually dead…

 

The Church in Sardis had a great reputation but unfortunately it was based on its past ‘successes’ and they were no longer showing commitment to the Lord. Jesus told them to wake up – Be watchful – and get back to doing the Lord’s work while they still could. They knew that God had an expectation of how they should behave and so they needed to change – for I have not found your works perfect before God. As with the Church in Ephesus, they need to return to their ‘first love’ and remember what they were learned in the first place. They were well taught by the Apostles and Prophets and this needed to be restored through repentance and faithful service. They needed to rekindle the flame of faith they used to carry and allow the joy of the Lord to bring them fulfillment. On two occasions, Sardis was captured, the first time by Cyrus in 600 B.C., when a Persian Soldier observed a Sardian soldier walking on a path on the Southside of the Acropolis. The city was taken by surprise! Two hundred years later, Antiochus did a similar thing as well. No doubt these stories would have been in the memory of all who lived there, so when Jesus said I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you, this was speaking into their history and was a very real threat.

 

Jesus then reminds them that all was not lost because you have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; As I said at the beginning, Sardis had a thriving wool industry, and clean clothes was a prerequisite for temple worship. Anyone who went to the temple with soiled or defiled garments would be removed from the public list of citizens. Jesus is using the same concept to remind them of the faithful few in the Church who shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy.

 

For these few, known as ‘overcomers,’ as well as those who repented and turned back to Jesus there were three blessings they would receive. Firstly, He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments: All who were not ‘stained’ by the pagan worship would receive a white robe which signified being holy and pure, in the sight of the Lord. Secondly, I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; In the ancient cities of this time, all the names of the citizens were recorded in a register until their death, at which time their names were erased ‘out of the book of the living!’ Jesus was reminding them that, not even death, could separate them from Him and that their name would remain in ‘The Book of Life.’ As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:37–39 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thirdly, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. The implication of the word ‘confess’ is generally used in connection with the courts and Jesus is promising to acknowledge us before our Father in Heaven. He is assuring all those in Sardis who kept the faith, that they would also receive their Heavenly Citizenship as well.

 

What do you think, Dear Reader, do you have an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches?” Are your hearts right with the Lord or are you only alive in appearance? Jesus was reminding the Church at Sardis that they had a Spiritual family they could be a part of, and He is saying the same to us today. We know, in Jesus, we are made alive, redeemed, forgiven and inherit eternal life. So ~ let us respond to His call and have our names written in the Lambs Book of Life! Hallelujah!!!

Revelation 3:7-13 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

 

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 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. 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. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

 

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

 

Philadelphia, is about 40 kilometres Southeast of Sardis, along the Hermus River and on a high plateau. ‘The Imperial Post Road,’ from Rome, passed through this valley and connected Philadelphia to the other Cities. This made Philadelphia significant as a ‘fortress city’ as well as having textile and leather industries. It was established by the Pergamenian King, Attalus II, and named ‘Philadelphus’ because of his love for his brother. The name of the City changed several times, but, when Nero was ruling Rome it was called ‘Philadelphia’ once again, which gives us good reason to believe John wrote Revelation around this time. The main worship, which took place here, was of Dionysus, the god of wine.

 

John begins the letter by describing Jesus as He who is holy, He who is true. Jesus is reminding them that He is Holy, sinless and pure, and is encouraging them to be the same. Then He goes on to mention the ‘Key of David.’ “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.” This is a quote from Isaiah 22:22, but leaves out the beginning of the verse which is – I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David. The most obvious interpretation for this is a reference to Jerusalem, the City of David, which certainly had importance for John and is the city Jesus will return to!  The other possibility has to do with authority, and who was given the authority to rule. When King David was coming to the end of his life, his eldest son, Adonijah, attempted to take the throne. Adonijah organised with Joab, an army commander, and Zadok, the priest, to have himself proclaimed king. The Prophet Nathan, and Bathsheba went to see David to tell him and so he organised for Solomon to be anointed and proclaimed King, as he had said many years before. So, the key of David may also represent the person who actually has the authority and not the usurper who tries to take it.

 

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Jesus begins by reminding them that He knows their works – He knows what is going on in the Church. He knows the desires of their hearts as well as their intentions. Not only that, He is opening a door for them, most likely a door of evangelism, which no one can shut. Jesus understands they are not a strong Church and so He opens a door for them, because they have been loyal to Him and ‘kept His word.’ Not only are they called to be loyal, but also to affirm those whom they meet because of their faith and trust in Jesus. As they demonstrate His love to the community, this will draw people to Jesus and to their community. This is important in a city where idol worship ‘is the norm.’ They have also held true to the name of Jesus, despite some persecution which, like Smyrna, came from the Jewish People as well as the Roman citizens. 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. There were many Jews who rejected Jesus as Messiah, and these are the people Jesus is referring to. They may be persecuted, because they are Christians, but they will prevail.

 

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. Jesus is warning them that some great persecution is going to occur, but He makes them a promise. All who endure and live for Him, will be kept from the temptation that is coming on the world. Does this mean they would not suffer trials? I don’t believe Jesus is saying that, but rather He will be with them through the trial.

 

Behold, I am coming quickly! Just as with the Ten Bridesmaids, I talked about in September, the Church is being warned that Jesus will return, at an unknown hour – so keep watch! They are encouraged to: Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. This isn’t a Salvation issue, as Jesus is not saying they will lose their salvation. They are being reminded, as we are today, that the reward for keeping the faith, is a crown. This is important as we will need something to ‘lay at Jesus’ feet’ which, according to John, is our crown.

 

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. As with Sardis, Philadelphia suffered significant destruction during a major earthquake in 17 A.D.  For a time, many of the citizens of Philadelphia lived outside the City and, those who lived in the City would run at the slightest tremor. So, to be a pillar in the Temple of God, meant having a sure foundation which could never be moved. There would also no longer be the need to run, every time there was a tremor. Jesus was also reminding them that they were now ‘permanently’ in the Kingdom because of their steadfast faith.

 

I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. Something else of great significance would also happen to the Christians in Philadelphia. They will carry on them God’s name, the City’s name and the name of Jesus. They will be identified as Jesus’ possession because He had paid the price for them. One day they would see the New Jerusalem descending from Heaven and witness the Risen Christ when He returns for them.

 

What about you, Dear Reader? Can you see the value in a loving and supportive Church Community, like that of the City of Brotherly Love? Jesus reminded them that being a Christian wasn’t about being powerful, but rather loving, not about being a ‘super-Christian’ but about sharing the love of Jesus through their lives and those whom they fellowshipped with.  John wrote in Revelation 21:2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Just as with the Philadelphian Christians, we too look forward to this moment when we will see the New Jerusalem, with Jesus on the Throne and all the Saints in Worship. What an amazing thought that, one day, we too will see our eternal home and experience the love of God, ‘Face to face!’

Revelation 3:14-22 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

 

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

 

Today we look at the last of the Seven Churches – Laodicea! I hope this has been an encouraging and informative look at the Churches of Revelation! We continue our journey South East ~ another 70 kilometres, from Philadelphia to Laodicea. (Ephesus is 160 kilometres due East of here.) The Great Roman Road from Ephesus, ran through the middle of Laodicea, which made it an important trading and communication centre. It was famous for its ‘glossy black wool’ and was also a very wealthy City, which did not need help to rebuild after the earthquake of 17 A.D. They had a well-known School of Medicine, which produced “Phrygian powder” which was used for eyes, as well as an ear ointment. The City had a Temple dedicated to Asclepius, but they primarily worshiped Zeus as the supreme god. Apart from their wealth, there are no distinguishing achievements, or notable activities which sprung forth from there! It seemed to be a place built on compromise and accommodations to others and really didn’t show strength in anything…

 

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness. The letter begins in an interesting way with Jesus describing Himself as ‘The Amen.’ The Greek word ‘Amen’ is an acknowledgement that something is sure or valid. By saying ‘Jesus is the Amen,’ John is reminding us that He is the perfect human, and the obedient response to God’s Promises. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. This is why He is also the Faithful and True Witness, because He was obedient to God, even to His death on the Cross. The Beginning of the creation of God: John begins His Gospel and his first letter with these words: John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life. Powerful words reminding us that Jesus was there at the beginning of all Creation. Paul, in his letter to the Colossian Church, which would have been read by those at Laodicea, said something similar as well: Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. The Christians here were receiving similar teaching from two prominent Apostles.

 

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. If you visit Laodicea today, you can visit hot springs about nine kilometres away in a place, known today as ‘Pamukkale.’ (I have been there) It is from places like this and Hierapolis that Laodicea received their water, via an aqueduct. By the time it arrived it was tepid and tasted terrible, because of the temperature and the minerals dissolved in the water. The Christians of Laodicea would certainly have understood this metaphor and, no doubt, been shocked by Jesus describing them like this. What He was saying was His people in Laodicea were not acceptable to Him and were being judged. Why does Jesus say this?

 

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ The people have become lukewarm because, they not only see themselves as virtuous, but they now have confidence in their wealth and no longer in the Lord. Their wealth had made them self-sufficient and self-deceived as to the truth of their spiritual lives. This is the problem with being lukewarm – you no longer stand for or against anything. As the saying goes ~ if you stand for nothing you will fall for anything. Jesus continues—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. They are no longer ‘self-aware’ and are blind to the reality of their true needs. At this point in time they were useless to the Lord because they had become complacent, self-satisfied and indifferent to the true cost of keeping the faith and being a Disciple of Jesus. As Jesus said to the people of Smyrna: I know… your poverty (but you are rich) – quite a contrast….

 

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; One of the challenges facing someone who is self-sufficient, is the inability to see the value in Spiritual matters. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Gold was a source of wealth for Laodicea, but Jesus wanted them to ‘purchase’ the Spiritual Gold, which could only come from Him. If you think about it, gold is put in a furnace to be refined and, in the same way, spiritual gold is refined by the struggles and challenges of life.

 

And white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed—; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. Laodicea was famous for its black wool and eye salve and Jesus picks up on their local industries and turns them around. Buy white garments from me, to cover your nakedness, rather than rely on what is local. (As you read through Revelation, you discover the Saints, who have died in the faith, are all clothed in white robes.) Also get eye salve, from me, to anoint your eyes that they may see clearly again. When people are spiritually blind it is hard for them to see the reality of their spiritual poverty as well.

 

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Jesus is reminding them that, just as a loving parent disciplines their child, so too He will rebuke and chasten those He loves too. He then challenges them to recapture their former zeal and repent of their lukewarm attitude. Finally, Jesus says these most encouraging words that Holman Hunt depicted in a painting called ‘The Light of the World.’ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. What wonderful words for a Church that Jesus has had nothing good to say about, so far. He is calling for them to ask Him back into their lives and return to their first love. Then, once they open the door to Him, He will fellowship with them again.

 

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Jesus finishes with some more words of encouragement – for those who return to Him and overcome the challenges of the world. We know, through His suffering, death on the Cross and Resurrection, He overcame the World and He now challenges the Laodicean’s to do the same! All those who do so will receive the reward of reigning with Jesus in the Kingdom of God…

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

Well, Dear Readers, over the past week, we have looked at all Seven Churches and I pray you have been informed and encouraged! Sadly, if you go to Turkey and visit the seven Churches, you are basically visiting the ruins of seven Cities. There are no Churches left there and what you see, whilst fascinating archeologically, is not the Church. This is because the Church is the people and not a building. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear that, after receiving the letter from John, the people responded and returned to their ‘first love!’

In the meantime, Jesus continues to ‘stand at the door and knock’ on the hearts of all who do not know Him yet. My prayer is that all who read this, if they haven’t already responded to His call, will do so now. It is the best decision you will ever make!

 

Encouragement:

However, how can we be sure we will be there in the Millennium, according to Jesus’ own words and other scriptures?  Firstly, by knowing we have eternal life (1 John 5:13). By knowing and studying the supporting scriptures, we will be clear on our ‘eternal security’, the security of salvation which a believer may have. We will need to be secure in what we believe as we move into the tribulation, and have no doubts about our own salvation. I will need to know that I am saved. That, at the instant when I placed my faith in person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and relied on His work on the cross, His death and resurrection, as the full payment for my sin, that I was saved. At that point I immediately became part of God’s family, a son or daughter.

Once I’m a child of God, nothing ever changes as to who, and whom, my Father is.

For the assurance of our salvation, refer to the scriptures listed below. It will also be good for you to memorize some of the following: John 10:27-30, John 5: 24, John 6:35-38, John 11:25, 1 John 5:10-13, Eph 1:13, Eph 2:8, Eph 4;30 Matt 7:21, Rom 4:5, Rom 8:33, 2Tim 1:12, Heb 7:25, 10:10,22.

The gospel of John, in particular, emphasizes that salvation is by belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as the only requirement.  John mentions various forms of “believe” 101 times in his gospel, an average of 5x per chapter. Eternal life, not being condemned, never perishing, living forever and being ‘raised up on the last day’ are repeatedly used in the same context as believing on Christ. John 6:29 affirms that this occurs at the exclusion of any works. It is subsequent to salvation, as the believer grows, that his faith likewise grows and his belief and understanding of the sinless life of Jesus clarifies. His trust in the words and works of Jesus then becomes the believer’s source of strength.

Secondly, our faith in God’s Word needs to be firm. Let no one tell you that the scriptures have been changed and that we can’t be sure whether the bible still contains God’s words. (Refer to Appendix D).

Thirdly, be prepared to take God at his Word, and let everything else move in second place. The test case is Revelation 20:1-7. You need to take these verses literally. The official positions of the Presbyterian, Reformed, Anglican, Catholic, and some other denominations will tell you otherwise. Be prepared to differ, even be scoffed at.

Scripture verses supporting our Eternal Security.

From the following scriptures three points become clear:

•  Our salvation, once received, is ever-lasting, i.e. forever, eternal, never-fading, secure.
•  God Himself , our father, keeps us safe from falling.
• We are sealed and given the Spirit in our heart as a deposit/guarantee/’down payment’ of our future holiness and perfection in Christ. (Eph 1:4,13)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”  John 5:24 KJV

“….All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out……

And this is the Father’s will which has sent me, that of all which he has given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:36-37, 39-40 KJV

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” John 10:27-30 KJV

Hence, according to John 10:27-30, even if we let go of the Fathers hand, he is stronger than anyone, he will not let go of us.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” John 11:25-26 KJV

“He that believes on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believes not God has made him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that has the Son hath life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:10-13 KJV

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30 KJV

If we believe on the Son, we are saved. If we believe some other corrupted form of the message, we are not. If we believe that we need to add to Jesus’ work on the cross, we corrupt and spoil its power in our lives. In this case, we are in danger of the dreaded words where Jesus said: “I never knew you” (Matt 7:23), where those who accepted a gospel on their own terms are excluded.

“Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will  of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 KJV. 

John 6:39 and 40 explains what the will of the Father is:

And this is the Father’s will which has sent me, that of all which he has given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:39, 40 KJV) 

They that accepted Jesus on their own terms, or rely on their own contribution towards salvation, were close to becoming family, but never were. They perhaps never accepted the merciful gift of eternal life on the Father’s terms, and insisted to add some condition, compromise or works of their own. Such a corrupted gospel will have no power to save.

Similarly, when interpreting other verses indicating apostasy, such as Heb 10:26, these should be seen in context of all preceding scripture. It appears from this verse as if a wilful sin will loose us our salvation. However,  David’s wilful sinning with Bathsheba, his repentance (Ps 54) and restoration should be balanced with the Heb 10:26, which states that if we sin willfully after receiving knowledge of the truth “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”  This extreme case (Heb. 10:26-31) thus also seems to add an eternal security limitation, in the case of wilful repeated sin of an apparent believer which has “trodden underfoot the Son of God, ….and has done despite unto the spirit of grace.” As per the preceding verses we trust that God will keep us (1 Pet 1:5) from such a brash treading underfoot of His grace. As with the other ‘hard’ verses (eg John 15:6) we need to acknowledge that there are scriptures that we will have difficulty with to fully understand. This is one. Nevertheless, as a preceding verse in Heb 10:22 proclaims, we can draw near to Jesus “with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

By standing on God’s promise of salvation by faith only, we have no fear that we will fall away:

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 KJV

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 KJV

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22 KJV)

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, (Jude 1:24 KJV)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born (, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but) of God. :- brackets mine… (John 1:12, 13 KJV)

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 KJV

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10 KJV

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 KJV

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5 KJV

Because only by the gospel of believing in Jesus Christ for the FULL, complete, and only payment for our sins by His death, burial and resurrection will we be saved. This free gift must be accepted ONLY as presented, not with any subtle repackaging of this gift to include works or our effort. The ‘works’ will not make it look God’s free gift anymore, it contaminates the gift and makes it a man made gift. A man made gift has zero power to save.

All we do is accept the gift. Anything extra that ‘we have to do’ corrupts the gospel.

Our eternal security is only possible if we accept Jesus’ gracious free gift of eternal life with Him, by faith in Jesus’ work on the cross to cancel our sin, without any ifs or buts whatsoever. (Eph 2:8) Thereafter, as we come to deeper understanding of the enormity of this free gift, we will treasure our eternal position as His child above all else. We will never return the gift. Also refer to Appendix F, which provides a further detailed explanation on why we cannot lose God’s free gift of eternal life. Once we have accepted this gift, it cannot be lost.

Do you see that once we embrace our salvation without works, the enormity of this will make us bolder and more dedicated children of God? There is no need to fear that our eternal security, termed by some as a “Once saved always saved” heresy, will lead to slackness in the believer. Its the opposite that results, because fear restrains, but confidence emboldens. Once we have grasped the enormity of Christ’s gift of eternal life with Him, we will never return the gift, we will never give the gift back. We make a free-will choice to hold on to this gift. We already have received the gift, now we simply hold on to and enjoy this gift to the full,we treasure it, even if it results in opposition from some. If anyone fears that our “Once saved always saved” confidence becomes a license to openly oppose God, that person probably forgets that Father God is a powerful and able father, fully able to discipline his children to correct us. To correct us should be as much in His power as was His ability to create and call us in the first place.

 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.(Psalm 12:6-7)

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: (Jude 1:1)

 

Living as a believer, our preparation.

We now desire more like Christ, so that we can embrace Him without reservation when He comes. This desire is not motivated by a need to earn approval, as we already have God’s approval because of our faith in Jesus. We  embark on a journey to become more like Christ because it pleases Him. Our transformation to Christlikeness in our attitudes and actions will assist us as we enter the last days. Jesus tells us specifically to be aware and alert. We are to be prepared soldiers in God’s army:

“Watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things…”(Luke 21:36).

• Is there any guidance what this watching and praying entails?
• How to prepare our hearts – is there any guidance on this?

The best guidance on how to prepare our hearts is found in the book of Revelation. This guidance is specifically given by Jesus to the church of that time and beyond, and is in the form of the letters dictated by Jesus himself. These are the letters to the seven churches. Our study and interpretation of these letters has much practical value to help guide us into the end-times.

In many ways our approach to these letters is vital. How we read these letters may determine how we are going to read the rest of Revelation and the prophets. How may we have read these letters in the past? We may have previously read these letters as an historical account of these particular churches only. We may have seen the guidance, warnings and encouragements in these letters as background information and not applicable to ourselves. We may even have been taught not to apply these commendations and warnings to ourselves for fear of reading them ‘out of context’.

Alternately, we may also have read some creative theories on these letters which may have seemed very far-fetched and a little contrived. For example, there is a theory that the sequence of the letters to these churches is a type of prophecy about the future church as a whole and the way in which they were going to develop historically. Especially since we seem to correspond to the Laodicean, or lukewarm church today. Maybe this is possible, but there is no benefit in speculating about this. The benefit we must look for in these letters is on how we are to remain standing, should we have to live through the worst persecution of Christians yet. There will be trouble as the world has never seen before, says Jesus himself, before His physical return to earth.

Our contention is that these letters were meant for every generation. These letters are as applicable to you and me as they were to those in the first century and beyond.

 

The message to the seven Churches:

There are many interpretations on what the broader message of the seven churches is. Clearly, the initial intent of the letters was to address current problems at the time in these churches. Some of these problems were due to the influence of personal sin, the cravings for wealth, power, lust and comfort. But many were also from the direct influences of demonic forces, and from infiltration by heretics, manipulators and seducers.

Jesus’ words to these churches vary widely, from glowing commendations to outright rebukes. But all churches, without exception, are also encouraged. In the last verse of each letter, each church is encouraged to be overcomers in their particular situations. Overcomers rely on God to obtain victory over personal sin, temptations and the deception for wealth, power, lust and comfort. A promise of rewards then follows for the overcomers, tailored for each situation.

I will explain why it is reasonable to accept that the letters also apply to our current generation, as we look at each church separately. We will then attempt to identify the characteristics of each church. At the end of the section, when you have read each letter, I will explain why it is reasonable to believe that these letters were meant for every generation.