The Message To The Church At Sardis

MESSAGE TO SARDIS

Our Text: Revelation 3:1-6

As we study these churches in the book of Revelation we should see and learn from the things Our Lord points out as He counsels these members. When He speaks to the church, Christ speaks to the Body of Christ but He also speaks to us individually. It should prick our heart as we see the errors made then and what we know of in our day now. It can readily be seen that we just haven't been steadfast in God's word as we should and have allowed Satan in the doors of every church to set up his nonsense. I would like to see the day that angel tosses him into that burning lake of fire. Kick him in the head Jesus!

1.)The lesson of Ephesus is we must keep our focus on Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the foundation of the Church.

2.)The lesson of Smyrna is that we are going to see Christians persecuted until the Rapture and it is going to get worse. If we do not get up to serve Christ now, we certainly will not serve Him as things get worse.

3.) The lesson of Pergamos is that we just cannot allow the world into the church. A house divided will simply not stand. The Lord said to come out from among them.

4.) The lesson of Thyatira is that we just cannot get so lax as the Body of Christ to allow false teaching into the Church. Our Pastors must preach the entire word of God and the Church must adhere to the exact word of God.

5.) In Sardis we will see the results when we do not do these things! The dead church.

Sardis was a prominent city and obtained its wealth from textile manufacturing, jewelry trade, and the dye industry.  Generally speaking, the city was pagan with many individual mystery cults.  The temple of Artemis was one of the major points of interest.  Five hundred years before John wrote this letter Sardis was one of the richest and most powerful cities in the world.  It became ethically complacent and morally degenerate, but to all appearances it had every reason to be proud and boastful.

Sardis was in an ideal location in the plain of the River Hermus Valley. It was the meeting place of several major  trade routes.  Sardis was guaranteed commercial prosperity.  It was built on a 1500 foot high plateau with steep cliffs on three sides and a narrow road leading to the city on the fourth side.  This made Sardis virtually impenetrable to attack.  Sardis was so blessed the river which flowed through the town carried gold dust.  How blessed can you be? 

It is no wonder that Sardis became a rich and splendid city.  Sardis became the capital of the kingdom of Lydia.  Their most famous king was Croesus.  His very name is synonymous with wealth.  This is where the saying “as rich as Croesus” came from.  Despite all of its blessings Sardis had a problem.  It became over confident. Life had become too easy.  The citizens came to think of their town as unconquerable, no matter who their enemy may be.

Our Text:

*****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.

We already know that the angel of the church is the pastor. The seven stars are the pastors that have been called of God. We must not forget there are some claiming to be called to preach but called themselves. They are not of God.

Salvation comes to those that believe and call on the Lord!

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!
Rom 10:16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Rom 10:17  [So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God].

It is Jesus Christ that has the Spirit of God. We have talked about the seven fold characteristics of God's Spirit from the book of Isaiah:

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:

1.) The Spirit of the Lord (Jesus).
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 Lord".

Christ said that He knew their works but we do not see any good works mentioned! This church did not have the right "Spirit".

If you were a member of the community where this church was located you would have seen an active church. You would probably have seen a church trying to civilize the whole city, building a big magnificent building and a lot of community activities. Not all of this wrong but there has to be a reason for the work of God. That reason and purpose is laid out in God's word. You may have seen a big fancy building and all of it growing. We see a lot of these churches in our modern worldly churches of today but saving the lost is not first on their list of things to do.

Now God said the church grew everyday and I believe it still does.

Act 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. [And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved].

How does this growth come about?

Act 2:39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even as many as the Lord our God shall call].
Act 2:40  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, [Save yourselves from this untoward generation].
Act 2:41  [Then they that gladly received his word were baptized]: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

God said to come out from among them!

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,

What we do not see in Sardis is any persecution. Not any mention of false religion that we know was there. Not any mention of any thing much. In other words this whole city was one big happy family they tolerated each other. This all sounds so well and good but we know Satan hates Christians and Satan hates the church.

God warns us:

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

We know that to be Born Again comes from faith in the word of God and the work of His Holy Spirit but listen to what else Peter wrote:

1Pe 1:23  Being born again, [not of corruptible seed], but of incorruptible, [by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever].

Not only do we see that it is the word of God that is incorruptible and [we see that there is some corruptible seed that is sown].

There was corruptible seed being sown in Sardis!

God tells us about this in one of His parables:

Mat 13:24  Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mat 13:25  [But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way].
Mat 13:26  But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Mat 13:27  So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Mat 13:28  He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
Mat 13:29  But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

We can see that there was some corruptible seed sown in this church at Sardis. Why because the church had fallen asleep. This church had been dying for a long time and even at this time of Christ, this church was dead.

This church had not worshiped in Spirit and Truth as was commanded:

Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

There was little if any truth left in this church! While the church had fallen asleep the enemy had come in to sow the corruptible seed.

We can be sure this church had some works because Christ Jesus said He knew them. It is evident the community surrounding this church saw things going on at this church but they did not see any Evangelism. They did not see any mission work. They did not see any church outreach at all.
They probably did see bazaars, socials, picnics, fundraisers and other such things involving this social club calling itself a church.

*****Rev 3:2  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

Jesus says: Wake up Church! You cannot be watchful and still be asleep. The Greek word "gregoreuo" is used here and it simply means to keep awake. Be vigilant. Remember what Peter said. (Be sober, Be vigilant). Christ knows all His children and there were a few hanging on here at this church. They were still doing a few things right. Keep in mind Christ speaks to His church. This pastor was to preach to everyone in the congregation. They both were to get this message because even these few things that remained were ready to die.

The Bible says:

Rom 6:19  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; [even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness].
Rom 6:20  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Rom 6:21  [What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death].
Rom 6:22  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Rom 6:23  [For the wages of sin is death]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

This church was dying because of sin!

(to strengthen)
The Greek word "sterizo" is used for strengthen in this verse. It means to turn towards the things of God and establish them in order to stop this death and destruction. Like the Greek word "histemi" it means to establish the things of God. Like the Greek word  "stereos" it means to make the things of God solid, stable, and steadfast.

(works perfect)
When the Lord Jesus Christ uses this word perfect, He does not mean in sinless perfection but He means Spiritually developed and Spiritually matured in Godliness.

Mat 5:48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Chapter 5 in the book of Matthew gives us some guidelines of what is expected of each and every Christian. Though these words were written to the Jews we can still use them to guide us in our daily living for Christ. It is easy to see that this church in Sardis was not following these guidelines. This gives us a picture of what was lacking in Sardis.

The Bible says:

Eph 4:10  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

I have said before we that sit in the pews in the House of God no matter where we are located have an obligation to our Savior. He bought us and He owns us surely we can serve Him.

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.
Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We can know that this church in Sardis came up short in this also and most all of us do.

There were many in this church at Sardis that were just going through the motions. They had never accepted Christ as Savior nor as Lord. They just imagined they were saved by the works they were doing. Christ said their works were not perfect, He didn't say they were not working. It appears that all walks of life in Sardis were traveling the same path to destruction.

The Bible says:

1Pe 1:14  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1Pe 1:17  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
1Pe 1:18  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

*****Rev 3:3  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

We must not forget, all the Apostles except John had been martyred at this time. The time of the Apostles was coming to a close. The age of the church had begun, so most all the church probably still had what we call charter members. There would be some in this church that had been there from the beginning. They had heard the word of truth at one time and some had been gloriously saved.
Christ tells them to recollect the teaching they had first heard. Recollect the Doctrine of the Apostles, the Doctrine of Christ.

Paul wrote to the Galatians:

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.
Gal 1:9  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

These words would hold true to this church at Sardis. There is a song that goes "Roll back the curtain of memory now and then". If we are saved we cannot lose that salvation but it doesn't hurt to look back at that dirty, nasty, sinful life we all once had and know that a return to that life would be foolish. Jesus Christ holds on to our salvation. We could not save ourselves nor can we keep ourselves saved. It is the intercessory power of the Lord Jesus Christ that keeps us saved, So He is not saying to hold onto our salvation but He is saying to hold onto the teaching of faith in His saving power and His commands to further the Gospel to this lost world. If the light of the church of Sardis had just a flicker left and it did at this time, then Christ said to burn brighter in His name. To repent is the change your mind and this change should be for the truth. It is God's word that has all truth.

Rom 3:3  For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4  [God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar]; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Christ said "wake up church" you have been asleep to long now. But If You Will Not Wake Up!
Jesus Christ did not say He was a thief but that He would come as a thief!

What is a thief? One who secretly, unlawfully and feloniously takes the goods or personal property of another. The thief takes the property of another privately; the robber by open force.
When Christ comes as a thief He is saying that that thief would not warn you when he would come to steal your things. Jesus Christ says "I will come to get my church, those that believe on Me, and I will not warn you of the hour, day, or the season".

What's so sad about this is with the choice of the words used here, Jesus says some of you will not even be aware that I have come though you sit on the pews of this church.

There will be many that will miss the day of the rapture and will return to their place of worship not even realizing the church is in Heaven. They will do business as usual and burn in Hell.

The Bible says:

1Th 5:1  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Of those that miss the rapture:

2Th 2:7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2Th 2:9  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

If you miss the rapture of the church you will not miss the time of the Antichrist nor the tribulation period, that is unless you are already in Hell.

*****Rev 3:4  Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

(names)
What's in a name? When we are born our name is written into [the book of the living].

Psa 69:28  Let them be blotted out of [the book of the living], and not be written with the righteous.

Luk 10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Php 4:3  And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in [the book of life].

When the flesh dies that name is removed from that book. But the Born Again child of God, since that person never really dies their name will remain in that book

Now we know that as soon as the child of God accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her Savior that [they are also written into the Lamb's Book of Life]. So there are at least two records of the ones who will have eternal life. Your name has to be in both books! There is also a book of the works done since you were saved but that book is for rewards and not for salvation.

This verse says that even in Sardis, the dead church there were those that had accepted the Lord Jesus as God. To the rest, they will hear these words at the judgment seat and there will be no record of their names. A person needs to accept the truth of the Gospel before their physical death because no matter what some religions teach there is no way to get your name into the Lamb's Book of Life after physical death. There is no praying that can change that and "it certainly would not be something that could be bought".

Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

(even in Sardis)
Even in a place that has all religion and evil under one roof like Sardis, God's truth, God's word will still reach a few of the lost! The world is trying it's best now to place all religion under one roof, saying that all religion are based on the same thing and Jesus Christ is not the only way to Heaven.

I have to base my salvation on God's word! That's why it's called faith! God's word still has this teaching.

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.

Christ fulfilled too many prophecies for me to say He is a liar. I'll just stay with Christ.

(walk in white)
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that "white" stands for purity.

Psa 51:7  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Isa 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

To know a bit more what that means study the transfiguration of our Lord.

Mat 17:2  And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

You know most all brides dress in "white"!

The Bride of Christ will be in "white"!

(they are worthy)
Worthy means: Deserving; such as merits; having worth or excellence; equivalent; with of, before the thing deserved.

That word "worthy" is used 54 times in the New Testament. I believe we have to be worthy.

The Church will not see the tribulation period because God will take us on home through His Son but only through His blood can you be found worthy!

Luk 21:36  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, [that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man].

The Church will stand before Christ at His Judgment Seat!

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.
2Co 5:10  For we must all appear before [the judgment seat of Christ]; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2Co 5:11  [Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord], we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

That terror of the Lord is the tribulation period!

*****Rev 3:5  He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and [I will not blot out his name out of the book of life], but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

(To overcome)
To overcome is to gain the superiority; to be victorious.

We have victory in Jesus!

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

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.

(Raiment)

Zec 3:4  And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Raiment is Clothing in general; vestments; vesture; garments.

(Book of Life)

Rev 21:23  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Rev 21:24  And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
Rev 21:25  And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
Rev 21:26  And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
Rev 21:27  And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: [but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life].

(Confess His  name before The Father and His angels)

Mal 3:16  Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Mal 3:17  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

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

Luk 12:8  Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
Luk 12:9  But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Jud 1:24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

This verse by mentioning The Father speaks also of the Holy Trinity:

The Father
The Son
The Holy Ghost

Notice those are "His" angels.

*****Rev 3:6  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The Holy Spirit says open up your ears, clean the wax out, and Hear What He is Saying!

Let's Pray!

Message To The Church At Thyatira

MESSAGE TO THYATIRA

Our Text:

Revelation 2: 18-29

In our study of the book of Revelation we have reached the fourth church. We have seen Ephesus the church that lost it's first love. Any church that does not have the Lord Jesus Christ as it's foundation is not really a church but only a meeting place for lost souls. We have been to Smyrna the persecuted church. If you follow the Lord Jesus you will see the hate the world has for the true God of love. We've been to Pergamos the worldly church. It is a true statement that the place of a ship is in the water but if the water gets into the ship it will sink. We now come to Thyatira and we will find a place where this church got so lax that they also were giving in to the world.

Thyatira lay about 40 miles to the southeast of Pergamum. It was situated on the postal route between Ephesus and Laodicea. The city was originally formed as a Greek outpost. However, the city was built on flat, unprotected land, so therefore there were no natural fortifications to protect the area. Eventually, around 190BC the Romans took over the area.

We don't know a lot about the city's religious or political history. It was not steep in culture or Roman Emperor worship like some of the other cities we have studied. We do know that Thyatira had a "guardian" deity called Tyrimnos. A warrior and protector god that is associated with the many trade guilds found in Thyatira. It is also believed that there was a temple to Apollo, the 'sun god'.

The one major thing we know about Thyatira is that it was a successful commercial center. Due to its location along the trade routes, it prospered commercially and became economically strong. Along with this prosperity, came the formation of several trade guilds, or what we may relate to as unions. They had guilds representing workers in the wool, linen, leather, bronze, pottery, baking, dying and slave trades. While we don't know much about the cities overall religious activities, we do know that these guilds involved several forms of pagan worship in their meetings and activities including sacrifices to the pagan gods, eating of sacrificed meat that had been offered to the pagan idols and large sexually immoral gatherings.

We have no history of the start of the church at Thyatira. It is believed that Jewish families flocked to the city because of its commercial success and the Christian church probably formed out of that body. There is no evidence that the Christians of Thyatira were persecuted by the government the way they were in Smyrna and Pergamum, however it seems understood that there were issues with the trade guilds and the impact they had on the holiness of the Christians life.

A European named Lydia was the first one saved from this city though she was at Philippi when this took place.

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.
Act 16:15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Our Text:

*****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;

Again John was to write for the Pastor of this church who was to deliver the message.

(Son of God)

The phrase "Son of God" is used 46 times in the New Testament but only this "one" time is it used in the book of Revelation. Christ wanted this church to know it was the Son of God that gave this message to their pastor.

Mar 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

Joh 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

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;

There is a reason for everything Christ does and we will see why He used this name shortly, but we already know the He wanted it known the source of this message to this church. That source was the "Son Of God". This speaks of the deity of Christ but also of the Holy Trinity of God. He does not bear this title in consequence of his miraculous birth, nor of his incarnation, his resurrection, and exaltation to the Father's right hand. This is a title of nature and not of office. The sonship of Christ denotes his equality with the Father. To call Christ the Son of God is to assert his true and proper divinity. The second Person of the Trinity, because of his eternal relation to the first Person, is the Son of God. He is the Son of God as to his divine nature, while as to his human nature he is the Son of David.

Rom 1:3 says Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
Rom 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

(eyes like unto a flame of fire)

The phrase "flame of fire" is used exactly seven times throughout the Bible and we know the importance of the number "seven" in in this book. Christ sees everything that happens in His church.

Exo 3:2; Joe 2:5; Act 7:30; Heb 1:7; Rev1:14; Rev 19:12 and in our verse Rev 2:18.

We already know that these angels of the church represent the pastors of these churches. In Hebrews we see:

Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

But they are also the stewards of God's word:

1Co 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1Co 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

They are also accountable to God:

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.

God knows we will be tempted just as his pastors are tempted:

Gal 4:14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Not only do those eyes of Christ see all these things but He shows us He will be with us through all these things but with these eyes of the Lord Jesus Christ there is also that warning of that devouring flame, that all consuming flame when there is no obedience.

Isa 29:6 Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.

Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Job said:

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

God sees even every thought that we have!

(fine brass)

We already know that this fine brass would be more like sterling silver. Showing how our Lord had spent His time on this Earth sin free, unstained, untarnished and willing to walk us through the flames of purification to refine us.

Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

John the Baptist said:

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The Apostle Paul wrote:

1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

These are the eyes of Our Lord that watch over us every day and this is the same Son of God that had this message for these of Thyatira this day.

*****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.

We must not forget that this message was intended for the church. The bride of Christ. Their work of salvation already complete (to believe on the Lord Jesus and Repent their ways). These works are the works done since coming into the family of God.

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.

As those that are alive would be those that are "Born Again". Saved by the "grace" of God. Our works are good only when they are for the love of God and have the "glory of God" as the 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.

(charity)

We throw the word "love" around throughout this world but only our English word "charity" can come close to describing the "Agape love" of Christ. This is love based on principle and action. This is love that can have feelings and shared emotions but are not ruled by those emotions. I love my children because they are my children. I'm not going to stop loving them just because they do foolish things. God will never stop loving His children and it shows in His actions. He did send His only Son to save a lost world. He loved us while we were still sinners and lost. We are still sinners but no longer lost if you are Born Again.

1Co 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1Co 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1Co 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1Co 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

If I had charity, I would not strap a bomb on myself to go kill other people for "any" reason. Nor would I take a rifle to kill the innocent. There is a difference in a true soldier and a killer terrorist.

(service)

It is because of that "agape love" that these believers at this church could serve a Holy God. The word "service"comes from the word "deacon". In other words that service would be directed toward others and for their benefit. If a deacon does things for his own glory then he is not serving God.

A Deacon is a person in the lowest degree of holy orders. The office of deacon was instituted by the apostles, Acts 6, and seven persons were chosen at first, to serve and to minister to the wants of the poor. Every child of God is a servant, a deacon, for the church of the living God, though some may be specifically chosen to perform this honor in the church. And God does have some guidelines for those that are chosen.

1Ti 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

The Strong dictionary of Greek terms says this of "service" in the church: "diakonia": attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher)

And from "diakonos" (to run on errands); an attendant, that is, (generally) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specifically a Christian teacher and pastor: - deacon, minister, servant.

Christian service extends in all directions. Our focus should always be on the unsaved but we should also be of service to our brothers and sisters, our church family is another priority and we cannot forget our service extends to God and our Lord Jesus Christ "first".

Christ was pleased with the service of these saints at Thyatira.

(faith)

It took your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ to be saved. It will also takes faith to do the work of God.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

These saints at Thyatira served God faithfully because they believed on Him and His word. The worst any situation gets, the more we need our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!

(Patience)

It is the "agape love" of these saints of God and their saving faith that gave them the patience to be those faithful servants. Patience is being steadfast no matter what Satan throws at you. Remember how Noah preached for 120 years while he built that Ark. He never got a single person to believe on God. That took a lot of patience to preach a saving God and no one ever listened.

2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
2Pe 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Just because people do not believe the word of God does not make it a lie. When the flood rains from Heaven began those of Noah's day became instant believers but the door to safety had already been closed.

Gen 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

We have to many examples of the truth of God. We have too many prophesies that have been totally fulfilled and not to forget the work of the Holy Spirit in our own souls to not believe what God says in His word. When you can witness the life saving grace of God in peoples lives and the change that takes place when the best rehabs and clinics fail you know what to be "Born Again" really means.

This church at Thyatira had patience!

(more than the first)

Because of their patience this church persevered in the work of God. These saints started well and continued in the race to the finish line.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

These saints were not on again, off again Christians. They continued to grow spiritually and in their works of the church! Christians should never become complacent in their work for God nor should we ever feel satisfied of the work we are doing.

1Sa 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: [for consider how great things he hath done for you].

*****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.

You know the saints of God sitting in the pews have a responsibility! We cannot allow any teaching that goes against the word of God!

(sufferest)

The Strong dictionary of Greek terms says of the word sufferest: to let be, that is, permit or leave alone:

Suffer in the Webster dictionary says: To allow; to permit; not to forbid or hinder.

Eph 5:11 says And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

1Ti 5:20 says Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Tit 2:11 says For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

(Jezebel)

Who was Jezebel?

The dictionary says of this name Jezebel: An impudent, daring, vicious woman.

Vicious means: Addicted to vice; corrupt in principles or conduct; depraved; wicked; habitually transgressing the moral law.

You know when a real name "Jezebel" has it's own definition in a book of word meanings, then she must have fit that description.

There was another Jezebel in the Bible.

1Ki 16:31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

This wife of Ahab who worshiped Baal.

Who was Baal? An idol among the ancient Chaldeans and Syrians, representing the sun. The word signifies also lord, or commander; and the character of the idol was varied by different nations, at different times. Thus Baal Berith is supposed to signify the Lord of the Covenant; Baal Peor, the Lord of the dead, Baal Zebub, the god of flies, etc.

She killed God's prophets.

1Ki 18:4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD,

She installed her own prophets who Elijah proved were false.

1Ki 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
1Ki 18:22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
1Ki 18:23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:
1Ki 18:24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

Jezebel made vows to her own false god.

1Ki 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. (She would kill Elijah)

Jezebel controlled her husband Ahab.

1Ki 21:7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.
1Ki 21:8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.

This woman Jezebel did everything she could to make the children of Israel worship a false God. We can see that this Jezebel defied everything about God. She had placed everything on her on false beliefs. She had become a Queen being in her beliefs and now she answered to no one. She even dominated her husband the King of Israel. She was proven to be a pagan and murderous wife. She condoned immorality in her own family. (Ahab had seventy children). This Jezebel of Thyatira was so named of our Lord because she resembled the ways of the wife of Ahab.

There is a pretty good chance this woman at Thyatira was not named Jezebel even though she could have been, but she had the qualities of a Jezebel. Though some say that she was the wife of the Pastor, even that may not be true but it makes sense.

It is more than likely that this Jezebel was a person of some degree from the worship of Apollo, who was in this city, the sun god just as Baal. We can be sure she was not saved but a person as defined who would take charge if so allowed and it was happening at this Church at Thyatira.

1.) It seems she was being allowed to teach men or more probably young men or young adults.

1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1Ti 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
1Ti 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

2,) She was teaching immorality and idolatry!

Idolatry is anything we put between us and God. Immorality is every action which contravenes any divine precept, or which is contrary to the duties which men or women owe to each other.

Luk 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; [and thy neighbour as thyself].

The word "fornication" is used here in this verse and "not adultery". This tells me this Jezebel may have been teaching young single adults. We know that this is the doctrine of Satan. Get them hooked on sin while they are still young. We see in our own school systems where abstinence is not being taught but that it is OK to indulge in these immoral things. It was bad then and bad now. She taught that it was acceptable for Christians to engage in fornication. Remember King Ahab had, had at least 70 children. This was a common practice in these guilds, these unions of Thyatira and their pagan rituals. This philosophy still lives in our humanistic and atheist societies. Many today believe that business is business and we have to go along with business to get along in this world. When we teach the young people of this world to live immorally, they carry that wrong all the days of their life.

Every evil doctrine or false science, sinful ways seems to find it's way into the schools. We cannot allow it in our Church!

God says?

Jer 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

God's arm is never to short to take care of His children.

Jer 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

If business principles collide with Christian principles then most people will set aside their Christian belief to make what they call a living. The truth is we don't have a clue to what would happen if we totally yield ourselves to the Lord.

King David wrote in his time:

Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; [yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread].
Psa 37:26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Psa 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

Jesus Christ held the church responsible for the teaching of this evil woman. The saints of God have a responsibility even when we are sitting in those pews. This church needed to stand up against this teaching. When we violate the authority of God's word, then God is no longer in control of our lives and we are in deep sin. If whatever you are living for and whatever makes you happy is not centered around the Lord Jesus Christ "then you have a new god".

Notice she made her own self a prophetess. We already know that their are no more prophets in our day nor were there in this day of Jezebel.

One of the purposes of the Book of Revelation is to show us that it was Christ who was the last prophet of the coming future and He alone. There are no more prophets after Jesus who is our only Saviour!

This woman Jezebel still has followers today. This is another reason God gave us this wonderful book, to show us Satan never changes and sadly he does not have to. His old methods still work. They have for 6000 years.

Christ said her followers would go through the great tribulation. Billy Graham once said that 85% of those sitting on church pews were not saved. Another preacher said 97%. The truth is the first Sunday after the Rapture of the church many will go to church as they always have and will not realize that the church is already in Heaven. Many will slide off the church pew straight into Hell.

Jesus also said that this woman had children which means she had many that had converted to her doctrine. These will suffer at the White Throne judgment seat. This is the "death" of all unbelievers. This is the only sin that will put you in front of Jesus at the White Throne. (The Sin Of Unbelief).

Rom 6:23 [For the wages of sin is death]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3.) This woman was totally unrepentant!

The Jezebel of the Bible, wife of Ahab was still flirting with danger when Jehu came to town.

2Ki 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
2Ki 9:31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?

She was eaten by the dogs at the bottom of a high window!

The name Jezebel still represents sinful ways in our day.

What is "doctrine"? In a general sense, whatever is taught. Hence, a principle or position in any science; whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master.

Man's doctrine will not work in Heavenly matters.

Only the doctrine of the gospel are the principles or truths taught by Christ and His Apostles.

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.

Jesus Christ told this church to continue in the works and even to improve. He recognized that just to hold on in such a wicked place would be enough of a challenge for these believers.

In the time of Paul, the Apostles had given some details of salvation to the Gentiles:

Act 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Act 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Christ our Lord still gives these details to the church of Thyatira.

The Bible says:

Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. [Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?]

To be steadfast in God's word and being a doer of that word should be the goal of every believer no matter what obstacles Satan places in our path. We are going to fail from time to time but God will pick us up and dust our pants and set us back on His path.

What is the depth of Satan?

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

If your conscience is seared with a hot iron, then you will not have one!

Satan seeks to destroy the church from within. A house divided cannot stand.

Mar 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Churches can be divided over such mundane things as traditions and politics. But if Satan can get a false Preacher, Pastor, or any Teacher in a church they can take a congregation away from Biblical Doctrine and insert their own doctrine that may never be corrected before the house falls. It is important for every church to be based on the written word of God and [not some ones opinion of that word]. The best way to avoid these things is to take God's word and study it for yourself.

God's word says what it means and it means what it says!

What's our challenge?

1.) Be an over-comer.
2.) Keep the word of the Bible(KJV).
3.) Be steadfast in the work of the Lord!

What is His promise?

To rule over these nations with a rod of iron. This rule will be to obey the word of God. A pot broken in shivers cannot be repaired, it would have to be replaced. This is the rule of Jesus during the Millennial Kingdom.

Psa 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Psa 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psa 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Psa 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Psa 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Psa 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

What is a 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.

It is Jesus Christ our Lord! He gives Himself to everyone that believes on Him.

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, [If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him].

He's coming again and it will be soon. If you have the Morning Star within you now you will come with Him when He returns the second time!

It seems so simple because it is!

Let's Pray!

The Message To The Church at Pergamos

MESSAGE TO PERGAMOS

Revelation 2:12-17

In each of the seven churches Christ first addressed their works. At Ephesus they had two works: first was evangelism and second was defending the faith. Both were commended by Christ but he preferred the church return to its first work of loving the Lord Jesus and putting Him before all other things. At Smyrna, Christ again addressed the works of the church which consisted of submitting to tribulation, poverty and death, all without renouncing their Christian faith. Christ did not rebuke the church at Smyrna. Not because it was a perfect church because there is no church that does not have some problems. After all they are all filled with sinners that are saved by the "grace" of God. These people were doing the best they could in a terrible place.

Now at Pergamos, Christ is once again addresses the works of Christians which works are relative to where they live. They lived in the wickedest city on earth where Satan himself had set up headquarters. Here are our Savior's words to this church: "I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is." The problem the church at Pergamos faced is defined in the city's name which means "mixed marriage." As capital of Asia Minor, Pergamos was a city of mixed religions from all over the world and it was a city whose politics were married to the state religion of emperor worship.

Living in Pergamos would indeed test the faith of Christians for a mixed marriage of religion and state is a marriage made in hell!

Jon 2:8 says They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

We can see that just as it is in our day, all other religions can go hand and hand with each other and welcome each other with open arms that is [all except Christianity]. Christianity get's it's name from Jesus "Christ" our Lord. We cannot bow to false god's and neither could these of Pergamos. There is no universal church. There is only the church built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. The world does not agree because the world is of the church that Satan built.

1Jn 3:1 says Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: [therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not].
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

1Jn 5:19 says And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

When Satan was cast out of heaven, he set up headquarters on the earth. The location of his headquarters had always been at the center of political and military power. So, as one world power conquered another, Satan's seat moved to the new ascending world power. To control that world power, Satan merged his mystery religion with the state. If people of that nation wanted to prosper they worshiped in the state religion.

We can see that in the time of Nimrod, the time of Solomon, the time of Nebuchadnezzar and all others. I believe we can see such a time when Satan was moving his seat during the time of Daniel.

Dan 10:13 says But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

We can see this happening in our world today, even in America!

To understand the wickedness of Satan's seat is to comprehend the significance of Christ's commendation of the Pergamos church. Christ's commendation has two parts: [holding fast to his name and not denying his faith]. The first implies that [the key battleground was once again the deity of Jesus Christ]. In a city devoted to many gods, in a city that demanded emperor worship, to hold fast the name of Christ was indeed commendable. The question "who is god?" was at the heart of the struggle. The resounding answer faithfully preached by the church "Christ is God incarnate, the Lord of all, the King of Kings, his name is above every name!" Holding fast to his name was central to their faith. Pergamos believers never let go of the basic doctrine of Christianity that Christ is God incarnate. I pray that we in the Bible Belt of America hold on to this fact of Christ was God in the flesh.

All those that say we all have the same God but leave out Jesus Christ as that God in the flesh are worshiping some other god, not the God of the Bible!

The second part of Christ's commendation is that they had not denied his faith even in those days when Antipas was Christ's faithful martyr. This implies that even under pain of martyrdom the Pergamos church held strong to the faith of Christ. Although the faith of Christ and the deity of Christ are related, there is significant difference between the two. Whereas the deity of Christ centers on who he is, the faith of Christ centers on our unbending trust in him because of who he is.

The key word to the faith in Christ is "denied." The Pergamos church had not denied the faith of Christ. Denied in Greek means "a verbal or written disavowing, rejection or renunciation of the Christian faith." At what time in church history were Christians faced with a verbal or written renunciation of their faith in exchange for life? Christ gave the answer when he said "thou hast not denied my faith even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you." Antipas could have been the pastor of the local church at Pergamos but he could have been a leader that stood up to the evil of Satan's seat.

Historically we know that he was the first martyr of Asia Minor. The method by which he met his demise is more barbaric than any mentioned in our previous study. According to tradition he was slowly roasted to death in a bronze kettle during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian. Domitian began the second wave of persecution in 81 AD. Christians who stood before this savage ruler were given a chance to live if they would renounce their faith. The test was an oath they had to take during renunciation. When they refused to deny their faith in written or spoken word even under penalty of inhumane death, Christ commended them.

The city of Pergamos in Asia Minor set the standard for the broader Pergamos church period for not only was it a city of mixed religions and mixed doctrine, it was also a city where religion and state were married.

Here In America where our forefathers wrote into the Constitution that the State could not interfere with free worship has been turned around by Satan's followers to a lesser and wrong meaning that the true Church cannot influence the nature of government. The forefathers never intended for Christian principles to left out of government and so the battle rages of the evil trying to dominate the good in our nation the U S A.

As a Christian I already know good will win out in the end but I'm not sure America will survive until that day. I live in the greatest nation of modern day but also in a nation that get's further and further from God just as Israel did.

Our Text:

*****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;

What does a sword say?

The typical Asian sword was made with two edges compared to the typical European sword which was made with one cutting edge. The main advantage is obvious as a two edge sword would cut in two directions. Many times in the Bible we can see where many have died by the edge of the sword.

In the Book of Genesis we see a sword that cuts from all sides or all it's edges.

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.

This would be a very destructive sword. I believe we see this sword again in the Book of Revelation.

Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

We know the Lord Jesus is coming to make war.

But in our verse we see the two edged sword. There are only a few places in the Bible we see this sword. We know that Christ is speaking to the Church and that being so that He has already judged the church. So we know that here in this verse He is pointing out things to improve the church. Some would say warning the church. Some would say counseling the church. It is probably some of both.

If someone uses an argument that could both help them and harm them, then they are using a two-edged sword sword; it cuts both ways.

We can see that the Lord Jesus Christ is counseling His church but these things are also a warning to some, thus the twoedged sword.

Counseling means: Advising; instructing; admonishing.

The Bible says in Isaiah:

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.

This is a two edged sword!

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.

This is using a two edged sword!

The word of God is sharper than this sword, so I believe the Lord Jesus Christ is using His words on this church.

God expects His children to also be familiar with this sword!

Psa 149:5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
Psa 149:6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;
Psa 149:7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
Psa 149:8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
Psa 149:9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

God is not telling us to murder our enemies. "God is telling us to use the Word of God on the Lost".

*****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 may think we can hide our works from God but that is impossible.

Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

The ways of man:

Pro 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

None can hide:

Job 34:21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
Job 34:22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

There are no secret places to hide from God:

Jer 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. [Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD].

Blessings and also the Hickory(the rod of correction) will come from what God sees, not what we think we do!

Jer 32:19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: [to give every one] according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

And not Satan nor any other creature can hide from God:

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].

Where is Satan's seat?

Lets look at the definitions of that word "seat".

1.) Seat: That on which one sits; a chair, bench, stool or any other thing on which a person sits.

2.) Seat: The place of sitting; throne; chair of state; tribunal; post of authority; as the seat of justice; judgment-seat.

3.) Seat: The place where a thing is settled or established. So we say, the seat of the muses,the seat of arts, the seat of commerce.

4.) Everywhere Satan sits becomes an evil place if he remains seated there!

In the Strong dictionary of Greek terms we find this: "thronos" From a´ thrao¯ (to sit); a stately seat (“throne”); by implication power or (concretely) a potentate: - seat, throne.

What's a potentate? A person who possesses great power or sway; a prince; a sovereign; an emperor, king or monarch.

Now we can know that God our Father knows exactly where Satan is sitting or standing or walking at this very moment. BUT God also knows where Satan has set up his place of business. Satan's business is to destroy anything that is of God.

We know of some things that Satan is the prince of, (not king of but prince of):

1.) He is the true prince of "devils".

Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but [by Beelzebub the prince of the devils].

2.) He is the prince of "this world".

Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall [the prince of this world] be cast out.

3.) He is the "prince of the power of the air".

Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to [the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience]:

It is he that works in children that do not obey. This includes all grownups.

Christ our Lord also knew where Satan was at all times!

Joh 14:30 says Hereafter I will not talk much with you: [for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me].

We find in Pergamos a lot of ungodly things.

The symbol of Asklepios was the serpent as it is of Satan(all doctors still have this emblem on their doors and some even on their persons as badges).

There was, besides this, a great throne altar to Zeus cut on the Acropolis rock, symbol of “rampant paganism” (Swete) and the new Caesar-worship with the recent martyrdom of Antipas made Pergamum indeed a very throne of Satan.

Pergamos was in a center of heathen idolatry. Pergamos was a notorious center of idolatry.

1Jn 5:21 says Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

These believers in Pergamos probably had many reasons to deny their faith. We can see that at least one (Antipas) had been Martyrd by the ruling government of Pergamos. Satan had firmly planted his evilness (his seat) in this government. America is getting worse just as the Bible says but it hasn't reached that point here yet. But God's children are Martyrd in many places in this world every day.

It is a true statement to say that Satan has a seat in every church on this earth but if we worship as we should "in spirit and truth" then we can at least keep his feet moving toward the door and his thoughts on getting out of there and maybe giving him ulcers and put him on Valium or some pain killer.

Satan can only be in one place at a time but once he entrenches himself in government he becomes an obstacle to the church and we must stand steadfast against all false doctrine and ungodly laws and lawmakers. Our vote is more important that it ever has been. Satan has entrenched himself into most all education of children and we find it harder every day to battle the foolishness of false science and those that control the books used in education. This is another of Satan's seats that we allow him to much freedom in. Wake up America!

Oh, by the way, it is believed Antipas was slow roasted in the housing of a bull. One legend is that he was burnt to death in a brazen bull. The Bible is not about legends but there are those that will die before they deny the Lord Jesus Christ.

This church did not deny the Lord Jesus Christ. They held fast to His name and did not deny His faith.

James wrote to us by the Holy Spirit that after salvation the born again Christian should be noticeable in the way he lives and serves God.

Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

We cannot please our Lord without our faith in Him.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

*****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 is the doctrine of Balaam?

The Apostle Paul wrote of these people:

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:
Php 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Balaam had the secular world leaders (King Balac) convinced that he could influence the true church because he could gain special favor from God that he could get a special message from God. [That is if those needing his service had enough money].

Num 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed [with the rewards of divination in their hand]; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

God did not allow this and reproved Balaam many times. We know if God reproves someone claiming to be a Christian often enough He will sometimes put and end to it.

Pro 29:1 says He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, [shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy].

Before the death of Balaam he did give Balak the means to hurt the work of God's people.

Num 31:15 And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?
Num 31:16 Behold, [these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor], and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

The children of Israel had been influenced when Balak(Balac) had sent many women to live among them. This caused inner marriage with them. They brought their religion in to intermingle with the truth of God causing confusion and causing the children of Israel to sin. Even eating things that were sacrificed to Idols.

Not only was there fornication outside the marriage but there was adultery within the marriage and then add to that the worldly influence came into the church.

God had given these words to his children:

Gen 24:3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, [that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites], among whom I dwell:
Gen 24:4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

Num 36:6 This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, [Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry].

These words hold true even today in our time because God does not change!

Marriage:

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.

Fornication:

Act 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Things sacrificed to Idols:

1Co 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
1Co 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

The church in Corinth had a lot in common with this church in Pergamos as does a lot of the church in 2010. Satan does not have to change his tactics in any age.

Balaam met his bitter end just as God said:

Jos 13:22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, [did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them].

Just as Proverbs 29 had said.

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].

He was still hanging out with the enemies of God and trying to fill his pocketbook. The secular church in our day and time is filled with this influence of Balaam because there are still many Balaams who have climbed behind the pulpits of many churches and they hang right with the ruling elite of today trying their best to fill their pocketbooks in any way they can.

Paul warns us again:

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 [For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple].

Jude says:

Jud 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, [walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage].
Jud 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Jud 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, [who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Jud 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit].

Remember God said this church had these people already inside the church and not outside trying to get in. If you do not have the Holy Spirit inside of you then you are not saved.

*****Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

At the church of Ephesus the Lord had said they hated the the deeds of the Nicolaitans but now this group of people had gained entrance into the church of Pergamos. These are the ones that want absolute rule of the church. The so called perfect ones.

The Apostle John wrote of these:

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.

These come in the form of members, deacons, and ministers among other things. It is the church that Christ is writing to. It is the church that rules the church with the instruction from Jesus Christ our Lord. [The church belongs to Jesus or it is not a church].

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].

Paul also had this warning which has held true:

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].

Satan will do anything to hinder the work of the church of Jesus Christ.

Note: Read more about the Nicolaitans in the lesson "Message to Ephesus".

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

Repent!

When we look in any direction besides unto God, we are in need of repentance!

Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

We have to turn from unrighteous works to the living God:

Act 14:15 [And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things?] We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you [that ye should turn from these vanities] unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
Act 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

We have to lay aside all forms of evilness:

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
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.

Remember that twoedged sword. One side of that sword is counseling to make the church better. The other side of the sword is the rebuke of the Lord, His wrath. God is giving these massages to His church in order that [more lost souls be saved].

This is the purpose of the church, to carry God's word to the lost. When those Nicolaitans show up in our church, we need to expose them for what they are, give them room to repent and if to no avail we need to turn them over to Satan.

1Co 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1Co 5:6 Your glorying is not good. [Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump]?

It is the Church, those Born Again Saved Souls of Christ, that are to see that the Church goes forward for Jesus!

*****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.

Again the Holy Spirit encourages all the church of Jesus to listen to these words.

Heb 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

What is the hidden manna?

Manna was the food God sent down from Heaven to feed the children of Israel for forty years in the wilderness. Some was gathered at one time and place in the Ark of the Covenant.

Exo 16:33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.

This Ark was placed in side the Veil of the Tabernacle.

Heb 9:2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
Heb 9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
Heb 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
Heb 9:5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

We find out later that the pot of Manna is missing from inside the Ark.

1Ki 8:9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.

So is this now what is called the "hidden manna".

The Ark has never been located but we know that the Earthly ark was built by a pattern in Heaven.

Rev 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and [there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament]: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Has God taken it all back to Heaven.

We do have these words of Jesus.

Joh 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but [my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven].

What is the true bread?

Joh 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, [and are dead].
Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and [not die].
Joh 6:51 [I am the living bread which came down from heaven]: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Is this the "hidden manna"? I believe this is the "hidden manna".

Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: [he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever].

The Bible says.

Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and [your life is hid] with Christ in God.

Is this the "hidden manna" the word of God hidden in your own heart?

Jesus Christ had these words.

Joh 4:31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
Joh 4:32 But he said unto them, [I have meat to eat that ye know not of].

There are some mysteries in the Bible.

Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

God's children will know most all His secrets.

Psa 25:14 [The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him]; and he will shew them his covenant.

The food from Heaven will satisfy all hunger.

Psa 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied [with the fatness of thy house]; and thou shalt make them drink of [the river of thy pleasures].

This food will bring life to the soul.

Pro 3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

We will never hunger again.

Isa 65:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
Isa 65:14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
Isa 65:15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and [call his servants by another name]:

That new name will go on that "white stone"!

It is believed that this term the "white stone" comes an ancient voting custom. There were white and black stones. A white stone was cast for approval and a black stone was cast for rejection. We get our phrase "blackballed" from this system of voting. This system may have even began in the arenas where athletes performed. It could also have been a means of the Sanhedrin Court. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says.

Act 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, [I gave] my voice against them.

The Jews were well aware of this system of choosing as they had, had the Urim and the Thummim all these years in their religion.

Exo 28:30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

In our Christian dispensation, the high-priest's peculiar treasure, [consultation of God's light and truth, belongs to all believers as spiritual priests].

The "white stone", has been regarded as referring to the pebble of acquittal used in the Greek courts; to the lot cast in elections in Greece; to both of these combined; to the stones in the high priest's breastplate; to the tickets presented to the victor, at the public games; or, lastly, to the custom of writing on stones.

We know that a "white stone" always means the God has chosen the church through His Son Christ Jesus in this time of grace and in this time of the Church Age.

Let's pray!

The Message To The Church At Smyrna

THE MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA

Our Text: Revelation 2:8-11

Last week we learned about the message to the Church of Ephesus. This was a big modern city of her time and was home to the temple of Diana, once listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the known world. The lesson we learned was that we can never take our eyes off of Jesus. It was Jesus Christ that paid our debt that we could not pay. It is Jesus Christ that will lead us in to Heaven and eternal life. There is no other way to get there. You know Peter took his eyes off of the Lord when he got out of that boat and he began to sink but it was the long arm of God that reached out to him and carried him back to the safety. The church, the one that clings to the Lord Jesus as a loving bride is the one that is going home soon to Heaven.

Today we look at what Christ said to the Church of Smyrna. The church in Smyrna was a much-persecuted church in a wealthy city that had little time for Christians. The city itself, founded about three centuries before Christ, was a well-planned accomplishment of Alexander the Great. The commercial center of Asia Minor, it was on the direct trade route from India and Persia to Rome. The large variety of coins found by archaeologists in the city clearly indicates that it was a wealthy city. The Jewish segment of the population seems to have been most irreligious and neglectful of spiritual things. Few specific details are known of the history of the Smyrna church other than what is given here in the book of Revelation. It can be safely deduced, however, that it was a most faithful church in the face of persecution. From this account, the known characteristics of the conditions in the church at Smyrna indicate that the judgment seat of Christ will reveal this church to be one of the most outstanding local bodies of believers in all of church history.

The city's name means "myrrh", which is obtained from a tree in the same manner as frankincense and tastes bitter. Myrrh was used chiefly in embalming the dead, because it had the property of preserving dead bodies from putrefaction. This type of embalming was used in Egypt and Judea. Smyrna was located about 40 miles to the north of Ephesus and was likely founded by the apostle Paul. The celebrated Polycarp, a pupil of the apostle John, was in the second century a prominent leader in the church of Smyrna.

The origins of the Christian community there, which was established in the 1st century, are unknown. Ignatius of Antioch stopped at Smyrna on his way to martyrdom in Rome in 107 AD, and he sent a letter back to the Christians there from later in his journey. Smyrna's bishop, Polycarp, was burned at the stake in Smyrna's stadium around 156 AD.

Some say this church represents the Age of the persecuted church but if you ask some in India, and China, and Russia or especially any of the Muslim dominated countries you will see persecution is still rampant in this world. It can be said that many more than 100,000,000 Christians have been murdered since the time of Christ and many of those by the so called Christian church. The false church of Satan is alive an well in this world and we will learn the destruction of this beast in this very book we are studying.

*****Our Text:

Rev 2:8-11

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;

Here again we see this word is given to the pastor of the church. We know the work of the pastor.

Jeremiah said:

Jer 17:15 Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now.
Jer 17:16 As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; [thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee].

A true Pastor has to preach God's word in truth:

Jer 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. [But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay].

A true Pastor has a mission from God Himself:

Eze 3:19 [Yet if thou warn the wicked], and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

A true Pastor will preach the entire word of God:

Act 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you [all the counsel of God].

A true Pastor is always aware of the false preachers so, they will always speak of Christ:

2Co 2:17 [For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God]: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Does our church have a true Pastor? I know we do here at Gethsemane Baptist Temple. Does yours?

Then they should also preach this Book of the Revelation of Christ Jesus. He (Jesus) gave these words to the Pastors of these seven churches to "Preach".

(Is alive)

The last time our Lord was seen on this Earth, He was alive!

Act 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Act 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
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].

He was seen of the Apostle Paul after that:

Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, [but by the revelation of Jesus Christ].

Eph 3:3 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)
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;'

In fact Paul gave us these words:

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:
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of [due time].

I believe Paul thought he should have been one of the 144,000 by his words due time. I try to pay my bills before they are due. That is a future date not one from the past.

We are also taught of God that by Jesus were the worlds created:

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;
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Heb 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

There is only one true 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.

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.
Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

My God is alive. He walked on the Earth with Adam. He walked on this Earth as Jesus. He walk out of that grave as Jesus, "alive" not some ghost. He walked on this Earth for forty days after the grave in a body which was glorified. He was alive when the Apostles saw Him go into that cloud. He was alive when Paul saw Him and he was alive when The Apostle John saw Him this day. Our God is alive and He always will be.

Rev 10:6 says And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

If we are with Him as He says then this very day of endless time will be our beginning of "eternal life".

*****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.

(Thy works)

The phrase "I know thy works" is used [exactly seven] times in the Bible and it is only used when Christ addresses these seven churches.

Does God know everything?

Job said God had perfect knowledge: Job 37:16

The Psalmist said God's understanding was infinite: Psa 147:5

Samuel says the Lord looks all the way into the heart of man: 1 Sam 16:7

King David told Solomon that God understood every thought of man: 1 Chron 28:9

Jeremiah wrote God knows everything we do: Jer 17:10

It tells of this in Hebrews and, In Isaiah, in fact Isaiah says God even knows the future before it happens: Isa 41:21-24

Isa 42:9 says Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Jesus said God even knew how many hairs were on the head of each and every one of us: Matt 10:30

God knows everything and He knows what we are doing and what we have done since we got saved. Jesus gave this message to the pastor so the pastor could preach to the church. Jesus is talking to you and I on a personal level when He says "I know your works"!

James the half-brother of the Lord writes:

Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

And you can say that a church without good works will be dead also.

(Tribulation)

If God knows our works He also knows how much we have suffered to do those works. Now this is different from punishment for sin. God will use that Heavenly Hickory from time to time. This is different from the things that happen because of the curse on this world. The Sickness, and things that come from aging, and things from more natural causes.

This is the tribulation we suffer just because we say we are "Christians" and just because we are trying to do the work God has commanded us to do. We are all suppose to be Evangelist for Jesus in any way that we can and with all our heart. We have freedoms here in America that some do not have in other countries, So God will expect more from us but He expects us all to do our part. Even when we are old and weak, we can pray for the word of God to go unhindered throughout the world. We can pray God will place a hedge of protection around His children, His sheep.

During this time in Smyrna it was a time of Emperor worship. The Caesars had declared themselves god's and it could mean death to not bow down to them or their statues. The Temple of Zeus was there which goes back to the days of Nimrod. The Temple of Cybele was there which was their version of Diana and the queen of heaven. This was a hard place to be a Christian. The Romans hated all Christians. The imperial laws against Christians were enforced severely in Smyrna. At that time this helped the Jews who also hated all Christians.

The Smyrna church was a persecuted church. The name Smyrna comes from the word myrrh, the sweet smelling incense. The aroma permeated the space when myrrh is crushed. It is used even today is incense. The Smyrna church was sweet smelling sacrifice to God. You could say it was bitter-sweet to be a Christian in this place. They were mercilessly put to death by fine Roman methods -lions, stakes, and torches. Romans were connoisseurs of torturing. To this tortured persecuted crushed church Jesus writes a comforting letter.

The Church at Ephesus in it's period had lost it's first love; therefore, the Lord permitted chastisement to come to that Church. In Smyrna the prophecy of persecution and death is seen. We now will also see there are rewards for the sealing your testimony with your own blood.

(Thy Poverty)

Any person that converted to Christianity in Smyrna were not only persecuted but they were not allowed into the system. No employment. No place to sell their wares and what they owned was taken away from them. Sadly this still happens in Muslim control countries and in some other places as well.

But they were rich:

Jas 2:5 says Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and [heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him]?

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and [what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints],

2Co 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; [as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things].

Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: [for great is your reward in heaven]: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Mat 10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and [he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward].

2Jn 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

(That say they are Jews)

There are always people that claim to be something they are not. There are many living in America today that call themselves Americans but do everything they can to change things to something from their past. These Jews probably were not as persecuted because it was the time of the Church. They were still suppose to be God's people! When they added to the persecution of the Church they brought the wrath of the Lord down upon them. Jesus Christ Himself was born a Jew in the flesh through His mother Mary but He is the foundation of the Church.

Rom 2:28 says 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.

These are His words recorded here to His own Earthly race. God does not sugar coat any of His words. His word is always true.

Rom 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Rom 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Rom 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Just because they had a family tree in the Jewish history it did not make them Jews. The Lord said if you were Abraham's seed you would do the works of Abraham. And what was the work of Abraham.

Joh 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
Joh 8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, [If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham].

Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, [Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God].

A friend of God would not persecute other believers!

Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Synagogue of Satan:

If you do not belong to God then you belong to Satan and wherever you gather you are in his house. Today we hear that all religions should pull together under one roof. This could never be the truth without the truth first and only being Jesus Christ.

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.

Two names are used for the enemy of mankind in Revelation:

1.)Satan- which means "adversary".
2.)Devil- which means "slanderer".

He is both these things to the church of the Living God. He is the instigator of all persecution and of all slander brought forth to the Church.

*****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.

We that know God, know that all power comes from Him.

Psa 62:11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

Satan cannot come close to one of God's children without His (God's) express permission!

God said to Satan about Job: Job 2:6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

There is no power but of God:

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: [the powers that be are ordained of God].

To resist God's power is to ensure your place in Hell:

Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and [they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation].

The persecution of Saints has it's own purpose and God is in control of it's use and it's outcome! God's purpose of persecution will cause repentance, purification and will strengthen the love, faith and courage of the Church.

Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Luk 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
Luk 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Luk 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luk 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luk 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

That number "Ten". The first thing we should know is that this is not referring to any time of the tribulation period. That would be later and the Church will already be with our Savior.

Ten is a big number in the Bible.

1.) There are "Ten" Commandments.
2.) God would not have destroyed Sodom had He found "Ten" righteous men.
3.) God named the place we live Earth in the "tenth" verse.
4.) God tells us of the Generations of Noah in the "Tenth" Chapter.
5.) There are "Ten" Generations till the time of Noah.
6.) There are only "Ten" recorded Passovers in the Bible with Jesus dying on the Cross of Calvary at that "Tenth" one.

There are also "Ten" known eras of Christian persecution with the last one, the Diocletian period lasting exactly "Ten" years.

1.) Nero (66 A.D.)
2.) Domitian (93 A.D.)
3.) Trajan (102 A.D.)
4.) Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and Lucius Verus (166 A.D.)
5.) Septimus Severus (201 A.D.)
6.) Maximin (237 A.D.)
7.) Decius (251 A.D.)
8.) Valerian (259 A.D.)
9.) Aurelian (273 A.D.)
10.)Diocletian (302 A.D.)

Ten is also one of the perfect and complete numbers with three, seven and twelve being the others.

The number ten is the start of a whole new order of numbers and the culmination of the numbers that come before it. This may seem to be merely a distinction given to ten under our decimal numbering system. However the numbering systems in use in the time that the Bible was written were also based upon the number ten. Furthermore numbering by tens is built in to our very anatomy, count up on your fingers and when they are all used, make a mark on a piece of paper and start from your first finger again. Soon you will have a number of marks, each representing 'two hands' worth. Thus in ancient times as in modern times ten is the start of a whole new order of numbers and the culmination of the numbers that come before it.

Let's make it simple:

In the Book of Daniel we see these words:

Dan 1:12 [Prove thy servants], I beseech thee, [ten days]; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

Because Daniel and his friends stayed by the word of God, God gave them wisdom and understanding.

Dan 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

In fact they were "ten" times better than those false men of understanding.

Dan 1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

God is no respecter of persons:

Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

God could not do for Daniel and not do for these that were persecuted in Smyrna. He would only allow Satan to prove them for "ten" days. Their end result would be a homecoming!

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.

Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mar 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

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 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

*****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.

Seven times to these churches does the Holy Spirit tell the individuals to hear what is said. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to hear God's message that is taught in the Church. God will accept no excuses at the Judgment Seat. We cannot depend on others to do our learning, our hearing, our praying nor our confessing.

He that overcomes will not be hurt in the second death.

It is a good saying, that he that is born once will die twice but he that is born twice will die only once.

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.

The first death is the death of the flesh. That second death is in the Burning Lake of Fire. No "Born Again" child of God will ever see the Burning Lake of Fire.

A person has to reject God's word to get there and sadly many will. To be a child of God, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, you will suffer persecution that will increase as time goes by. It may cost you some friends. It will cost you some popularity. It may cost you your job. Many of these Saints at Smyrna lost their lives because of their faith. God pity you and I if we cannot suffer some in the name of Jesus Christ.

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
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:

Let's pray!