3-13-2013 Vol. 7 Part 7 Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:18-29)

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3-13-2013 Vol. 7 Part 7 Book of Revelation

Psalms 92:1-15 A Song for the Sabbath Day. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. O LORD, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. A senseless man does not know, Nor does a fool understand this. When the wicked spring up like grass, And when all the workers of iniquity flourish, It is that they may be destroyed forever. But You, LORD, are on high forevermore. For behold, Your enemies, O LORD, For behold, Your enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies; My ears hear my desire on the wicked Who rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Father God I give you all the praise and glory. Jesus I thank you for taking on human form and dying on the cross for us, which enables each of us the opportunity to accept you as our Saviour. I ask that you draw all to you that read these messages.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Revelation 2:18-29 NKJV

I would like to point out something I have discovered in the study of these churches. Some of these churches did not exist when John had this revelation and recorded the book of Revelation. Some of these churches came into existence and faded away in the era of 100-600 A.D. while others still live today.  What is interesting in studying these churches, and then going to history books of the time periods mentioned you can pick out some of the facts mentioned by John’s writings. Secular and church/religious history both refer to the same leaders (government and church) but each with a little different twist. Depending on where ones faith is, meaning in self/man or Jesus Christ, you can see the evolution of the present day churches. We saw in last week’s lesson the relationship Constantine and Sylvester the First had and how much influence the Roman Government had with the church leader at that time. It wasn’t just Constantine’s era, but before and after his ruler-ship the Roman government was involved.

The persecutions the true believers were enduring, was because of the false doctrine nonbelievers were trying to introduce. Look at the Pharisees and their unbelief even with Jesus walking among them. They didn’t want to give up their customs, their priest, their animal sacrifices to atone for sins, and many other rituals. This mentality just didn’t go away after Jesus death and resurrection but continued throughout the life of the Apostles and from then to this hour. It was the same way for the Gentile non-believers; they didn’t want to give up their idolatry and sexual promiscuity. We have studied the Book of Romans and what Paul preached to his fellow Jewish brethren about their customs and beliefs, but at times the results were near death experiences for Paul, because of self proclaiming religious people. Both the Jewish and Gentile people caused true believers of this era, to suffered very difficult times. Even today, people don’t want to accept what the Bible teaches; they want to put their faith in their own conjured up thoughts, man thoughts, priest, religion, pastors, etc.

Are you starting to understand a little of the evolution of religion? It was and is man’s self righteous reasoning before Jesus and after Jesus that has brought about what many believe in, and all this is due to the inherited sin nature, Satan. To bring a bit of this evolution into perspective, let’s use the Papacy as an example and see what the Bible tells us about Church hierarchy, since we know many modern day denominations evolved from Catholicism. Let’s look at the Book of Acts, which is the most complete history of the Early Church, we do not find any suggestion of such a person as a Pope, or such a position. Only gradually did the concept of an organized Church govern, directed, and regulated by a hierarchy of Pope, Bishops, and Priests—evolve. The gospel of Luke and several epistles teach against this concept; Luke 22:24-26 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.  25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.'  26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. Ephesians 1:22-23 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,  23 Which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Colossians 1:17-20 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,  20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

It was Cyprian of Carthage, who died about 258 A.D. who introduced the concepts that brought about revolutionary changes within the Church. Cyprian demanded obedience from the whole Church to the Bishop of Rome, which “he” claimed “he” derived his authority directly from God. In the years following, this concept gradually evolved into existence with many denominations, which is unbiblical.

During the years A.D. 390—461, Leo I, Bishop of Rome, used all his considerable powers to establish recognition for the Bishop of Rome as “the universal Bishop.” (It was he who first made the claim that Peter had been the first Pope, some 400 years after the Apostles lived.) It was Leo I, who laid claim to universal authority over the Church.

The eastern branch of the Church emphatically denied these claims. Even the Council of Chalcedon (where Leo exercised great power) refused his request to certify his claims. Leo’s claim was enforced through the power of the Roman Emperor, but even then it received only marginal acceptance within the Church. His assertions of papal supremacy did, however, produce a profound effect in later years. It was not until about 600 A.D. that the title of “Pope” (universal Bishop) was given to the Bishop of Rome. In respect to this, we must understand that Jesus did not appoint Peter to the headship of the Apostles and, in fact, expressly forbade such notion as documented by the Bible, God’s Holy and True Word. Jesus is the head of the true church, Born Again Saints, those that have had a Spiritual Birth. If Jesus wanted hierarchy in church structure, He would have had Peter wash his feet and then the other Apostles wash Peter’s feet, and Paul wash Peter’s feet too, but Jesus says we are to be humble and be servants not rulers.

So in the study of these churches Jesus is giving us multiple messages; one being a book of prophecy He is warning future churches to be watchman of the gospel; second for established churches to identify false teachings and doctrine and rebuke, educate, and if that doesn’t work, evict those that are spreading heresies; third for us on a personal level we are to examine our beliefs and if it isn’t Scriptural, meaning what the Bible teaches, then we are to be overcomer’s and place our faith in Jesus and what He did on the Cross so that we can receive a white stone with a name on it.

With this new knowledge here is a timeline:

CHURCH	TIME ERA
Ephesus	Represents the Apostolic time period,  which closed out around 100 A.D.
Smyrna	Refers to the Martyr Church, its time  span was approximately 100 – 300 A.D.
Pergamos	Referred to as the State Church, its time span was approximately 300 – 500 A.D.
Thyatira	Referred to as the Papal Church,  which began about 500 A.D. to present.
Sardis	Referred to as the Reformation Church,  which began about 1500 A.D. to present.
Philadelphia	Referred to as the Missionary Church,  and it began around the year 1800, to present.
Laodicea	Referred to as the Apostate Church; don’t  know when it began, but it has, it is the   last Church addressed by Jesus, meaning  the Rapture will take place in the near future.

This week’s lesson is about the church of Thyatira. The city was basically secular, with no focus on any particular religion. It was a working people’s community and had commerce in wool, linen, apparel, dyed stuffs, leatherwork, tanning, and excellent bronze work. Alexander the Great founded this Macedonian colony after the overthrow of the Persian Empire. Thyatira was situated between Pergamos and Sardis, a little off the main road that connected these two cities. Lydia that is mentioned in Acts 16:14, was from a Jewish settlement in Thyatira and was among the first to be converted at Philippi by Paul. Acts 16:14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

18  "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:

These things says the Son of God; This is the first and only time an introduction to a church is stated with such clarity, “the Son of God”. The other six churches an attribute of Jesus is used in the introduction, but not this one. With this type of introduction there is no mistake or chance to misinterpret who or where this command or rebuke is coming from. This church was indulging in many misinterpreted doctrine.

Who has eyes like a flame of fire; We discussed Jesus eyes in chapter one, they are eyes that can see deep within a person and know the innermost secrets of ones being.

His feet like fine brass; The Greek word used here is chalkolibanon meaning white brass. It only occurs in the New Testament in Revelation 1:15 and here in verse 18. The metal referred to was undoubtedly a species of brass distinguished for its clearness or whiteness meaning purity and righteousness. With these attributes, judgment was being placed on this church.

19  "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.

Rephrasing this verse, Jesus is acknowledging that He knows all the things they do. He has seen their love, their faith, their service, and their patient endurance. And that He can see their constant improvement in all these things.

20  Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

Jezebel has stamped her name on history as the representative of all that is wicked, crafty, malicious, revengeful, and cruel. She is the first great instigator of persecution against the saints of God. Guided by no principle, restrained by no fear of either God or man, passionate in her attachment to her heathen worship, she spared no pains to maintain idolatry around her in all its splendor. She was the Wife of Ahab, king of Israel. (883 B.C.) She was a Phoenician princess, daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Zidonians. In her hands, her husband became a mere puppet. 1Kings_21:25. God’s prophets were attacked by her orders, and put to the sword. 1Kings_18:13; 2Ki_9:7. There were some in this church claiming to be Christians but practicing and promoting the doctrine of Jezebel, in other words committing spiritual adultery. Worse yet the pastor of this church was allowing this to happen. Do you or your church practice idolatry and immorality since this church is still present?

21  And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.

22  Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.

Jesus is stating that He has given this church time to repent and so far hasn’t. He is stating plainly that He will cast the leaders of this church into a sickbed and all those that are following this doctrine into great tribulation if they don’t repent of their deeds and false doctrine. They need to get their eyes focused on the finished work of Jesus on the Cross and off of their salvation by their own works.

23  I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

I will kill her children with death; This speaks of spiritual death, Hell!

The churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works; Jesus is stating His omniscience and that He is capable of knowing what lies in our hearts and minds and if it is anything other than Him and Him alone, He will place judgment on each one according to their works. One will receive the degree of punishment based on their works. He’s not just speaking to this church but to all churches.

24  "Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come.

Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira; I take this phrase as meaning that Jesus is speaking to the pastor and the congregation of the church. He is addressing all, but this verse is directed for all to hear it.

The rest of verse 24 including verse 25 Jesus is commending those that have not indulged nor placed any faith in what was being introduced by Jezebel. He will place no burden upon them, but they must remain faithful till the end meaning the Rapture.

26  And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end; Anyone that comes to realize with their heart what Jesus did on the Cross for them, and accepts Him as their Saviour, overcomes the teaching and believing of doctrine that is not scriptural. With this comes repentance meaning the rejecting and not practicing unscriptural doctrine and turns exclusively to Jesus and places their faith in Jesus for all things. They turn from their own works of salvation to the finished works of the Cross.

To him I will give power over the nations; When one overcomes and remains faithful they will be given power to assist Jesus during the Kingdom Age in the ruling over the nations.

27  'HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON; THEY SHALL BE DASHED TO PIECES LIKE THE POTTER'S VESSELS'— as I also have received from My Father;

HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON; THEY SHALL BE DASHED TO PIECES LIKE THE POTTER'S VESSELS; This is taken from Psalm 2:9. Rule with a rod of iron means Jesus will be the judge and there will be no gray areas. It will be black and white, no bartering, physcology, placing blame on childhood, or any other excuse used today in our court systems. Jesus will see into the hearts and minds and justice will be served.

As I also have received from My Father; This phrase goes along with verse 26. Leave out the Psalm and you will see what I mean. Just as God has given the power to Jesus, He will give the same power to overcomer’s. I don’t know what type of system will be in place during the Kingdom Age, but Raptured Saints will be ruling with Jesus during this era, after all when one becomes a Saint they are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus. Everything Jesus has we will share in. We studied this in Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

28  and I will give him the morning star.

Christ is also called the morning star in Revelation 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." A morning star appears just before dawn, when the night is coldest and darkest. When the world is at its bleakest point, Christ will burst onto the scene, exposing evil with his light of truth and bringing his promised reward. As individuals this is the way it is when one comes to recognize and understand the message of the Cross. A person is changed from the inside out and a new bright and shining life dawns. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!

29  "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Jesus ends all of these messages with, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." This is a very important message for all to hear. Probably 99% of the people that read these phrases don’t think it applies to them, just to the churches, but it does apply to them and all need to take heed of what is being said. If one is practicing doctrine that is not found in the Bible then they are only fooling themselves and making themselves out to be liars in God’s eyes. 1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. These people are committing Spiritual Adultery. They are calling themselves Christians, but practicing doctrine of Jezebel.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Ahilud?

Answer: Ahilud was the father of two prominent civil servants. One son, Jehoshaphat, was a keeper of records under David and Solomon; another son, Baana, was one of Solomon’s commissary officers, responsible for providing food for the palace for one month each year. 2 Samuel 8:16; 20:24; 1Kings 4:3; and Chapter 12; 1 Chronicles 18:15.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Ahira?