Revelation 7 Churches Chapters 1 3 Church select

Revelation 7 Churches (Chapters 1 -3) Church (select) Period Reproof Second Promise Date: Praise A. D. Coming Ephesus Apostolic Acts 100 Smyrna Persecuted 100 200 Pergamum Married/ Dark Age 300 600 Thyatira Catholic vs Protestant 600 1563 Sardis Denominationalism 1564 rapture Philadelphia Missionary 1850 rapture Apostate Laodicea Age Antichrist – rapture Rev 1: 18 -20 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Revelation 1: 1 -20 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 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, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Isaiah 41: 4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he. Isaiah 48: 12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. Isaiah 44: 6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Revelation 22: 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Four Gospels Matthew Mark Luke John The four gospels record the birth, life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to fulfill all the scriptures in the Old Testament that spoke of Him as the promised Messiah, the eternal Son of God and saviour of the world. After His resurrection Jesus gave the great commission to his followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God. But before doing this, they were told to tarry in Jerusalem to receive power from on high (the gift or baptism in the Holy Spirit - see The Great Commission). The firstfruits of the church was birthed on the day of Pentecost (120 believers in the upper room) and grew by the thousands as recorded in the book of Acts 1 and 2.

The gospel was preached first in Jerusalem, Judea and then throughout all of Rome as recorded in the book of Acts which covered a time period known as the apostolic era (first 40 years of the church age). The book of Acts has no AMEN to it since the church age is still ongoing and growing today. The book of Revelations picks up the history of the church where Acts left off. Rev 1 introduces the resurrected Christ whom John sees as standing among seven churches. John is told to write what he sees and hears to these seven churches. These 7 churches are unique in that they speak prophetically of seven worldwide changes within the church age until the rapture. These 7 churches are in historical prophetic order in Acts 2 and 3. The rapture is recorded in Acts 4. Jesus has something to say to each of these prophetic time periods in the church age. Every true believer will identify himself with one of these churches. When each prophetic church period was fulfilled its historical changes continued on down through church history right up to the rapture in the people that they represented. Today, their are churches and denominations that are a result of one of these 7 worldwide prophetic historical changes in the church age.

The 7 Prophetic Churches of Asia: What Jesus said Period Date: Praise A. D. Ephesus Apostolic Acts 100 Smyrna Persecuted 100 200 Pergamum Married/ Dark Age 300 600 Thyatira Catholic vs Protestant 600 1563 Sardis Denomi 1564 nationalism rapture Philadelphia Missionary Church Laodicea Apostate Age 1850 rapture Antichrist – rapture Reproof Second Promise Coming Rev 1: 18 -20 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Church of Ephesus (End of Acts – 100 A. D. ) APOSTLIC CHURCH Revelation 2: 1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; Revelation 2: 2 -3 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Acts 20: 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Revelation 2: 4 -5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. The church’s first love was laboring for Christ and fulfilling the great commission. With Church growth came man-made Church organization. Loyalty to Christ is replaced with loyalty to the Church. Money is spent on Church to be more comfortable and missionary spirit and fire of the early Church diminishes to church loyalty and its preaching rather than Christ and His Word. Remove thy candlestick; extinguish the light of thy church--an awful warning which Christ fulfilled long ago to the church in Ephesus, that has been for centuries extinct, and which he has fulfilled to many unfaithful churches since.

Revelation 2: 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicola tans, which I also hate. There is no recorded sect called Nicolaitions. However, Nico is the greek word ‘to conquer’ and laitanes the root word for english word ‘laity’. Putting those words together we have ‘conquerors of the laity’. A new group growing up with the church to get priestly or ecclesiastical control over the church. Church loyalty to Christ is replaced by church loyalty to themselves. Jesus saw this as such a dangerous movement. Eventually such churches seek alliance through union, federation, political, for worldly gain, prominence, position by their means rather than the position Christ has given the believers in their heavenly positions. The Church is to be a heavenly organism with Risen Christ as it’s head and life not an earthly organization ruled by an ecclesiastical elite. When this happens the doctrines of the nicolatians have been manifested in their deeds.

Revelation 2: 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 22: 1 -2 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

The 7 Prophetic Churches of Asia: What Jesus said Church Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Jesus intro Period Holds 7 stars Walks Apostolic among 7 Churches Date Acts -100 Praise Reproof Left first love Faithful in and in service, danger of beliefs Hate Lord deeds of removing His Nicolatans Presence Coming Promise Eat of the tree of life

Church of Smyrna (100 A. D. – 300 A. D. ) PERSECUTED CHURCH Revelation 2: 8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; Revelation 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. God knows their good works, their tribulation, and poverty. However, God says they are rich and that is because they are saved and have a rich inheritance awaiting them in heaven. Ephesians 1: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Revelation 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. The idea seems to be, that though they were of Jewish extraction, and professed to be Jews, they were not true Jews; they indulged in a bitterness of reproach, and a severity of language, which showed that they had not the spirit of the Jewish religion; they had nothing which became those who were under the guidance of the spirit of their own Scriptures. That would have inculcated and fostered a milder temper; and the meaning here is, that although they were of Jewish origin, they were not worthy of the name. That spirit of bitter opposition was indeed often manifested in their treatment of Christians, as it had been of the Saviour, but still it was foreign to the true nature of their religion (Barnes commentary) Synagogue of Satan. The synagogue was a Jewish place of worship, but the word originally denoted the assembly or congregation. The meaning here is plain, that though they worshipped in a synagogue,

and professed to be the worshippers of God, yet they were not worthy of the name, and deserved rather to be regarded as in the service of Satan. Revelation 2: 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Jesus tells the faithful to fear none of the tribulation and poverty they are experiencing. Also that some of them shall be cast into prison and be tried. Rev 12: 10 tells us Satan is the accuser of the believers before God’s throne day and night. Satan is making an all out attempt to wipe out the Church of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12: 10 -11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Revelation 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. This tribulation period of being cast into prison is to last ten days. The number ten used symbolically or prophetically is used as a round number – that is –any number. Parable of the 10 virgins (Matt 25) denotes a round number or x amount. The 10 virgins were grouped into 5 wise and 5 foolish. Here the number 5 means division. Ten toes of Daniel 2 and ten horns of Daniel 7. Both symbolize the nations in the last days that formed within what was call ed the old Roman Empire land area. Many look for a literal 10 nations and miss the fact that God is simply saying X amount nations will exist within what was known as the old Roman Empire land area in the last days. Rev 5 talks of tens of thousands of angels times ten thousands around God’s throne. God is using round numbers but evidently the Angels number over 100, 000 and thousands times thousands more.

Revelation 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. Some Bible scholars see the ten days as the 10 Roman Emperors each having their own successive periods and each persecuting the Church Nero 64 -68 A. D. Domitian 81 -96 A. D. Trajan 104 -117 A. D. Aurelius 161 -180 A. D. Severus 200 -211 A. D. Maximus 235 -237 A. D. Decius 250 -253 A. D. Valerian 257 -260 A. D. Aurelian 270 -275 A. D. Diocletion 303 -312 A. D.

Revelation 2: 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Jesus asked the persecuted believers to be faithful unto and they will be given a crown of life. The faithful in Ephesus were given entrance into the Kingdom and to eat of the tree of life (Rev 2: 7). The message to the martyrs is a special entrance wearing a martyrs crown. James 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.

Revelation 2: 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Again, as with Church of Ephesus we have a promise to him that overcometh. He or she will not be hurt by the second death. Who is he that overcometh. The answer is 1 John 5: 4, 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? What is the second death? God’s plans for man from creation were always eternal. Because of the fall of man there are two Deaths man can experience. Both of these deaths involve separation. 1. First death: Physical death is a separation of the body from mans soul and spirit. Man is a tri-part being. The soul cloths the spirit and the body clothes the soul. When physical death takes place the body that clothed the soul dies but the soul that clothes the spirit is eternal because it has a spirit. Paul prayed for the whole man to be present at Christ’s coming

1 Thessalonians 5: 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Second death: Soul of man is judged by God and is cast into the lake of fire eternally separated from God Revelation 20: 11 -15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The 7 Prophetic Churches of Asia: What Jesus said Church Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Phila- Jesus intro Period Holds 7 stars Apostolic Walks Church among 7 Churches First and Last; was dead but not alive Persecut ed Church Date Praise Reproof Acts 100 A. D. Left first love Faithful in and in service, danger of beliefs Hate Lord deeds of removing His Nicolatans Presence 100 A. D. 300 A. D. Faithful under persecution ; poor but rich Coming Promise Eat of the tree of life C rown of Life Not hurt by the second death

Church of Pergamos (300 A. D. – 600 A. D. ) WORLDLY CHURCH Revelation 2: 12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; Pergamum was a seat of Emperor worship. Where incense was offered before the statue of the Emperor as to God. Refusal by Christians often meant death. Also, an Alter to Jupiter and a Temple of Esculapius, a healing god, worshipped in the form of a serpent, one of the names of Satan. Besides these, it was also a stronghold of Balaamite and Nocolaitian Teachers. Thus, Pergamum, was a notorious center of heathenism and wickness, and was also called by Jesus, Satan’s throne.

Church of Pergamos (300 A. D. – 600 A. D. ) WORLDLY CHURCH Revelation 2: 12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; The sharp sword with two edges refers back to Rev 1: 16 which John saw coming out of Jesus’s mouth. This reference is appropriate to this Church and has a twofold bearing, a searching power so as to convict and convert some (Re 2: 13, 17), and to convict and condemn to punishment others (Re 2: 14 -16) Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Revelation 2: 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. God knows their works and those that were holding fast to worshipping Jesus and knew all about the city of Pergamos where they dwelled. Pergamos was the capital city of Asia until the close of the first century. It was a city given over to worship of many Greek idols. Local Roman rulership, unable to cope with the multitude of religious differences in the city, demanded the cooperation of all groups. Two of the most prominent religious systems of the city were the worship of Bacchus (god of revelry) and Asclepius (god of healing).

Revelation 2: 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. Satan’s throne was Pergamos! He dwells there! ‘Seat’ translated in the Greek is ‘thronos’- throne, and is used throughout Revelation that way. Here we have Satan being enthroned in a city for the purpose of ruling his church. It is a visible organization with an earthly throne and has its own religious mysteries and doctrines as opposed to Christ’s living Church (an organism with Christ as the head and the Church as His body – Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches) and God’s throne in heaven where Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. The Church of Christ has its mysteries called Mysteries of the Kingdom. Jesus taught them in parables and the Apostles expanded on them. Believers who obey the Word of God can understand with their spirit but the unsaved cannot for they are spiritually discerned.

Satan’s Church Christ’s Church Earthly throne Heavenly throne Man made organization Holy Spirit made organism (body of Christ) Current City – Pergamos First – Babylon (Nimrod) City – New Jerusalem Mysteries (rituals and practices) Mysteries of the Kingdom (parables) AMILLENNIUM (Origen, Augustine) Kingdom now mindset Christ cannot return till the Church rules over all nations and Kings and brings universal peace and harmony. Entrance is by joining the church. Millenium Kingdom future. The Church is to preach the good news of the Kingdom that Christ will visible set up when He returns and that we can now enter through the new birth to insure out entrance.

It is no surprise that Satan would choose a city to establish his earthly religious throne. After all Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor 4: 4) and currently all the kingdoms of this earth are under his reign. 2 Corinthians 4: 3, 4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Matthew 4: 8, 9 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. This is why Jesus said to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world. The Kingdom of God is from heaven and currently being set up in the hearts of the saved believers and will be visibly set up with a throne in Jerusalem when Christ returns.

John 18: 35, 36 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. When Christ returns He will then overthrow Satan’s worldly kingdoms and they will be given over to the saints. Revelation 11: 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 21: 3 -5 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Satan’s first idolatrous system and religious throne connected with a particular city happened after the flood of Noah. The city was Babylon where the tower of Babel was built and the principal architect used by Satan was Nimrod. As long as Babylon was dominant world power it was an excellent headquarters for Satan’s attack on men. However, when Babylon’s glory began to decline and was left desolate Satan looked for another location. Pergamum was ideal because of it’s strong idolatrous religions and to propagate many of the ancient Babylonia mysteries and rituals. In Ephesus we had the deeds of the Nicolations (conquerors of the laity – roots of the priesthood). In Pergamum we now have the doctrines (vs 15) of the Nicolations.

Revelation 2: 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. Who is Antipas the Lord’s faithful martyr There is no record of any one person name Antipas. We assume Antipas is a type representative of all the martyrs up to that time when Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire ending Christian persecution to death.

Revelation 2: 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. Doctrine of Balaam? Balaam was a mighty Prophet Numbers 22 -31. Balak, the King of Moab was afraid of the children of Israel as they were going through his land paid Balaam to curse Israel. But every time Balaam opened his mouth to curse He blessed Israel for God was with Israel. Balaam, seeing Balak obviously frustrated and also paying him went on to advise Balak how to make the children of lsrael to stumble. Allow them to mix with Moabite women, commit fornication, and to eat meat sacrificed to their idols. This was an unholy alliance with paganism and so at Balaam’s suggestion the children of Israel became polluted spiritually and socially. This unholy alliance happened followed the persecuted Church of Smyrna. Now, during this time period of Pergamum the devil changed tactics and used infiltration. Since he could not kill of the Christians by cursing them he used Emperor

Constantine to make Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire making the Church a state church. Daniel had prophesized this corruption of the Church in Daniel 11: 7. Balaam’s doctrines of eating things sacrified to idols and fornication translated to spiritual terms is the use of idols and praying to them (sacrificing) and spirtual fornication – Church demanding and getting special favors from the state and the state in return benefitting from these. This basic union of Church and State is a basic doctrine of the Romish Church. The true Christian Church has no need fro idols or charms and yet the Church of the Pergamum period allowed these Babylonian mysteries to infiltrate the Church while as yet it was not fully developed bishops, cardinals, dioceses, popes, or any of the inventions that came later. Some of the Babylonian mysteries superimposed on the Church were the Chaldean tau, which was the elevation of a large ‘T’ on the end of a pole, was changed to sign of the cross. Rosary of pagan origen was intrduced. Celibacy of priests and nuns, having no scriptural verifications but the counterpart to vestal virgins and priests of paganism. Below is a list from this period A. D. 300 –Prayers for the dead A. D. 500 Priest’s dress started A. D 300 Making sign of the cross A. D. 526 Extreme Unction A. D. 375 Worship of saints/angels A. D. 593 Doctrine of purgatory A. D. 394 First Mass A. D. 600 Masses in Latin A. D. Worship of Mary begun A. D. Prayer to Mary

Revelation 2: 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. The Harlot Church System - Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr. NICOLAITANS' NAME The first clue as to who they were can be found in what they were called--Nicolaitans. The word Nicolaitan comes from two Greek words: nike and laios. Nike means "to conquer, " "subdue, " "overcome, " and laos refers to a body of people, the common people. Nikos is the equivalent to nike and has been translated "victory. " When combined, these two terms translate "conqueror [or subduer] of the common people. " These "conquerors of the people" were among the assembly of called-out-ones in Ephesus and Pergamos. They obviously had some major influence among the saints. (Some scholars say they were followers of Nicolas who was one of the deacons in Acts 6: 5. They speculate that Nicolas went into deception and led some of the believers away from the faith. This is impossible to document. )

Revelation 2: 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. NICOLAITANS' NAME - Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr. The first clue as to who they were can be found in what they were called--Nicolaitans. The word Nicolaitan comes from two Greek words: nike and laios. Nike means "to conquer, " "subdue, " "overcome, " and laos refers to a body of people, the common people. Nikos is the equivalent to nike and has been translated "victory. " When combined, these two terms translate "conqueror [or subduer] of the common people. " These "conquerors of the people" were among the assembly of called-out-ones in Ephesus and Pergamos. They obviously had some major influence among the saints. (Some scholars say they were followers of Nicolas who was one of the deacons in Acts 6: 5. They speculate that Nicolas went into deception and led some of the believers away from the faith. This is impossible to document. ) Their name represents who the Nicolaitans were and what they taught. They were those who positioned themselves

above the "common" people as having some authority over them and taught that this was the way things were supposed to be. I believe this was the beginning of the clergy system that came into prominence in the historical, institutional church system. The clergy refers to persons who are ordained for religious service such as ministers, priests, and rabbis. The word cleric is sometimes used in relation to a clergy person. Clericalism is the "political influence or power of the clergy, or a policy or principles favoring this: generally a derogatory term. " 3 {16} The clergy system in the churches advocates the elevation of the "professional" ministers above common believers. ASSOCIATED WITH BALAAM The second clue as to who the Nicolaitans were is found in the association of their name with Balaam. In Revelation 2: 15, the King James Version translation reads, "So you also have those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. . . " The word "also" comes from the Greek word kai which can be translated "and, " "also, " or "even" depending upon the

context in which it is used. The Greek text has, in addition to kai, the word omoios which means "likewise. " Some of the translations dropped omoios and missed an important aspect of interpretation. The New American Standard kept it and translated it, "in the same way. " It reads, "Thus, you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. " We ask, "in the same way" as who? The answer to that question is found in the previous verses. In Revelation 2: 1415, the Lord said, "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. Thus, you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. " I suggest, therefore, that this reference to Balaam is the antecedent of the phrase "in the same way. " "The doctrine of Balaam" (v. 14) and "the doctrine of the Nicolaitans" (v. 15) is referring to the same thing or things. If, therefore, "the doctrine of Balaam" is that to which the

phrase "in the same way" refers, then it is necessary to find out more about Balaam in order to find out more about the Nicolaitans. SAY, DO, AND BE First, however, consider these three virtues of God's true ministers: they will say what God says, do what God says do, and be what God wants them to be. They cannot do otherwise. They are unlike Balaam in the Old Testament as told about in Numbers 22 -24. Balaam could not be what he was not. Balak was the King of the Moabites at the time the Israelites pitched their tents in the land of Moab. Balak was fearful of what the Israelites might do to his people because he saw that they had struck the Amorites and taken their cities. So he sent messengers to hire Balaam to come and speak a curse against these Israelites who had come out of Egypt. Balaam was a non-Israelite prophet. Balaam was certainly enticed by the price they offered him,

but warned Balak that he was bound to say the words that God put in His mouth. Balaam did just that. He spoke four prophecies favoring Israel, and one opposing Balak. Why then was Balaam looked upon with such disdain in both the Old and the New Testaments? Remember, it takes all three virtues to be a true minister of God: say what God says to say, do what God says to do, and be what God would have one to be. Balaam fell miserably short when it came to this third virtue to be. Here is how we know. THE MATTER AT PEOR Later on in Numbers 31, we read where God told Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for the sons of Israel. He had sent his captains and warriors from every tribe and the priests with the holy vessels and the trumpets of alarm. They killed every male and the kings of Midian. They burned the cities and took the spoil, but they captured the women and brought them back with them.

Moses and others went out to meet his returning army and saw what they had done. He was angry with the officers and asked them why they had spared the women. It would seem like the noble thing to do, would it not? Moses explained his anger in verse 16: "Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor. " So, what happened at Peor and what did Balaam have to do with that? Apparently everything! We see in Numbers 25 that Israel played the harlot with the daughters of Moab: "They called the people to the sacrifices of their gods: and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself to Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. " Num. 25: 2 -3. Remember, God had made it emphatically clear that the Israelites were not to mingle with the people of the land. Deut. 7: 1 -6. No reference is made whatsoever to Balaam in Numbers 25, but Numbers 31: 16 informs us that this "sin" at Peor was due to the counsel of Balaam. In Numbers 22 -24 we read how Balak offered both money and prestige to Balaam to get him

to pronounce a curse against the Israelites. Balaam was not about to miss his opportunity fortune and prominence. Balaam must have known about this ban that God had set forth as recorded in Deuteronomy 7 and used it to defeat the Israelites. He "taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. " Rev. 2: 13. In other words, Balaam counseled Balak to entice the Israelite sons and daughters to mix with the sons and daughters of Moab. This way, Balaam did not have to speak the curse, but he ensured that Israel would place themselves under a curse. Israel did just that. They played the harlot and brought the curse of a plague upon themselves that killed twenty-four thousand of their own. Num. 25: 9. Balaam collected his blood money and prepared to live lavishly among the kings of Midian. His life, however, was short-lived after that. Numbers 31: 8 tells us that he was killed with the sword when Israel took vengeance on the Midianites. He was a false prophet. He was bound to say what God wanted him to say. He was forced even by his jackass

(donkey) to do what God wanted, but it was not in him to be what God would have him to be. He was greedy and sought to increase himself in power, position, riches, and domination. He put Himself above the concerns of God and God's people. We are much like Balaam when we ask God to bless our flesh rather than denying our flesh to obey God. BALAAM'S NAME AND REPUTATION Another connection between Balaam and the Nicolaitans is embedded in his name. Balaam's name is the combination of two words from the Hebrew: beli and haam. Beli means "conqueror" and, haam means "the people. " Put them together and we get "conqueror of the people. " Balaam's name, therefore, translates the same as Nicolaitan. Is this not strong evidence that the reference to Balaam is the antecedent of the phrase "in the same way"? Balaam is also mentioned in 2 Peter 2: 15 in the context of false teachers. The false teachers were those "who have forsaken the right way, and have gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of

unrighteousness; but was rebuked for his iniquity; the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbade the madness of the prophet. " He is mentioned with disdain in Jude, verse 11: "Woe to them, " Jude writes, "for they. . . ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward. " These three New Testament witnesses against Balaam are harsh to say the least. Each of them speak of greed. Nicolaitans cause God's people to commit spiritual fornication by joining them to their idolatrous church systems. SELF-AGGRANDIZEMENT Having looked into who Balaam was, we come back to our original question: Who, then, were the Nicolaitans? They were leaders within the Christian community who were false prophets "in the same way" as was Balaam. They were ministers among the assembly of called-out-ones who were motivated by greed and self-aggrandizement--the need to increase themselves in power, position, riches, and domination. They had managed to exalt themselves in

leadership roles above those "common" called-out-ones. The New Testamentions Diotrephes, who possessed this Nicolaitan spirit. The end of the first century A. D. was nearing when the aged apostle John wrote his third epistle. He wrote to the well beloved Gaius and addressed his grief over one who was known as Diotrephes. It appears from the letter that Diotrephes had positioned himself in an uncommon place of authority among an assembly of called-out-ones. He loved to have preeminence among them. 3 John 1: 9. He not only refused to welcome the apostle John and others of the brethren, but removed from the assembly those who did dare to welcome them. 3 John 1: 10 -11. The desire for preeminence is a characteristic of the Nicolaitan spirit. Nicolaitans are those who seek to elevate themselves above the so-called laity. I say they are "so-called" because no such distinctions are made in the New Testament between professional clergy and laity. Such distinctions smack insults at the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. The clerical exercise of such authority over the called-out-ones sprang up throughout all Christendom soon

after the turn of the first century. This reference to Diotrephes in 3 John is clear evidence that it had already taken root. Nicolaitans are like goats. They like high places. THE RISE OF BISHOPS This Nicolaitan spirit is deceptive and deadly. It is deeply entrenched in most of the men and women who have been trained and nurtured to minister in the church system. Nicolaitan personalities have ruled in the churches since the first century A. D. In spite of those exceptions like Diotrephes, simplicity seemed to have characterized the life of the called-out-ones that we know about from the New Testament until after the death of John. Little is known about the activities of the called-outones for those few years between the death of John and the turn of the century. When the pages of church history began to flip again into the beginning of the second century, an interesting thing had occurred. Certain ones bore the title of bishop, such as

Polycarp of Smyrna, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polybius of Tralles, and Onesimus of Ephesus. These were godly men, defenders of the faith, some of whom were martyrs for Jesus, but were nonetheless caught up in the power and position of the bishopric. Justo Gonzalez points out in his Story of Christianity that James, the brother of Jesus, was erroneously given the title of "bishop" of Jerusalem by church leaders in later years. 3 {17} Gonzalez explains that "the emphasis on the authority of bishops and on apostolic succession was a part of the response of the church to the challenge of heresies in the late second and early third centuries. As the church became increasingly Gentile, the danger of heresies was greater, and this in turn led to a greater stress on episcopal [bishop] authority. " 3 {18} By the time of the monastic movement in the late third and early fourth centuries, bishops lived in great cities and enjoyed great power and prestige. Moreover, the bishopric had become an office to be filled rather than a calling by God upon a man. The story is told of a man named Martin, born in

335 A. D. , who lived the monastic life and was elected to the office of bishop of Tours by popular demand. Gonzalez wrote, "When the bishopric of Tours became vacant, the populace wanted to elect Martin to that position. The story goes that some of the bishops present at the election opposed such an idea, arguing that Martin was unusually dirty, dressed in rags, and disheveled, and that his election would damage the prestige of the office of bishop. " 3 {19} This story tells us that the bishopric of Tours had become a position or office to which men could be elected. What was once a calling of God upon individual men has since become an institution of men. Many churches in the Presbyterian tradition have elected men, women, and young people as elders to fill a certain number of positions for limited terms. Where is any of this in the Bible? According to New Testament records, elders were appointed in every city and they existed in plurality. No man was given that responsibility alone. Elders were not called bishop nor pastor. They were elders who shepherded the flock of God among whom the Holy Spirit had made them overseers (which

is the Greek word episcopous, also translated "bishop"). Acts 20: 20 NKJV. The terms elder, shepherd, and overseer refer to the same person. Elder has to do with who they were. Shepherd has to do with what they did. Overseer has to do with how they did what they did. An elder is one who is called of God to perform a function in the body of Christ and was never intended to be a position, office, title, or institution in the Kingdom of God. This unscriptural "office" of bishop was the seedbed in which the hierarchical system of clergymen took root and flourished in the eventual rise of the Roman Catholic Church. The power of the office of bishop was such that simony became an issue in the church. Simony is the buying and selling of ecclesiastical (church) positions. Similarly, nobles, kings, and emperors were known to have appointed and investitured bishops and abbots in order to have political control of the church. The veneration that is bestowed upon popes, cardinals, bishops, and priests has to be most revolting to the Holy Spirit of God; especially that the Pope, a man, should be

called, Holy Father. The word cardinal when used as an adjective means "of foremost importance; paramount. " 3 {20} Jesus exhorted His followers regarding this need for veneration: "But you are not to be called Rabbi: for one is your Master, Christ; and all you are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither are you to be called masters: for one is your Master, Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he who humbles himself shall be exalted. " Matt. 23: 8 -12. In spite of the Reformation and other spiritual awakenings, the influence of the clergy system abounds in every denomination and independent church. Any challenge to a person's exalted position as "Pastor" (or whatever title they go by) are fighting words to most. Nevertheless, I boldly declare that the Nicolaitans today are all those who promote the clergy system, which separates the

so-called "professional" ministry from the so-called laity. They are those who seek to increase themselves in power, position, riches, and domination and generally do so at the expense of the saints. This "clergy system" is the work of the harlot spirit in the churches. EAT THE SHEEP The Nicolaitans are those shepherds of Ezekiel 34 whom God prophesied against for feeding themselves when they should have fed the flock. They ate the fat and clothed themselves with wool, killed those who were fed, did not strengthen the diseased, did not heal those who were sick, did not bind up those who were broken, did not bring back those who had been driven away, did not seek those who were lost, and ruled over the ones they did have with force and with cruelty. Their flocks were scattered and became meat to all the beasts of the field. The Lord was against those shepherds. He said He would require His flock at their hands and cause them to cease from feeding the flock. They would no longer be able to feed

themselves off of the flock because He promised to deliver His sheep from their mouths. His sheep would no longer be meat for them. Ezek. 34: 2 -5, 10. Dennis Loewen notes, "Balaam did great damage by advising Balak to entice the Israelites through whoredoms to ultimately serve foreign gods. The modern-day Nicolaitans exact the same final effect when they wed the people of God to a foreign god--to another Jesus. " Nicolaitans take advantage of the sheep to advance themselves. They eat the sheep to fatten themselves. The time is coming, however, when God Himself will take these sheep from the false shepherds. He will search for His sheep and seek them out Himself. He will feed, tend, lead, and heal them Himself. Ezek. 34: 11 -16. Present-day Nicolaitans have the same marks of the Pharisees who lived in Jesus' day.

Revelation 2: 15, 16 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Jesus says to them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitons, which He hates to repent. Jesus has a direct message for the Nicolaitans concerning His coming. It will be quick when it happens (at the rapture) and those that have not repented (given their life to Jesus – the Son of God) will be left behind and the Lord will fight against them with the sword of His mouth – the Word of God during the tribulation period.

Revelation 2: 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Who is an overcomer? 1 John 5: 4, 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Hidden Manna? John 6: 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Children of Israel during their 40 years wilderness experience under Moses were fed by Manna which was bread from heaven that the children of Israel had to gather in the morning

Exodus 16: 15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. Manna was the bread of life that came down from heaven in the Old Testament, and Jesus said He was the true bread of life and eat who eats of this bread will live forever. John 6: 53 -58 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Jesus then is the true manna from heaven but what does to mean to eat of the ‘hidden manna’. We can now feed on Jesus who not only gives us eternal life but within Him are the unsearchable treasures of all wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2: 2, 3 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. As Christians we are all partakers of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge but we can only understand absorb so much at a time. There is so much wisdom and knowledge in Christ that it is hidden from us now but we will feed on for all eternity. Jesus will share all that He is and all that He has with us as part of our inheritance in Him as the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10: 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

John 16: 12 -14 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. Here in John 16: 12 -14 the Holy Spirit will given hidden manna to the Disciples of Jesus only as they can bear it – that is – make them understand when they are ready to. For all eternity then, the Holy Spirit will give us when we are ready to receive more and more of the unsearchable riches of wisdom and knowledge that is in Christ the expressing image of the Father. 1 Corinthians 3: 21 -23 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Revelation 2: 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. White stone? There is a reference here to the practice in common use among the ancients of making inscriptions on small stones for various purposes. White is the color of victory. A new name written; expressive of the new character and new privileges bestowed upon the bearer. No man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it; an intimation that the love of God shed abroad in the hearts of his children here, and the heavenly inheritance of which it is the foretaste and earnest, can be known only by possession; perhaps, also, that each child of God has his own individual experience, which he alone can understand. The blessedness of true religion is great beyond description, and known only to those who enjoy it. [FBN commentary]

The 7 Prophetic Churches of Asia: What Jesus said Church Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Jesus intro Period Holds 7 stars Apostolic Walks Church among 7 Churches Date Praise Reproof Coming Promise Acts 100 A. D. Left first love Faithful in and in service, danger of beliefs Hate Lord deeds of removing His Nicolatans Presence Faithful under persecution ; poor but rich C rown of Life Not hurt by the second death Faithful in belief in spite of Satan’s seat Fight them with sword of my mouth hidden Manna; White Stone; New Name First and Last; was dead but not alive Persecut ed Church 100 A. D. 300 A. D. Sharp sword with two edges Paganize d Church (dark ages) 313 A. D. 538 A. D. Doctrines of Nicolatans and Balaam Eat of the tree of life

Church of Thyatira (600 A. D. – Rapture Dark Age Revelation 2: 18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; The city of Thyatira was probably founded by Alexander the Great some three hundred years before Christ. It was a wealthy city in Macedonia. Noted in the ancient world for its dies. , ne comes from two words meaning ‘sacrifice’ and ‘continual’.

Church of Thyatira (300 A. D. – 600 A. D. ) Dark Age Revelation 2: 18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; These things saith the Son of God In a time when much focus was made of worship of Mary and Jesus as the son of Mary Jesus reminds them He is the Son of God. In a time when the humanity of Jesus is continually emphasized and focus is on Jesus the son of man and Deity of Jesus is under continuous attack Jesus reminds this Church He is the Son of God.

Church of Thyatira (300 A. D. – 600 A. D. ) Dark Age Revelation 2: 18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; His eyes like unto a flame of fire Like unto a flame of fire is a simile meaning Jesus is judging the Churches and only that which can endure the fire has value. We learn this from 1 Cor 3: 11 -14 1 Corinthians 3: 11 -14 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire

Church of Thyatira (300 A. D. – 600 A. D. ) Dark Age Revelation 2: 18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; His eyes like unto a flame of fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. His feet like fine brass Gold used symbolically in scripture always refers to God’s divine nature. Silver always speaks of redemption and brass judgment. Fine brass is fine judgment – that is judgment of the highest quality. Since eyes like a flame of fire and feet as fine brass are connected in Rev 2: 18, Jesus judgment can

discern every detail of the Churches with the finest of discernment whether they works have value or not and what good or harm they are doing within the Church. Jesus is certainly worthy to judge the Church for He is the Head of the Church and God has put all things under His Feet. Ephesians 1: 19 -23 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 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, 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: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Jesus feet of fine brass is also the picture of Jesus fulfilling the first promise of a savior God made the day Adam and Eve fell. That the seed (Jesus) of the woman (Mary) would have His feet bruised in the battle to bruise the head (authority) of

Satan. Genesis 3: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. A good example of brass as symbolic of judgment is Jesus interpretation of Mose in the wilderness lifting up the image of a serpent on a brass pole (Num 21: 9) so that anyone who looked would not die from the serpents bite but would be delivered from the curse of sin and death and live. Numbers 21: 9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. John 3: 14 -16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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.

Revelation 2: 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. To Ephesus Jesus said ”you have left your first love” and "Repent, and do the deeds you did at first" (Rev. 2: 4, 5), however to Thyatira He says their latter works greater than when they started. Church of Thyatira kept the fire of love of Christ burning resulting in many good works. Works of Charity such as caring for the poor, sick, needy. Many were faithful in service doing that which they believed God called them to do and also Jesus commended them in their faith. It was during the latter time of this period that many great men of God such as Martin Luther, zwingli, Calvin, were known as great reformers along with the invention of the printing press leading to the next Chruch period – Protestant Reformation.

Revelation 2: 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. During this time the Church of Rome became a fully functional earthly organization with the Pope as its head claiming divine right to rule over Emperors and Kings and the voice of God eventually claiming infallibility. In Ephesus you have the deeds of the Nicolatans, Pergamus the doctrines of Nicolatans, and now the priestly system has fully involved into a Church of its own making. This Romish Church is referred to as Jezebel – who called herself a prophetess. A woman used symbolically always refers to a Church. This Church firmly seated on a throne threatens to infest the true Church of believers with its many doctrines. The Word of God is pure and Jesus gave a parable how a woman put a little leaven in a meal and it leavened the whole meal.

Matthew 13: 33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. In this parable the woman puts leaven (symbolizing sin) and put it in the mix it leavens the whole work. Jeus warned His disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees (Matt 16: 11, 12) What we call half truths today. Matthew 16: 11, 12 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? 12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Jesus is telling the Church of Thyatira not to tolerate this festering growth (doctrines of the Romish Church (Jezebel)) in their midst and in their faith and works.

Revelation 2: 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Church of Rome is teaching doctines to seduce true servants of God to commit fornication and eat things sacrificed to idols. These are the two stumbling blocks that previous Church Pergamum was warned about was in their midst and called them Doctrine’s of Baalim. And now here in Church of Thyatira they are taught by the Nicolatans who have now fully budded into a fully functional earthly organization with the ecclesiastical system have the Pope as its head. We read in Rev 2: 14 concerning Pergamum Revelation 2: 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Doctrine of Balaam? Balaam was a mighty Prophet Numbers 22 -31. Balak, the King of Moab was afraid of the children of Israel as they were going through his land paid Balaam to curse Israel. But every time Balaam opened his mouth to curse He blessed Israel for God was with Israel. Balaam, seeing Balak obviously frustrated and also paying him went on to advise Balak how to make the children of lsrael to stumble. Allow them to mix with Moabite women, commit fornication, and to eat meat sacrificed to their idols. This was an unholy alliance with paganism and so at Balaam’s suggestion the children of Israel became polluted spiritually and socially. This unholy alliance happened followed the persecuted Church of Smyrna. Now, during this time period of Pergamum the devil changed tactics and used infiltration. Since he could not kill of the Christians by cursing them he used Emperor. Constantine to make Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire making the Church a state church. Daniel had prophesized this corruption of the Church in Daniel 11: 7.

Balaam’s doctrines of eating things sacrified to idols and fornication translated to spiritual terms is the use of idols and praying to them (sacrificing) and spirtual fornication – Church demanding and getting special favors from the state and the state in return benefitting from these. This basic union of Church and State is a basic doctrine of the Romish Church. The true Christian Church has no need fro idols or charms and yet the Church of the Pergamum period allowed these Babylonian mysteries to infiltrate the Church while as yet it was not fully developed bishops, cardinals, dioceses, popes, or any of the inventions that came later. Some of the Babylonian mysteries superimposed on the Church were the Chaldean tau, which was the elevation of a large ‘T’ on the end of a pole, was changed to sign of the cross. Rosary of pagan origen was intrduced. Celibacy of priests and nuns, having no scriptural verifications but the counterpart to vestal virgins and priests of paganism. Below is a list from this period

A. D. 300 –Prayers for the dead A. D. 500 Priest’s dress started A. D. 300 Making sign of the cross A. D. 526 Extreme Unction A. D. 375 Worship of Saints and/angels A. D. 593 Doctrine of purgatory A. D. 394 First Mass A. D. 600 Masses in Latin A. D. Worship of Mary begun A. D. Prayer to Mary And now to these doctrines we had the doctrines further added by Jezebel (Romish Church) during Thyatira Church and till this present day A. D. 607 Boniface III – first Pope A. D. 1090 Prayer beads A. D. 709 Kissing Pope’s foot A. D. 1184 Inquisition for heretics A. D. 786 Worship images and Relics A. D. 1190 Sale of indulgences A. D. 850 Use of holy water A. D. 1215 Transubstantiation A. D. 995 Dead Saints began to be A. D. 1220 Adoration of Canonized wafer/host A. D. 998 Fasting Friday and Lent days A. D. 1229 Bible forbidden to laymen A. D. 1079 Celibacy of Priesthood A. D. 1414 Cup forbidden to people at communion

A. D. 1439 Doctrine of Purgatory decreed A. D. 1854 Immaculate Conception of Mary A. D. 1439 Doctrine of seven Sacraments confirmed A. D. 1864 Syllabus of errors proclaimed A. D. 1508 Ave Maria approved A. D. 1870 Infallibility of Pope declared A. D. 1534 Jesuit Order approved A. D. 1930 Public Schools condemned A. D. 1545 Tradition granted equal A. D. 1950 Assumption of the authority with the Bible virgin Mary A. D. 1546 Apocryphal books put into the Bible A. D. 1965 Mary proclaimed Mother of the Church

Revelation 2: 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Jezebel, the Church of Rome hierarchy (ecclesiastical system) will be given time to repent of her fornication. Again, this is spiritual fornication – that is – performing favors for power and position with the political system. God will give this system a space to repent – turn away from these false doctrines and preach and teach the pure Word of God and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 2: 22, 23 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. Jezebel the wicked woman becomes the great whore of Rev 17 reigning over the kings of the earth from Satan’s final earthly throne – Babylon. It is there God judges her after the rapture takes place but just before Christ’s visible return.

The move of Jezebel the wicked woman back to Babylon is recorded in Zechariah 5: 5 -11 Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is that goeth forth. 6 And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. 7 And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. 8 And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. 9 Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. 10 Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? 11 And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

This wicked woman Jezebel will have her final destination as the Great Whore of Rev 17, 18. There God will burn and destroy her and her children fulfilling Rev 2: 22, 23 (see fall of Babylon). Revelation 2: 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. The depths of Satan would mean how low Satan would go to teach error and false doctrine. Many in the Church of Thyatira did not contaminate themselves with Romish pomp, ceremony and rituals. They have not known the depths of Satan as in the vernacular one would say these teachings are from the pit. The Lord says He will put no other burden upon them as He already praised for many other things just this one comdemnation – to not pollute themselves with these Romeish Jesebel teachings. Jesus says hold fast to what you already have till He comes. This is in contrast to those that are practicing the depths of Satan are repented not. They are left behind and go into great tribulation as said earlier.

Revelation 2: 26 -28 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 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. 28 And I will give him the morning star. Who is an overcomer? 1 John 5: 4, 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Power over the nations Jesus say those that keepeth my works unto the end will have power over the nations. These works that endure will be works that have value and to be rewarded (1 Cor 3: 11 -14).

1 Corinthians 3: 11 -14 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. Power over the nations This is a truth Jesus taught in His parable of talents in Luke 19. When the Master returned to find out what they did with their talents one was rewarded with ruler ship over ten cities and another five cities. Luke 19: 17 -19 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

These truths are very important. For you starting position in the Kingdom of God after we return back to earth with Christ to rule and reign will be determined by the works you have done for Him since you were saved. We are a Kingdom of Priests and Kings. Priests serve; Kings rule. . Revelation 5: 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Jesus goes on to say to the Thyatira overcomers Revelation 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. Currently the Kingdoms of this world are under Satan’s dominion for he is the god of this present age 2 Corinthians 4: 3, 4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Revelation 2: 27, 28 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. 28 And I will give him the morning star Jesus, after the rapture receives the title deed to the earth in Rev 5 from His Father. When Jesus finishes open the 7 seals of the title deed will legally take possession of all the nations of this world when He visibly returns. Revelation 11: 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. When Christ returns he will destroy and burn Antichrist’s Empire and break it up as a potter would break a vessel into pieces. In that day we will share with Christ’s victory for the redeemed will be with Jesus as He makes war with the Beast and his armies in the great war for Jerusalem known as the battle of Armageddon (Rev 19: 19 -21). This overthrow of the Beast’s Kingdom was also symbolically foreshadowed in the complete destruction of the image of Daniel 2.

Revelation 19: 19 -21 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived hem that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. Give him that overcometh the morning star The morning star is planet Venus. This statement follows immediately after what is the natural progression of God’s Kingdom when the Kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdoms of His Lord and Christ. The Millennium reign is how long it takes to perfect the Kingdom. Following the Millennium is the perfect eternal state of the Kingdom which will increase forever. .

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

The 7 Prophetic Churches of Asia: What Jesus said Church Jesus intro Date Praise Reproof Apostolic Church Acts 100 A. D. Faithful in service, beliefs Hate deeds of Nicolatans Left first love: Danger of Lord removing His Presence First and Last; was dead but not alive Persecuted Church 100 A. D. 300 A. D. Faithful under persecution ; poor but rich C rown of Life Not hurt by the second death Pergamum Sharp sword with two edges Paganized Church (dark ages) 313 A. D. 538 A. D. Faithful in belief in spite of Satan’s seat Doctrines of Nicolatans and Balaam Fight them with sword of my mouth hidden Manna; White Stone; New Name Thya-tira Son of God; Eyes as fire; Feet of brass Romish/ Reformati on (Middle ages) 539 A. D. 1563 A. D. Good works: Some faith Wicked woman Jezebel Ephesus Smyrna Holds 7 stars Walks among 7 Churches Period Coming Promise Eat of the tree of life Hold fast; Power over Avoid the nations; judgemen Morning t star

Church of Sardis (1520 A. D. – Rapture A. D. ) Revelation 3: 1 And Reformation period unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Sardis, the capitol city of Lydia, was prominent in Asia Minor. Noted for its carpet industry. Its was a wealthy city that was finally destroyed by an earthquake. Sardis Church thought it was a live Church but to Christ it was dead. This is a period of church history which begins in the last half of the 16 th century resulting from the work of the great Reformers that lived during the Thyatira period like John Wycliffe of England (1330 -1384 A. D) who translated the Bible from Latin to English; John Hus of Bohemia(1372 -1415 A. D) called the ‘Father of Reform’ who died a martyr; Martin Luther

Of Germany (1483 -1546 A. D. ) called the Battle-axe of Reform; John Calvin of France (1509 -1564 A. D. ) the Teaching Apostle; Ulrich Zwingli of Switzerland (1484 -1531 A. D. ); John Knox of Scotland (1514 -1572 A. D. ) the Sword Bearer; George Fox of England (1624 -1691 A. D. ) the Liberator of the Spirit and many others. We will now look this period as Jesus saw it. The first great surprise is that while outwardly these reformation Churches seemed alive and independent from Jezebel of the Thyatira Church period. There is no mention of false Apostles, no mention of the Nicolatans that plagued previous Churches, and yet God said this Church thinks it lives but it is dead. What happened after all the fires of the Reformers burned like wildfire bringing the truths of Salvation – just shall live by faith and Word of God is above any doctrine of man. To answer these questions let us study the words of Jesus to the Church of Sardis.

Church of Sardis (1520 A. D. – Rapture; ) Revelation 3: 1 And Reformation period unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Who are the seven Spirits of God? We know there is only one Spirit of God and that is the Holy Spirit. Just as light passes through a prism and can be broken into about 7 colors so the one Holy Spirit can be broken up into seven spiritual offices. When Jesus was baptized by John and the Holy Spirit came upon Him in His fullness before He began His public ministry, Isaiah 11: 2 listed the sevenfold Spirit manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 11: 1, 2 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; Jesse was the father of David. Isaiah is saying from the lineage of David would come a branch who will have the seven manifold Spirits of God upon Him. 1: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him 2: Spirit of wisdom 3: Spirit of understanding 4: Spirit of counsel 5: Spirit of might 6: Spirit of might 7: Spirit of might

To further confirm we are taking of Jesus having the seven fold Spirit of God we are told in Zechariah God will bring forth His servant the BRANCH. Then they were told of one stone before them having 7 eyes. Zechariah 3: 8, 9 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. 9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. The stone is Christ the Lamb of God and the seven eyes the seven Spirits of God. This is confirmed in Luke 20: 17, Rev 5 and. S 7 7 Luke 20: 17 And he beheld them, and said, What is then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Church of Sardis (1520 A. D. – 1900 A. D. ) Revelation 3: 1 And Reformation period unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Revelation 5: 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Jesus knew the works of the Sardis Church, and that they had a reputation that their Church was alive but Jesus said they were a dead Church.

You would think that God would have great things to say to the Sardis – the reformation period. After all, many rejected and threw of the Romish Jezebel Church of Thyatira and began to read the Word of God and believe as Martin Luther had taught ‘the Just shall live by faith’ and Salvation is not of works but of grace. This was a time when the printing press was and had made the Word of God available in the vernacular of many of the people, especially in Europe. What went wrong after the early reformers swept then know world with reformation flames that gave birth to the Protestant Churches. Protestant comes from the word ‘protest’. Reformers led the protests against all the doctrinal errors that we reviewed in the study of the Church of Thyatira. Some of the main reasons for these Churches becoming dead was: 1: Many of the great reforms mentioned made the churches they established State Churches. For example, Martin Luther, sought the approval of the political leaders and eventually the Lutheran Church became the state Church of Germany as did others throughout Europe; Zwingli in Switzerland, Knox in

Scotland, Calvin in Geneva. State Churches are organizations that follow strict guidelines as outlined in the Church and approved by the State. Many would go to fulfill what they felt was a Civic duty and Ministers appointed by these denominational Churches were busy baptizing every new infant, being there for every marriage, and of course for the burial of the dead. However, time for worship, fellowship in the Word and allowing the Spirit of God was absent. Church became form, ritualistic, and kept many of the trapping of the Romish Jezebel system though it separated from her. The result was Ceremonies, liturgy, ecclesiastical attire, candles, alters, processions, soft music that produces a synthetic spiritual atmosphere replacing the presence of the seven fold Spirit of God. As the late great Author Bloomfield said, these things stem from the Romeish Jezebel sytem not the Apostolic early Church. They hark back to Babylon, not Pentecost. The Churches were outwardly creating a make believe atmosphere of heaven void of the moving of the Holy Spirit. Teaching the Logos (Letter) of the Word of God but not experiencing the Rhema (Spirit) of the Word. Jesus said the words He speaks are Spirit and life and it takes the Holy Spirit to release (quicken – make alive) the Word to become alive in you in

your walk, prayer and praise life. John 6: 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Jesus said to the woman at the well, it is not where you worship that is important it is how you worship and it to be done in Spirit and truth again confirming the Sardis Church needs the fulness of the sevenfold Spirit of God to move and accomplish this. John 4: 23, 24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Churches are bound by their traditions and man made programs and rituals, that the Word of God has none effect because the Church is spiritually dead though it thinks it lives. This is a good example of the living dead. Mark 7: 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Revelation 3: 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Jesus said ‘Be watchful’. These State Churches were so into the now and did not teach spiritual things beyond Salvation. Being saved and maturing in Christ are two separate issues. Most important, to be watchful concerning His Second Coming and what rewards Christ will give them for their works. Rather than having a forward view of the Kingdom many of the Churches embraced amillennism. That is, Christ will not return until first they set up the Kingdom of God on earth – that is - till the Church brings about peace, safety, brotherhood on the earth. These are the roots leading to the ecumenical movement between not only different Churches but different faiths. Because these are State Churches many pagans joined out of duty and became professing Christians not confessing. The truths concerning Christ’s return, great tribulation period, rapture would tell them when Christ does return they will not be ready. That is why Jesus said to this Church ‘be watchful’ for in Rev 3: 3 for if they are not He will come upon them as a thief in the night. Those that study the

whole Word of God and are ready for Christ’s coming will not be in darkness but be ready. Sad to say, for many Sardis professing believers these events will come upon them as a thief in the night and they will be left to go through the great tribulation period. Revelation 3: 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 1 Thessalonians 5: 1 -10 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 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. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 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. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Revelation 3: 2, 3 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Jesus says to strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. Strengthen what things. Jesus answers the question and reminds them of how they first received the Word of God and this would be by the great reformers listed previously (Wycliffe, Luther, Hus, Zwingli and many others) when the Word of God set them free and the doctrines of just shall live by faith, sanctification, baptisms, etc. . Jesus, told them to strengthen those beliefs that did remain for they were about to die being swallowed up in all those dead niceties that replaced the seven-fold Spirit of God. They were told to repent and hold fast to sound doctrine and to be watchful for His coming lest He come as a thief in the night and they were asleep having only the cares of this world as they did in Noah’s day. Jesus had a lot to say about this.

Revelation 3: 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. Few names in Sardis have not defiled their garments? Matthew 7: 13 -14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. These few were faithful to the Lord. They did not join a Church by becoming a member to be appear outwardly saved and enjoy the pageantry of ornate religious sacraments. They believed in Jesus paid it all on the cross for their sins and accepted the gift of eternal life and salvation by faith. They became members of the true Church the Body of Christ of which Jesus is the head not joining an Church organization having a building and ruled over by the State.

Revelation 3: 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. The faithful shall walk with the Lord in white for they are worthy. This promise looks to the return of Christ when all the saints will wear fine white linen – white for righteousness. Revelation 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. Revelation 19: 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

Revelation 3: 5, 6 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. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. The threat here is not that God will blot out the overcomers as some interpret but the assurance that God will not blot out their name and further more confess it publicly before the Father and the Holy Angels.

The 7 Prophetic Churches of Asia: What Jesus said Church Date Praise Reproof Apostolic Church Acts 100 A. D. Faithful in service, beliefs Hate deeds of Nicolatans Left first love: Danger of Lord removing His Presence First and Last; was dead but not alive Persecuted Church 100 A. D. 300 A. D. Faithful under persecution ; poor but rich C rown of Life Not hurt by the second death Pergamum Sharp sword with two edges Paganized Church (dark ages) 313 A. D. 538 A. D. Faithful in belief in spite of Satan’s seat Doctrines of Nicolatans and Balaam Fight them with sword of my mouth hidden Manna; White Stone; New Name Thya-tira Son of God; Eyes as fire; Feet of brass Romish/ Reformati on (Middle ages) 539 A. D. 1563 A. D. Good works: Some faith Wicked woman Jezebel Ephesus Smyrna Jesus intro Holds 7 stars Walks among 7 Churches Period Coming Promise Eat of the tree of life Hold fast; Power over Avoid the nations; judgemen Morning t star

Church of Philadelphia (1800’s A. D. – Rapture A. D. ) Revelation 3: 7 And to Missionary Church 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; Philadelphia located in the center of Greek civilization and founded only 189 years before Christ. It was an independent Christian city until conquered by the Turks at the close of the fourteenth century. Today, the city that stands there is Alasehir at the foot of the mountains as was a door way to the tableland of Annatolia. Philadelphia means ‘brotherly love’ and is the period of the ‘great awakening’ of the eighteen century. It is the period of the missionary Church to all the world and was empowered by a mighty move of God’s Holy Spirit. Saints of God sought to be Holy and filled with the Holy Spirit to witness and taught and prepared for Lord’s return.

Church of Philadelphia (1800’s A. D. – Rapture A. D. ) Revelation 3: 7 And to Missionary Church 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; He that is Holy and true. Jesus identifies Himself with the Philadelphia Church as one of the earliest movements was the holiness movement. Prior to this a lasting result of the Reformation period was denominationalism. The Word of God was getting more and more into the hands of the people. While the Reformation period was a breaking away from the hold of the teachings of the Holy Roman Empire and doctrines of Babylon, the Denominational Churches still held on to some of these views and married to the State becoming State Churches. The

Church of Philadelphia (1800’s A. D. – Rapture A. D. ) Revelation 3: 7 And to Missionary Church 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; He that is Holy and true. Philadelphia Church was the Great Awakening and the driving force was seeking to hasten the second coming of Jesus Christ and the setting up of His Kingdom by obedience to His Word and fulfilling the Great Commission. This period was a return back to the doctrines of the early Church of salvation, holiness, sanctification which let to Pentecost, laying on of hands, healing, and the latter day Charismatic movement with gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12 -13) and the establishing of 5 fold ministry of the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers (Eph 4: 11).

From these the Church is called to maturity and go to perfection (Heb 6: 1, 2). Hebrews 6: 1, 2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 1 Corinthians 12: 7 -11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Ephesians 4: 8 -16 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. ) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Church of Philadelphia (1800’s A. D. – Rapture A. D. ) Revelation 3: 7 And to Missionary Church 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; Hath the Key of David? Jesus is the one who has the Key of David. All of the 7 Churches refer back to either part of the description of Christ in Chapter 1 or Something Jesus said in Chapter 1. The only words in Chapter 1 that would connect with Key of David are Jesus having the keys of Hell and of Death. Jesus reference to the Key of David is found in Isa 22: 22 Isaiah 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.

Key is the emblem of authority and knowledge; the key of David is the regal right or authority of David could shut or open the kingdom of Israel to whom he pleased. He was not bound to leave the kingdom even to his eldest son. He could choose whom he pleased to succeed him. The kingdom of the Gospel, and the kingdom of heaven, are at the disposal of Christ. He can shut against whom he will; he can open to whom he pleases. If he shuts, no man can open; if he opens, no man can shut. His determinations all stand fast, and none can reverse them. This expression is an allusion to Isa 22: 22, where the prophet promises to Eliakim, under the symbol of the key of the house of David, the government of the whole nation; i. e. , all the power of the king, to be executed by him as his deputy; but the words, as here applied to Christ, show that He is absolute. [Matthew Clark Commentary] Isaiah 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. Notice the Key of David will I lay upon His Shoulder. Again the Key of David is a reference to Christ and He will shoulder the Kingdom of God (Isa 9: 6); that is – uphold it with His strength.

Isaiah 9: 6 -7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. That Jesus would rule on the throne of David and have a Kingdom was told by the angel Gabriel to Mary when she was told she would have a child but it will be the working of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1: 30 -33). Luke 1: 30 -33 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 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: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Putting all these scriptures together the emphasis is Jesus has all power in heaven and earth and Has the authority having the Key of David to open and shut and open. However, the emphasis is opening and shutting the doors of hell and of death and connect with the rapture and the great white throne judgment. This will be confirmed as we continue studying the Church of Philadelphia of which many will be caught up at the rapture while many of the Church of Laodicea will be left behind. For those true believers who have already died, Jesus will turn the key of death from the inside to open it which would be resurrection. This will happen at the rapture when Christ comes for His Saint in the air. For those who have died and are not resurrected some will be cast into hell at this time for Jesus will open the door from the outside to cast them there, The rest of the dead will wait for the great white throne judgment where they will be judged for their works. All these truths match the parables of Jesus concerning these things and are covered in the rapture study.

What is interesting to me by Jesus using the expression Key of David is God’s promises to the Jews that their Kingdom of Israel will be restored in the future and has been in progress during the Philadelphia Church Age. Zionist movement in 1800’s and creation of a homeland in 1917 A. D. in the Balfour Declaration and then Israel becoming a nation in 1948 A. D. after 2500 years of Gentile domination and Jerusalem recaptured in 1967 A. D. . I believe the Ark of the Covenant will reappear and rebuilding of the Tabernacle of David and the Temple will all take place before the rapture (see Timeframe 2 and timeframe 3 of Chart below). The keys of hell of death are seen in Ezek 37 (vision of the valley of dry bones) where God says I will bring them out of graves and they will live and be brought into the land of Israel.

Revelation 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. In Rev 3: 7 Jesus tells us He has the key of David to open that no man can shut and no man can open. Furthermore we identified the Key of David tied to Chapter 1 like all 7 Churches in their introduction and there the keys were of hell and of death. Here in Rev 3: 8 Jesus has used His authority to open a door and that open door is set before them. Set before them means they can see it, that is, they can understand what the door and look to go through it. This door is the rapture when all the faithful dead and living will meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess 4: 16) and change our bodies of corruption and mortality to strong noncorruptible and immortal bodies (1 Cor 15: 51 -53). We will all go through that door and this will be confirmed as we continue our study.

Rapture

Revelation 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. God knows the works of the Philadelphia Church and that they have obeyed His Word and has not denied His name but now has little strength. This little strength is referring to the time of the rapture and their position in the world. Therapture will take place after a great falling away from the faith as seen in the last Church Laodicea. The Laodicea Church is so apostate that Jesus is not within the Church but outside knocking on the door for anyone to answer His call. The rise of Antichrist before the rapture will bring about this great falling away and the true Church will be mighty in power by the Holy Spirit will have little strength and support from the world. The lies of Antichrist and the new Age Movement will be very popular with the whole world for they will be deceived but yet Godwill have a remnamt that will be faithful to His Word and His name and they have their eyes on the return of the Lord and the open door of the rapture.

Revelation 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. Synagogue of Satan This term was used in the message to the Persecuted Church of Smyrna. The synagogue was a Jewish place of worship, but the word originally denoted the assembly or congregation. The meaning here is plain, that though they worshipped in a synagogue, and professed to be the worshippers of God, yet they were not worthy of the name, and deserved rather to be regarded as in the service of Satan. I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. We all have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Jesus said every knee shall bow and every tounge will confess that Jesus is Lord. These unbelievers are not bowing down to believers but in their presence (before their feet) they will bow down to Jesus (Romans 14: 10, 11).

Romans 14: 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. When unbelievers are in a Church where the Holy Spirit is moving and the gifts of the Spirit are manifest we read shall not the unbeliever bow down and worship God in conviction and tell the believers that God is in them of a truth. 1 Corinthians 14: 24, 25 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Revelation 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. So many of us have waited patiently for the return of the Lord and been obedient to His Word. As the Church enters into the final Church oeriod called Laodicea in which there is a great falling away and mockers mocking the Coming of Christ saying all things are the save since the beginning of creation (see Laodicea Church period for full study of these scriptures. However, God will have a remnant in the Church represented by the Philadelphia Church who will hold fast to Jesus name, His Word, and above all being patient and longsuffering knowing God does not want anyone to perish but be saved in Christ and receive eternal life. Romans 8: 14 -25 sums up the thoughts of the patient believer. Romans 8: 14 -25 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 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. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not

hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. These verses are clearly referring the being patient (vs 25) for the rapture when the manifestation of the Sons of God will be made manifest and we will receive the redemption of our bodies. Revelation 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. The reward for living faithful in the endtime or latter days (which started when Israel became a nation in 1948 A. D. ) is to be kept from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth. What is the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the whole world? First, this ‘hour of temptation’ is upon the whole world. Second, the word ‘temptation’ is used as opposed to the word judgment as in ‘hour of judgment’.

‘Temptation’ is defined as a trial in which the desire to have or do something that you should avoid. Satan is called the tempter in Matt 4: 3. Matthew 4: 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Jesus had already fasted forty days and in that weakened physical state Satan tempted Jesus to prove that he was the Son of God. If Jesus truly was the Son of God than He could turn these stones to bread proving He was. Jesus did not have to prove anything, especially to Satan. Jesus knew exactly who He was and knew that fasting was Father’s will for the work that was before Him just as Moses and Elijah fasted forty days. We know why and how Jesus was tempted. What temptation is going to happen upon the whole world that would follow the rapture. The Bible is abundantly clear and that is the great 3 ½ Christian Tribulation Period. This is a separate post rapture period than the Day of judgment upon all nations called the Day of the Lord or that connects with Israel called Daniel’s 70 th week.

1 2 3 Rapture 4 Poles shift Martyr’s raised 5 Earth Christ upright returns Millennium Kingdom Eternity

Revelation 3: 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Behold, I come quickly Jesus is referring to the sudden appearing and the quickness with which He will come when He does come. To the Church of Sardis, Jesus comes as a thief in the night and they are asleep to prophetic Word of God. hold that fast which thou hast Jesus is saying to His faithful remnant that has little strength from the world. Continue to be that faithful servant till my return no matter what Satan throws your way. Continue to be a faithful and a true witness, not denying my name even though the whole world by Christ’s return will be deceived by the great deceptions and lies of Antichrist. that no man take thy crown This crown refers to the glory that will be unique to each of us based on the works we have done since we are saved. Just as we shall shine like the sun in God’s Kingdom, yet each star shines with it’s own unique glory. Jesus is saying, hold

fast to what you are doing and not let another shine with the glory that could have been yours. 1 Corinthians 3: 13, 14 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. Matthew 13: 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 1 Corinthians 15: 41 -44 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

Revelation 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. Who is an overcomer? 1 John 5: 4, 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: A pillar in the temple of God speaks of permanence. No more backsliding, no more wandering in the wilderness, no more spiritual warfare. Like David had all the stones quarried and pre-cut so that in the days of Solomon His Son these stones fit together perfectly and so the Temple was created. The temple Jesus is talking about is the New Jerusalem in which

Revelation 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. the Church is the Temple. In this life God has done all the quarrying with you and pre-cutting He could do and now you will be a permanent pillar among all the other pillars that give eternal permanence and strength in the temple of God. 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. In Genesis God came down to man and man gave names to different animals. In Revelations we go up to be with God. When has finished rewarding us and placing us as permanent pillars in His Temple He will give us a new name shown His complete possession and ownership of us and a completed work with not only an earthly identity but a heavenly identity that could only match the glorious beings we will now be

Church of Laodicea (200? A. D. – Rapture; ) Revelation 3: 14 And Apostate Church 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; Laodicea was situated southeast of Philadelphia and was a famous health resort. City was famous for its hot baths and the collyrium eye salve that was produced there. The hot water was ingeniously piped to the resorts in insulated pipes, but because of the distances involved, the water was often times lukewarm by the time it arrived at its destination. Laodicea is the last Church along this Roman road. This Church represents the great falling away within the Church that takes place before the rapture and end of the Church Age. It will happen as a result of the reign of Antichrist when he comes to power as the man of deception with all power,

signs and lying wonders after the working of Satan. However, Antichrist will not be revealed as the man of sin, son of perdition until the rapture takes place. This is also when Satan and his angels will be cast down to the earth. At the same time Antichrist receives a deadly wound for a very sinister purpose and his deadly wound is seemingly healed and he comes back to life. However, in the process of coming back to life, Satan is allowed to incarnate him and Antichrist is now Antichrist the man and Satan incarnate. When this happens to Antichrist, the Apostle Paul calls him the Man of Sin, Son of perdition. The only other person in the Bible called the Son of Perdition was Judas when Satan entered into him. The focus of out study of the Laodicea Church will be the great falling away that will take place under Antichrist the man of deception before the rapture and not when he is revealed as the Man of Sin, Son of perdition after the rapture

2 Thessalonians 2: 1 -12 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with

1 2 3 Rapture 4 Poles shift Martyr’s raised 5 Christ Earth upright returns Kingdom Millennium Eternity Antichrist Reigns: Man of Deception Antichrist Revealed: Man of Sin: Son of Perdition.

Pre-rapture and postrapture Antichrist Scripture comparison chart Rise of Antichrist, Great falling away, Rapture Man of Sin revealed (Son of Perditon) first; then sits in the Temple to show he is God during Day of the Lord/Daniel’s 70 th week 2 Thess 2: 1 -12 Antichrist: Man of Deception Revealed as the Man of Sin: Son of Perdition. Daniel 7 Daniel 8 Daniel 11 Rev 12; Rev 13, Rev 18 The little horn The Beast The little horn ‘It’ ‘Raiser of Taxes’ ‘Vile Person’ Dragon w/ 7 crowned heads and 10 horns in the air Dragon w/ 7 crowned heads and 10 horns on the earth w/ an eight head which is of the seventh which had a deadly wound that healed. Habakkuk 1 Antichrist imputes his power to his god Antichrist says he is God Habakkuk 2 Antichrist vexed by Rapture Saints return w/Christ: take spoils ; Ressurrection of antichrists defeat Gog and Magog Prince of Tyre: King of Tyre

Church of Laodicea (200? A. D. – Rapture; ) Revelation 3: 14 And Apostate Church 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; Jesus – the Amen Jesus introduces Him as the ‘Amen’. Jesus, the Son of God, is the only person in scripture recorded that said, "Amen, I say unto you, " for it is the language peculiar to God, who by Himself saying you can 100% count on it if He said it. The New Testament formula, "Amen. I say unto you, " is equivalent to the Old Testament formula, "as I live, saith Jehovah. " 2 Corinthians 1: 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Church of Laodicea (200? A. D. – Rapture; ) Revelation 3: 14 And Apostate Church 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; Jesus – the faithful and true witness When Jesus was asked what is the sign of His return and the end of the Age, the first two warnings He answered were (1) see that you not be deceived (2)many shall come saying ‘I am Christ’ and deceive many – go not after them (see Rapture study). Today, there exist the new age movement which is based on doctrines of demons. These doctrines will infiltrate the Apostate Church and to this Church Jesus is saying I am the Christ – My witness is faithful and true as opposed to these many false Christs.

Church of Laodicea (200? A. D. – Rapture; ) Revelation 3: 14 And Apostate Church 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; Jesus – the faithful and true witness

Church of Laodicea (200? A. D. – Rapture; ) Revelation 3: 14 And Apostate Church 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; 1 Timothy 4: 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; The beginning of the creation of God The word ‘beginning’ is the Greek word ‘arche’ which when taken in the active sense means the initiator of the action. In this case Jesus was the one that initiated the creation.

Colossians 1: 12 -17 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Jesus is introducing Himself as ‘the beginning of the creation of God’ to the Laodicea Church who is compromising with doctrines of demons and evolutionary answers to origin of creation.

Revelation 3: 15, 16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. The Church of Laodicea was not hot meaning zealous of good works but not cold - lifeless. She was lukewarm – indifferent to the real purpose of the Church. She had hymns, ceremonies, programs, rich buildings dedicated to Christ. Where some of the other Churches had the pulpit run the Church this Church has the pews run the Church. This Church was modernism in its full Pharisaical sense – outwardly religious but spiritual dead. The rise of Antichrist before the rapture brings massive deception upon the world and a time of false peace and safety as the days of Noah. Many Church leaders will embrace this age as the Kingdom Age and seek to make it so. But in truth, The Kingdom Age on earth is only when the true King Jesus Christ returns. However, this Church will take many new age doctrines of demons and mix it up with the Holy Word of God as teach it as Biblical truth. These individuals will have an outward form of godliness but completely lacking the real power thereof – the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3: 1 -5).

2 Timothy 3: 1 -5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Jesus lists 3 ways Church sees itself and Jesus lists 3 ways He sees the Church Revelation 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:

Revelation 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: Church sees itself I am rich Increased with goods Have need of nothing Jesus sees the Church Wretched Miserable Poor, blind and naked Church of Laodicea is full of the comforts of modernism. Fancy Church, expensive pews, big projection screens, recreational facilities. Plenty of money pouring in for bigger, better, louder. They have need of nothing satisfied in their riches and goods they have accumulated. However, they are poor for it is written to pile up treasure in heaven for you reward. Matthew 6: 19 -21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Church sees itself I am rich Increased with goods Have need of nothing Jesus sees the Church Wretched Miserable Poor, blind, and naked 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. This Church does not realize its miserable condition. It has no riches in heaven. No silver, gold or precious stones in their heavenly treasure for a reward when Christ returns. They are blind. They have higher educational programs and theological teachings yet all intertwined with the new age lies of Satan, His Antichrist, and doctrines of demons. They spend millions of dollars yet know very little of the pure Word of God and God’s prophetic plan for the ages. They are naked in that they have no spiritual covering for their sin. Isa 64: 6 says all our righteousness is as a filthy rag

Church sees itself I am rich Increased with goods Have need of nothing Jesus sees the Church Wretched Miserable Poor, blind, and naked Isaiah 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. They are wretched because they cannot free themselves from the law of sin and death that wars in their members and against their spirit. For only Jesus can set us free from the law of sin and death. Not our righteousness, our good works, but by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior so that a new law can set you free – the law of Spirit and life sets you free from the law of Sin and death. If you are not free then you are Most miserable. Romans 7: 14 -25 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I

not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh, ) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Revelation 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. Jesus councils the Church of Laodicea what they need to do from His perspective to change the way He see’s them What Jesus counseled saw them to do Poor Buy gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich Jesus saw them as poor and now says to buy this precious gold that has been tried in the fire. To buy means to make an investment. The scriptures says that to every person is given a measure of faith.

What Jesus saw Jesus counseled them to do Poor Buy gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich Romans 12: 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Gold that is refined in the fire is pure Gold. Pure Gold always symbolizes God’s divine nature. When one is saved he becomes partaker of that divine nature being born from above through the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1: 4 -8). As we walk in obedience to Christ we take on more and more of the divine nature of Christ for in Him is all wisdom and knowledge (Col 2: 2), and we are joint heirs (Romans 8: 17) with Him over all His creation when He returns but we can buy that revelation knowledge know with the measure of faith God has given to each one of us.

2 Peter 1: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 2: 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Romans 8: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

What Jesus saw Jesus counseled them to do Naked Buy white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and the shame of thy nakedness do not appear Again, Jesus said use the measure of faith God given faith (Rom 12: 23) and buy white raiment. White stands for righteousness and raiment covering. Isa 53 tells us clearly about Jesus shed blood and stripes for our healing and cleansing and that as sheep we have all gone astray and there is none righteousness not one. Jesus is saying to the Church of Laodicea to be clothed in His righteousness which is the gift of God. This happens when one believes that Jesus on Calvery took on our unrighteousness and shame and became sin for us and shed His blood to give us His sinless life. The He rose victoriously from the dead to give us His righteousness as many as believe.

Isaiah 53: 1 -12 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Romans 5: 19 -21 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Revelation 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.

What Jesus saw Jesus counseled them to do Blind Anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see Eye salve in those days would be a medicament - a compound to use to help weak or sore eyes to see more clearly. What Jesus is saying here spiritually is that their spiritual vision is sore and weak and needs clarity of vision. This provision is provided by the anointing of the Holy Spirit – that is – when the Holy Spirit makes the written Word of God (Logos) to come to life in your hear (Rhema – revelation of the Word). When the Rhema of the Word takes place in your heart than your mind is regenerated and your eyes opened to the mighty things of God and the high calling all believers have in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 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.

Ephesians 1: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Laodicea Church continued Revelation 3: 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Jesus says turn form sin – repent. Love here comes from the greek word ‘Philo’ meaning love of gratuitous affection, independent of any grounds for esteem in the object lovedl Hebrews 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: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Revelation 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. Jesus pictures Himself knocking at the door of the Church. You do not knock at the door of a Church but a home. Christ is not in the Laodicean Church for modernism has no room for him. However, Jesus loves the souls in there so much that He is hoping that one misguided soul will answer the door, of his heart and let Him and Jesus will fellowship with him and he with Jesus. Luke 19: 1 -10 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him

joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Revelation 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. 1 John 5: 4, 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? How did Jesus overcome the world. By defeating Satan the god of this world system. Jesus Himself said I have to destroy the works of the Satan. Jesus just before the cross said now is Satan judged for Satan had power over all the blood line of Adam but Jesus was not born from the blood line of Adam but Mary through the virgin provided a body but the blood life came from the Father in heaven. 1 John 3: 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

John 12: 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. Hebrews 5: 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 10: 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me, ) to do thy will, O God.

Revelation 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. Notice, Jesus currently sits down in His Father’s throne. Hebrews 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; Hebrews 10: 11 -12 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; To the overcomers, Jesus said that as He sat down in His Father’s Throne, we will sit with Jesus in His throne. Just as Jesus was given all power and authority over His Kingdom when He sat down in His Father’s throne, the overcomers will sit with Jesus when He sets up His throne on earth during the Millennium. We will then joint heirs with Him sharing His authority and power over His Kingdom based on our faithfulness to Him in this life.

Jesus taught us how to pray and wait for the Kingdom to be set up on earth. This happens when He visibly returns and sets up His throne in Jerusalem and initiates what is called the Millenium – 1000 year of Christ on the earth with His Saints. Matthew 6: 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. The Kingdom was always in the heart of God to give to His Son and in turn the Son to give it to us Matthew 25: 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Luke 12: 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. James 2: 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

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The Kingdom was promised by the Prophets and looked forward to the day when the Kingdom was set up God told David His son Solomon would build the temple and throne of David would be established forever. This means Jesus the greater Son of David will set up His throne in Jerusalem in Israel. Sam 7: 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. The angel Gabriel confirmed this promise to Mary Luke 1: 30 -33 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 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: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Other OT scriptures looking forward to the Kingdom of God

Psalms 145: 10 -13 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. 11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. 13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. Isaiah 9: 6, 7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Daniel 2: 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Daniel 4: 3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. Daniel 7: 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7: 18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Daniel 7: 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7: 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Obadiah 1: 17 -21 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. 18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it. 19 And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. 20 And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south. 21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.

The last prophet of the Old Testament is John the Baptist and he announces the Kingdom of God is now at hand to enter in. Jesus confirmed and then His disciples. Matthew 3: 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4: 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 10: 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Notice the term ‘Kingdom of heaven’. Jesus came from heaven and so the Kingdom of heaven was in Him while He was on earth. He came the first time to lay down His life at Calvary to die for our sins that others may enter the Kingdom. Those that believe the Jesus died for them are birthed into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus called this body of believers His Church (called out ones), Apostle Paul also called the Church the body of Christ (each believer as unique but a member) and Jesus as the head. Till Christ returns and visibly sets up His Kingdom the Kingdom of God is continuously growing in heaven as each soul gets saved.

Souls saved are added daily to the Church, the body of Christ here on earth. Only God knows when the last member will be added to complete the Church. Toward the very end of the Church age Christ will fulfill phase 1 of 2 of His return. First phase when He comes for His Church in the air called the rapture and second phase when He returns with His saints to visibly set up His Kingdom on the earth. Between the two phases there are two distinct time periods. First is the great Christian tribulation period that lasts 3 ½ years that ends the Church age. The second phase is called the Day of the Lord which predominately affects the gentile nations and lasts 7 years. This same 7 years is also called Daniel’s 70 th week and mainly affects Israel, Jerusalem, and the Holy city.

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We see then that the Kingdom of God was promised in the Old Testament. Entrance into the Kingdom during the Church Age was by a new birth – being born again. Believers today that are saved are joined in Spirit with those that have already passed on to the Kingdom of heaven. Since true believers are saved the Kingdom of God is within them but since Jesus is not personally visibly ruling on the earth the Kingdom is invisible to the world till Jesus returns and sets up His visible throne. Jesus was referring to the present age when asked by the Pharisees when they would see the Kingdom. Luke 17: 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. When Jesus did miracles, and cast out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead, these were all outward manifestations of the Kingdom of God within Him. Luke 11: 20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

Many scriptures use the term ‘Gospel of the Kingdom’. The word Gospel means ‘good news’. In these save verses is the outward manifestation of healings, devils cast out, miracles which were a result of the Kingdom of God in the individual whether it was Jesus, Apostles or believers Matthew 4: 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 11: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. Luke 9: 6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. Romans 15: 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Not only did Jesus give Kingdom authority to disciples but to every born again saved believer who has the Kingdom within Mark 16: 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Luke 10: 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Finally, let us talk about Christ’s visible Kingdom when He returns to set up His throne. Jesus said as I have sat down in the Father’s throne you will sit down with me in my throne. We know that some of Jesus disciples were wondering who would sit on His right hand who on His left when He sets up His Kingdom. Matthew 19: 27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 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.

We see then that 12 Apostles will judge the 12 tribes of Israel but what about the believer. Jesus answers that in the parable of the talents. Notice Jesus reward to those who used their talents wisely. One was given to rule over 5 cities and another 10. This tells us that our beginning position in the Kingdom and the Kingly dominion we start out with is directly proportional to the good works we have done while we were alive during the Church Age. Luke 19: 16 -19 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 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. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 1 Corinthians 3: 13, 14 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Revelation 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. Revelation 5: 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 11: 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldestroy them which destroy the earth. Romans 8: 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? After the Millennium the Kingdom is made perfect and increases forever (see Kingdom).

The perfected, eternal, ever increasing Kingdom of God

Creation of Israel as a nation in 1948 A. D. and restoration of Jerusalem ended the 2, 520 time of iniquity (servitude of the land Jerusalem) as prophesized by Ezekiel 4 and began what Scripture calls the last days, end times or latter days. See study of Israel’s 3 steps to the Kingdom. Rapture Generation Matt 24: 34 C H U R C H A G E (gap between Daniel’s 69 th and 70 th week) Christ returns Antichris t defeated. Kingdom of Israel restored. Millennium begins. Church Age (Rev 2, 3). Church Age ends 3 ½ yrs after the rapture. These 3 ½ yrs are the Great Christian Tribulation. Then Daniel’s 70 th week begins.

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