Message To The Church At Ephesus

THE MESSAGE TO EPHESUS

Our text for today: Revelation 2:1-7

There are some things we need always to remember in our study of God's word. He does things in order and He has a purpose for everything He does. We also know that God's purpose and His order will always work out for the best for His children, every believer.

1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

So why did He choose to begin with the church of Ephesus?

First let's remember how the Lord Jesus Christ Himself divided up this book for our study.

Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

In chapter one we had the things which the Apostle John had seen. We now will look at the things that are. The things that are, are the church age which we still live in. This is the age of "mercy" and "grace" God has provided for those that will believe. It will last until the time of the rapture of the the church, which could happen at any moment as there is no other prophesy that needs to be fulfilled for this time to end. The Apostles new about the "ages" because they wrote of them.

Eph 2:7 That [in the ages to come] he might shew [the exceeding riches of his grace] [in his kindness] [toward us] through Christ Jesus. (that toward us is the church of the living God)

You know the Apostles Doctrine did not begin until the book of Acts. The Gospels are our record of their discipleship. Only after the Holy Ghost came upon them at Pentecost did they begin the work assigned to them of Christ.

Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; [It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you].

Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, [he shall testify of me]:

The love of Jesus and our service to Him must be the primary motivation and activity in every true church. All ministry, service, deeds and actions must spring from our affection for Jesus Christ. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit we will also be led by the Holy Spirit who still testifies of Christ Jesus and Him only.

Mar 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
Mar 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Mar 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Mar 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, [which he hath purchased with his own blood].

The church belongs to Jesus Christ. If we do not put Christ Jesus first in the church then it cannot be called a church. That word is used an awful lot in America and throughout the world [but by definition a church has God as it's founder and the foundation of God's church is Jesus Christ].

1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1Co 3:11 [For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ].

What is a church? The collective body of Christians, or of those who profess to believe on Christ, and acknowledge him to be the Savior of mankind.

Most people now refer to the building where the children of God meet as the church but it is actually just a place where God has placed His name.

Jer 7:12 But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, [where I set my name at the first], and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.

Deu 15:20 Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year [in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household].

What is a true church?

Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

So then a church is only a church when they are gathered around Christ Jesus!

Jesus Christ sent these messages to seven churches in Asia. They seem to be seven typical places of worship. We will see that it is He(Jesus Christ), not we as members, that decides if these places are what he expects. We must ask ourselves, "is Jesus Christ happy with our church".

I believe these seven churches also represent the changes the church has gone through in different periods of time up till the day we are in now.

The entire book of Revelation was written to these seven churches. Every church got to read what Jesus said about every other church and every church got to read about the future and every church got a copy of the book of Revelation. We will need to see how the place we worship compares to these of the Bible as they are the examples given to us to learn by. This book was not written to the lost of this world nor to the governments of this world nor to the Jew. This book was written to the bride of Christ. The church of the Living God.

A little history of this city Ephesus:

Ephesus was a very prominent city on the western part of the Roman province of Asia, had enjoyed the ministry of Paul for three years (Acts 20:31). Timothy also had apparently served this church as pastor. Later, before his exile to the Isle of Patmos, the Apostle John had served as one of the pastors of this church.

Ephesus was a large city with an excellent harbor, and it was known at this time as the marketplace of Asia. It was also a banking center because of its great vault in the Temple of Diana, which was considered the safest place in Asian Minor. "Ephesus was also an important religious city. The Temple of Diana (or Artemus, as the Greeks called her) was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The goddess Diana was the patron of all the prostitutes and, with her many-bosomed image, represented fertility and sexuality. Many writers in ancient times described the immorality of the city.

One pillar in the Ephesian economy was the production of silver images of Diana by the many silversmith who plied their trade there. Devotees of this goddess brought much gain to the city (Acts 19:23-27). Black magic was also widely practiced in Ephesus.

Ephesus was known as the light of Asia at this time and it was the strong hold of Satan's power over the then known world. The Apostle Paul wrote an entire epistle to the church at Ephesus.

OUR TEXT:

**********Rev 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

(unto the angel)

That angel we have already established to be the pastor of this church.

Rev 1:20 [The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches]: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

The Strong dictionary:

ang'-el-os

[a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication a pastor: - angel, messenger].

ago¯ ag'-o

A primary verb; properly [to lead]; by implication to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specifically) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce: - be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.

agele¯ ag-el'-ay [a drove: - herd].

If you are to lead a herd then you are typically the shepherd.

1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

These angels of the church are the shepherds called to lead the flock until the true Shepherd (Jesus our Lord) comes again.

By saying He is holding them in His hand, Christ says it is He that has the power over the these shepherds. Any pastor or preacher that is not led by the Holy Ghost will not be a true pastor or preacher.

Heb 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, [but he that is called of God], as was Aaron.

Being the pastor of a true church is not a job, "but a calling of God".

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
*****Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? [and how shall they hear without a preacher]?
*****Rom 10:15 And [how shall they preach, except they be sent]? as it is written, [How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!]

Paul said:

1Co 1:17 For [Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel]: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1Co 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: [for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel]!

*****Now we can see the location of our Lord. We know that He sits at the right hand of God.

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We know that He is also walking in the midst of the church. We already know that is where He said He would be.

Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Christ is not just walking about in these seven places of worship but He walks in the congregation of every true church when they meet in His name. If a congregation is gathering together in any other name then they are just having a meeting. They have not come together to worship God. If we do not gather in His name, worship in His name, or pray in His name, we have missed the point of "salvation". It's all about Jesus and not about any other so called god, Allah, Mohammed or any other such or so called prophet. It's not about Buddha, or Confucius, or any of the others. Jesus Christ is still the only way to get to Heaven.

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

There is no other God and there is no other way!

**********Rev 2:2 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:

(thy works)

Though there are those that still believe it is by the good works they do that will get them into Heaven, there is only one work that is acceptable. That work is to simply believe on the finished work of our Saviour. The works of this verse is work that takes place after Salvation.

Rom 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: [but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God].

We are to yield our bodies to be instruments for the use of God. Jesus tells this church at Ephesus that He is keenly aware of their good works.

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Paul reminds us that it is who we yield ourselves too that we will obey. If we yield to Jesus then we will obey Jesus Christ. If we yield to Satan then we will do the works of Satan. You cannot do the works of Satan and call yourself a Christian. The gospel of salvation by grace shows that good works are necessary. It is true, unchangeably true, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. “Neither adulterer, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkard” shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Works are “good” only when, they spring from the principle of love to God and "good works" have the glory of God as their objective.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(thy labor)

We must remember this church was located in Ephesus, the sin capitol of the world at this time. The Temple of Diana which served also as the seat of government at times was there. This temple was listed as one of the seven wonders of the world. It would have been hard to do the work of God in this city.

The Apostle Paul wrote of this city(Acts 19):

1Co 15:32 [If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus], what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

The word "beast" in the Strong dictionary: "the¯riomacheo¯" (thay-ree-om-akh-eh'-o)

to be a beast fighter (in the gladiatorial show), that is, (figuratively) to encounter (furious men): - fight with wild beasts.

These were furious men who defended their false religion. It was hard to be a witness for Jesus in Ephesus.

Again Paul wrote:

2Co 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
2Co 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

It was not any different and probably worse in this time of the Apostle John.

(thy patience)

patience used here: "hupomone¯ " (hoop-om-on-ay')

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).

You know our job is to sow the seed. It is God that will control the increase. If we do not see any fruit from our labor it does not mean it's our fault. If we patiently do the work of God with all our heart there will be results and the rewards of our labor will be shown to us when we meet Jesus. This is not a part time job and we cannot retire from it. So it's best to have patience. In other words get out of God's way. Just surrender yourself to Him in everything we do.

Luk 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Luk 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, [all the days of our life].

(have tried them that say)

Not everyone that say they are Christian are!

Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

The Apostle Paul said use him as an example:

Php 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Php 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Paul also admonishes us:

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

There were only 12 Apostles and there will never be any more.

Act 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

You had to see the resurrected Christ to become an Apostle. Only the Apostle Paul was not with these original disciples but he saw the Lord Jesus Christ on at least three different occasions.

These believers of Ephesus had put all those that had come to preach in Ephesus to the test. It's not that hard to see a liar if we have God's word and accept it as truth as our standard of truth.

2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; [for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light].
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Paul said it's going to get worse:

Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing [shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock].
Act 20:30 [Also of your own selves] shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

All we need do is listen to the false doctrine being preached behind most all pulpits in America and throughout the world to know this is true and sadly only a few believers seem to care.

**********Rev 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

(and has borne)

Jesus told this church that even as tough as it was they had truly stayed with it and endured all the persecution for witnessing for Jesus. Again with patience continuing in the work of the Lord.

(for my name's sake)

You open a window to get air. We work to get a paycheck. We read the Bible to get instruction. We witness for the sake of Jesus or we are doing it all for the wrong reasons. This church was doing things for the right reasons. The phrase "name's sake" is used 30 times in the Bible. God does these things to make the world know that "there is a God".

Psa 106:8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

(Hast labored)

In verse 2 we saw the word "labor": The Greek word "kopos" (kop'-os) a cut, that is, (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication pains: - labour, + trouble, weariness.

This just meant it was troublesome to do the work of God in Ephesus. Remember what Paul had said about the "beast" (furious men) of Ephesus.

Here in verse 3 The Greek word "kopiao"

[to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard]: - (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied.

This means that even though the work was very hard these people had remained faithful to the work. Why should we be so busy for the Lord Jesus?

2Co 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, [we may be accepted of him].

Now this has nothing to do with salvation but it does have something to do with the day we meet the Lord in the air.

Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

If our work for the Lord is not because we trust Him then our salvation is based on the wrong things. How does that song go? (Only Trust Him, Only Trust Him Now)

Heb 2:13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

1Ti 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

(hast not fainted)

To faint is to become feeble; to decline or fail in strength and vigor; to be weak. This church had not become weak in God's work. They had remained strong.

2Co 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2Co 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

This is a must do for any true church. Persecution of the church is on the rise. If we do not go the work of the Lord now, we surely won't go when things get worse.

**********Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

(Nevertheless)

Ouch! What a word! This word is actually used 97 times in the Bible. This the Greek word "alla" and I believe we get our word alas from this word. Jesus says contrary to the good things I have just told you, you need to know this also.

(I have somewhat against you)

The word "somewhat" was not in the original text but was added in this English translation to clarify the words. In other words Jesus was saying He was disappointed or disturbed about this one thing.

(Thou has left thy first love)

What is the first love of the Church?

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, [Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.]

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and [upon this rock I will build my church]; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (the rock of Jesus)

The church is built on Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God!

Mar 12:29 And Jesus answered him, [The first] of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Mar 12:30 [And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment].
Mar 12:31 And [the second] is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

What we do not realize sometimes as a church is that we can get so involved in the work of God, that we actually make an "Idol" out of that work. What is an "Idol"? An "Idol" is anything we place between us and our Lord God. It is also sin!

1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

When we quit dwelling in the Love of God and dwell in anything else we are in sin to God. We will not lose our salvation but we lose the basis of the church. We will remain saved but it will not be very long before that church will close the doors and not exist any more.

The church belongs to Jesus!

Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, [which he hath purchased with his own blood].

The modern day humanistic church that has removed, the blood of Christ, the Virgin birth of Christ, The Cross of Christ, The Deity of Christ have surely like this church at Ephesus left there first love.

It's all about Jesus. The Church, The Bible, And the Bride. Who wants an adulterous bride for a wife. Think about it church!

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

We certainly were not chosen just so we could forget the one that saved us! If not for the mercy of God we would all burn in Hell.

**********Rev 2:5 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.

(remember)

To "remember" is to preserve the memory of; to preserve from being forgotten. This not the same as to "recollect" something we have temporarily forgotten. Jesus says to lock this thing in to your mind. Preserve this fact. This is something to never forget.

Take this quick test:

1.) Am I willing to separate myself for Jesus?
2.) Am I totally focused on Jesus?
3.) Am I steadfast for Jesus?
4.) Am I bringing Jesus to others?
5.) Is Jesus All I need everyday?

Jesus Christ is the "Rose of Sharon" and the "Lily of the Valley" can you say "yes" to these questions?

(therefore)

Remember (for that or this reason, referring to something previously stated).

(whence thou art fallen) (Remember that because you have forgotten the first love).

This is a fallen position. This a change of direction. This is being disobedient to God. This is being in sin.

(repent)

There is only one option when we are in sin. We had to repent to be saved and that is where we met our first love. We never have to repent to keep our salvation again but we must repent every sin to God on a daily basis. Sometimes on a moment by moment basis. It's best to repent as soon as you realize you have sinned. And even when you may not realize it but you can feel the tug of the Holy Spirit, it's best to ask the Lord to forgive.

1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
*****1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

The lesson of repentance:

Mat 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
Mat 21:29 [He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went].

Obey our Father in Heaven and go and do what He tells us to do!

Ecc 12:13 [Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.]
Ecc 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

(do the first works)

1Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
1Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Remember an Idol is anything that we put before our God.

1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and [we in him]; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, [and we by him].

Any other way is the wrong way!

Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, [the love of many shall wax cold].

Without the first love there can be no love for others. We see this result now in our own lifetime.

(come to thee quickly)

There are many churches closing down every day. I read not long ago that as many as 50 were closing their doors monthly for various reasons. When you take out the blood, the virgin birth, the cross, and forget about the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ our Lord, the doors will soon close. Those that are false churches were never a place where God placed His name.

(will remove the candlestick)

The candlestick is not the light. The candlestick is the place where the light would emit. If the church has no candlestick then there will be no place for the light of Jesus, who is that light of salvation, to shine from. There is no need for the candlestick without the true light.

Joh 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
Joh 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
Joh 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Joh 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Joh 1:12 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:
Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

1Jn 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and [the true light now shineth].

(repent)

There are three steps to take to recover from this fall.

1.) Remember
2.) Repent
3.) Do the first works.

We cannot recover from any fall until we have done these things.

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

**********Rev 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

1.) Nikos = dominating the defeated
2.) laos = working class people
3.) tan = the

4.) The deeds = Power of action.

The Apostle John writes of such persons:

3Jn 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, [who loveth to have the preeminence among them], receiveth us not.
3Jn 1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, [prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would], and [casteth them out of the church].
3Jn 1:11 Beloved, [follow not that which is evil], but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: [but he that doeth evil hath not seen God].

This is someone in the church that assumes lordship over God's people. An elder, a pastor, a pope or such (but false).

Jesus Christ says He hates this thing. He didn't use the word hate very much.

Luk 16:13 [No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other]. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Proof:

2.The name, Nicolaitans (Nicolaitanes), is a compound word which is composed of three Greek words, and which, because of being a proper noun, is transferred instead of being translated into English. As thus transferred, it is subject to the laws of Greek construction in regard to ellipsis, contraction and phonetics.

3.The Greek words used in its construction are first: "Nikos," of which we use the English equivalents instead of the Greek letters, as we shall also of the other two. [Nikos is defined as "a conquest; victory; triumph; the conquered]; and by implication, dominancy over the defeated." Another transferred name in which this term is used is "Nicopolis," i.e., Niko - conquest; polis city. Hence, the city of conquest, or city of victory. Also Andro -- nikos a man of conquest, of victory.

The second term used in the name under consideration is "laos," -- people, another use of which is Nicolas, which is transferred and is composed of Nikoslaos and means [one who is "victorious over the people,"] the letter "s" being, in both words, the nominative case ending, which is retained only at the end of the word to denote the case, while "a" short and "o" short are contracted into "a" long.

"Laodicean" Also, a still further transferred use of "laos" is found in the name Lao(s)diceans, compounded with dike or dice as the Greek "k" is the equivalent English "c." Thus, in the name Laodiceans, [we have laos -- "people"] and dice judgment, or vengeance, i.e., the people of my judgment, or of my vengeance. Also the Greek word la(ic)os means "laymen," of which laos is the root and stem, which selfsame word, with the "o" short contracted to "i", to which root and stem the plural definite article ton is joined to form laiton -- is a Greek phrase meaning "the laity."

The third and last word entering into the construction of the proper name Nicolaitans (Nicolaitanes) is ton, in which omega, the long "o", is contracted into long "a", thus making the word "tan" which is the genitive case plural in all the genders of the definite article 'the.'

Therefore, we have, without the legal Greek construction, the English hyphenated word Nickos-laoston, but which, with its lawful elisions and contractions, becomes the English name: Nicolaitans (Nicolaitanes), the full meaning of which, in its native tongue and in its ecclesiastical setting, [is that the bishops and prelates of the Church have gained a triumphal victory or conquest over the laiton -- the laity -- until they have been compelled to submit to the arbitrary dominion of men who have become that thing which God hates - ('Lords over God's heritage'):]

1Pe 5:1-3 "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.) "

Jesus Christ Our Lord said:

Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: [for one is your Master, even Christ; and (all ye) are brethren].
Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: [for one is your Father, which is in heaven].
Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: [for one is your Master, even Christ].
Mat 23:11 [But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant].
Mat 23:12 And [whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased]; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

**********Rev 2:7 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.

(He that hath an ear)

Remember these letters were sent to the church. Then every brother and sister in Christ should open their ears to these words. The Holy Spirit said "listen to what I am saying" This is important stuff. We know John was told to write what he saw. We know he saw Jesus standing in the midst of these seven churches. Now we see it is the Holy Spirit that still guides the words that are said.

Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

And the Holy Spirit will always speak of Jesus Christ!

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, [he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you].

(eat of the tree)

Where else have we seen this tree?

Gen 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Gen 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

The way to this tree was blocked because of sin!

Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Gen 3:23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
Gen 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Here in this verse we see it is the brothers and sisters of the church that will have access to this tree, that is located in the New Heaven.

Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Only those that obey God have the rights to this tree.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

THIS IS THE PARADISE OF GOD!

Let's pray!

The Lord's Last Messages To His Church

WHAT ARE THE LORD'S LAST MESSAGES TO HIS CHURCH
(The Book of the Revelation)

Our Text Today:

Rev 1:1-11

We will begin a study today in the Book of Revelation that will go through to the end of August 2010. It will be a good time to get a blessing.

Luk 11:28 says But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

What is "revelation"? What does this word mean?

The Webster dictionary says this is: The act of disclosing or [discovering to others what was before unknown to them]

The Apostle Paul said what he had learned, he learned when Jesus "revealed" Himself to him.

Eph 3:3 says How [that by revelation] [he made known unto me the mystery]; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

He repeated this to the Corinthians:

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the [revelations], [there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure].

The Strong's dictionary of Greek terms says: disclosure: - appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.

The word revelation itself is used 12 times in the Bible and all in the New Testament but [it is used only one time in the book of Revelation].

Easton says: An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen.

Some say it is an "unveiling" of the Lord Jesus. unveiled means: [Plainly; without disguise].

In other words, Our Lord Jesus Christ has made this as plain as He could and still keep it so we can understand it. We know He is not the author of confusion. John could only describe what he saw in terms of what he had seen throughout his life. John got a glimpse into the future to a place indescribable except in terms that he knew.

The Book of Revelation is the book that ties it all together. Jesus said the Prophecy and the Law up till His time stopped with John the Baptist. None of the prophets had figured out the Church age any more than they had figured out the two comings of Christ. The scriptures were there as we can see but they could not see the two events.

Mat 11:13 says For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

You see John preached the coming Kingdom but the "Church" age would come before that time began. The Book of Revelation picks up from that point, with the time of "grace" given through His own blood, and goes on through the Church age, then the Rapture, then the Tribulation period, then the Millennial Kingdom(which John was preaching) and then to "Eternal Life" in the New Heaven and a New Earth.

So many people call this book the book of doom, or the end times or anything to make people scared to read and study.

Actually this is "a book of life". When the words "end of time" are used, we must take those words literally just like we should the whole Bible.

IT WILL BE THE END OF TIME, AS NO MORE DAYS, NO MORE MINUTES, NO MORE HOURS, NO MORE SUNRISES OR SUNSETS. THE VERY LAST SUNRISE YOU SEE WILL BE THE LAST DAY. THERE WILL BE NO MORE DAYS, [ONLY LIFE ETERNAL].

THE ONLY WAY TO MISS THIS LAST DAY IS TO "NOT" KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOUR. SADLY MANY WILL CHOOSE TO NOT BELIEVE. THEY WILL NOT MISS OUT ON ETERNAL LIFE, [THEY WILL JUST SPEND IT IN THE LAKE OF FIRE].

UNDERSTANDING THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD IS THE KEY TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION. HE IS COMING IN TWO STAGES. IN THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH HE WILL COMES AS FAR AS THE CLOUDS:

1Th 4:17 Then [we which are alive and remain shall (be caught up) together with them in the clouds], to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

What does the word Rapture mean? A seizing by violence. Rapidity with violence; a hurrying along with velocity; as rolling with torrent rapture.

1Co 15:52 (In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye), at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

The word Rapture may not be in the Bible but the definition of that word for sure is there!

*****AND LATER IN PROBABLY ABOUT SEVEN YEARS OUR TIME HE WILL COME ALL THE WAY TO THE GROUND:

Act 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Act 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
*****Act 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, [why stand ye gazing up into heaven?] this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Act 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

We should observe what these angels were saying. They said what are you doing still standing here. You need to get busy with the Masters work till He comes.

*****CHRIST WILL RETURN TO THE EXACT SAME PLACE WHERE HE LEFT!

Zec 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

**********LET'S BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING OUR TEXT:

Rev 1:1 [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]:
Rev 1:2 [Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw].
Rev 1:3 [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).

Verse 1.)

A.) The very first words tells us this book is about the "revealing", the unveiling of Jesus Christ. This book is about Jesus not the man of sin. This book is about God!

B.) The very first verse tells us the source of this "revelation". That source is the Almighty God. (Theos) is used here in this verse meaning the supreme God.

C.) The very first verse tells us the reason God has revealed all this about "His" "Son" "Jesus Christ". These things will shortly come to pass. We can well say that it has been almost 2000 years since Christ went back to Heaven, so what is the word "shortly"?

What does this word shortly mean? Most believe that it is used as a short time and this is true whether we see it now or another 1000 years, though I believe it to be much sooner or as John writes it "Surely I come quickly"

BUT let's dig a bit deeper. This term can also mean that "I'm writing this in as few words as I can and in the language of man (John) so you can understand.

The old Webster dictionary has these meanings:

Shortly: In few words, briefly, as to express ideas more in verse than in prose.
Prose: to write or relate in a tedious way in man's words.

We can see that the Apostle John put what he saw in word pictures many times so we to could see what he saw. He gave descriptions many times and we should also try to relate to those pictures. These are not figments of his imagination but actual things he saw in the future that he had never seen and tried to describe so we would know them.

In other words let's look at the book of Revelation in what it says rather than how soon all this could happen. The other 65 books gives us the picture of when all this could happen and that is "at any time".

D.) This very first verse tells us God sent and signified by His angel!

(His own angel) Now we know that God is the Lord of the Angelic Host. He is King of the angels just as He is our King and Lord. So this could be any angel but He did use the term "his" and not "an" angel. There is a difference. I believe this to mean an angel that sits in His presence.

This angel was sent on a mission. It was his purpose to make sure John saw all these things.

To "signify" is to: To make known something, either by signs or words; to express or communicate to another any idea, thought, wish, a nod, wink, gesture, signal or other sign.

This angel showed to John a glimpse into the future and John used all his knowledge in his old age to show that future to anyone that studies this great book.

Heb 1:13 says But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
*****Heb 1:14 [Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?]

You know God will use one of these angels to throw Satan into the lake of fire one day soon. Saying is this the one!

Isa 14:15 SAYS Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
*****Isa 14:16 (They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee), saying, [Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms];

SATAN'S DAY IS COMING AND WE LEARN ABOUT THIS DAY IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION! THIS BOOK IS NOT ABOUT HIM(Satan) THOUGH HE IS IN IT. THIS BOOK IS ABOUT JESUS. THE WHOLE BIBLE IS ABOUT JESUS. THAT'S WHY THE WORLD HATES JESUS!

E.) John is a servant of God. Every Saint of God is a servant of God.

Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, [which he hath purchased with his own blood].

If we are not the servants, the "slaves" of God then we are not saved. You have to be purchased to be saved. My Lord owns me and I will serve Him! He not only bought me with His blood, He bought me with His "Love".

Verse 2.)

John gives us this record of what he saw.

The word "bare" means: The Greek word "martureo" is used here. It's definition is:

[to be a witness,] that is, testify (literally or figuratively): - charge, give [evidence], bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.

(of the word of God)

2Ti 3:16 says [(All) scripture is given by inspiration of God], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

John just didn't write these things. He was still under the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit!

(the Testimony of Jesus)

A Testimony is: A solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact. Such affirmation in judicial proceedings, may be verbal or written, but must be under oath. Testimony differs from evidence; testimony is the declaration of a witness, and evidence is the effect of that declaration on the mind, or the degree of light which it affords.

The Book of Revelation is the "testimony" of Jesus Christ!

Isa 8:20 says To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

(and all things he saw)

This was not a dream to John. This is somewhat like a vision but I believe it was a life like vision. In other words it was like seeing it on a movie screen in 3D.

Even though this book is about the "unveiling" of Jesus Christ, there are many visions and events that are brought forth for us to know.

Pro 14:5 was A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

The Apostle John is this faithful witness to the "testimony of Jesus"!

Verse 3.)

We talk about ways to be blessed of God. This book that everyone is so afraid of comes with the blessing of God.

1.) He who reads gets a blessing:

2Ti 2:15 says Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

What is it to read is a blessing?

a.) To inspect and understand words or character; to peruse silently; as, to read a paper or letter without uttering the words; to read to one's self.

If we just glance over the word of God and not seek the understanding of it then we haven't really read it have we.

Neh 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and [gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading].

God's word causes conviction and joy!

b.) To know fully is a blessing.

Act 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Act 8:31 And he said, [How can I, except some man should guide me]? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

We may not always be able to know what we read. We cannot just stop reading but seek help to understand.

c.) Uttered; pronounced, as written words in the proper order; as, the letter was read to the family.

To read out loud. To read before others.

1Th 5:27 says I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

WIPE THE DUST OFF THAT BIBLE AND REALLY READ THE WORD OF GOD. THE BOOK OF REVELATION PROMISES A BLESSING IF YOU WILL DO THIS.

2.) They that hear get a blessing:

We can see immediately that this cannot take place unless someone reads these words out loud. So if no one will read, (that can read) then others will not be able to receive a blessing. Nor will they know or understand the word of God. This is one of the main purposes of Sunday School, to read and understand God's word. I'm not here to give you Bobby's doctrine. I stand before you so we can learn God's word together and try to make sense of the word.

The Apostle Paul said when we really read, we can understand the mystery of Jesus.

Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

You see Jesus Christ does not try to hide anything from us. He wants us to know the truth.

1Jn 5:13 says 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].

3.) Those that keep the things that are written get a blessing.

If we do not read God's word and read out loud to those that cannot read then we will not know what things to keep!

If we do not understand that for this very reason is why there are so many new translations coming out in these the last days. It causes confusion. Who is the author of confusion?

1Co 14:33 says For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

WAKE UP CHURCH! It is still all about Jesus!

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, (the truth), and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(for the time is at hand)

How do we describe time? A particular portion or part of duration, whether past, present or future. The time was; the time has been; the time is; the time will be.

The time of the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation is at hand. Now we must remember this book begins with a teaching of the Church Age. You cannot have an "age" until some time has past.

"Age" can be said as: A particular period of time, as distinguished from others; as, the golden age, the age of iron, the age of heroes or of chivalry. A particular period; hence, a generation and a succession of generations; as, ages yet unborn. Sometimes a period of 100 years is called an age.

The Apostle John knew that this did not mean in the next day or so but a time of God's hand at work. The "Church Age" and the "Time of Grace" are still the age we are in just now. I believe the completion of this age is now at hand and we will soon be in the next step, the next age, the Tribulation age.

The signs say to look up for the coming of Christ is at hand!

Luk 21:28 And [when these things begin to come to pass], then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Read the book of Luke to see what these things are! I just know it is time for the Christian to raise his head, be watchful, and be busy about the "Masters business".

But we must remember:

Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
*****Heb 1:2 [Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son], whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

HE'S COMING AND IT WILL BE SOON!

WHO ARE THESE MESSAGES FOR?

AGAIN OUR TEXT:

Rev 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;
Rev 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,
Rev 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.
Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Rev 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.

Verse 4.)

(The Number Seven): The number seven is used 463 times in the Bible. This number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. It is also the number for completeness. The number seven is used 54 times in the book of Revelation.

(The Seven churches): This also is relevant because we know from the Bible that that were more than seven churches in Asia. This is not a contradiction because by saying the "seven churches" it brings us back to the point of the number seven. (Perfection, Rest and Completeness) Remember, Jesus is revealing or unveiling or both a specific message to His Church. This book is written to the Church. If you rightly divide the Bible, you always want to know, to whom is this part focused on. Verse 4 says to the Church.

(Grace and Peace): 18 times in the New Testament it says the phrase grace and peace. 16 times the verses say specifically "from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ". WE CANNOT GET GRACE NOR HAVE PEACE UNLESS THEY COME FROM THE LORD!

But on two occasions:

Rom 16:20 says And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

This verse though it says the same thing, God of peace and Grace from Jesus Christ is a bit different because it tells of the beginning of the downfall of Satan.

In our verse 4 it says:

Rev 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;

In other words just so you are not confused, "that him that which was, which is and which is to come", is also God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ all in one Almighty God.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

We also know that the book of Revelation tells us of the ending of Satan on this Earth,

Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Rev 20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Rev 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and [shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever].

We will probably discuss this when we get to it but, it's interesting to know that the place where Satan will spend eternity is not even going to be in the same place where all the Saints will be. Note (He will be tormented day and night forever). I believe that to be on this destroyed earth.

Rev 22:5 And [there shall be no night there]; and they need no candle, [neither light of the sun]; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

The redeemed of God will be at this location. An Eternal Heaven has no need for day and night. Satan will never even be near God's children again. That sounds like the Heaven of the Bible to me! This why grace brings peace.

The Seven Spirits before the throne: (Again the Number Seven) If we study the Bible we find out that the Bible itself is it's own best commentary. We can learn about these "seven spirits".

Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Isa 11:2 And 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];
Isa 11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
Isa 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

We know this rod of Jesse makes reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now we can also see seven spirits that will be upon Him.

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 The Fear of the The Lord

Rev 3:1 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.

Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: [and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God].

Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, [stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth].

Zec 3:9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; [upon one stone shall be seven eyes]: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. (compare Rev 5:6 seven eyes)

Zec 4:10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with [those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth]. (compare Rev 5:6 seven eyes)

Zec 6:5 And the angel answered and said unto me, [These are the four spirits of the heavens], [which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth]. (compare Rev 4:5, Rev 5:6)

1Co 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

The Spirit Of God! He's been around forever.

Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Gen 1:1 [In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth].

Job 33:4 says The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Verse 5.)

THIS MESSAGE IS FROM JESUS CHRIST!

(the faithful witness)

1Ti 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, [who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession];

What is a witness? [One that which furnishes evidence or proof!] A person who knows or sees any thing; one personally present; as, he was witness; he was an eye-witness. To see or know by personal presence. To see the execution of an instrument, and subscribe it for the purpose of establishing its authenticity; as, to witness a bond or a deed. To bear testimony.

Jesus Christ has done all these things. He is the most faithful witness for us all who believe!

The Christian, the "Redeemed" can say these words of Job:

Job 16:19 Also now, behold, [my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high].

(the first begotten from the dead)

1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, [how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures];
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and [that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures]:

When the Apostle Paul wrote these things, he was referring to the Old Testament, according to the old scriptures. Paul was causing some of the writing of the New Testament even though we know at least he and James and Peter knew of each others writings. The Holy Spirit was working in these men and others and it was then and is now the time of "Grace".

You see Jesus Christ is the first begotten of the dead in Christ. That flesh He put on to come to Earth did actually and fully die. Jesus Christ did fully resurrect from that death into a glorified body. This will happen to every born again child of God. Christ is and was the first but there will be many more.

*****1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

*****Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Rev 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

The Church will be called out first, before the tribulation period and then those from the tribulation period and the millennial kingdom that are saved a little later.

(the prince of the kings)

1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
*****1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Luk 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Luk 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
Luk 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Luk 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Luk 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luk 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
*****Luk 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luk 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Luk 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Luk 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

It began at Genesis 1:1. The Lord Jesus will guide us into "eternal life".

Heb 7:25 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.
Heb 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Heb 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, [when he offered up himself].

HE WASHED US IN HIS OWN BLOOD!

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption [through his blood], even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15 [Who is the image of the invisible God], [the firstborn of every creature]:
Col 1:16 [For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him]:
Col 1:17 [And he is before all things, and by him all things consist].
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, [the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence].

GOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE FIRST ONE TO DO THINGS. WE DON'T TEST THE WATERS, HE HAS DONE THESE THINGS BEFORE US AND HE WILL LEAD US ON TO GLORY!

Verse 6.)

(Has made us kings and priests)

Many say this should be read "a kingdom of priests". I believe Christ has made us a kingdom of priests but not because this verse needs to rewritten. I believe it is written the way it was given by the Holy Spirit. The same Greek word "basileus" is used throughout the New Testament. So do all of them need to be rewritten. I don't think so.

Isa 61:6 But [ye shall be (named) the Priests of the LORD]: [men shall call you the Ministers of our God]: [ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles], and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Now let's get down there where the rubber meets the road.

1Pe 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
1Pe 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, [are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood], to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
*****1Pe 2:9 [But ye are a chosen generation], [a royal priesthood], an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

This word royal means a kingly priesthood!

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

If you follow where I'm going we know that the Lord Jesus Christ is a King-Priest. As born again children of God we are adopted into the family of God. (inheritance)

The Kingly line of David extends through Christ, That will never change! The Priestly line of Jesus Christ from a [higher source] exist now. That will never change!

Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Heb 3:2 [Who was faithful to him that appointed him], as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

*****Heb 5:5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but [he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee].

*****Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; [abideth a priest continually].

Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
*****Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

Our bodies are a Temple of the Lord.(the house of God) We are rulers over this house (priests-king) but also as being inheritors of the Godly Kingdom we will also be king-priests in God's kingdom. No this verse wasn't translated wrong it was written just as the Holy Ghost intended it to be written. We are in the family of God and good things come to those that love God.

Mar 3:34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
*****Mar 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
*****Eph 3:15 [Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named],

THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD AND THERE NEVER WILL BE BUT ONE GOD! WE CALLED HIM JESUS WHEN HE WAS ON THIS EARTH. HE IS OUR HIGH PRIEST WHILE HE IS IN HEAVEN. HE IS THE COMING KING TO THIS EARTH AND IF YOU BELIEVE ON HIS NAME AND REPENT, YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY NOT BECAUSE I SAY SO, BUT BECAUSE HE SAYS SO.

TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER, FOR HE IS GOD!

LISTEN TO HIS MESSAGE.

Verse 7.)

(He comes in the clouds)

The second coming of Christ. Many doubt this will ever happen.

2Pe 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2Pe 3:4 And saying, [Where is the promise of his coming]? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

What people do not realize is that this is also a prophecy not only from Peter but also from a Psalmist.

Psa 55:19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. [Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God].

Christ is coming back and we as Christians know it will be in two parts.

1.) The Rapture of the Church:

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, [I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also].

Php 3:20 [For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour], the Lord Jesus Christ:
*****Php 3:21 [Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body], [according to the working whereby (he is able) even to subdue all things unto himself].

1Th 4:16 [For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout], with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and [the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord].

1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, [even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
*****1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order]: [Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's (at his coming)].

2.) There is no doubting what the scriptures say. They say He is coming and He has to come twice because it is two different events. He's God, He can come as often as He wants too and He very well may do so but He teaches us of these events for Himself.

His Second Coming:

Jud 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, [Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints],

Zec 14:5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: [and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee].

Col 3:4 [When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory].

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Rev 19:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and [his name is called The Word of God].
*****Rev 19:14 [And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean].

Daniel saw it in a vision:

Dan 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man [came with the clouds of heaven], and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Jesus told about it:

Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and [they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory].

He's coming and He's coming back to the exact place He left from:

Zec 14:4 [And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives] shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Act 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, [while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight].
Act 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Act 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Act 1:12 [Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet], which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

(AND EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM!)

Jesus probably could not have come at another time in history where technology would allow this to happen. With TV, Satellite, IPod, Cell Phones and Computers and the other stuff that is available. Now God does not need man's help or man's technology but even we can see where this could be fulfilled in our day.

(and they that pierced Him)

The piercing of Our Lord was prophecy fulfilled and we can believe these words from the book of Revelation also and who are "they"?

The assembly of the wicked. There will be a great assembly of the wicked (Satan/Anti-Christ) around Jerusalem at the time of His second coming.

Psa 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: [the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me]: [they pierced my hands and my feet].

*****Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: [and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn].

We must also remember these words of the children of Israel.

Mat 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, [His blood be on us, and on our children].

Little did they realize, His Blood was the key to salvation for us all!

Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

How bad will they feel?

Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Christ is coming. The Saints will be in Heaven or with Him. Only non-believers will be on Earth until these Jews believe. So why is Christ coming back? He has many reasons but one is for sure.

Isa 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and [he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it].

It does not say He will save the sinners out of this world. They will not repent even at the sight of the coming Lord. (Read Psalms 2)

(All kindred shall wail)

Kindred simply means every race of people. Wail means: specifically to beat the breast in grief:

Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and [then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn], and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

The Anti-Christ and his followers will not like what they see. The Bible says even further that they will even turn their weapons of war upon Him.

Look around at our world and tell me that you cannot see the hatred in this world for Jesus. God is a God of love and the world does not know love at this time. This world only knows lust. It's time for Christ to come. Yes, come Lord Jesus come. Amen.

Verse 8.)

The book of Revelation is about Jesus Christ. We can never understand this book unless we believe it revolves around His second coming! Verse 8 tells us who is the author of this Book. He placed His signature in this very verse.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The Apostle John referred to Christ as "the word". It takes letters to make words. Jesus Christ said He was the Alpha and the Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus said He was "every word" in His Bible and in this Book of Revelation. God is the source of all things. God is the beginning of all things. Everything finds it's answer in Jesus Christ.

Joh 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
*****Joh 4:26 [Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he].

*****1Jn 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: [he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son].

*****Listen to the message of God.

*****2Co 5:19 To wit, [that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself], not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

HE IS LORD "WHICH IS NOW", "WHICH WAS WHEN HE WAS ON THIS EARTH" AND "THE SAME ONE THAT IS TO COME!" THE ALMIGHTY GOD!

Again our text:

Rev 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Rev 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.

We now see that is John who will be the scribe of this great book. His qualifications were:

1.) Brother all Christians everywhere are called brothers and sisters:

Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

2.) Companion in tribulation:

Joh 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, [they will also persecute you]; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

3.) Companion in patience:

Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Rom 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Rom 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Rom 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Luk 21:19 says In your patience possess ye your souls.

*****John tells us where all this began: The Isle of Patmos.

You know God's servant is indestructible until God's calls them home. We are to never be afraid of what man can do to us.

2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Psa 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Psa 56:12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
Psa 56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

John could not preach to much of a crowd on Patmos but God has a reason for everything He does. This island was a dreary and lonely place. It was a barren, windswept island in the Aegean Sea. At that time it was used as a place of exile for political prisoners. The Roman Emperor Domitian sent John to this place because "he preached the word of God" and he would not stop preaching.

This should be an example to all that preach Christ as the Bible is also our book of examples. Governments will never stop the preaching of God's word no matter how hard they try.

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Verse 10.)

(The Lord's Day)

We should not be confused about which day this was. It was on a Sunday. John could remember real easy all the Sabbath's because as a Jew he would have kept the Law. He may not have remembered Sunday as what we have come to know as a day of gathering in the house of God because John remembered this day as the day the Lord God Jesus Christ rose up out of that tomb showing that He was God.

Mat 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, [as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week], came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

Mar 16:9 [Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week], he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Joh 20:19 Then the same day at evening, [being the first day of the week], when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came [Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you].

You see this began also a day that the disciples of Christ gathered

Joh 20:26 And [after eight days again his disciples were within], and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

You can see that the Apostle Paul also used Sunday as a day of gathering to worship the Lord Jesus and God.

Act 20:7 And [upon the first day of the week], when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

This was the day to gather in the tithes and offerings at the house of the Lord.

1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
1Co 16:2 [Upon the first day of the week] let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Is this the only day of worship?

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

God says we are not to be judged on our day of worship. Their are many under persecution in many nations that have to meet when and where ever they can to worship. WE SHOULD WORSHIP THE LORD EVERY DAY. IN PRAYER, IN ACTION AND IN EVANGELISM.

John had only one day on his mind this day. The day he walked out of that grave. That "grave" could not hold him.

1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Now saying this, the Book of revelation is about "the day of the Lord". The second coming of Christ!

Isaiah says "in that day" 43 times.

Isa 26:1 [In that day] shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.

"The day of the Lord" is used 29 times.

Isa 34:8 For it is the day of the LORD'S vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.

Joe 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

Oba 1:15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

Amo 5:18 Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.

(in the spirit)

John was worshipping the Lord just before the Lord appeared to him. We fail each other and our own selves when we go into a worship service and do not know why we are there. It's not to fellowship though we can. It's not to show off new clothes, though some do. It's not to talk and gossip about what has happened during the week, but it happens.

We are to gather in the house God has placed His name on "TO WORSHIP THE LORD". That is the sole purpose of the worship service. If we do bring the Holy Spirit in with us, if we do not pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit, then we cannot worship the way God intends.

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and [they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth].

Good things always happen when we worship the Lord as He has taught us and not what we think. John was fixing to be whisked away by the Spirit. If he had just moped around all poochy lipped that day because of his persecution, we may not even have the Book of Revelation today.

God will take us home to be with Him when our work here on Earth is done!

1Pe 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1Pe 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, [that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise].
Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and [he that shall come will come, and will not tarry].

(behind me a great voice)

Psa 29:1 A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Psa 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psa 29:3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
Psa 29:4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
Psa 29:5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
Psa 29:6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
Psa 29:7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.
Psa 29:8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
Psa 29:9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
Psa 29:10 The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.
Psa 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

(as of a trumpet)

This voice did not sound like a trumpet. A trumpet was used for many reasons:

1.) A call to war:

Jdg 3:27 And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.
Jdg 3:28 And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

2.) A call to assemble before war:

Num 10:9 And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.

3.) A call of warning for coming war:

Eze 33:2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
Eze 33:3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;
Eze 33:4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Eze 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

Christ was coming and John was to write down the things he saw because [it is a warning of all these things]. Just before these things happen there will blow another trumpet:

4.) A call to resurrection (the Rapture of the Church)

1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Verse 11.)

What did this voice say?

Instructions from the Lord.

The Phrase "thus saith the Lord" is used 413 times in the Bible. Jesus Christ made this announcement Himself to the Apostle John.

There was no doubt who was giving this message. John had already remembered the day of resurrection of the Lord and now he was reminded in person of the transfiguration.

Mar 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

This was, in a sense two witnesses for the message our Lord was about to give John.

Who is this message for?

The Church.

1.) Notice the same message will be sent to every church.

Christ only has one message. He does not have a doctrine or a salvation that is different for everyone. He has the same message of Salvation to us all.

2.) Each church would see what the Lord had to say on an individual basis. Every group of believers has it's own problems but to the Lord Jesus we are all still His one and only church.

3.) This message was sent to seven churches but it is a fact that there were more than seven churches in this area. So we have to say that these seven represented the church as a whole worldwide.

4.) This message by being in the cannon of the Bible by the work of the Holy Ghost is being sent to every church down through the ages. God's word is the same in any age. There is only one salvation message.

5.) This message is a warning that the church age is soon over. The time of grace to the gentiles is about over. Now is the time to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and repent and believe. Today is the day to know the Lord.

6.) THIS MESSAGE IS NOT SENT TO THE WORLD.

The purpose of the church is to be a testimony of the Glory of God. God is in charge of the church just as he is in charge of this world. It is the Jew, the children of Israel that will take God's message to the sinful world that remains after the rapture of the church.

A brief history of these churches:

Ephesus: (desirable)(permitted) The capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of “the first and greatest metropolis of Asia.” It was distinguished for the Temple of Diana who there had her chief shrine; and for its theatre, which was the largest in the world, capable of containing 50,000 spectators. The desirable church that left its first love. Ephesus was the influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. Ephesus is now known for its huge metropolis of ancient streets, arches and ruins.

Act 19:26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
Act 19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

Smyrna: (myrrh) An ancient city of Ionia, on the western coast of Asia Minor, about 40 miles to the north of Ephesus. The persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom. Smyrna was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. The primary ruins of Smyrna are located in the modern Turkish city of Izmir.

Pergamos: (height, elevation) A city of Mysia, about 3 miles to the north of the river Caicus, and 20 miles from its present mouth. It was the residence, of a dynasty of Greek princes, founded after the time of Alexander the Great, and usually called the Attalic dynasty, from its founder, Attalus. The worldly church that mixed doctrines and needed to repent. Pergamum is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since the 3rd century BC, and became a Greek and Roman hub for temple worship.

Thyatira: (perfume, sacrifice of labor) A city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Mysia. It was and still is famous for its dyeing. Among the ruins, inscriptions have been found relating to the guild of dyers in that city in ancient times. The false church that followed a seductive prophetess. Thyatira is located in western Asia Minor about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textiles and dyeing trade, and is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar.

Sardis: (prince of joy) The metropolis of Lydia in Asia Minor. It stood on the river Pactolus, at the foot of mount Tmolus. Sardis was, in very early times, both from the extremely fertile character of the neighboring region, and from its convenient position, a commercial mart of importance. The art of dyeing wool is said to have been invented there. The "dead" church that fell asleep. Sardis is located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor, 60 miles inland from Ephesus and Smyrna. Popular ruins include the decadent temples and bath house complexes.

Philadelphia:(love of a brother) A city of Lydia in Asia Minor, about 25 miles south-east of Sardis. The locality was subject to constant earthquakes, which, in the time of Strabo, rendered even the town walls of Philadelphia unsafe. The expense of reparation was constant, and hence, perhaps, the poverty of the members of the church. The church of brotherly love that endures patiently. Philadelphia is located on the Cogamis River in western Asia Minor, about 80 miles east of Smyrna. Philadelphia was known for its variety of temples and worship centers

Laodicea: (just people) (justice of the people) The city of this name mentioned in Scripture lay on the confines of Phrygia and Lydia, about 40 miles east of Ephesus on the banks of the Lycus. It was originally called Diospolis and then Rhoas, but afterwards Laodicea, from Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II., king of Syria, who rebuilt it. The "lukewarm" church with a faith that’s neither hot nor cold. Laodicea is located in the Lycus River Valley of western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. Laodicea was known as a primary hub for the Roman aqueduct system.

God the Father gave this message to His son Jesus Christ, who passed it on through an angel to the Apostle John who was told to write it all down for us all to see and learn and it comes with the promise of a blessing.

Jesus Christ is coming back in all His Glory and it is going to happen soon.

ARE YOU READY!

Let's pray!