Apocalyptic Hope............... Book of Revelation Notes

translation of this page

"Living 4 Jesus" supplied most parts of this information from the RR message board.
Includes some notes from Apocalyptic Hope

Summary of the Seven Churches found in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3.

Rev 1:11 which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches:
to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."

Ephesus - Active church but Backslidden...having lost their first love
Smyrna - Persecuted church
Pergamum - Compromising church
Thyatira - Adulterous church
Sardis - Inactive Church ( though some were worthy to walk in white )
Philadelphia - Messianic Church
Laodicea - Uncommitted church

Excellent website/resource http://www.apocalipsis.org/rev-2.htm
and http://www.apocalipsis.org/rev-3.htm

1. The church of Ephesus
Characterized by fervent devotion. Preached the gospel all over the world. Refusal to fraternize with loose Christians. Heeded Romans 16:17.
Took Jesus for granted – Needed to have day-to-day intimate fellowship with Jesus.
Lost their first love: lost their Messianic brotherhood. See Acts 6 and 3 John 1:10.

Commendation: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary…You hate the practices of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate

Nicolaitanes means a dominating system...hierarchy of people....preference of persons.
Counsel: Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.
They fellowshipped with Messianic Believers at the first.
Remember where you once were.
Almost all of the earliest churches began with Paul--a Jew. Most of the early churches were predominantly Jewish, until the Gentiles outnumbered and then excluded the Jewish people.
See 3 John 1: 10

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches:
Some are listening; some are not. It depends on one's willingness and open-mindedness.

2. The Church of Smyrna – The persecuted church
Commendation: I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich!
Condemnation: They are not condemned for anything !
Counsel: Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer…Be faithful, even to the point of death.
Challenge: He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Lake of Fire)
Affliction came from false teachers.
Satan unleashed a violent attack on the church in an effort to obliterate it, because of its faithful preaching of the gospel.
You will suffer persecution for "ten days"(symbolic, and possibly a literal meaning ).
For 2,000 years the church has always been persecuted.
If not by a government, then by society. If not physically, then mentally.

"Yeah, and all those that will live Godly in Christ Jesus SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION"
2 Timothy 3:12

If you're not experiencing persecution at some time or other, then something is wrong.
See Hebrews 11 for types of persecution throughout the ages.
Persecution will increase as we come to the end of this age.
Right now dark forces are planning antichrist agendas.

St. Stephen-- First Martyr of the Church, after Jesus Christ
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2007/monica15.htm

3. The Church of Pergamum----Religiosity (mixing religions...ecumenism)
Pergamum – marriage (amalgamation)
Worship of many idols.
Referred to as “where Satan has his throne”. Satan is the king of religiosity. He will do anything to keep people in religion and as far away from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that he can.
He gets one to focus on externals: congregation attendance, rather than inner renewal and personal reading of the Scriptures. Gets people involved in "works".

Commendation: I know where you live – where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to My Name. You did not renounce your faith in Me, even in the days of Antipas (means "against the people"), my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city – where Satan lives.

Antipas did not go along with the crowd. He did not succumb to peer-pressure. He stood true to his own convictions, despite martyrdom.

Condemnation: Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitanes.

They joined with non-believers and "other" believers), just like the Ecumenical movement of today.
Solidarity counted more than doctrine. Unity counted more than TRUTH.
They had a system or hierarchy of people who dominated over the congregation. They showed preferment or respect of persons...deferment.

Counsel: Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

The Bible --God's Holy Word-- is a two-edged sword. [ Hebrews 4:12 ] It can be used by dominating systems and persons to control and exercise wrongful authority over others.
On the other side of that sword, is the truth of Jesus Christ which fells the doctrines and dictates of men.

Challenge: To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
Hidden manna: knowledge of the Scriptures from the viewpoint of the Holy Spirit, rather than from man's
philosophical attempts to explain God. [ intellectualosity ]

Forms of idolatry:
Rosary of pagan origin was introduced. An Arab custom of "worry-beads" to soothe the anxious soul.
Celibacy of priests and nuns. Goes against 1 Timothy 4:3
AD 300 – Prayers for the dead. (No second-chances beyond the grave)
AD 300 – Making the sign of the cross.
AD 375 – Worship of saints and angels. Against the first commandment.
AD 394 – Mass first instituted; repetitious atonement; Atonement once and forever Hebrews 9
AD 431 – Worship of Mary...against the first commandment
AD 500 – Priests began dressing differently than lay-people. (effeminent...long robes...See Matthew 23.
AD 526 – Extreme unction. (Banking on a last minute conversion)
AD 593 – Doctrine of purgatory introduced. Not in Scripture. Neither is Limbo in Scripture.
AD 600 – Worship serves conducted in Latin. Keeps the mind from thinking, relating, understanding.
AD 600 – Prayers directed to Mary. See 1 Timothy 2:5

Roman Catholic Church traces history to AD 312.

Postmillennialism Introduced – As the church became richer and more powerful, it was suggested that Christ’s kingdom was already ushered in, and that He would come at the end of the thousand-year reign by Churches.
Application for today: Dominion-theology believes that the World-wide Christian "empires" of evangelism
will bring in the world-wide "Revival" and Salvation for planet earth. I think not.

False doctrines:
1. Balaam – King of Moab – Balak hired Balaam to use his gift of prophecy against Israel – every time he opened his mouth to curse Israel, blessings came out instead. Balaam told Balak to entice Israel into making an unholy alliance with the Moabites through intermarriage. The people were polluted socially and spiritually.
Are Churches pro-Messianic ? Are they supporting Messianic outreaches ? Are they learning from the Messianics? Are we acting as the grafted- in branch, or as the whole tree? (Romans 10,11 ).

2. Nicolaitanes – Doctrine of a strong ecclesiastical hierarchy ruling over the laity.
Any one who usurps the direction of the Holy Spirit in one's life.

Spiritual Sword is the Bible

1. Reveals all things that pertain to life and Godliness (II Peter 1:3)
2. Shines the light of God on our failures (John 3:20)
3. Reveals the true will of God (1 Thessalonians. 4:3)
4. Convicts us of sin (John 8:7)
5. Reveals the love of God (John 3:16)
6. Reveals the judgment of God (Romans 14:10)
7. Calls for repentance (Acts 2:3

4. The Church of Thyatira – Mixing Religion with the world

Spirit of Jezebel : mixing politics with religion; Disdain for end-time prophecy. Substitutes future vision for temporal now.

Commendation: I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

Condemnation: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants
Eating food sacrificed to idols: partaking of pagan observances and beliefs.
A politically-correct church. Caters to politicians.
Counsel: Only hold on to what you have until I come.

Challenge: To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations – He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery – just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.

Doctrines that have their source in paganism added during this period:

AD 607 – Boniface III made first pope
AD 709 – Kissing pope’s feet
AD 786 – Worshipping images and relics
AD 850 – Use of holy water began
AD 995 – Canonization of dead saints
AD 998 – Fasting on Fridays and during Lent
AD 1079 – Celibacy for priests
AD 1090 – Prayer beads
AD 1184 – the Inquisition
AD 1190 – Sale of indulgences
AD 1220 – Adoration of the wafer (host)
AD 1229 – Bible forbidden to lay people
AD 1414 – Cup forbidden to people at communion
AD 1439 – Doctrine of purgatory decreed
AD 1854 – Immaculate Conception of Mary
AD 1950 – Assumption of the Virgin Mary
AD 1965 – Mary proclaimed Mother of the Church
AD 2000 – New millennium dedicated to Mary

Christian evangelical "empires" are filled with worldly indulgence: money, travel, buildings, investments.
Religion has become BIG BUSINESS by Protestant as well as Catholic churches.

Christ’s future judgement – So I will cast her on a bed of suffering and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely unless they repent of her ways. (The Churches who disregard Bible Prophecy will go into the Great Tribulation
– last 3 1/ 2 years). I will strike her children with death. Then all the churches will know that I am He who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Those caught up in their empires and ministries will not be caught up with Our Lord in the air at the time of the Rapture, unless their priorities are right.
Neither we--nor our ministries--are indispensable to God! He goes on with or without us. It's His Plan. He alone is the author and the Finisher. We are merely conduits of His will for us upon earth.

5. The Church of Sardis – Complacent Church

.Commendation: I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive…
Condemnation: …but you are dead…I have not found your deeds complete in the eyes of God.
Many will say to me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers! "(Matthew 7:22-23)

Counsel: Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die…remember therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Challenge: He who overcomes will be dressed in white. I will not blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
* * * * * *
Note from Apocalyptic Hope: It is our belief that the Sardis Church represents two groups of people -- those who have their lamps trimmed and are ready to go with the Bridegroom in the Rapture. Matthew 25
Those who are watching Bible Prophecy closely will KNOW when the Midnight Rapture will take place. 1 Thessalonians 5: 1--6
( after the man of sin sits in the temple as God, showing himself as God ... 2 Thessalonians 2: 4 )

The other group within the Sardis Church were not ready ( not fully committed to walking in the Spirit ) and will not go in the Rapture. Part of the Sardis Church will be left behind.
Those left behind will perhaps go through the stages of anger and resentment. But then hopefully they will repent , and serve the Lord wholeheartedly, and will have a chance for the Cockcrowing Rapture.

6. The Church of Philadelphia – Keeping in sound doctrine ..persevering
Messianic brotherhood restored

Note from Apocalyptic Hope : It is our belief that the Sardis Church, the Philadelphian Church and the Laodicean Church are grouped together in Chapter Three of Revelation since they play significant roles in the end-times.
The Sardis Church becomes divided at the time of the Midnight Rapture. Those that remain have a chance for the Cockcrowing Rapture later on.

The Philadelphian Church ( we believe ) is made up of Completed Jews ; some of whom become the 144,000 witnessing Jews. The 144,000
( we believe) will remain after the Rapture to proclaim the Gospel world-wide and then they will be Raptured ( most likely at the Cockcrowing Rapture .) They are "redeemed from the earth" Revelation 14:1-- 3

The final Church -- the Laodicean Church -- were carnal Christians from the word go. When the Great Tribulation wakens them up to reality, they will have to make a choice. They will either take the Mark of the Beast ,or not take the mark of the Beast.
To those who overcome the System by NOT taking the Mark of the Beast, they will sit on thrones with Christ, having suffered martyrdom. They will rule and reign with Christ Jesus Our Lord.

* * * * * * * *
Philadelphia – Christ's Jewish brethren . The Messianic completed Jews within the Church
Had the key of David...Messianic Scriptures
Church marked by vitality of life....Willing to do whatever God commanded.

Commendation: I know your deeds. See, I have place before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Condemnation: Nothing
Counsel: I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one will take your crown.

Challenge: To Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it.
I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God,
the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God;

New Jerusalem http://www.cybertime.net/~ajgood/saints.html

and I will also write on him my new name.

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

Preservation – will be kept from the hour of trial. (the Great Tribulation)

Links on the Philadelphian Church :
http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/7ch042.htm
Hold fast ; Steadfastness http://www.kretzmannproject.org/EP_PASTORAL/2TI_1.htm
http://prophecy.landmarkbiblebaptist.net/rev-03.html

7. The Church of Laodicea – The Apostate Church or the People’s Church

Condemnation: So, because you are lukewarm (uncommitted) – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

Counsel: I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Challenge: To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on my throne.

Lukewarm = uncommitted, apathetic, complacent. No personal reading of the Word.
This kind of church more interested in social interaction. This church is self-deceived.

These church members have wealth and influence, but are poverty-stricken spiritually.

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears My voice, I will come into him and sup with him."
What a glorious promise !
There is hope for this church even in the hopelessness of the Great Tribulation. They can commit to Jesus Christ with their lives.
The Last Days Church will be a church of one ... with the Lord. Individuals will "sup" with our Lord over His Word. They will commune ( have communion ) with Jesus by studying and abiding in His word.

How does Jesus knock?
1. Through His Word. John 5:24 – whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life…
2. Through situations, events, people.. Jesus knocks through ordinary, everyday circumstances.
3. Through His Holy Spirit. Jesus sent Holy Spirit to convict the heart of individuals.
4. Through providence. God’s gentle alignment of the affairs of a person’s life that continually point him or her to the need of inviting Jesus into one’s heart.

The Laodicean Church will be saved in the final days if they "love not their lives unto the death".
By making a 100 % commitment to Jesus Christ--- trusting wholly in Him--- and by not taking the 666 mark of the antichrist system (and therefore being killed / beheaded) they will sit with Jesus in His throne, next to the Father.

Martyrdom merits crowns and thrones.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the seven churches. Amen.

Salvation www.cybertime.net/~ajgood/sal.htm

Bible www.blueletterbible.org