A Challenge – Part 1

Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

     Have you ever wondered about Revelation Chapters 2 – 3 and wondered why only 7 churches are listed?  Did they only have 7 functioning churches then?  The answer to both questions is NO there were many churches starting in Acts – Jude, many of the Books Paul [Saul] wrote, were responses to those churches, which are not listed below.  Also keep in mind, during that time the Christians were being persecuted for being Messianic [believing that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah], so they met in homes instead of the synagogues.

     I’m going to list the pros and cons of each church.  I challenge you to see if you might have some of the negative areas in your life, that need to be replaced now while you can – or end up like some of those who refuse to make the choice for Jesus.

     When I first read about the 7 churches [and I won’t say how long ago], I saw a little of myself in each church, but knowing America is in Laodicea.

     Today, I hope a lot less.  How is your garden growing?  PTL, we’re not expected to change overnight, just have the desire to walk in obedience, closer to Him, continually renewing our mind. 

     I’ve noticed in some versions of the Bible the word “deed” is used in the translation, but we do not follow the Laws of Moses, where salvation was based on works. So change deed, to action or works.  After all, an action is required when you obey what the Holy Spirit tells you to do.  Our deeds will not get us into Heaven, which you’ll see in the reprimanded churches below.

Not Reprimanded Churches	Reprimanded Churches
Smyrna Philadelphia	Ephesus Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Laodicea

1 Peter 4:15-17 NASB

15  “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;

16  but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

17  For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Joshua 24:15-16 NKJV

“15  "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

16  So the people answered and said: "Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods;"

     In Revelation 1:18-19 we see that Jesus is the one that liveth evermore and has the keys of hell and death.  Jesus is telling “John the Revelator” who is on the isle called Patmos to write down what John sees, and the things which are and what shall be hereafter.

     In Revelation 1:20  “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 are seven churches.”  Notice, angels are assigned to the seven churches.  I believe each church has an angel as well.

     Revelation 2:1-7:  Ephesus Paraphrased

Good

Bad – What We Do Not Want against Us

Vs: 1, Jesus is walking in their midst. Vs: 2,  Jesus knows their works, toil and patience and they cannot bear evil men who call themselves apostles, they are false. Vs: 3, they have patience which they bear for His name’s sake, and not grown weary.

Vs: 4, they left their first love. Vs: 5, Remember where you fell and repent then do the first works; OR ELSE I COME to you and remove your candlestick [church] unless you repent. Vs: 6, But to your credit, you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, and so do I. Vs: 7, He that has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.  IF you overcome, I will give you to eat of the tree of life, in Paradise.

     THE GOOD: is that Jesus is walking with them, seeing their works and they haven’t become weary.

     THE BAD: is they don’t hunger and thirst after Him now as they did in the beginning.  Yes, they fell away, but if they repent, He’ll forgive their sins and the church will stand.

     NOTE: the Nicolaitans, why are they on the bad side?  Nicolaitans in the Greek language is NIKO POLIS LAOS TON consists of 4 words; NIKOS = a conquest victory, triumph over the people.  POLIS = City of conquest LAOS = Victory over people TON = The

     So, basically why God hated the Nicolaitans, because it meant that the leadership of the church has gained victory or conquest over the laity until they were compelled to submit to the denomination of men.  They ruled by their false priests, gods and idols, not allowing the Torah to be obeyed.

     Revelation 2:8-11: Smyrna Paraphrased

Good

Bad – What We Do Not Want against Us

Vs: 9, Jesus sees their constant pain and dire poverty, but He also sees their wealth.  He hears the lies being told to them by “good Jews” Vs: 10, do not fear what suffering is coming, stay on guard!  The devil is trying to throw you in jail for 10 days, it won’t last forever.  Don’t quit, even if it costs you your life.  Stay there believing I have a Life-Crown, sized and ready for you. Vs: 11, Awake, here the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.  Christ conquerors are safe from devil death.

Vs: NONE, they are STANDING & PRAISING THE LORD. NOTE: Revelation 12:11  “ And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.” Verse 9, lets them know Jesus sees everything – and they are rich, not poor, blessed and not abandon. Verse 10, FEAR NOT, Jesus has a crown sized and ready for them in Paradise.  Verse 11, tells them to listen to the Wind Words, the words [Ruach] means Wind [Ha Kodesh] means the Spirit.  So the Holy Spirit will talk and comfort them.  What a Good God We Have!

     THE GOOD:  see the Good side; it’s ALL there, including Jesus!

     THE BAD: NONE - see the NOTES on the Bad side, which are ALL GOOD!

     Smyrna in Greek is Myrrh.  Myrrh = a bitter taste, when crushed it’s a perfume, incense and used for burial preservative.  Smyrna = A bitter taste, but sweet aroma.

     Also, notice, only the church is told they will suffer even though they received no reprimands.  It’s also possible that this church, according to the Gospel of Luke will be standing and giving their testimony about Jesus.

     Luke 21:12-13  

12  "But before any of this happens, they’ll arrest you, hunt you down, and drag you to court and jail. It will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name.

13  You’ll end up on the witness stand, called to testify.

14  Make up your mind right now not to worry about it."

     Dear Brothers & Sisters, should you not want to wait to find out ALL about the 7 churches, you can go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVLSm0-geRg it’s 1 Hr:12 min.  I spent hours watching and taking notes, because I was so curious about the 7 Churches in Revelation – thought you might be surprised too.

    

Blessings - Sandy F - The Lord's Servant, Stagecoach, NV USA