INSIDE THE THRONE ROOM OF GOD
Text: Revelation Chapter 4
When we began our study in the book of Revelation we found that this book is the unveiling of Jesus Christ. When we were in chapter 1 and verse 19 we found that Jesus Himself rightly divided this book for our continued study. Jesus gave us a commandment to do this and He helped us out here.
2Ti 2:15 says Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
To rightly divide is to handle the word of God correctly! This expression means "to cut straight" A carpenter, a stone mason, a surgeon, a farmer, a road builder all have a hope to cut straight. To those that refuse to handle the word of God according to His guidelines will be judged of God. Those who teach God's word are to remain true to the word of God at all times. Those who hear God's word and believe on it have this same responsibility.
Remember Jesus was a carpenter, and a stone mason, and a surgeon and a farmer and it is He that has provided the road to salvation!
The way Christ divided this book:
Rev 1:19 Write the things [which thou hast seen], and the things [which are], and the things which [shall be hereafter];
1.) The things that were seen: Jesus Christ Himself. Chapter 1
2.) The Things which are: The Church and the Church Age. Chapter 2-3
3.) The things that are to come: The Prophetic future. (after the church age) Chapter 4 till the end.
Let's begin our third section of this great book.
The words "church" or "churches" are used 20 times in this book but 19 times in the first three chapters and then only one more time in the remaining chapters of this book:
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.
If we accept the fact that Jesus Christ is the author of this book and that all scripture is inspired of God.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Does this book have divine authorship?
This book is no different than what was told to Moses:
Exo 20:1 And [God spake all these words], saying,
Exo 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Nor to Joshua:
Jos 1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that [the LORD spake unto Joshua] the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
Jos 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
The words "the Lord spake" or "God spake" are use 157 times in the Bible. Add "God said" for 46 more times. "Thus saith the Lord" is seen 413 times in the Bible.
God says what He means and He means what He says!
The Apostle John says he will "bare" the record of the word of God!
Rev 1:2 says Who [bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw].
Bare means: to be a witness, to bear witness, to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration
We know God speaks through a mediator:
Again Moses:
Deu 31:24 And it came to pass, [when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book], until they were finished,
Deu 31:25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
Deu 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee
Samuel:
1Sa 10:25 [Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book], and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
Nehemiah:
Neh 8:5 And [Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people]; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
Neh 8:6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
This happens all through the Old Testament and the New Testament.
It should not be too hard to accept that the Lord Jesus divided this book and the Church, the Bride of Christ will go to Heaven at the end of the Church Age.
Because the Lord also said these words:
Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, [I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth].
This would be the coming tribulation period.
Our Text:
*****Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
(After this)
After Rev 1:1-3:22
Among those who do not believe that the Second Coming of our Lord will be in two phases, they often point out that the word "rapture" does not appear in the English Bible. But, as we all know, the New Testament was written in Greek, not English. The word which is used in Greek to give us the understanding of the Rapture is harpazo - translated in I Thessalonians 4:17 with the English words "caught up."
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain [shall be caught up] together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
harpazo = catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).
Additional usages of harpazo include Matthew 11:12; 13:19;
and all these others:
Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent [take it by force].
Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and [catcheth away] that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
John 6:15; 10:12, 28-29; Acts 8:39; 23:10;
Joh 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and [take him by force], to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
II Corinthians 12:2, 4; Jude 23; and Revelation 12:5.
Our English word "rapture" is a transliteration of the "Latin" translation of I Thessalonians 4:17 which uses the word "rapturo."
So after the Church age ends with the Rapture of the Bride of Christ these other things will begin and the first thing we see is the Throne Room of God. This is the view the Church will have!
Paul wrote:
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Remember we just left the Laodicean church. This church will go through the tribulation period. (Jesus Christ was on the outside). He has given this church the opportunity to repent and this church has until the rapture to do so. At that time the period of "grace" will be over.
God has this message to all those that hear and reject His Word of Truth:
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.
There will be some saved during the tribulation period but not any of the Laodicean church period. They will have chosen their own destiny and it will not be in Heaven.
We must not be confused about the "rapture". The Philadelphian church will be "called out". The Laodicean church will be "spewed out"!
The Bible Says:
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
(I looked, BEHOLD the door)
The Apostle John had witnessed a lot of miracles of Jesus. He had seen the transfiguration of the Lord. He had Apostolistic powers and had done miracles himself, possibly even raising the dead. John had never seen anything that compared to what was inside that door of heaven.
Behold means: To fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care.
We as Christians know that there is only one door that leads into Heaven.
Jesus says:
Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
because He is the only way:
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.
The Apostle John is not the only one who got a glimpse inside this door.
Act 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, [and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God],
Stephen got a glimpse.
Dan 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Daniel got a glimpse:
Isa 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died [I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne], high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Isaiah got a glimpse:
Eze 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, [that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God].
Ezekiel got a glimpse;
Exo 24:9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
Exo 24:10 And [they saw the God of Israel]: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
We can see that Moses and 72 more got a glimpse of Heaven.
You see this door was closed to the Laodicean church and it will be closed to all unbelievers but it will be open to all the saints of God. Not to those chosen by men but only those that have chosen Jesus Christ as their saviour. There is only one way to become a saint. You have to invite Christ Jesus into your heart. He will come if you are sincere!
(trumpet)
In the Bible the trumpet was used to call attention to important announcements. This time it will be the greatest announcement for the church, the Bride of Christ.
"Come home, come home, it's supper time!"
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, [I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me].
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
You see Jesus made a promise to the church:
Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
This is best known as the "time of Jacob's trouble".
Jer 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
Jer 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:
Jer 30:9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
The church is not appointed to this wrath:
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Born again believers are not saved just to go through the wrath of God. There would be no time of "grace" if this was so. The church will be delivered from the wrath of God.
Most of this nonsense comes from the teaching that the church is the true Israel. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Israel and the Church are two different peoples with two different walks that lead to the gates of Heaven. Not another way because the only way will still be through the Lord Jesus Christ. The church has obtained true salvation and it begins the moment you allow Jesus into your heart.
Christ in your heart will deliver you daily from the power of sin, the world, the flesh, the devil and God's coming wrath on this world.
1Jn 3:1 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 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
The Lord knows how to deliver the Godly from temptations:
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
We have the proof in God's word:
In the day of the world wide flood, not one drop of rain fell until Noah and his family were safe inside the Ark!
Gen 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
In the day of the destruction of Sodom not one spark of fire and brimstone fell till Lot was safe.
Gen 19:29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.
Lot placed himself in the middle of Satan's evilness but he was still righteous in God's eyes.
2Pe 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
2Pe 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
Certainly the Bride of Christ is loved as great as these. The church will not see any of the wrath of Christ:
Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
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.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
(the things that will come)
John is telling us of some things that will happen as believers enter into Heavens Gates. We first will see the door. We know that door is Jesus Christ. John will describe these in Chapters 4 and 5. The things here after begin in Chapter 6.
Heaven is a real place. We have already said that Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel, Stephen and even the Apostle Paul got a view of Heaven. John gives us the Heavenly view. When John is told not to write some things we can praise God because those will be some things that the church will never know because they are so horrible. Probably done by Satan but allowed by God.
Our Text:
*****Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Rev 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
(in the spirit)
As I have said we must remember the Apostle John had powers way beyond the normal man as did all the Apostles. That power died out with the Apostle John and does not exist. The power of the Holy Spirit exist but all other powers returned to the Almighty God.
What I'm trying to say is John had seen some wondrous things but nothing as wondrous and wonderful as what he was looking at just then at the door of Heaven. These are the beginnings of the things that are here after. (Rev 1:19).
John says "and immediatly"
1Co 15:52 In a moment, [in the twinkling of an eye], at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
John was in the spirit. It is the Holy Spirit of God that will rapture us off this planet. He will go home when God calls Him home. We know that Jesus could not give us His Spirit until He had ascended back to heaven and He cannot come back until His Spirit is back in Heaven.
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
This process will be in reverse when the Lord returns. He will recall the Spirit with the saints and he Then He will return to this Earth.
(The Throne)
We as Christians know this throne now as the "Throne of Grace". If we humble ourselves we can approach this throne through our prayers.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
We know Christ Our Lord is there in Heaven to receive our prayers:
Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 [Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace], that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
After the rapture we will see the throne that John is telling us about now.
Psa 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
This will probably be the throne we will face Christ at His Judgement Seat (Bema) but this will "not" be the throne of the White Throne of Judgement as there will never be sinners allowed into Heaven.
Psa 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Psa 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
The Lord God Almighty is the one that sit's on this throne!
Our text:
*****Rev 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
In Rev 21:11 we see a description of the Jasper Stone:
Rev 21:11 [Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal];
Stone: The Greek word "lithos" Apparently a primary word; a stone
Most Precious: The Greek word "timios" valuable, that is, (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved: - dear, honourable, (more, most) precious, had in reputation.
Jasper: The Greek word "iaspis" a gem.
The word Jasper is used exactly seven times in the Bible and we know the importance of the number seven in the book of Revelation.
Jasper in the Old Testament from the Hebrew word "yashpheh" meaning to polish.
No matter what the modern world thinks of this stone it is precious in the Bible.
In this description of Lucifer:
Eze 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, [and the jasper], the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
Oliver Green tells us these things:
"And thou shalt set in it [the high-priest's breastplate] settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their enclosings" -- Exodus 28:17-20
"In Exodus 28, we read of these stones in the breastplate of the high priest. The Sardius (the blood-red) stone having to do with Reuben is mentioned first, and the Jasper stone last. Revelation 4 speaks first of the Jasper stone--the clear white stone of Benjamin. This is not to be taken lightly. There is a definite reason for reversing of the stones, putting the first last, and the last first.
"The Sardius was blood-red, speaking of the sacrifice of blood, pointing to the cross and the first coming of Jesus to shed His blood for the remission of sin. The name is derived from two Hebrew words meaning 'behold the Son.' It pointed to the person of whom John the Baptist said, 'Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world' (John 1:29). It also tells us that He (the Lord Jesus) was the first born of every creature, and the first begotten--the ONLY begotten--son of God (John 3:16).
"The Jasper, the last stone in the Old Testament breastplate, represented Benjamin. This was a clear stone, speaking of total victory. On the Jasper stone was Benjamin's name, which is a combination of two Hebrew words (BEN and JAMIN), so scholars tell us, meaning 'the son of my right hand'...or, as one authority puts it, 'the son of my power.' The first and last stones pointed forward to the first and second coming of the great High Priest--none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.
"However, here in Revelation 4, the order of the stones is reversed. John the Beloved sees Him (Jesus) first as the Jasper, and second as the Sardius. The reason is clear: In the Old Testament the saints looked forward to the day when the Lamb would come, they looked forward to the cross, and therefore saw the Sardius...the blood-red stone...first. They looked beyond that and saw the Jasper, the clear white stone representing His power and His rule at His second coming to set up the kingdom. However, when John had the experience we are now studying, he was on this side of Calvary and the Rapture, and was looking back. John saw, first of all, the Jasper stone, the clear one--and then the red stone, the cross and sacrifice."
We must realize that there is no way John could put what he saw into words:
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
What John did see was God sitting on His Throne. Praise God, no matter what is happening here on Earth, it is God that still sits on the Throne.
John saw glorious colors. The Emerald color of the rainbow, the red of the Sardine stone and the multiple colors of the Jasper stone. Glory in all it's brilliance. More beauty than could be imagined by a man in the spirit of a vision. Praise God, this is the view He gives until He shows us the real thing.
The Bible Says:
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.
John got a glimpse of the unsurpassed splendor of a Holy God.
Jasper stands for the Holiness of God Rev 21:11
Sardine stands for the blood atonement demanded by God for the remission of sins. Here it represents the Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh and His death on the cross.
It is the white stone of glory the people will see at His "second coming".
The "rainbow" is a reminder of His promise about the flood. God never breaks His promises!
The color green denotes God's grace and all these things together denote the love that God has for His Church, His Bride.
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
God's mercy endures forever and is unbroken to those that believe on Him:
2Jn 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2Jn 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Let's keep in mind that if you do not meet Jesus Christ at this throne, you "will" meet Him at the White Throne of Judgement! Every Knee will bow to this righteous God!
Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
You do not have to believe that this happen but the truth is the truth and God said let the ignorant remain ignorant.
Paul wrote:
1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
1Co 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Our Text:
*****Rev 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Who are these Elders?
In the Old Testament there were 24 priests on duty at all times. They represented all the priests in Israel. The Bible teaches that every born again child of God is a priests.
Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
It can be said that these 24 Elders represent all the saints that are the children of God. All God's children are priests.
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
(clothed in white)
White stands for the Righteousness and the Holiness of God.
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.
Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
(the crowns)
These Elders set forth royal dignity:
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
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].
The Bible mentions 4 more crowns:
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.
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me [a crown of righteousness], which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we [an incorruptible].
This may mean that the Judgement Seat of Christ has already taken place and the rewards distributed. These are rewards but the saints will not rule with Christ until the Millennium. The 12 Apostles will judge and rule and administer to the 12 tribes of Israel.
Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
Luk 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And some of the Saints will be given some authority over cities and maybe regions and nations.
Luk 19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Luk 19:18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
Luk 19:19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Our Text:
*****Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
We absolutely do not have a clue to what it will be like to be in the "presence of God".
In Exo 19:16-19 and Exo 20:18-19 we can see that the children of Israel feared for their lives!
Exo 20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
In 1Sam 7:10 we can read where the entire army of the Philistines ran for fear of God!
1Sa 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
Note: this will happen again at the second coming of the Lord.
Note: the saints of God, the "born again" will miss the day of wrath.
In our world, thunder and lightning announces the coming of an approaching storm We know the Bible says there will be the terrible storm of God about 7 years after the rapture of the church. The days of the Antichrist will also be terrible days.
(seven spirits)
We have looked at these 7 spirits in earlier lessons and they denote the Spiritual perfection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He is our: 1.) Faithful witness:
Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
He is the 2.) The first begotten of the dead:
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
He is 3.) The Prince of the Kings of this Earth:
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
He is 4.) The one who loved us!
1Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
5.) He is the "One" who washed us from our sin in His Own Blood:
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:
1Pe 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
1Pe 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
(seven lamps)
We know that oil in the Bible can represent the Holy Spirit. The candlesticks earlier represented the church. Here we see the word lamps. The oil of the Holy Spirit fills those lamps and the flame of Jesus shines brightly. The perfect Son of God. We also know that God's church is now in Heaven.
Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
You know this is the third time these spirits have been mentioned and they represent the fulness of God of Whose "essence" is the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says of these lamps: They are of Life, Intelligence, Knowledge, and Guidance.
The Bible also says:
1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Php 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Php 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
In this book of the "Unveiling" of the Lord Jesus Christ, it would help to think like He does, after all it is His Spirit that abides inside of us.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
This is why so many will be left behind sitting on those pews, they forgot about Jesus!
(that Sea of glass)
That Sea of Glass is the reflection and perfection of a Holy God. Those four beast have it right, Holy, Holy, Holy the Lord God Almighty.
The Bible said it would look like ice, and with those colors mention by John it certainly would look so beautiful and wonderful. (Read Job 28)
In the Old Testament the wicked are said to be like a troubled sea:
Isa 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
There is no wickedness in Heaven so it will be like a Sea of Perfection, the perfection of Peace. When we look back at the Old Testament see these words.
1Ki 7:29 (read through verse 45) And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
For what purpose?
Exo 30:18 Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
Exo 30:19 For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:
Exo 30:20 When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:
Exo 30:21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.
Exo 38:8 And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
We can see the that Cystal Sea in Heaven would never have a ripple because all that come into the congregation of Heaven needed no washing.
God has given us a glimpse of this before:
Exo 24:10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
Eze 1:22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
Remember even this Earth the Lord Jesus said to the Sea of Galilee these words:
Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, [Peace, be still]. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Without "faith" we will never see this Sea of Heaven and the beauty and glory of it. Even the sailor knows the calmness of the open sea.
(the 4 beast)
Of those four beast. The Greek word "zoon" is used here which means a living creature and some animal. If we compare this beast to the one in Rev 6:8 we can see a lot of difference. That one is of the Greek word "therion" which means a dangerous animal.
These "beast" before the throne are not dangerous animals. These in the eyes of John were some living creature that he had never seen on Earth so he will give us some things that they resembled.
The number four represents things of this world in scripture: These four living creatures, also the four winds of Revelation, the four seasons, the four points of direction (NESW), the four rivers of Eden, the four corners of the Earth and we could go on to others.
We can be sure that these four living creatures are also angelic creatures maybe representing the living creatures of this Earth.
The Bible says "All" the Earth will worship Him:
Psa 66:4 [All the earth shall worship thee], and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
"All" flesh:
Isa 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, [shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD].
Now the Bible says animals will not go to Heaven but we know there are already some there!
So these four beast are Angelic creatures that denote God's creation. There is nothing hideous about these creatures.
Ezekiel saw them in a vision:
Eze 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
Eze 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
Eze 1:6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Isaiah saw them also:
Isa 6:2 Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
Isa 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
He called them Seraphim and Ezekiel said Cherubim but they are probably the same.
(full of eyes)
The Greek word "ophthalmos" is used for the word "eyes" in this verse. This word means vision and denotes that these creatures had great vision. This can also mean they had a great faculty for knowing, which is obvious as we see them continuously singing Holy, Holy, Holy to the Lord God Almighty. We should envy these creatures if it were not sin.
There is nothing like them here on Earth because John gave no examples as he did the Sea. The word "like" is not the same as the word "as".
God has a purpose for everyone of His creations and these creatures needed no rest from the purpose they had. They "worship" God!
Angels do not know everything like God does but they have been real close to Him for 6000 years. But it is they that are envious of the born again Holy Ghost filled child of God:
1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; [which things the angels desire to look into].
Our Text:
*****Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
1.) The Lion denotes strength, it represents the tribe of Judah and the Blood line of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some say the Book of Matthew speaks of this trait of our Lord.
2.) The Ox(Calf) denotes patient labor, working for the good of others. Some say the Book of Mark paints that picture of Our Lord.
3.) The Man represents intelligence. Even though some would teach a falsehood, man is the most intelligent of God's creation. Only humans can accumulate knowledge to share with each other. After all man is created in the image of God. Some say that the Book of Luke best explains the humanity of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
4.) The flying Eagle denotes God's deliverance of His children:
Exo 19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and [how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself].
Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given [two wings of a great eagle], that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
It is the Lord that leads us to this throne in Heaven.
Deu 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
Deu 32:12 {So the LORD alone did lead} him, and there was no strange god with him.
That's why it's called faith!
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Some say it is the Book of John that denotes this trait of Our Lord.
No matter what we think of these winged creatures they got that praise part right. They feed from the praise they offer up to God. They do not want or need anything else. They are happy doing what they are doing. For He is the one which was, and is, and is to come!
Our Text:
*****Rev 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
Rev 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
1.) Glory: Praise ascribed in adoration; honor.
Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
2.) Honor: Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed,as worship paid to the Supreme Being.
Psa 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
3.) Thanks: Expression of gratitude; Gratitude is the feeling or sentiment excited by kindness; thanks are the expression of that sentiment.
Psa 117:1 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
Psa 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
We see that the signal is issued to join in when the saints arrive and see this praise. [They have already been to the judgement seat]. The time has come after seeing these beasts praise Him that the unworthiness of wearing a crown before such an Awesome God sets in and those crowns are cast to the Saviour's feet and all join in on the praising of the Lord God Almighty. Praise God "That truly will be a glorious day".
The deliverance that has been written about has happened to the Church, the Bride of Christ and we are at home. It will truly be overwhelming.
Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Let's Pray!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
The Message To The Church Of Laodicea
Message to Laodicea
Revelation 3: 14-22
In our study of the Book of Revelation we have made it to the church at Laodicea. Christ our Lord has been in the midst of all His church until this one. I'm sure when this church began it was centered on Jesus Christ but we now see He is outside standing at the door. We know that there are lost souls in every church but we now see a church that does not have one saved soul in it's congregation.
Laodicea was the wealthiest of all these seven cities. Banking was the predominate source of it's wealth but there was also a clothing based on it's black wool products and the manufacture and sale of medicines also helped in the riches of this city.
There was plenty of money, high fashion and drugs! A combination that led to self-righteousness. In fact the word Laodicea means (Lao) people and (dicea) to justify. Meaning people who justified themselves. We live in a worldwide society right now in 2011 that simply believe they can justify anything they do. Not only the terrorist but also the do-gooders. The government use to say "by the people and for the people" but not now. They are all on their own agenda, justifying the work they do themselves.
We also see the same thing in our spiritual climate. After all even the true church is filled with sinners saved by the grace of God. The whole world is filled with self righteous people.
God says:
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and [all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags]; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Not many realize that the term "filthy rags" used here was the rags that were used to wrap the sores of the leper. Leprosy was very contagious and the disease could be caught from those filthy rags. Our own self righteousness is a disease that is contagious to all our family and anyone else we get around.
It seems every one in the world including preachers and other clergy have written "self-help" books. Some even to help you in your Christian walk. We already have that book. It's called the Bible, the Word of God. If we will not adhere to God's word, no other book will help at all unless of course you are just looking for a way to justify yourself.
God says:
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
If we are not justified by our faith in Jesus Christ then we cannot be justified!
In AD 1870 the Roman Catholic Church "declared" the Pope to be infallible when he speaks in his official capacity. There is only one infallible word that that is God's word. Now, we have people rewriting God's word at a faster pace than ever, changing the truth of God's word to suit themselves.
Laodicea did not receive a single commendation from the Lord Jesus Christ. They were rich in material things but poor in "spiritual wealth". They knew the term "lukewarm" because they had a pipeline, an underground aqueduct to bring water from some hot springs close by but by the time the water reached the city it had lost most all it's heat and it's healing properties. It was too cool to be relaxing and too warm to be refreshing. If you drank it it would make you vomit.
Our Text:
*****Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
(amen)
The word "Amen" basically means the same in every language. "it is so" or "so be it" or "so let it be". Jesus Christ will be the center of the true church, those that disagree are of the church of Satan.
Jesus says "it is so" and "so be it" "so let it be". This the only place in the Bible where Jesus is called the Amen and He said it Himself!
Gal 1:10 says 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.
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Joshua said:
Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
The words of God will come true just as He has written them because it is He that is the Author of this Book we call the Bible!
Joh 14:6 says Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
He writes to the unbeliever:
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:
(faithful witness)
A faithful witness tells the truth of what he has seen. Jesus Christ sees all that goes on in every church and in every place on this Earth.
Pilate ask Jesus a question one day and Christ answered in this fashion:
Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. [To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice].
Pilate heard the truth that day and he did not know how to respond than to just say "I find No Fault In Him".
There are no faults in our True and Faithful Witness.
Jesus ask this question:
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?]
The faith of the Laodicean church will not be enough to get you into Heaven!
This final stage of the church is full of "Apostasy".
This city was rich and "most" of the time riches produce rotten living!
1Ti 6:10 [For the love of money is the root of all evil]: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
God would not say this if it were not true!
Joh 17:17 says Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
(beginning of creation)
This church was led to believe that this world we live in, the physical world, is more important than the spiritual world of God and the world that is to come. Jesus Christ was not the first one created of God, it was by Jesus that everything else was created.
Joh 1:3 says All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Col 1:16 says For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Christ is the beginning of the spiritual order. Our new birth happens when we accept Him as our Savior. We then become a new creature. "This the beginning of creation mentioned in this verse".
2Co 5:17 says Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
*****Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
That word "cold" can be interpreted as icy cold as ice water.
That word "hot" can be interpreted as boiling hot or fervent heat.
Cold could be also said "dead" and hot could be said "on fire for God". We all fit somewhere in between these two extremes. Jesus has already said what He thinks of lukewarm!
What were the works of this church? They were indifferent to the faith. This church was lost(Jesus on the outside). They had no spirit inside them. They had never been born again. They made our Lord sick.
I know I am not always as fervent serving the Lord As I should be. Could I be giving My Lord the upset stomach. It will make you think or it does me.
This church knew Christ and even some believed, but so does Satan.
Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: [but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it].
This is the most dangerous stage of all states of the person because many believe that they are truly saved and will not seek to be sure. They will continue in works trying to prove themselves but they will never invite the Lord Jesus into their hearts and He will not force His way in. They will never take a stand either way.
We see this every day in our world when so called Christians will not take a stand against abortion, against evil, against the gays, and against corruption.
This type of church is sending more people to hell than any of the vices of this world ever did.
Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Joh 3:18 says He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
The church at Philadelphia will be called out!
The church at Laodicea will be spewed out!
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.
The church age will end under a dark cloud. The days of Noah and Lot are repeated, darker and darker until the "Morning Star" appears.
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.
You know every message that was preached at this church probably made everyone happy. There was no Holy Ghost conviction. The music was worldly. The word "blood" was not in the song book. Nothing about the "cross". Just the occasional name of Jesus mentioned "as a real good man".
These members did not need the Gospel, they already knew it all.
God does bless with physical things some times, thank goodness, but this not to be compared to spiritual blessings. These people were not free but bound by their own ways. They had decided it could not get any better than what they had. They thought they had the light but they were so blind they were in total darkness to the truth.
*****Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
1.) Not rich, but Poor.
2.) Not increased with goods, but Wretched and Miserable.
3.) Not having need of nothing, but Blind and Naked.
Notice they (thou Sayest) bragged on themselves. They would tell everyone of their perfect church.
God says:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
And:
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Wealth at the expense of Spirituality is a tragedy and a curse. The church at Laodicea and this church age will fulfill the prophesy of Matt 24.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
These were well educated people with plenty of book smarts but were ignorant to the word of God.
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
God said in His own words: "thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked"
*****Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
What was the Lord's counsel?
Buy of Me!
Isa 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and [he that hath no money]; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isa 55:2 [Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread]? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Isa 55:3 [Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live]; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
"Buy of me", the things that can only come from Jesus Christ:
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:
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
(white clothing)
This church was dressed in the fashion of the day even in the spirituality of this last church age but in their own righteousness.
The Bible says:
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
You know when the Bible mentions these filthy rags it is talking about the old rags that were wrapped around the body of the leper. These rags were not only filthy but carried the disease. Our sins and our own righteousness carry the disease of sin. We have no righteousness on our own.
until:
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
To the church:
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.
Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
(eyesalve)
Eye salve first burns, then blinds and then it heals. Spiritual eyesalve (The Holy Ghost) opens up the eyes of the lost and makes the sinner see. We can see the Salvation of the cross and the blood through His eyes if He is within us.
Spiritual eyeglasses:
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Unless the Lord Jesus opens the eyes of our understanding we will never know the truth that makes us free of the sin of this world and break the bonds of Satan's yoke.
*****Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Any person who can live in sin, prosper in sin, be happy in sin and continue in sin, without the chastening of The Lord has never been saved.
Pro 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Pro 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Pro 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Pro 3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
God does these things for Himself! He will not have a people that will not honor Him!
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness [for his name's sake].
These people of Laodicea changed the truth of God into a lie. They may not have been against God but they were not for Him. They were lost in the middle of the highway going no where.
*****Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
These are the saddest of any group of people. Jesus on the outside means He had already removed the candlestick from this church. Glory be He is still knocking to get back inside. Jesus will knock on the door of every heart where His word is heard. That's why we as Christians are to deliver the Word of God to all we can.
You see these people would not go to the door because they knew who was outside that door. They would open the door to a stranger but not to Jesus. Our world is so full of these people today trying to find their own way to Heaven when there is only one way.
How many churches of today have pushed the Lord Jesus Christ out the door but in His Grace, He still stands at the door and knocks to see if we will let Him in.
God came to this Earth in the flesh of Jesus to seek and save all that would believe on Him:
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
There is a down side to those that ignore the word of God:
Luk 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
Christ is at the door asking, are there not any in this church that hear my word?
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
1.) We must invite the Lord into our heart.
2.) We must believe the word He gives to us.
3.) We must receive Him as Lord and Savior
Joh 10:9 [I am the door]: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Can you imagine sitting in the church at Smyrna and hearing this message written to the Laodicean church. They could not have understood such people. The saints of Smyrna were willing to give their life for the Lord and these of Laodicea would not even open the door to Christ Jesus.
The lost of this world know when Jesus is not in their heart. It's the false doctrine that is taught in the church that tells them that they are OK. To not be secure of your salvation is most likely to be lost. These people of this church were not asked if they were saved, they were told by the church leaders that they were saved. They removed that one on one relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He will stand at that door as long as there is one that might listen to Him. There is no door handle on the outside, it must opened from the inside.
*****Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
We are to walk with Jesus. It is Jesus that chose the path. It will not always be an easy path but He goes down this path before us and it is He that knows the way.
Jesus still sits at the throne as our Great High Priest:
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;
Stephen saw Him there before he joined Him in Heaven:
Act 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Act 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
It is Christ that paved our way:
Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
This time of Grace is fast coming to an end and Jesus will return as King of the world:
Luk 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luk 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
And Jesus says:
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Who can deny the work of the Living God?
Act 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Act 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Act 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Act 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Act 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Act 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
*****Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Holy Spirit who will never leave us says please listen to what I am telling you!
Every church on this Earth will fall into the category of one of these seven churches. Every church is made up of people and there are some of these same type people in every church. Many move around from place to place seeking a place they fit in but there is a reason why God chose our place of worship.
A church is not buildings but it is people. No church is more spiritual than the people inside that church. That's why we cannot have a government rule over the church. Governments have no Spirit. That's why you cannot have a Pope or a Cleric or any one that would rule and not teach because they will not have the Spirit. You see we cannot truthfully judge our own church until "we truthfully judged our own selves". James writes:
Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But if we will look to the Lord:
2Co 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
We have a lot of responsibility in our service to God's house as Christians and we have very little time to be that good servant that "Steward" of God's word.
Jesus Christ had nothing good to say to the Laodiceans. What would He say about the church that you attend.
Let's pray!
Revelation 3: 14-22
In our study of the Book of Revelation we have made it to the church at Laodicea. Christ our Lord has been in the midst of all His church until this one. I'm sure when this church began it was centered on Jesus Christ but we now see He is outside standing at the door. We know that there are lost souls in every church but we now see a church that does not have one saved soul in it's congregation.
Laodicea was the wealthiest of all these seven cities. Banking was the predominate source of it's wealth but there was also a clothing based on it's black wool products and the manufacture and sale of medicines also helped in the riches of this city.
There was plenty of money, high fashion and drugs! A combination that led to self-righteousness. In fact the word Laodicea means (Lao) people and (dicea) to justify. Meaning people who justified themselves. We live in a worldwide society right now in 2011 that simply believe they can justify anything they do. Not only the terrorist but also the do-gooders. The government use to say "by the people and for the people" but not now. They are all on their own agenda, justifying the work they do themselves.
We also see the same thing in our spiritual climate. After all even the true church is filled with sinners saved by the grace of God. The whole world is filled with self righteous people.
God says:
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and [all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags]; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Not many realize that the term "filthy rags" used here was the rags that were used to wrap the sores of the leper. Leprosy was very contagious and the disease could be caught from those filthy rags. Our own self righteousness is a disease that is contagious to all our family and anyone else we get around.
It seems every one in the world including preachers and other clergy have written "self-help" books. Some even to help you in your Christian walk. We already have that book. It's called the Bible, the Word of God. If we will not adhere to God's word, no other book will help at all unless of course you are just looking for a way to justify yourself.
God says:
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
If we are not justified by our faith in Jesus Christ then we cannot be justified!
In AD 1870 the Roman Catholic Church "declared" the Pope to be infallible when he speaks in his official capacity. There is only one infallible word that that is God's word. Now, we have people rewriting God's word at a faster pace than ever, changing the truth of God's word to suit themselves.
Laodicea did not receive a single commendation from the Lord Jesus Christ. They were rich in material things but poor in "spiritual wealth". They knew the term "lukewarm" because they had a pipeline, an underground aqueduct to bring water from some hot springs close by but by the time the water reached the city it had lost most all it's heat and it's healing properties. It was too cool to be relaxing and too warm to be refreshing. If you drank it it would make you vomit.
Our Text:
*****Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
(amen)
The word "Amen" basically means the same in every language. "it is so" or "so be it" or "so let it be". Jesus Christ will be the center of the true church, those that disagree are of the church of Satan.
Jesus says "it is so" and "so be it" "so let it be". This the only place in the Bible where Jesus is called the Amen and He said it Himself!
Gal 1:10 says 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.
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Joshua said:
Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
The words of God will come true just as He has written them because it is He that is the Author of this Book we call the Bible!
Joh 14:6 says Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
He writes to the unbeliever:
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:
(faithful witness)
A faithful witness tells the truth of what he has seen. Jesus Christ sees all that goes on in every church and in every place on this Earth.
Pilate ask Jesus a question one day and Christ answered in this fashion:
Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. [To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice].
Pilate heard the truth that day and he did not know how to respond than to just say "I find No Fault In Him".
There are no faults in our True and Faithful Witness.
Jesus ask this question:
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?]
The faith of the Laodicean church will not be enough to get you into Heaven!
This final stage of the church is full of "Apostasy".
This city was rich and "most" of the time riches produce rotten living!
1Ti 6:10 [For the love of money is the root of all evil]: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
God would not say this if it were not true!
Joh 17:17 says Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
(beginning of creation)
This church was led to believe that this world we live in, the physical world, is more important than the spiritual world of God and the world that is to come. Jesus Christ was not the first one created of God, it was by Jesus that everything else was created.
Joh 1:3 says All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Col 1:16 says For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Christ is the beginning of the spiritual order. Our new birth happens when we accept Him as our Savior. We then become a new creature. "This the beginning of creation mentioned in this verse".
2Co 5:17 says Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
*****Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
That word "cold" can be interpreted as icy cold as ice water.
That word "hot" can be interpreted as boiling hot or fervent heat.
Cold could be also said "dead" and hot could be said "on fire for God". We all fit somewhere in between these two extremes. Jesus has already said what He thinks of lukewarm!
What were the works of this church? They were indifferent to the faith. This church was lost(Jesus on the outside). They had no spirit inside them. They had never been born again. They made our Lord sick.
I know I am not always as fervent serving the Lord As I should be. Could I be giving My Lord the upset stomach. It will make you think or it does me.
This church knew Christ and even some believed, but so does Satan.
Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: [but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it].
This is the most dangerous stage of all states of the person because many believe that they are truly saved and will not seek to be sure. They will continue in works trying to prove themselves but they will never invite the Lord Jesus into their hearts and He will not force His way in. They will never take a stand either way.
We see this every day in our world when so called Christians will not take a stand against abortion, against evil, against the gays, and against corruption.
This type of church is sending more people to hell than any of the vices of this world ever did.
Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Joh 3:18 says He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
The church at Philadelphia will be called out!
The church at Laodicea will be spewed out!
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.
The church age will end under a dark cloud. The days of Noah and Lot are repeated, darker and darker until the "Morning Star" appears.
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.
You know every message that was preached at this church probably made everyone happy. There was no Holy Ghost conviction. The music was worldly. The word "blood" was not in the song book. Nothing about the "cross". Just the occasional name of Jesus mentioned "as a real good man".
These members did not need the Gospel, they already knew it all.
God does bless with physical things some times, thank goodness, but this not to be compared to spiritual blessings. These people were not free but bound by their own ways. They had decided it could not get any better than what they had. They thought they had the light but they were so blind they were in total darkness to the truth.
*****Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
1.) Not rich, but Poor.
2.) Not increased with goods, but Wretched and Miserable.
3.) Not having need of nothing, but Blind and Naked.
Notice they (thou Sayest) bragged on themselves. They would tell everyone of their perfect church.
God says:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
And:
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Wealth at the expense of Spirituality is a tragedy and a curse. The church at Laodicea and this church age will fulfill the prophesy of Matt 24.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
These were well educated people with plenty of book smarts but were ignorant to the word of God.
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
God said in His own words: "thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked"
*****Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
What was the Lord's counsel?
Buy of Me!
Isa 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and [he that hath no money]; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isa 55:2 [Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread]? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Isa 55:3 [Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live]; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
"Buy of me", the things that can only come from Jesus Christ:
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:
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
(white clothing)
This church was dressed in the fashion of the day even in the spirituality of this last church age but in their own righteousness.
The Bible says:
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
You know when the Bible mentions these filthy rags it is talking about the old rags that were wrapped around the body of the leper. These rags were not only filthy but carried the disease. Our sins and our own righteousness carry the disease of sin. We have no righteousness on our own.
until:
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
To the church:
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.
Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
(eyesalve)
Eye salve first burns, then blinds and then it heals. Spiritual eyesalve (The Holy Ghost) opens up the eyes of the lost and makes the sinner see. We can see the Salvation of the cross and the blood through His eyes if He is within us.
Spiritual eyeglasses:
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Unless the Lord Jesus opens the eyes of our understanding we will never know the truth that makes us free of the sin of this world and break the bonds of Satan's yoke.
*****Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Any person who can live in sin, prosper in sin, be happy in sin and continue in sin, without the chastening of The Lord has never been saved.
Pro 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Pro 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Pro 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Pro 3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
God does these things for Himself! He will not have a people that will not honor Him!
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness [for his name's sake].
These people of Laodicea changed the truth of God into a lie. They may not have been against God but they were not for Him. They were lost in the middle of the highway going no where.
*****Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
These are the saddest of any group of people. Jesus on the outside means He had already removed the candlestick from this church. Glory be He is still knocking to get back inside. Jesus will knock on the door of every heart where His word is heard. That's why we as Christians are to deliver the Word of God to all we can.
You see these people would not go to the door because they knew who was outside that door. They would open the door to a stranger but not to Jesus. Our world is so full of these people today trying to find their own way to Heaven when there is only one way.
How many churches of today have pushed the Lord Jesus Christ out the door but in His Grace, He still stands at the door and knocks to see if we will let Him in.
God came to this Earth in the flesh of Jesus to seek and save all that would believe on Him:
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
There is a down side to those that ignore the word of God:
Luk 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
Christ is at the door asking, are there not any in this church that hear my word?
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
1.) We must invite the Lord into our heart.
2.) We must believe the word He gives to us.
3.) We must receive Him as Lord and Savior
Joh 10:9 [I am the door]: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Can you imagine sitting in the church at Smyrna and hearing this message written to the Laodicean church. They could not have understood such people. The saints of Smyrna were willing to give their life for the Lord and these of Laodicea would not even open the door to Christ Jesus.
The lost of this world know when Jesus is not in their heart. It's the false doctrine that is taught in the church that tells them that they are OK. To not be secure of your salvation is most likely to be lost. These people of this church were not asked if they were saved, they were told by the church leaders that they were saved. They removed that one on one relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He will stand at that door as long as there is one that might listen to Him. There is no door handle on the outside, it must opened from the inside.
*****Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
We are to walk with Jesus. It is Jesus that chose the path. It will not always be an easy path but He goes down this path before us and it is He that knows the way.
Jesus still sits at the throne as our Great High Priest:
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;
Stephen saw Him there before he joined Him in Heaven:
Act 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Act 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
It is Christ that paved our way:
Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
This time of Grace is fast coming to an end and Jesus will return as King of the world:
Luk 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luk 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
And Jesus says:
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Who can deny the work of the Living God?
Act 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Act 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Act 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Act 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Act 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Act 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
*****Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Holy Spirit who will never leave us says please listen to what I am telling you!
Every church on this Earth will fall into the category of one of these seven churches. Every church is made up of people and there are some of these same type people in every church. Many move around from place to place seeking a place they fit in but there is a reason why God chose our place of worship.
A church is not buildings but it is people. No church is more spiritual than the people inside that church. That's why we cannot have a government rule over the church. Governments have no Spirit. That's why you cannot have a Pope or a Cleric or any one that would rule and not teach because they will not have the Spirit. You see we cannot truthfully judge our own church until "we truthfully judged our own selves". James writes:
Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But if we will look to the Lord:
2Co 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
We have a lot of responsibility in our service to God's house as Christians and we have very little time to be that good servant that "Steward" of God's word.
Jesus Christ had nothing good to say to the Laodiceans. What would He say about the church that you attend.
Let's pray!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Message To The Church At Philadelphia
MESSAGE TO PHILADELPHIA
Our Text Revelation 3:7-13
1.) In our study so far in this great book given to us from Jesus Christ our Lord, we have seen Ephesus the church that lost it's first love.
The church that is not based on the Rock of Jesus is not the true foundation of God's children and is then not part of God's church on this Earth.
2.) We have seen Smyrna the persecuted church.
We know there are places in this world where it is really hard to be a Christian. Persecution will follow any church but it is greater in some locations in this world.
3.) We have seen Pergamos the church that was giving in to the world.
Boy, can you go anywhere and not find one of these places of worship.
4.) We've seen Thyatira where to keep a job the church became lax with the commandments of God and joined the world in the name of making a living.
God says to come out from among them and God's arms are not to short to take care of His children.
5.) We have seen the church at Sardis where the congregation just died. They were corpses that could sit up but they were just as dead as if they were in their coffins.
We will now see the church at Philadelphia. The church at Philadelphia and the church at Smyrna were the only two places of worship that did not receive any rebuke from the Lord Jesus.
Let's take a moment and look at the Church that Christ built.
Mat 16:18 says And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock [I will build my church]; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
We could talk about what is said about Peter here in this verse but we can do that later. In the Greek words used here, Peter would be a small stone and the Rock of Jesus would be the greatest of all mountains.
Peter himself said we are all also lively stones just like he is in the work of the church:
1Pe 2:5 [Ye also], as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
What Christ Jesus does say is that "He will build His Church". In other words the church had not been built at this point in time. The Church of Christ did not exist in the Old Testament. The Church of Christ did not exist as long as Jesus was on this Earth. In fact Jesus said:
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
The church could not be built until Christ went back to Heaven. We know that Jesus was being rejected by His own people and He was near the end of His earthly ministry. God had written many years before this these words:
Isa 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: [I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth].
At the Cross and at His Resurrection Jesus Christ provided the Salvation that is mentioned here in Isaiah. When Christ went back to Heaven and sent the Holy Ghost at Pentecost then began the Church.
Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, [and gave him to be the head over all things to the church],
Eph 1:23 [Which is his body], the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
The Church is then the Body of Christ!
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
You have to be Baptized with God's Holy Spirit to be a part of the Body of Christ!
The Church was given to Christ by God Himself:
Joh 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
It was Peter who first took this message to the Jews and to the Gentiles after Pentecost:
Act 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, [to take out of them a people for his name].
We know that the Apostle John is the last of this group sent out to start His church. The Church has stood without the Apostles since that time and will continue to stand until Christ Jesus returns to take His church out of this world.
How do you get into the Church that Christ is building?
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 [For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved].
That "whosoever" says it does not matter where you come from or where you have been or what you have done. It only says to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has taught the Church, His body, The Body of Christ.
The purpose of God in this Church age is not to establish His Kingdom but to call out the Church that some be saved, not all but, all that will come, [whosoever will come]. Every person still has that freewill to choose. That will not be so in the Kingdom to come after the "church age", This is the time of "GRACE".
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
At Philadelphia we see the best resemblance of the young vibrant Body of Christ that Jesus intended on this Earth. Philadelphia means "brotherly love".
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with [brotherly love]; in honour preferring one another;
1Th 4:9 But as touching [brotherly love] ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
These also are the Greek words for "Philadelphia". This church of Philadelphia practiced the art of brotherly love. This church needed no corrective measures nor a reprimand from The Lord Jesus Christ. We can see from this church that it is possible to serve the Lord Jesus without His criticism. Every church should study this message to obtain what this church had even though there will be more Smyrna's as time goes on. Christ did not criticize Smyrna either. We also know there will be many more Laodicean churches as time passes.
Scholars will say these ages of the church are in this following order:
Ephesus [30-100] Apostolic Church
Smyrna [100-313] Roman Persecution
Pergamum [313-600] Age of Constantine
Thyatira [600-1517] Dark Ages
Sardis [1517-1648] Reformation (The weakness of it)
Philadelphia [1648-and on through the Rapture] Missionary Movement
Laodicea [1900-until the Rapture] Apostasy
Our Text:
*****Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
As Christ Jesus describes Himself, lets look at what He says: Note, We seem to have no problem wanting to be called Christians. To be a Christian is to be like Christ. Are we holy and true?
1.) He is Holy: We call a man holy,when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Then, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, humble, and godly.
To be holy is to be hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use, or to the service or worship of God; a sense frequent in Scripture; as the holy sabbath; holy oil; holy vessels; a holy nation; the holy temple; a holy priesthood.
A holy people! Just and good. A holy witness. We can be none of these things unless we are filled and sealed with the Holy Ghost.
Jesus tells us:
1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
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.
2.) He that is true:
To be true is to be a fact. God's word is true because it states the facts. Anything that does not conform to God's word is then false.
There are many counterfeit religions in this world. There are many false Christians in this world but Jesus Christ is the truth of God in every sense. He is God incarnate.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Paul writes:
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.
Matthew says:
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
It does not matter if we believe or not!
2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Because He is true!
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:
Heb 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, [both sure and stedfast], and which entereth into that within the veil;
Heb 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Because Jesus is faithful and true, the church will accomplish what God wants while we are in this church age.
3.) He has the key of David:
Isa 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
There was an evil man named Shebna who had managed to get control of as sort of prime minister to the Kingdom of Judah. God stopped this and place it in the hands of Eliakim who was the son of the High Priests, Hilkiah. What the Lord Jesus is saying in our verse is that it is He (Jesus Christ) that has the Key as "prime minister" of the church in all affairs of the church. The church belongs to Jesus Christ. It is He that has all power and all authority and not anyone that assumes so on this Earth.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The command to go and witness comes from "He that has the authority" to direct the true mission of the church. (Jesus Christ Our Lord)
4.) He that opens and shuts:
When Christ gave the commandment to go forth to the church He also gave some direction to proceed:
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.
God gives any church as Philadelphia the open door to missions. We limit our own selves when we get caught up in worldly things.
1.) To Jerusalem [or the Home city of the church].
2.) To Judea [or the Home nation of the church].
3.) To Samaria [or the neighboring countries of the church].
4.) To the entire Earth [or missionaries to the world].
The first door that is opened is to begin the local church and that's the first direction to evangelize. The Lord Jesus said it was he who would open the doors and close them from then on.
*****Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
This church at Philadelphia had a little strength.
They had kept the word of God in other words Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:19-20.
They had not denied the deity of Christ.
We can see why the doors to any such church would remain open. The reason that the doors of spiritual power have been closed to so many churches is that they have ceased to believe that the Bible is truly the "Word of God". They do not even preach the word any more. They do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. They do not believe in the Blood atonement. They do not believe in the Virgin birth. They do not believe in the Resurrected Christ They do not believe that Christ is the only way to the Father in Heaven. They do not believe in the work of the Holy Spirit.
They have veered from the fundamentals of the Bible and traveled down their own path to destruction. God has closed the doors to these places of worship and the best they can do is to be like Sardis(dead) or
Thyiatira(lax).
They have forgotten the truth!
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
*****Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
These people are described to us in:
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.
Who is a true Jew?
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 [But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God].
These that do not have the praise of God but are liars will be forced to come worship before the church. They will know that the Lord Jesus loves His Church, His Bride.
What do we know of liars?
Joh 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Joh 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
We must not be confused with the statement "worship at your feet". Jesus is "not" saying it is the church that will be worshiped. He is saying that the church will be present when the world bows down to the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
Every knee will bow!
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
*****Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
(word of my patience)
I believe James the half-brother of the Lord says it best:
Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, [the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain].
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
I believe we are in the period of the latter rain now of this time of "Grace".
Jer 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: [he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest].
As Jeremiah was telling the Jews, I believe the Lord has reserved to the Church these appointed weeks of the harvest. This age of Grace is winding down. The time of Christ is drawing nigh. Only a blind man could miss all the signs of His coming and those signs are for His return to this Earth. The Church will have already been taken out. Just as this verse says.
Paul wrote:
Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Rom 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
That's why they call it faith:
Heb 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
We must follow the direction of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to the Lord Jesus:
2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
(I will keep thee from the Hour)
There is almost no clearer indication that the Rapture will happen before the Tribulation than what it says in this verse.
Peter wrote:
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
The Bible says:
Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when
I call unto him.
Patiently waiting is having faith!
What we know is that Noah and his family were delivered before the flood:
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.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
God has shown His patience in waiting until the proper time:
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1Pe 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
1Pe 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
God will spare His people from His wrath!
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;
2Pe 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
2Pe 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
2Pe 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
These examples are in the Bible for us to learn from. The godly in Christ Jesus will observe the tribulation period from Heaven!
Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
These are not idle words in the Word of God. These are the truths of the Bible. Job knew, King David knew, Samuel knew, Abraham knew, Paul, Peter, John, James and all the other writers of the New Testament knew because the Holy Ghost saw fit for us to know this miracle of the Rapture of the Church.
Remember what Jesus said:
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and [the things which are], and the things which shall be hereafter;
The Church is not again mentioned after Revelation 4:1 until the end of the Kingdom Age!
(upon all the world)
World here is the inhabitants of this Earth!
Isa 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
God has this message to all that remain. This is the message of the tribulation period. There will be none of the saints left on this earth during this time and the Millennial Kingdom follows this.
*****Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
The Lord Jesus says "look", fix your mind on this thing. It's going to happen and (quickly) it will happen all of a sudden. Like a thief!
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Again the Apostle Paul:
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.
1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
(take your crown)
It is again Paul who tells us of this crown:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, [but unto all them also that love his appearing].
This may not be a solid gold crown ringed with jewels but it will be the crown of royalty.
The Greek word used here is "stephanos:.
stephanos means an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238 (would be a crown of gold)
This same crown is found in these words of Peter:
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
We cannot lose our salvation but we can lose our crowns!
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Luk 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
*****Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
What is it to overcome?
Jesus said:
Joh 16:31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Joh 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
You see if we only believe and place our faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ Our Lord we can also be overcomers:
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jn 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
You will never overcome the evil in this world without Jesus Christ buried deeply into your heart and soul. He cannot be seen by others until His light shines within you.
(A pillar)
The Greek word "stulos" is used for the word pillar in this verse. It means a "post".
Jesus asked this question of the Jews one day:
Mat 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
This was John the Baptist a solid post for Christ!
In the Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy he said these words:
1Ti 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
It is the true church of Jesus that is the pillar of truth in this world.
James, Peter and John were pillars of the truth:
Gal 2:9 [And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars], perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
As all these are examples of things on this Earth. Jesus says the church will be the pillars of God's Temple in the New Jerusalem in Heaven or that will come down from Heaven. Never to go no more in and out. There will be no need to run from evil because it will not exist. No need to run from persecution, it will not exist. No need to worry about the Synagogue of Satan, it will not exist. No sickness, no death, no crying, no pain. They will not exist.
The name of the God of Jesus:
1.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will be godly or have God-likeness.
2.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will be adorned as the Bride Of Christ.
3.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will bare the Name of the Bridegroom as the church (the bride of Christ) is married to Our Saviour. Every bride gets the name of her new husband.
*****Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We must always listen to the Holy Spirit of God. We are going home soon.
Are you ready!
Let's pray!
Our Text Revelation 3:7-13
1.) In our study so far in this great book given to us from Jesus Christ our Lord, we have seen Ephesus the church that lost it's first love.
The church that is not based on the Rock of Jesus is not the true foundation of God's children and is then not part of God's church on this Earth.
2.) We have seen Smyrna the persecuted church.
We know there are places in this world where it is really hard to be a Christian. Persecution will follow any church but it is greater in some locations in this world.
3.) We have seen Pergamos the church that was giving in to the world.
Boy, can you go anywhere and not find one of these places of worship.
4.) We've seen Thyatira where to keep a job the church became lax with the commandments of God and joined the world in the name of making a living.
God says to come out from among them and God's arms are not to short to take care of His children.
5.) We have seen the church at Sardis where the congregation just died. They were corpses that could sit up but they were just as dead as if they were in their coffins.
We will now see the church at Philadelphia. The church at Philadelphia and the church at Smyrna were the only two places of worship that did not receive any rebuke from the Lord Jesus.
Let's take a moment and look at the Church that Christ built.
Mat 16:18 says And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock [I will build my church]; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
We could talk about what is said about Peter here in this verse but we can do that later. In the Greek words used here, Peter would be a small stone and the Rock of Jesus would be the greatest of all mountains.
Peter himself said we are all also lively stones just like he is in the work of the church:
1Pe 2:5 [Ye also], as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
What Christ Jesus does say is that "He will build His Church". In other words the church had not been built at this point in time. The Church of Christ did not exist in the Old Testament. The Church of Christ did not exist as long as Jesus was on this Earth. In fact Jesus said:
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
The church could not be built until Christ went back to Heaven. We know that Jesus was being rejected by His own people and He was near the end of His earthly ministry. God had written many years before this these words:
Isa 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: [I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth].
At the Cross and at His Resurrection Jesus Christ provided the Salvation that is mentioned here in Isaiah. When Christ went back to Heaven and sent the Holy Ghost at Pentecost then began the Church.
Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, [and gave him to be the head over all things to the church],
Eph 1:23 [Which is his body], the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
The Church is then the Body of Christ!
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
You have to be Baptized with God's Holy Spirit to be a part of the Body of Christ!
The Church was given to Christ by God Himself:
Joh 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
It was Peter who first took this message to the Jews and to the Gentiles after Pentecost:
Act 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, [to take out of them a people for his name].
We know that the Apostle John is the last of this group sent out to start His church. The Church has stood without the Apostles since that time and will continue to stand until Christ Jesus returns to take His church out of this world.
How do you get into the Church that Christ is building?
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 [For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved].
That "whosoever" says it does not matter where you come from or where you have been or what you have done. It only says to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has taught the Church, His body, The Body of Christ.
The purpose of God in this Church age is not to establish His Kingdom but to call out the Church that some be saved, not all but, all that will come, [whosoever will come]. Every person still has that freewill to choose. That will not be so in the Kingdom to come after the "church age", This is the time of "GRACE".
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
At Philadelphia we see the best resemblance of the young vibrant Body of Christ that Jesus intended on this Earth. Philadelphia means "brotherly love".
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with [brotherly love]; in honour preferring one another;
1Th 4:9 But as touching [brotherly love] ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
These also are the Greek words for "Philadelphia". This church of Philadelphia practiced the art of brotherly love. This church needed no corrective measures nor a reprimand from The Lord Jesus Christ. We can see from this church that it is possible to serve the Lord Jesus without His criticism. Every church should study this message to obtain what this church had even though there will be more Smyrna's as time goes on. Christ did not criticize Smyrna either. We also know there will be many more Laodicean churches as time passes.
Scholars will say these ages of the church are in this following order:
Ephesus [30-100] Apostolic Church
Smyrna [100-313] Roman Persecution
Pergamum [313-600] Age of Constantine
Thyatira [600-1517] Dark Ages
Sardis [1517-1648] Reformation (The weakness of it)
Philadelphia [1648-and on through the Rapture] Missionary Movement
Laodicea [1900-until the Rapture] Apostasy
Our Text:
*****Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
As Christ Jesus describes Himself, lets look at what He says: Note, We seem to have no problem wanting to be called Christians. To be a Christian is to be like Christ. Are we holy and true?
1.) He is Holy: We call a man holy,when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Then, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, humble, and godly.
To be holy is to be hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use, or to the service or worship of God; a sense frequent in Scripture; as the holy sabbath; holy oil; holy vessels; a holy nation; the holy temple; a holy priesthood.
A holy people! Just and good. A holy witness. We can be none of these things unless we are filled and sealed with the Holy Ghost.
Jesus tells us:
1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
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.
2.) He that is true:
To be true is to be a fact. God's word is true because it states the facts. Anything that does not conform to God's word is then false.
There are many counterfeit religions in this world. There are many false Christians in this world but Jesus Christ is the truth of God in every sense. He is God incarnate.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Paul writes:
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.
Matthew says:
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
It does not matter if we believe or not!
2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Because He is true!
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:
Heb 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, [both sure and stedfast], and which entereth into that within the veil;
Heb 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Because Jesus is faithful and true, the church will accomplish what God wants while we are in this church age.
3.) He has the key of David:
Isa 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
There was an evil man named Shebna who had managed to get control of as sort of prime minister to the Kingdom of Judah. God stopped this and place it in the hands of Eliakim who was the son of the High Priests, Hilkiah. What the Lord Jesus is saying in our verse is that it is He (Jesus Christ) that has the Key as "prime minister" of the church in all affairs of the church. The church belongs to Jesus Christ. It is He that has all power and all authority and not anyone that assumes so on this Earth.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The command to go and witness comes from "He that has the authority" to direct the true mission of the church. (Jesus Christ Our Lord)
4.) He that opens and shuts:
When Christ gave the commandment to go forth to the church He also gave some direction to proceed:
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.
God gives any church as Philadelphia the open door to missions. We limit our own selves when we get caught up in worldly things.
1.) To Jerusalem [or the Home city of the church].
2.) To Judea [or the Home nation of the church].
3.) To Samaria [or the neighboring countries of the church].
4.) To the entire Earth [or missionaries to the world].
The first door that is opened is to begin the local church and that's the first direction to evangelize. The Lord Jesus said it was he who would open the doors and close them from then on.
*****Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
This church at Philadelphia had a little strength.
They had kept the word of God in other words Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:19-20.
They had not denied the deity of Christ.
We can see why the doors to any such church would remain open. The reason that the doors of spiritual power have been closed to so many churches is that they have ceased to believe that the Bible is truly the "Word of God". They do not even preach the word any more. They do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. They do not believe in the Blood atonement. They do not believe in the Virgin birth. They do not believe in the Resurrected Christ They do not believe that Christ is the only way to the Father in Heaven. They do not believe in the work of the Holy Spirit.
They have veered from the fundamentals of the Bible and traveled down their own path to destruction. God has closed the doors to these places of worship and the best they can do is to be like Sardis(dead) or
Thyiatira(lax).
They have forgotten the truth!
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
*****Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
These people are described to us in:
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.
Who is a true Jew?
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 [But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God].
These that do not have the praise of God but are liars will be forced to come worship before the church. They will know that the Lord Jesus loves His Church, His Bride.
What do we know of liars?
Joh 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Joh 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
We must not be confused with the statement "worship at your feet". Jesus is "not" saying it is the church that will be worshiped. He is saying that the church will be present when the world bows down to the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
Every knee will bow!
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
*****Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
(word of my patience)
I believe James the half-brother of the Lord says it best:
Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, [the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain].
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
I believe we are in the period of the latter rain now of this time of "Grace".
Jer 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: [he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest].
As Jeremiah was telling the Jews, I believe the Lord has reserved to the Church these appointed weeks of the harvest. This age of Grace is winding down. The time of Christ is drawing nigh. Only a blind man could miss all the signs of His coming and those signs are for His return to this Earth. The Church will have already been taken out. Just as this verse says.
Paul wrote:
Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Rom 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
That's why they call it faith:
Heb 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
We must follow the direction of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to the Lord Jesus:
2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
(I will keep thee from the Hour)
There is almost no clearer indication that the Rapture will happen before the Tribulation than what it says in this verse.
Peter wrote:
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
The Bible says:
Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when
I call unto him.
Patiently waiting is having faith!
What we know is that Noah and his family were delivered before the flood:
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.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
God has shown His patience in waiting until the proper time:
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1Pe 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
1Pe 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
God will spare His people from His wrath!
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;
2Pe 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
2Pe 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
2Pe 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
These examples are in the Bible for us to learn from. The godly in Christ Jesus will observe the tribulation period from Heaven!
Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
These are not idle words in the Word of God. These are the truths of the Bible. Job knew, King David knew, Samuel knew, Abraham knew, Paul, Peter, John, James and all the other writers of the New Testament knew because the Holy Ghost saw fit for us to know this miracle of the Rapture of the Church.
Remember what Jesus said:
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and [the things which are], and the things which shall be hereafter;
The Church is not again mentioned after Revelation 4:1 until the end of the Kingdom Age!
(upon all the world)
World here is the inhabitants of this Earth!
Isa 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
God has this message to all that remain. This is the message of the tribulation period. There will be none of the saints left on this earth during this time and the Millennial Kingdom follows this.
*****Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
The Lord Jesus says "look", fix your mind on this thing. It's going to happen and (quickly) it will happen all of a sudden. Like a thief!
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Again the Apostle Paul:
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.
1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
(take your crown)
It is again Paul who tells us of this crown:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, [but unto all them also that love his appearing].
This may not be a solid gold crown ringed with jewels but it will be the crown of royalty.
The Greek word used here is "stephanos:.
stephanos means an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238 (would be a crown of gold)
This same crown is found in these words of Peter:
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
We cannot lose our salvation but we can lose our crowns!
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Luk 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
*****Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
What is it to overcome?
Jesus said:
Joh 16:31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Joh 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
You see if we only believe and place our faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ Our Lord we can also be overcomers:
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jn 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
You will never overcome the evil in this world without Jesus Christ buried deeply into your heart and soul. He cannot be seen by others until His light shines within you.
(A pillar)
The Greek word "stulos" is used for the word pillar in this verse. It means a "post".
Jesus asked this question of the Jews one day:
Mat 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
This was John the Baptist a solid post for Christ!
In the Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy he said these words:
1Ti 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
It is the true church of Jesus that is the pillar of truth in this world.
James, Peter and John were pillars of the truth:
Gal 2:9 [And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars], perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
As all these are examples of things on this Earth. Jesus says the church will be the pillars of God's Temple in the New Jerusalem in Heaven or that will come down from Heaven. Never to go no more in and out. There will be no need to run from evil because it will not exist. No need to run from persecution, it will not exist. No need to worry about the Synagogue of Satan, it will not exist. No sickness, no death, no crying, no pain. They will not exist.
The name of the God of Jesus:
1.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will be godly or have God-likeness.
2.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will be adorned as the Bride Of Christ.
3.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will bare the Name of the Bridegroom as the church (the bride of Christ) is married to Our Saviour. Every bride gets the name of her new husband.
*****Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We must always listen to the Holy Spirit of God. We are going home soon.
Are you ready!
Let's pray!
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