The Message to Thyatira

The Message to Thyatira

Book of Revelation Chapter 2 Verses 18 through 29

Thyatira was another city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Mysia. Its modern name is Ak-hissar which means "white castle."

It is here where we find another one of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation.

Lydia, the seller of purple, or rather of cloth dyed with this color, was from this city.

Act 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

This city is still to this day is famous, for its dyeing. Among the ruins, inscriptions have been found relating to the guild of dyers in that city in ancient times.

What will we find in this church as the main problem? Compromise!

To compromise between two different parties is to allow concessions to the claims of one or more of those parties.

What do we know about the Word of God? God will never yield to the teachings of man!

God will never compromise for any reason.

The Lord Jesus will never alter the "Gospel" to allow for compromise with sin.

The Holy Spirit will only lead people to Jesus. He will never lead anyone astray!

Let's listen to the Lord Jesus Christ.

*****Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

What is the one thing we had better get straight about the Lord Jesus Christ?

Job 42:2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.

Jesus knows everything that is going on in every church.

Jesus knows everything that is going in every Christian.

Jesus knows everything that is going on in every person.

Jesus knows everything that is going on in this world and He always will.

Jesus is the only One we have to please in this world and in our lifetime!

Jesus says to this Pastor, "I just want you to know who is speaking to you".

This Pastor is the recipient of these words from our Lord.

It is the Pastor who is responsible for the direction of the church.

It is the Pastor in charge, who received this message who is to preach this message from the Lord, to his congregation.

This letter is a letter of knowledge, "Jesus Knows" and then a commandment "to repent"!

If the members of a church begin to compromise the Word of God and give in to the world, it is the Pastor or Minister or whatever He is called, to preach the truth of God and warn those who are giving in to the world!

What is the truth of people? They will sell their souls for possessions, or for power, or for the so-called pleasures of this world!

What is the reality? We owe our lives to Jesus Christ!

We cannot jeopardize our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by giving in to the world and still be considered to be a child of God.

How did the Holy Spirit put it?

2Co_6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

This is why we are brothers and sisters in Christ, we have the same Father!

If we look back at the Church of Ephesus, they had left their first love and a church is not a church if they do not love the Lord Jesus Christ above all else!

The church at Thyatira was a busy church.

The church at Thyatira showed the love of God to everyone.

They supported missions.

They had a great youth program.

They had a great senior program.

They supported orphaned children.

They supported single parents.

They fed the hungry.

They would help the poor.

This was a great church! Their faith was strong! They loved the Lord and it showed!

This church was growing, but here lies the problem.

*****Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

This church was growing so fast, that they did not have enough qualified teachers and this church allowed teachers to teach who compromised with the world.

They allowed the newcomers to be baptized, without a confession of faith.

They allowed newcomers to be accepted into the church, without repenting and separating themselves from the world.

So who is this Jezebel?

First the original Jezebel: Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab of Israel. She was the daughter of a heathen king who claimed Baal as her god.

She was crafty, she was malicious, she was revengeful, she was cruel, and she hated God's people.

She had no fear of God, nor did she fear any man, and she ruled her own husband.

She spared no pain in maintaining idolatry all around her!

Her idolatry was the most debased and sensual kind!

She was a seducer!

She was the daughter of Satan in her actions as seducer and murderer.

When the Lord says Jezebel, this is the type of persons that had been allowed into this hardworking church at Thyatira and in a short time this church was ruined!

It seems that this hardworking church had been contaminated through the seductive influence of a corrupt woman.

We should remember that it was a corrupt woman who had prayer and the Bible removed from our schools and the schools are now just as corrupt as she was.

There is another corrupt woman who is now in her 80's but she does not miss a chance to slander the Word of God and the American women listen to her. I believe her name is Gloria.

We see that she called herself a prophetess. This meant that she claimed her message was from Jehovah when it was a false message made up from listening to Satan.

he claimed that it was Jehovah who had called her and ordained her and because of the great love this church had, she was allowed in to teach all the church.

She taught contrary to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles.

John wrote:

2Jn_1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

2Jn_1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

The church became contaminated with the world and began sinking!

It was the Pastor that allowed this to continue!

The members of the church began to associate with the world.

They would attend the feasts where animals were offered to false gods.

They would then eat from the tables of those feast sitting before the altar of a false god.

Thyatira was known for its trade guilds and unions because dying of cloth and wool industry.

Act_16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

The church at Thyatira had begun in her home. It was a house church at first.

Act_16:40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

The church members were encouraged to attend those union gatherings to be secure in their jobs.

These were some of the things that this Pastor had to contend with, when he prepared his sermon.

If these people lost their jobs they could not tithe!

This church decided that they needed to fit in with society.

They decided they would be politically correct.

We must remember idols are anything that we put in place before our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, still the foundation of the Church.

Listen to this message to the church and the Pastor from the Apostle Paul:

2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2Th 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

What did Jesus say?

*****Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

This person knew that what she was doing was wrong!

This person knew she was teaching against the Word of God.

This person had felt Holy Ghost conviction and rejected Him!

The Lord dispatched the Holy Spirit to this woman to show her the error of her ways.

Num_32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

She rejected the Holy Spirit and everything that Jesus stands for.

Her intent was to permanently ruin this church!

Her father was Satan!

Joh 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Joh 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

So, here comes the warning, or the "or else".

*****Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

One man wrote, "the bed of her sin shall be the bed of her sickness and anguish".

There is an old saying, "she made her bed, she can lie in it" meaning she brought about her own destruction.

Everyone who rejects the Word of God, do bring about their own destruction!

As we see this Coronavirus as it goes from nation to nation, it may be that God is nearing the end of His patience!

Yes, we must not be confused, God did say these things would happen!

Luk 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

Luk 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

It can also be called a plague or epidemic.

Lev 26:25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

The "judgment" of this Jezebel will match her sin!

Sadly the teaching of this "Jezebel" has caused many more to place something terrible in the place of our pure God!

What happened to the Jezebel of the Bible?

2Ki 9:7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

2Ki 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

2Ki 9:9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:

2Ki 9:10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.

Before anyone could get to her dogs had eaten her and deposited her remains

2Ki 9:36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:

2Ki 9:37 And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.

There comes the judgment of God upon all those who give in to Jezebel's seduction and lifestyle. Those who refuse to turn to Jesus Christ and separate themselves from the world!

There is a warning to all those who feed at the table of Jezebel today!

Still, even such a woman is offered a chance to repent!

As long as we are alive and as long as the Holy Spirit comes to us with conviction, we can accept the truth of Jehovah God and be saved!

Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Act 3:20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Act 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

We must remember Jezebel is a person of the Antichrist inside the church.

What did Jesus say to this Pastor?

*****Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Rev 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

God will judge all those who compromise with the world. This is His truth!

So many today have twisted the truth of God into making Him a good old grandfather that would never harm His creation and they are fools!

Jesus Christ is the Sovereign Head of this universe and we will live or die according to the Words He has given to us!

This meaning is a Spiritual death without God or Eternal life in the presence of a Holy God!

Jesus told this church if they would just leave off compromising with the world and hold on the the truth of the Gospel and have patience, He would surely come and take His church home and out of this world of compromise.

I get tired of seeing our government and others doing what Europe does, when not much in Europe ever works very well.

I get tired of seeing our government compromise with things that have never worked, when the only thing that has ever worked in our nation is the Gospel and Freedom.

We fought to separate ourselves from the tyranny of England and gained our freedom. Why in the world would we want to give up our freedoms?

We cannot change to way the world thinks, but we can tell those we cross paths with, that there is a better way and patiently wait on the Lord to return!

He does not ask much from us but our commitment!

He says just be an overcomer!

*****Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Who is an "over comer"? A Christian who keeps all the works of Jesus Christ, until he takes us home, either by our own death or the Rapture of the Church.

Now I do not know what that power over nations really means, but I do know what the Scriptures say.

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_5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

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:

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.

Dan 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

The "overcomer" will be given some power over nations.

This is then, ruling and reigning with Jesus Christ throughout eternity!

Jesus will return to conquer all the forces of evil.

To prove all those who will be with Him throughout eternity!

To give the overcomer the "morning star"!

What is this "morning star"?

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

If we open our eyes and our ears and listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say knowing He will only lead us to Jesus, then all we have left to do is to overcome the weakness of our own flesh and let the will of God be our own will!

It is really a great time to be a Christian. Instead of looking down at all the wickedness in our world we just need to look up!

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.

Amen

Let's Pray!

The Message to Pergamos

The Message to Pergamos

Book of Revelation Chapter 2 Verses 12 through 17

The Church at Pergamos was established but by whom is not certain. We know that the Apostle Paul worked in the area, but he did not mention it by name.

We also know the Apostle Paul would never take the credit for another man's work neither would he work in the same area to compete with another child of God.

Act 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Act 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Act 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

Act 16:8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

The city of Pergamos was the chief city of Mysia.

It is only 60 miles north of Smyrna and is now named Bergamo and still has two Christian Churches in it today.

It is said that out of around 20,000 people living there, as many as 2000 of them are Christians.

We can understand that the Church in Ephesus also represents the Apostolic Age up to 100 AD.

The Church of Smyrna would represent the end of the Apostolic Age until the Constantine Age.

The Church of Pergamos would represent the Constantine Age up to the Boniface III Age. Boniface the III was the first Pope.

The influence of the papacy had begun with the rule of Constantine!

Beginning in the year 313 AD Christianity was showing strength against paganism and to Constantine, that there was power in religion.

It is said that he had a vision of a fiery red cross and on that cross written "By this shall thou conquer".

He decided himself, without Holy Ghost conviction that he should become a Christian.

Christianity then became the religion of the Roman Empire.

A hierarchy was then formed, and the Lord Jesus Christ was dethroned as the head of the Church.

These things resulted in what is now known as the Catholic Church.

Now I do not deny that there are Christians in every group of believers, but the Lord Jesus Christ is certainly the true head of the Church and He always will be. He used words like, forever and eternal and these words speak for themselves because our Lord cannot lie!

It these things that were in their beginning, that had influence over the Church at Pergamos.

We will see that church members began to participate in worldly functions.

We will see that church members would allow worldly activities to take place inside the church.

We will see that Baptism became the sign of salvation but without repentance. You cannot be "Born Again" without repentance!

*****Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

We can say a lot of things about that two-edged sword but in reality, it designates the Word of God!

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

We miss a very important point in these letters, if we do not see that the Lord Jesus holds the Pastor of each church responsible for the direction of the Church.

Pergamos was a royal city with a high and lofty attitude. There was a great temple to Caesar, a great altar to Zeus, which was a chair 40 feet high that overlooked the city.

Pergamos was a city full of pagan worship and it was ok to be a Christian, as long as you did not say that Jesus Christ was the only God.

This has not changed at all today. You can say the word god all day long, just as long as you do not mention the Lord Jesus Christ and then you become an enemy!

Pergamos was one of the cultural and religious centers of the known world in that day and had been a capitol city for more than 400 years.

You had to be politically correct to get along in Pergamos!

These are the people this Pastor tried to lead to the Lord and then keep them headed on that pathway to Heaven.

He was to use the written Word of God, which by that time included almost all the New Testament.

It took a strong man of God to preach against the pagan world where this church was located.

How did Jesus see this church?

*****Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

We need to get one thing very clear! The Lord Jesus Christ knows everything there is to know about each one of us!

The Lord Jesus Christ knows everything there is no know about our Church!

We are to do everything we can to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to make disciples to go out into our community, our state, our nation, and the uttermost parts of the world.

We are to keep to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ in everything we do!

In other words, when the world looks at us, they should have no doubt that we will take our stand with Jesus and we are not about to move away from Him.

It should be known that we will not compromise for any reason and we do not believe in being politically correct!

We should understand that this church in Pergamos was loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ even while they were located in this pagan place.

They lived in a cesspool of worldliness.

This city provided every pleasure people would look for.

In this city, it was your possessions that determined your place in society.

You could find every comfort that humans desire.

What were some of the problems for the Christians here?

Once a year by law they had stand before the Temple of Caesar and declare him as a god, but they refused to do so.

They refused to bow to a false god.

Just what did Jesus teach us about these things?

Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

This church was pure in its doctrine and had not denied their faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tit 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

This church was taking a stand against persecution. One of the church leaders had been martyred named Antipas.

In that day each and every Christian knew that if they claimed the Lord Jesus Christ, it could cost them their life!

We must also remember that if every Christian just presented themselves before the executioner to be a martyr then this is not being a good witness.

Yes, we are to take a stand with the Lord, but we are to go about the business of the Lord while staying away from the politics of the world!

There were still some things going on in this church that were not right!

*****Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

What do we know of Balaam? We know he did do his best to curse the people of God.

The Apostle Peter wrote:

2Pe 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

2Pe 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

2Pe 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

2Pe 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

2Pe 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

What is the doctrine of Balaam?

When there is corruption and worldliness already inside the church.

Church members who taught against staying pure!

Trying to mix worldliness and religion under the heading of Christianity.

There was a determined effort to bring unrighteousness into this church!

It was Balaam who taught King Balak to send in Moabite women into the locations of the Jews with intent to cause fornication, which is a terrible sin in the eyes of God.

In this church they most likely baptized people who had not repented of their sin.

They had allowed these same people to begin to teach Sunday School and to teach children.

This caused a mixed membership, some keeping the laws of God and others choosing to be politically correct and sided with the world.

Families were being broken up because of fornication.

They were participating in the feast at the Temple of Caesar, and Temple of Zeus and joining in at the altar which many called the seat of Satan.

The Pastor was teaching the truth, but he was allowing church growth, by allowing non-Christians to be involved in the teaching and other activities when he needed to verify their salvation.

According to the Word of God by example, Jesus spent three years teaching the Apostles and even the Apostle Paul was three years with the Lord Jesus and good example for any who first must accept the Lord Christ as their Savior and then learn the Word of God before teaching others.

Now only Jesus can save, and only Jesus knows who is saved, but we can still know them by their works.

1Pe_2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

It is by our works after salvation, that we will know those who are saved.

Jesus said:

Joh_3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Joh_3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

To be "Born Again" is to be repenting from that old life and walking in the ways of Jesus.

These that that came into the church at Pergamos were still hanging out at those temples to false gods.

Some others were just trying to take advantage of God's "Grace" which God forbids.

Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

There is not anyone sitting here that cannot name a church where this is going on today and has become the foundation of many mainline denominations for a good while now.

What did Jesus say was the remedy? To repent.

There is not much repentance preaching happening in the modern church!

*****Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Repentance begins with a complete change of mind. We must quit rebelling against the Word of God and begin accepting and submitting to all the Word of God as the truth!

One of the greatest examples of repentance in the Scriptures is found in the Book of Mathew.

Mat 21:27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

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.

Mat 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

Mat 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Jesus said to repent is to believe the Gospel"!

Mar_1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

As we have already said that sword in the mouth of the Lord is a two-edged sword.

One side the sword of truth, the other side the sword of judgment.

The Lord first gave us His un-fallible Word of Truth.

When the Word of God does not convince, then comes the sword of the Lord.

The Lord He would fight with His sword of judgment!

What did this mean for Balaam?

Num 22:21 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

Num 22:22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

Num 22:23 And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

Num 22:24 But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

Num 22:25 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.

Num 22:26 And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

Num 22:27 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

Num 22:28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

Num 22:29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.

Num 22:30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.

Num 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

The Lord stopped Balaam.

Then Balaam met his doom!

Num 31:7 And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.

Num 31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

There is no battle with the Lord that you can win!

Then the Lord said for this church to remember that He also hated the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which we know are a people to try to take advantage of the "Grace" of God which God forbids!

We are not to continue in our sinful ways once we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. This is what repentance is all about.

Now listen to the Holy Spirit.

*****Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Remember these words are given to the Pastor of the Church and he is to preach this message.

The Holy Spirit says, you need to sit up and stop what you are doing and listen to this message from God.

The Holy Spirit also expects the same thing from each of us!

Each and every child of God is given the opportunity and the right to eat of the true manna, the true bread of Heaven.

The true manna from Heaven is the Word of God given to us by the Holy Spirit!

What did King David tell Mephibosheth?

2Sa 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; "and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually".

This is what our Savior is teaching to us!

We will eat at the Heavenly table of our Lord throughout eternity and it begins at salvation then repentance.

"White" and "New" are key words in the phrase that remains.

There are white robes, white clouds, white horses, white thrones, and this white stone.

We know that white signifies joy and purity.

Solomon wrote:

Ecc 9:7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Ecc 9:8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

The word "New" is used almost as frequently as the word "white".

New name, new song, make all things new.

White and black stones were used in the courts of judgment.

White and black stones were used in the games.

At some Greek feast, everyone that came brought a token as a pledge. Symbolically this white stone with a new name could represent our token, showing we are worthy to sit down at the marriage Supper of the Lamb.

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.

No doubt the one sure thing is when we eat that Heavenly Manna, that eternal spiritual bread of Heaven, and possess that white stone that has the name of Christ Jesus written upon it, we will be able to enter into Heaven, because no one gets into Heaven without being like Jesus Christ!

Jesus Christ is the "Door" that we must past through to reach the throne room of God!

Joh_10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

Joh_10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

We must not be fooled by foolish men and women. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to get into God's 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.

No one will ever overcome worldliness unless they listen to what the Word of God has to say about the Lord Jesus Christ!

Amen

Let's Pray

The Message to the Church at Smyrna

The Message to Smyrna

Book of Revelation Chapter 2 Verses 8 through 11

The word Smyrna means bitterness. This is the word that describes this Church at Smyrna.

The city of Smyrna had suffered through many wars and was destroyed and laid in ruins until it was rebuilt by Alexander the Great in a new place a few miles from the old city of ruins. Those of Smyrna had learned some valuable lessons, or at least they had thought so.

In the wars with Rome, Smyrna quickly became faithful to Rome and was rewarded for it.

It was Smyrna who was one of the first cities to build a temple to the new Emperor.

It is said that everyone in the city had to come twice each year to publicly declare Caesar as Lord.

If a Christian refused, they were tortured or put to death.

They also erected a temple to Homer, because they claimed to be the birthplace of Homer. Homer was the great Greek poet.

Smyrna also built a temple to Zeus, one of the Roman gods.

The city of Smyrna had learned their lessons from the past and would always choose to be on the side of the strongest and of the victor, which is not always the best side to be on.

The city Smyrna began to be a city full of pagan worship and pagan rituals.

This is the backdrop from which this Church in Smyrna was established.

We may not know who it was that started this Church, but we do know that Polycarp who was a disciple of the Apostle John was an early Pastor there.

Polycarp could not be the Messenger that this message was addressed to, because he came to Smyrna only after the death of John.

The Christian Church at Smyrna still hold Polycarp in high honor today.

One man writes, this church was established by Paul and one of the first Pastors at this time could have been Apelles who is mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his salutes to Christians.

Rom 16:10 Salute “Apelles” approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.

When Rome began to persecute Christians in Smyrna, Christians suffered much through dreadful torments.

They were put to death at the stake, or killed and mauled by wild animals in great arenas, while the stands were full of the enemies of God, laughing and enjoying, while Christians were mauled and maimed and put to death.

Even Polycarp was put to death during this time in 155 AD.

It is said that while the Romans were burning Polycarp, that the flames formed an arch above his head, and he was not injured until a Roman soldier murdered him with a spear. Sounds familiar does it not!

Some people go outside the law to kill Christians and get away with it!

The Romans intended to stamp out Christianity in these early years of the Church.

It is also said that persecution came from Judaizers who also hated the Church.

The church also suffered through false teaching, which is the greatest enemy of the Church as a whole.

We can see that it was just tough to be Christian in the city of Smyrna!

It is also said that today the Church is still thriving in Smyrna, so all these enemies of the Church failed.

Here again we will see that this letter from Jesus, is addressed to the Angel or the Pastor of the Church of Smyrna.

*****Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Look how Jesus says, His own persecution caused His death and He overcame that death, when He arose from that death to new life.

Every Christian will overcome death and live in a new life in a new place called the New Heaven and the New Jerusalem. This is the message that we need to understand!

Jesus totally understood the conditions that this Pastor, or Preacher or however you describe him, was going through, as he witnessed the things his flock suffered.

I know how our Pastor stands before us each week and tells us of those in our own church family, who have been taken on to Heaven to be with the Lord and those who are suffering and those with sickness.

2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2Co 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

2Co 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

2Co 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

2Co 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

2Co 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

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

When the Pastor of the Church in Smyrna stood before his own flock every week, he told of all those who were murdered and mauled in the arena and other places and were persecuted just because they refused to reject the Lord Jesus Christ.

It was a daily thing that some Christian was murdered in Smyrna.

It was a daily thing that some Christian was persecuted in Smyrna.

It was a terrible place to live if you were a Christian, in Smyrna.

We know that, before these people even felt the pains of death, they were already with the Lord!

We also know that wounds will heal, and a heart sold out to the Lord, will not quit on the Lord!

To many of these seven churches Jesus criticized many things, but to this church in Smyrna Jesus let them know that He understood their persecution and His proof was His own death by persecution.

Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

This same message goes out to those going through severe persecution today in the many places where it is just hard to be Christians.

It is hard to be a Christian in a Muslim dominated country.

It is hard to be a Christian in a Hindu dominated country.

It is getting hard to be true Christians even in America, because the Church is compromising with the world.

Christian persecution is increasing all around our world today while the Christian Church is not even in competition with any false religion!

When you are in possession of the truth, many will come to hear this truth!

Jesus says to them "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore".

This is true of every Christian whose life is taken away from them, just because they know their Savior and will not reject Him!

The name Smyrna signifies the substance called "myrrh".

Myrrh is used in perfumes.

Myrrh is mingled sometimes in wine and with gaul to deaden the mind to the things around them. This drink was given to those who were sentenced to death on the cross to deaden their pain and make their agony longer. Jesus rejected this drink when it was offered to Him!

Myrrh is also used in embalming fluid.

But Smyrna was a proud city.

Proud of its culture.

Proud of its beauty.

Proud of its commercial wealth.

Proud of its social life.

Just not proud of the Christian Church!

The residents of this city felt that they were living in the first city of all of Asia.

Everyone would try to climb the social ladder, stepping all over those who got in their way.

The Jews in the city took advantage of all these things and became some of the worst of those who persecuted the Church.

In some cases if an employee was redeemed by the Lord, they would lose their job.

Most of the government and certain others, did everything they could do to get this city to stamp out Christianity!

Where are the churches like that of Smyrna located today?

According to the “Open Doors” ministry:

1) North Korea has the number one nation for Christian persecution for 19 consecutive years.

If a Christian has a Bible, or part of one, it will be carefully hidden and only read when the believer is sure they are alone.

Most Christians do not even tell their own children about their faith until they are older teenagers for fear that they may let something slip.

As you can imagine, gathering for worship in a church is non-existent.

Daring to meet other Christians for worship is a risky feat that must be done in utmost secrecy.

It is a miracle that this underground church in North Korea is able to exist. But more than that, it is growing.

2) Afghanistan: Where Christianity exists only in secret.

Afghanistan is once again only a point behind North Korea’s ranking on the 2020 World Watch List.

An Islamic state by constitution, the country does not permit any faith other than Islam to exist; and it is illegal to convert to anything else.

To convert to a faith outside Islam is tantamount to treason because it’s seen as a betrayal of family, tribe, and country.

Those who are discovered to be Christians may be sent to a mental hospital; because their families believe no sane person would leave Islam.

They may also be beaten or even killed by family members, or members of Islamic extremist groups like the Taliban which continues to increase its strength.

Violence against Christians remains very high, but the measures taken against converts depends on the family.

One Christian in Afghanistan says, “How we survive daily only God knows. He knows because He has been kind to dwell with us. But we are tired of all the death around us.”

3) Somalia: Christians are hunted for their faith.

Estimates suggest that 99 percent of Somali citizens are Muslims, and any of the minority religions are heavily persecuted.

The violent extremist group, al-Shabab, which subscribes to the ultra-strict Islamic doctrine of Wahhabism, advocates Shariah law as the basis for regulating all aspects of life in Somalia.

This group has repeatedly expressed its desire to eradicate Christians from this country.

In every sphere of life; private, family, community and national; being exposed as a convert to Christianity in Somalia means life-threatening danger, often leading to on-the-spot execution.

As a result, most Somali Christians keep their faith completely secret. But despite the risks, Somali people are coming to faith in Jesus; some in miraculous ways.

4) Libya: No freedom for Christians.

After the ouster of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Libya plunged into chaos and anarchy.

And that situation has not changed for Libyans.

The continued absence of a single central government to uphold law and order has enabled various Islamic militant groups to control parts of the country.

Libyan converts to Christianity face abuse and violence for their decision to follow Christ.

5) Pakistan: Constant threat of mob attacks.

In Pakistan, all Christians (4 million out 204 million people) suffer from institutionalized discrimination, illustrated by the fact that occupations seen as low, dirty and derogatory are reserved for religious minorities like Christians by the authorities.

Many Christians are poor, and some are victims of bonded labor.

There are Christians belonging to the middle class, as well, but this economic status doesn’t save Christians them from being marginalized or persecuted in an Islamic culture—believers are always at risk because of the country’s notorious blasphemy laws.

The country’s patriarchal culture is especially cruel to Christian women, who are often targeted for both their faith and their gender.

An estimated 700 girls and women abducted each year are raped and then forcefully married to Muslim men in the community, usually resulting in forced conversions.

6) Eritrea: Christians arrested in increasing police raids.

7) Sudan: Political chaos increases vulnerability.

8) Yemen: Christians targeted in chaos of civil war.

9) Iran: Illegal to convert from Islam.

10) India: Violent and spreading persecution.

These are the top ten nations for Christian persecutions but there are still many others suffering from Christian persecution today.

This is where we find most all the Church that are like Smyrna today.

And Jesus says to these Churches:

*****Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

There is nothing that goes on in this world that Jesus does not know about.

Jesus does never sit in Heaven saying, "what will I do now"!

This world is moving along according to the plan of God and God's plan will never change.

You see the Lord sees all those who are persecuted for their faith in Him.

In the eyes of the world these may seem to be the most neglected people upon this earth and there is no doubt that they suffer greatly.

Jesus knows that they must keep their work secret and work unnoticed or they will be found out.

In reality, it can be said that none of the other six churches had the faith of this one church.

They did have just a little strength, but they were determined to do the work given to them by the Lord Jesus.

As Christians we all talk about the wonders of Heaven but in reality, none of us know just how beautiful Heaven will be and the riches of Heaven far outweigh, any riches in this life.

The saints of Smyrna were already full of the riches of faith and love.

These saints of God were holding up under constant persecution and affliction from their own government and they risked their lives every time they witnessed to those around them about the Lord Jesus Christ and the free gift of God's Grace.

Jesus warned us all:

Mat 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Mat 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Mat 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

The church in Smyrna clearly understood what Jesus had said!

These people survived poverty because when you truly have nothing, you can be sure that Jesus is all we need.

In Smyrna even the Jews were their enemy, ignoring all the Word of God.

But who is a Jew?

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Today in all the places where we see churches similar to that one of Smyrna, it is not the Jews who cause problems it is the false Christians trying to be politically correct rather than be true to the Word of God or just deceivers.

They too were of the synagogue of Satan!

How did the Lord Jesus address these issues?

*****Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Jesus said to the Pastor, "fear none of these things"!

Jesus also said more persecution is coming!

This is a message we all need to understand.

The Devil is going to arouse all the unbelievers of this world to attack the believers.

God is going to allow all His children to be tried!

That word "tried" meaning to be proved reliable!

We should remember Abraham and His son Isaac.

Heb_11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

If God tried Abraham who do, we think we are? Are we reliable Christians? Can we stand up to the Devil?

Php_4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

How are we to react to those to reject us?

1Pe_4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Why were the saints of Smyrna going to be so rich?

Jas_1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1Pe_1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

If we are tried and endure it according to the Word of God, we are able to receive the praise of our Savior.

These things are not limited to the saints of Smyrna but to every saint of God!

We can be assured that Satan only has a short time left to do his evilness!

In fact with all the earthquakes, volcanoes, increasing weather, pestilences such as the Corona virus, and insects, we should all be looking up for our redemption is drawing nigh!

This short time is not the devil's doing, it is because the Lord is soon coming.

Heb 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

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.

Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

We must remember this message is intended for every church and it will always have the same meaning.

And the Holy Spirit says:

*****Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

We have no reason to fear what this world can do to us, but it will require that we be steady in our faith.

We must have great faith!

How did Jesus describe this "great faith"?

Mat 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Mat 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, "I have not found so great faith", no, not in Israel.

This may sound hard, but if we just accept that the Lord Jesus will do exactly what He said He would do and all the promises of God will be fulfilled, then this is where we are to place our faith!

We serve a Living God who is exceedingly able to do everything He says!

There is no greater reward than eternal life that is lived in the presence of our Holy God!

We must understand that there will be a second death!

Everyone that lives will certainly die. This is the first death.

Then there is this second death, and it is this second death that we need to avoid, and the Lord Jesus Christ provides that opportunity by giving us a choice.

If we are tried and proved faithful, we will miss out on this second death.

We must be faithful to God's Son, Jesus Christ, even if we are going through the worst of persecution!

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Our day of "redemption" is so near that we can almost feel it. It is not time to quit on the Lord!

Amen

Let's pray!