Revelation 4-part 2 The 4 Living Creatures June 14, 2015

SLIDE 1 Last week we look at the throne and the one sitting on the throne. We discussed the colors and the characters surrounding the throne. Notice the activity emanating ⁵From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, (imagine what that would be like in heaven) and before  the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,⁶and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, (like crystal.) We will study in Chapter 21 when heaven comes down to earth there will be no sea.)

SLIDE 2 Revelation 4:6a and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

The laver in Solomon’s temple is made of solid brass polished like mirrors do each time the Priests wash in the laver they must look at their reflection. One commentator (Gaebelein) believes the laver is now like crystal, therefore “solidified because no more water is needed for the cleaning of the Saints”

 Revelation 4 part 2

SLIDE 3 Four Living Creatures

This week we will concentrate on the four creatures nothing like we see on earth.

REV.4:6 And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind:

Think about a creature covered in eyes. Think of a potato kept too long in the dark. A Mr. Potato head with eyes all over his body would make a wonderful cartoon character.

Why would the creatures be full of eyes? What do we use our eyes for? Have you ever wished for eyes in the back of your head? Teacher or mother may tease kids that they have eyes in the back of their heads.

2 Chronicles 16:19 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

 SLIDE 4 Ezekiel and Isaiah were prophets of God. Both saw these creatures 400 years before Christ was born. Ezekiel had a vision when he was among the exiles in Babylon and “the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God……”

Ezekiel 1:10-11 As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle.¹¹ Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies.

 REVELATION 4:7
Philippians 2: 6-8

SLIDE 5 Here are some thoughts on the 4 living creature

Verse 7 says the first  living creature like a lion, (a lion of jungle protector, Christ is the Lion of Judah and Jesus was born a King):

the second living creature like an ox, (a beast of burden, Mark describes Christ as a Servant)

Paul says in Philippians 2: 6-8 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,⁷but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.⁸And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.) the third living creature with the face of a man,   (this could show Christ's humanity; in Luke Christ is the Son of Man) and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. (This could represent the Holy Spirit. John writes of the Deity of Christ in his gospel.)

 SLIDE 6 Amy Van Gerpen shares her understanding in this chart from trackingbibleprophecy.com Copyright © 2015. In Genesis God created every living thing.

Type of creature	Likeness of living creature
Wild beasts (Genesis 2:19)	Lion
Domesticated (Genesis 2:19)	Calf
Human (Genesis 2:23, 3:20)	Man
Birds (Genesis 2:19)	Eagle

           

SLIDE 7 The wings reminds of the Seraphim from Isaiah vision in chapter 6: ²Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.³And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"

 SLIDE 8  REVELATION 4:8-9 And the four living creatures,  each of them with six wings, are full  of eyes  all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy,  holy,  holy,  is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" ⁹And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and everl

If the creatures in heaven never cease to praise the LORD why are we too embarrassed to praise Jesus in our churches? Let’s read together prayerfully what will happen on that day!

Philippians 2: 9-11Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 SLIDE 9 REVELATION 4:10-11 the twenty- four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the   throne,saying,11 " Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

SLIDE 10 Verse 4 of the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,

Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
........................................................................................................................

A special "Thank you" to Mark Copeland at http://executableoutlines.com/ for questions.

10) What lies before the throne? (6)

11) What is seen in the midst and around the throne?  How are they described? (6-8)

12) What do they proclaim without rest, day and night? (8)

13) When the creatures offer glory, honor, and thanks to God, what    happens? (9-10)

14) Why do the twenty-four elders deem God worthy of glory, honor, and power? (11)

Revelation 4- part 1 The Throne Room June 7, 2015

Revelation 4- part 1 The Throne Room June 7, 2015

SLIDE 1-What do you miss when you miss church? When I return to Riverside after being out of town, you know what I missed the most? Of course the fellowship of Christian believers, but even more the joint Worship with piano and guitars and raising holy hands in our sanctuary. At home I listened to Praise CD's but to join with others and harmonize the hymns of old was such a joy to me. It was compelling to read of the continuous worship going on in heaven right now.

SLIDE 2 Revelation 4     Worshipping in the Throne Room of Heaven

·        Colors of the Throne

·        24 Elders

Why do you want to go to heaven? Is it to avoid going to hell or be united with loved ones gone before? Or do you long to worship the One who sits on the Throne? Unbelievers will share their comments about how boring it would be to sit on clouds and play harps all day. Ladies we are going to be so overwhelmed with the visions and the glory of God in heaven that we will spend all our time singing and praising the one who sits on the throne. 0h, to join the heavenly choir worshiping our LORD, the Creator, Redeemer and King.

John shares Revelation 4:1-2 After this l looked and behold a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said "Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the Spirit and behold a throne stood in heaven with one seated on the throne.

SLIDE 3 In Acts Stephan, known as the first Christian martyr, as he was being stoned looked up into heaven. Imagine an invitation from Jesus Christ himself calling you up to visit Heaven, the dwelling place of Almighty God. The open door was a revealing of the continuous celebration by those in the throne room. Be aware of words like immediately or at once as we read scripture.

Acts 7:55-56 ⁵⁵But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.⁵⁶And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
SLIDE 4  Now let’s turn our attention to the throne. What do you think of when we talk about a throne? Kings, monarchies in other countries sit upon thrones usually raised above their subjects in their regal robes and brilliant crowns.

Rev 4:3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.

Ninety Minutes in Heaven is one pastor's account of his time in heaven.

SLIDE 5  Ladies it will be so glorious and bright, we will have to shield our eyes when we first arrive. Remember when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai after talking to the Lord. His face was glowing.

Since no one has seen God, John describes him as things he has knowledge of on the earth.  God is divine and cannot be described in shape or dimensions. John alludes to His countenance and glory-radiant and holy.

SLIDE 6 The Priest was the only ones who could offer sacrifices for repentance or enter into the Holy of Holies. Each piece of the Priests garments was described for Moses and is written in the book of Exodus chapter 28.  The colors of earthly stones used on the priests' breastplate: 12 stones for each of the Tribes of Israel. Jasper described as a clear stone such as a diamond, pure without blemish and Carnelian is red reminding of Jesus precious blood shed for us on Calvary.

SLIDE 7 The Rainbow is a reminder of the God’s covenant with Noah. He promised that He would never destroy the whole world by flood. God is sovereign and omnipotent and as such could do whatever He desires. His covenant promise reveals He is righteous and always keeps his promise. The rainbow symbolizes grace and the covenant of mercy. Emerald green represents new life. In heaven's glory there will be colors we have never seen and it defies description.

Ladies remember that no matter who has disappointed you or hurt you or lied to you in this life; God is not a man and He is faithful and always keeps His promises.

Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

SLIDE 8 Are you ready to enter the throne room of heaven?

 Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty­-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.

Digital art by Pat Marvenko Smith, purchased from her site Revelation illustrated.com. This artist rendition gives us her interpretation of the throne room. To me it is highly likely. From chapter 4 the four creatures and the 24 elders spend all their time worshipping the LORD. We will tackle the creatures and crowns next week but let’s look at the 24 Elders. Why 24? Who do you think they could be? Could they be angels? Can you think of anyone in the Bible who might have earned the right to sit around the throne of God?

From commentaries I have studied, I do not believe these 24 elders could be angels. No Scripture supports that angels ever sit in the presence of God. From Daniel we know angels are God's holy messengers. They do not wear crowns.

Last week chapter 3 God made a promise. Read verse 21 ^“ The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

Psalm 8 says God is mindful of man and v.⁵ For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.

Sister, we have wonderful promises in God's WORD. Read with me.

Ephesians  2:4-7 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,⁵even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved---⁶and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,⁷so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ladies that is worth shouting about! Our choir sings, “It's shouting time in Heaven another sinner once lost is found.”  We truly have much to shout about.

SLIDE 9 Looking again at another artist's interpretation here's my thoughts the 24 Elders.     

1-The number "twenty-four" is significant. In 1 Chronicles 24 King David divided the Levitical priesthood into 24 orders. Each order rotated priestly functions at the tabernacle and at the temple, from Sabbath to Sabbath. In so doing, each order represented the entire priestly tribe and the nation of Israel before God. Thus, the number "twenty-four" came to be representative of a larger, complete group. Thus, the "twenty-four elders" could be a phrase which denotes more than two dozen specific persons.
2- The elders had "crowns" (ste-pha-nous) on their heads. These are crowns gained by achievement and victory. Looking back at our lessons in Revelation believers in the churches were promised crowns.

3.   The term "elder" (presbuteros) is never used of angels in the Bible. The word itself denotes maturity and growth.  Since angels do not age. In the epistles, believers in this church age are promised crowns for specific accomplishments:  Holy angels do not wear crowns, but believers can and will wear them. We will return to this on my last point.

4.      One commentary suggests the 24 stands for the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles; The Old Testament and the New Testament saints or martyrs ruling together.

What do you think?

SLIDE 10 Revelation 4:5-6aFrom the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder,

How do you feel when you hear thunder and the crack of lightning? Fearful, excited,in awe? Remember the thunder and lightning throughout the Bible represents God showing his power.  Exodus when Moses was on the Mountain. Job, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Nahum, Psalms. Some would say the lightning and thunder is caused by angelic messengers flying with such speed to and from the throne of God.

There are so many sevens in this book the seven churches (seven lamps) with their accompanying spirits, now in heaven before the throne of God. The symbolism of seven is a reference to “completion and fulfillment.”

SLIDE 11 In the first chapter we learned ^“12b. I saw seven golden lampstands,¹³and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.” And v. 20  the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

·     The Rapture has now taken place and the Church is therefore in heaven.

The seven “blazing torches” Temple upon earth in Judaism where the seven-branched menorah burned before the ark in the tabernacle.

·        before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,

·         One author says the seven spirits from the Throne: the Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of Wisdom, Spirit of Understanding, Spirit of Revelation or Counsel, Spirit of Power or Might, Spirit of Knowledge of the Lord, and Spirit of the Fear of the Lord!

SLIDE 12Revelation 4:6a and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

No waves on this sea of glass; it communicates tranquility in the midst of the activity. It also symbolizes purity and life. A few ladies said maybe it is clear so they can watch the happenings on earth. Here the 24 elders are casting their crowns at the feet of Jesus.

The laver in Solomon’s temple is made of solid brass polished like mirrors do each time the Priests wash in the laver they must look at their reflection. One commentator (Gaebelein) believes the laver is now like crystal, therefore “solidified because no more water is needed for the cleaning of the Saints”

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

2) When the Lord finished with His letters to the churches, what did   John see? (1) 

3) What did John hear?   What was he told he will see? (1)

4) What was the first thing he noticed? (2)

5) How does John describe the appearance of the One on the throne? (3) 

6) What is the color of the rainbow around the throne? (3)

7) What is around the throne? (4)

8) What proceeds from the throne? (5)

9) What stands before the throne? (5)

10) What lies before the throne? (6)

11) What is seen in the midst and around the throne?  How are they described? (6-8)

12) What do they proclaim without rest, day and night? (8)

13) When the creatures offer glory, honor, and thanks to God, what    happens? (9-10)

14) Why do the twenty-four elders deem God worthy of glory, honor, and power? (11)

Revelation Chapter 3 May 24, 2015

Revelation Chapter 3

Let’s notice the names of Jesus in these last three letters.

Revelation 3:1-3

¹And 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.²Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.³Remember 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.

These verses have directives from Jesus to the church in Sardis. Look for 5 action verbs.

·        Be watchful

·        Strengthen what remains

·        Remember my teachings

·        Hold fast and Repent

And a warning from 1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Revelation 3:4-6Thou 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.⁵He 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.⁶He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

As in other churches and in the world today God has kept a remnant that remains faithful and walks worthy. No matter the church as a hold has little to brag about. Think back to Sodom and Gomorrah. There were few righteous people in the city and it had to be destroyed with fire and brimstone. Lot had not made a good decision choosing this evil land to raise his family. Nevertheless Moses bargained with good to save Lot and his daughters. The remnant will be clothes in white. White is the representation of purity throughout the Bible. No matter what sin we have committed in action or thought or spoken word; Jesus is able to cleanse us completely.

Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Even King David cried out to God to purge him of his sins. Have you confessed your sins to Jesus? Before we offer a prayer or take communion or go to bed each night we need to confess our sins, sins of commission but also sins of omissions. Those things we did not do for the Kingdom of God.

Revelation 3:7-8    And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; ⁸I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

This description is a preview to what happens to the devil in the chapter 20 when he is cast into the pit and locked away for 1000 years. How many doors has Jesus opened in your life? Did you have the faith to walk through? What God calls us to do He will equip us for the task. Jesus says “I Know” they are weak but they has been faithful. We are told that in our weakness, He is strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Revelation 3:9-11 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.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.

¹¹Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Because they were faithful Jesus promised to keep them from the “hour of temptation” and time of judgment of the world. Verse 11 tells He will come quickly. This does not mean soon, but instead it means it will happen in a blink of an eye. Notice He promise “no man can take their crown.” There are 5 crowns for martyrs, soul winners, ministers of the gospel, righteous living, and endurance in the face of tribulation.

What do you think we will do with our crowns in heaven? We will cast our crowns at the feet of Jesus.

Revelation 3:12-13 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. ¹³He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Roman 3:4    God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

What do we have to overcome? Anger, selfishness, greed, jealousy, pride, lusts of the flesh. We as Christian have the responsibility to “hold fast” and “stand” in the gap at a time when our liberties are slowly being stolen.

Notice the promise in verse 12 God tells us New Jerusalem (our eternal home) which is detailed in Chapter 21 will come down out of heaven and God will dwell with man forever in a new earth. Can I get an Amen? We better start practicing our praise because the next chapter will be before the throne and all will bow and praise the LORD.

Revelation 3:14-16 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; ¹⁵I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. ¹⁶So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Notice the name of Jesus; “Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;” This is a statement records that Jesus was present at the creation of the world, a proof of the Trinity. How wretched would a church have to be to be “spewed out” of the mouth of God? How about you? Are you lukewarm?

When it comes to politics do you sit on the fence? Can you pick a side and stick with it? Since I have trust issues with politicians, I have a hard time believing either side. However when it comes to trusting my Savior, I know on whose side I will stand.

Revelation 3:17-18 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: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 eye salve, that thou mayest see.

What Jesus is stating that this church has money, prestige, and position but they are unaware of their condition.  The gold the LORD possesses has been tried by fire. Ladies God will test us by fire with trials and circumstances in our daily life. Will you be able to stand the test? So many times I have failed to honor Him. Praise God He gives us another chance. After we have been through the fire, we will be stronger, purer, and more reflective of our Savior’s character. Surely by this time in our Christian life we can attest to the fact that true joy is not about amassing wealth here on earth, but about storing up treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6: 19-21Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Revelation 3:19-22

¹⁹As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

²⁰Behold, 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.

²¹To 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.

²²He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

We can rest in the fact that as God’s children He loves us enough to discipline us for our own good. If you were a teenager in the sixties, (as I was) you could sure feel the love of your parents as they chastised you and imposed limits for your safety. Those God loves He disciplines.

Hebrews 12: 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

Look at verse 20-The LORD is standing at the door of your heart knocking. Are you ready to open your heart to Him? This is a good verse to share with our loved ones who are lukewarm.

Another promise to the overcomers-to sit with Jesus at His Father’s throne.

Jesus uses the word overcome in his letter to all three churches, so I looked back to Chapter 2 and discovered Jesus included that word in every letter.

There were 300 occurrences of the word in the Bible Concordance. As Christians are overcomers!  We are equipped to handle any darts or arrows thrown at us by the enemy.

SYNONYMS:  get the better of, prevail over, control, get/bring under control,  master, conquer,  defeat, beat; get over, get a grip on, curb, subdue;

1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Teaching notes of Ann Human Sanger

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A special "Thank you" to Mark Copeland at http://executableoutlines.com/ for

REVELATION QUESTIONS Chapter 3 

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

2) For what does the Lord condemn the church in Sardis? (1-2)

3) What does the Lord exhort those at Sardis to do? (2-3)

4) What warning is given to them? (3)

5) What did the Lord find commendable at Sardis? What did He promise them? (4)

 6) What did the Lord promise to those who overcome? (5)

7) What had the Lord done for those in Philadelphia? Why? (8)

8) What was the Lord going to do to those who claimed to be Jews but were actually the synagogue of Satan? (9)

9) What did the Lord say He would do for those in Philadelphia?  Why? (10)

10) What warning and exhortation does He then give? (11)

11) What promise does the Lord give to him who overcomes? (12)

12) For what does the Lord condemn those at Laodicea? (15-16)

13) What does the Lord say He would do because of their lukewarmness? (16)

14) What had they claimed?  What was their true condition? (17)

15) What does the Lord counsel them to do? (18)

16) What justification does the Lord give for such a strong rebuke? (19)   

17) What does He say to such Christians? (19,20)

18) What will be granted to him who overcomes? (21)

19) What exhortation is given at the end of each letter in this chapter?(6,13,22)

Revelation 2:9-29 May 17, 2015

Revelation 2:12-29

Last week we studied the first two letters written to the seven churches. Let’s read the greeting line of each letter and learn more about the description of Christ our Lord.

Revelation 2: To the Church in Ephesus ¹"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

To the Church in Smyrna ⁸"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

To the Church in Pergamum ¹²"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

To the Church in Thyatira ¹⁸"And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

·        When our CBS group learned to pray we list the names of Jesus in our Adoration of Him. Here are four new names you can use when you pray.

The letters to the seven churches share a similar structure. They each feature:

·        An address to a particular congregation

·        An introduction of Jesus

·        A statement regarding the condition of the church

·        A verdict from Jesus regarding the condition of the church

·        A command from Jesus to the church

·        A general exhortation to all Christians

·        A promise of reward

We can see the state of each of these seven churches - and the state of  churches in our community as well as our own walk with Jesus - by looking at what Jesus has to say to each church in each section.

Jesus is admitting this church is where Satan reigns and has control yet He praises her faithfulness.

Revelation 2: 13-15"'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas (Antipas means "Against All.")my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

¹⁴But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak(the king of Moab,) to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.

¹⁵So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

We need to recognize as Christians that Satan is the prince of the power of the air.

Ephesians 2: ¹And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

²Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:³Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

1 John 5:19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

Number 31: 16 Moses said, ^“Behold, these, on Balaam's advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the LORD."

     The reference is to Balaam who was a wicked prophet or diviner called upon by Balak leader of the Midian to curse the Israelites. Balaam on the way beat his donkey for crushing his leg. Remember the story how God allowed the donkey to talk and then opened Balaam’s eyes to the angel standing in the road with a sword.

(Numbers 24: 5  And he took up his discourse and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,(Balaam after meeting God!)

¹⁶   the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered:

¹⁷   I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.

¹⁸   Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly.

¹⁹   And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!"

²⁰   Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said, "Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is utter destruction.")

Last week we learned about the Nicolaitans last week, deceivers in the Church, claimed "not that they were destroying Christianity, but that they were presenting an improved and modernized version of it." (Barclay) As Christians we have to be aware that when we invite people into the church, we must test their message against the Bible, God’s Holy, inerrant word.

Revelation 2: 16-17 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. ¹⁷ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'

Jesus is warning the members to repent and turn from those who claim a message other than the true gospel.

Manna represents the daily bread given to the Israelites in the desert. However, Jesus calls himself the bread of life and daily we need to feed on His Word. When  you are absent from church, don’t you miss the preaching and teaching of God’s Word?

Hidden manna may represent that which is hidden in the Ark of the Covenant. Offering “priestly dignity of the victorious Christian.” In favor of this, it may be noted that it gives unity to the blessing of all believers. 

Many patriarchs in the OT received a new name from God when they learned to trust God. The white stone represents purity and radiance of light reflecting the Father. Those who overcome will receive and new name. Only God can see the change of heart and character. Notice (highlight if you wish) throughout the book of Revelation the many times God give the people chance after chance to repent.

REPENT: some dictionaries call this a feeling of shame or sorrow for an action. 
However, it is not a feeling but a change of behavior, a change of the heart.

Repentance is a process which leads to a relationship with God.

Repentance (metanoeo in the Greek) leads to metamorphosis. The grub's decision to build a cocoon leads to the new miraculous creation of a butterfly. For people it's just the same: the miraculous end result of repentance is becoming a new creation.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.^[2]

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

To Church in Thyatira the

Revelation 2:18-20"And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

 ¹⁹"'I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.

²⁰But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

This may not have been her literal name, but a title that clearly represented a self-styled prophetess within the church, after the pattern of Jezebel  the  life of King Ahab of Israel. (1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9:30-37). Everyone is familiar with the name Jezebel and her threat to God’s people and His prophet Elijah. No mother would want to name a child and to be called a Jezebel is a slur on your behavior.

Guzik  declares “On the outside, they were a model church, showing works, love, service, faith, and patience. Yet there was significant corruption inside the church. The sin of the church was that they allowed this corruption.

1 Kings 19: ¹ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.² Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.

What things are happening in America that Jesus could hold against us?

Revelation 2:21-23 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.²²Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works ,²³and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

Jesus tells them what He is going to do. But Jesus is calling out the leaders of the Church to handle this situation in a Godly manner. Jesus calls for her repentance; a change of behavior and confession to God. Just as Jesus demonstrated His power by calling Lazarus from the tomb, He will confirm his omnipotence and omniscience; He is all power and all knowing. You cannot hide your sins from God in heaven. God will reward according to your actions.

Matthew 25:21²¹   His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Revelation 2:24-26 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden.²⁵Only hold fast what you have until I come.²⁶The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

What does it mean to hold fast until Jesus comes again? What should we be doing?

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.³⁸For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,³⁹Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Revelation 2:27-29 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.²⁸And I will give him the morning star.²⁹He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

This quotation from Psalm 2 speaks of the authority of the Messiah when He rules over the earth. In that day, righteousness will be enforced, and those who rebel against Jesus will be dashed to pieces like a clay pot hit with an iron bar. 

Psalm 2:9-11Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.¹⁰   Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.¹¹   Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

First notice an interesting point from the Greek text. The verb translated “rule” in Revelation 2:27 is poimanei, derived from the word for a shepherd ( poimen ).

The Concordant Literal Translation renders Revelation 2:27 as: “He shall shepherd them with an iron club.” The rod or club carried by a shepherd was, of course, primarily for the protection of his sheep, not to frighten or punish them.

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

The Morning Star is Jesus. The pledge of the coming day, both for the waiting witnesses, and for the ungodly, who loved darkness because their deeds were evil: the earnest of the sovereignty of light over darkness, when the children of the day would be manifest, and shine as the stars forever and ever. Amen

Questions shared from Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2013

1.       What tone does Jesus set toward the church at Pergamos? ____________________________________________________________

2.       Where was Satan’s seat? _______________________________________

3.       Who is the martyr Jesus mentions? _______________________________

4.       What did Balaam teach? _________________________________________

5.       What would Jesus do if they refused to repent? _______________________

6.       Those who overcame where promised what two things? _________________
____________________________

a.       What is the new name (Revelation 2:17; 3:12; 22:4; 14:1)? __________________________________________________

7.       What four things are commendable concerning Thyatira?

a.       ______________________________

b.      ______________________________

c.       ________________________________

d.      ________________________________

8.       What were they allowing to happen? _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________

9.       What threat is given? ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

10.   Where all influenced by immorality? ______________________________

11.   What is the morning star (Revelation 2:28; II Peter 19:9; Revelation 22:16)? _______________________________________________________________