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

 

3V13: Let him hear = This statement is directed to those that have an open heart and mind to receive the truth from God. These are those that hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to them and directing them in their lives, 1 Kings 19:11-12. “Not in mighty manifestations of divine power, but by “a still small voice,” did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant. Not by eloquence or logic are men’s hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character.” (Ellen White, PK, pages 168-169) 

 

These are also those that are obedient to God and choose to listen and take to heart what they hear and read. They choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to do what they have been commanded by God. These messages to the churches were specifically for those living in those times and they were to hear what God was telling them through His prophet. But, these messages also apply to those living throughout the ages (the last two thousand years). There are concepts, truths and admonitions from God that apply to everyone in the church today. See the description in the overview for chapter two which discusses the literal, prophetic and personal application of the messages to the churches.

 

 

Seventh Church: Laodicea.10 

Laodicea = A people judged or the judging of the people11 (living during the investigative judgment).

 

Laodicea was a city with great wealth and was situated on a Roman road used for trade. This city was known for its banking center and a medical center which included a medical school that specialized on the eyes. Laodicea was also known for its black wool.12 

 

“The message to the Laodiceans is applicable to Seventh-day Adventists who have had great light and have not walked in the light. It is those who have made great profession, but have not kept in step with their Leader, that will be spewed out [the shaking] of His mouth unless they repent.” (Selected Message, volume 2, page 66)

 

The message to the Laodiceans will cause the shaking. 

 

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people.” (Testimonies for the Church, volume 1, page 181)

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Often referred to as the lukewarm church.

 

Timeframe: 1844-Close of Probation.

 

Time = 2300 year prophecy since this prophecy ended in 1844 AD.

 

Location = Most Holy.

 

Six Parts:​

1. Opening address, verse 14. 

2. Description of Jesus, verse 14.

3. I know statement, verses 15-17.

4. Command, verses 18-20.

5. Overcome statement, verse 21.

6. Spirit saith statement, verse 22.

 

 

• Revelation 3:14, 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;

 

3V14: Angel of the church = Angel = Messenger. Here the angel is symbolic and not a literal angel. It represents God’s messengers in each church, the minister or the respective leaders in each of the churches. In the apostolic age, the leader was usually an elder of the church, so these letters are written to the elders and then to pastors in later ages/times. 

 

“The ‘angels’ of the seven churches are the ‘messengers’, the human leadership of the church in each respective period. God speaks to His people through His ministers whom He has appointed.” (Robert J. Weiland, Revelation of Things to Come, page 17) 

 

God provides pastors (or shepherds).

Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

 

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.” Paul talking to the elders/leaders of the church and that they were chosen by the Holy Spirit. 

 

In the Bible, even humans are referred to as angels (messengers).

2 Samuel 19:27, “And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.” Speaking of David.

 

Mark 1:2, “As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” Speaking of John the Baptist. 

 

Luke 7:24, “And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” Speaking of John the Baptist’s follower. 

 

Luke 9:52, “And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.” Speaking of the disciples of Jesus.

 

James 2:25, “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” Speaking of the two spies, Joshua and Caleb. 

 

3V14: Church of the Laodiceans = This is the only church of the seven that is written or addressed as a plural form of the name of the church. If it was to match the other six churches, it should have been written as ‘…of the church in Laodicea write…’, but instead it says ‘church of the Laodiceans write…’ Since this is the last church, we are currently living in the age of the Laodicean church or what is commonly referred to as the lukewarm church. This might be written in plural form because we now live in a world where God’s people are in many different churches. The Christian church has fragmented into numerous denominations, so God is not speaking to a unified or singular church here, He is speaking to His people that are in many different churches. Before the second coming of Jesus there will be a time when God will call His people into one unified church, Revelation 18:4. 

 

3V14: The Amen, the faithful and true witness = Another description of Jesus Christ. Each of the seven churches always begins with the opening statement and then a description of Jesus. 

 

3V14: The beginning of the creation of God = Creation started with Jesus, He was the start of creation or the source of creation. Christ initiated the work of creation. Jesus Christ and the Father are coexistent. John 1:1-3 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.; Hebrews 1:8 says, “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” In this verse God the Father is referring to the Son as God. They are both God and coexistant.; Colossians 2:9 while referring to Jesus says, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”; and finally in John 10:30 Jesus says, “I and my Father are one.”

 

 

• Revelation 3:15, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 

 

3V15: Cold = Someone that has completely turned away from God or has never known God. But, this person in the future may feel the need for God. Since God is love, 1 John 4:8, He allows us to make a choice whether to accept Jesus as our Saviour or not to accept Jesus. God does not force us into making a decision either way, He wants love out of choice, not out of force. 

 

3V15: Hot = Someone that is on fire for Jesus Christ and is fully committed to God and has surrendered their lives to Him and are obedient to His will. 

 

3V15: I would thou wert cold or hot = God doesn’t want lukewarm people, those that are neither cold nor hot but somewhere in the middle. They are on the fence and actually cause people to turn away from God even more so than those that are cold. Lukewarm Christians call themselves Christians but live in the world and act like others in the world. They are Christians in name only. They look no different from someone that is cold. This makes Christians look like hypocrites and causes people to turn away from God, or to look somewhere else for their spirituality. That is why God would rather have people make their decision either for Him or for the world. At least a cold person may eventually feel the need for God, but a lukewarm Christian already believes that they are Christians and will not feel the need to turn away from the world. Lukewarm Christians negatively impact the effectiveness and work of the church in reaching out to the community and bringing others to Christ as their Saviour.13 This church represents the current church in the world where there are a lot of lukewarm Christians or Christians in name only. For instance, there are many movie stars, musicians, politicians that wear crosses, and sometimes huge bejeweled crosses, but live and act as the world does. There is no difference between the person that wears a cross and someone that says they are not a Christian, they act the same. Christians should be different from everyone else, they should be peculiar. Exodus 19:5 says, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine…”; Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”; Deuteronomy 26:18 says, “And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments…”; and Psalm 135:4 says, “For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.” This concept of being different from the world is in both the Old and New Testament. Titus 2:14 says, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”; and 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light…”

 

 

• Revelation 3:16, So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 

 

3V16: Spue thee out of my mouth = The thought of a lukewarm Christian is so abominable to God that He would spue (or vomit) them out of His mouth. Everyone must make a decision either to follow God fully or to live in the world. 

 

 

• 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: 

 

3V17: Wretched = Wretched is only used twice in the Bible, one here and one in Romans 7:24. Paul says he’s wretched but the difference here is that the Laodiceans don’t think that they’re wretched or in need of God because of their great wealth and a comfortable life. They are deceived by the riches and comforts of the world. They believe they are Christians but they are lukewarm, see verse 16. 

 

3V17: Poor = Laodicea was a city of great wealth and they saw themselves as rich which is the opposite of what God says, which is that they are poor. The Laodiceans are poor spiritually and need to be purified like gold to become rich spiritually in God’s eyes, see verse 18. 

 

3V17: Blind = As mentioned in the overview above, the city of Laodicea was known for their medical center and school which specialized in an eye slave. They specialized in healing people with eye problems to see again, but the Laodiceans were spiritually blind. Again, God is describing Laodicea as the opposite of what they saw themselves as. This also points to the Laodicean’s being blind to their condition because of their wealth and their feeling that they are in need of nothing.14 

 

3V17: Naked = As mentioned in the overview above, Laodicea was known for their black wool, but here God describes them as the opposite of having wool clothing. God is contrasting how they really are in God’s eyes as opposed to how they see themselves. God’s people are clothed in robes of righteousness, but the Laodiceans are naked, without righteousness. They have a from of godliness, but are nominal Christians (lukewarm).15 

 

 

• 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. 

 

3V18: Gold tried in the fire = Faith and love. 

 

1 Peter 1:6-8 says, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…”

 

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

 

Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

 

We need a faith that can withstand fiery trials as depicted in the story in Daniel 3. The fire burned away the things of Babylon that bound them and Jesus was with them in the fire. It is the faith of Jesus that was tried in the fire. We need the faith of Jesus. His faith is found in His closing moments on earth.16 

 

3V18: Rich = Here it refers to their potential spiritual condition, not worldly wealth. The Laodiceans were spiritually poor, see verse 17. 

 

3V18: White raiment = Primarily represents the saints covered in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

 

Revelation 19:8, 11 says, “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. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”

 

But it also represents Jesus’ glory and wisdom as can be seen in these verses. Proverbs 16:31 says, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” White hair would command the same respect as gray hair (both representing elders who deserve respect and honor).

 

Jesus’ glory was often mentioned in the New Testament. Matthew 16:27 says, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

 

Matthew 19:28 says, “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.”

 

Matthew 24:30 says, “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

 

Matthew 25:31 says, “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory…”

 

Mark 10:37 says, “They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.”

 

Luke 2:9 says, “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

 

Luke 9:26 says, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

 

John 1:14 says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

 

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

 

2 Corinthians 8:23 says, “Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.”

 

The righteousness of Jesus was also mentioned in the New Testament. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

 

Romans 1:17 says, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

 

Romans 3:5, 21-22 says, “But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference…”

 

Romans 10:3 says, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

 

The righteousness of God is also associated with wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption…”

 

Mark 6:2 says, “And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?”

 

Luke 2:40, 52 says, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

 

Luke 11:49 says, “Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute…”

 

Romans 11:33 says, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

 

1 Corinthians 1:24 says, “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

 

1 Corinthians 2:7 says, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory…”

 

Ephesians 3:10 says, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God…”

 

When we accept Jesus as our Saviour He covers us in His righteousness. 

 

3V18: Shame of thy nakedness do not appear = Refers to those that are not covered in the righteousness of Jesus Christ are naked like Adam and Even in the garden of Eden when they fell, Genesis 3:6-7 (the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked). 

 

3V18: Eyesalve = Enlightenment of the word of God. The Laodiceans were blind to their sins, but God wants their eyes to be opened to see their sins and then to repent and turn away from their sins (to stop being lukewarm).

 

John 9:41 says, “Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”

 

1 Peter 1:5-9 says, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

 

Luke 4:18 says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised…”

 

Eyes = Innermost soul. Hebrews 4:12 says, “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 3:19, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 

3V19: As I love, I rebuke and chasten = This should give hope to those that have bad things happen in their lives. Maybe God allows some things to happen to redirect our lives or to make us turn to Him. When bad things happen, maybe we should look at the situation and ask ourselves what we can learn from the experience. We are all sons and daughters of God, 2 Corinthians 6:18 (sons and daughters of God); 1 John 3:10 (children of God), and our heavenly Father corrects us on occasion out of love. 

 

3V19: Repent = Repentance is to feel sorry for what we have done and to turn away from sin. There are many examples in the Bible, Acts 2:36-38 (Peter speaking to Jews and telling them that they crucified the Son of God and they were ‘pricked in their hearts’ and were told to repent and be baptized); Acts 5:30-31 (Peter speaking to the Jewish council about Jesus and that they killed Him); God winks at our ignorance, but once we learn the truth we are to repent and turn away from our sin, Acts 17:30. Once we repent it leads to confession, 1 John 1:9. See also Revelation 16:9 (repentance is a gift of God). 

 

 

• 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.

 

3V20: I stand at the door = Jesus stands ready to enter the hearts of anyone that desires or calls out to Him, all we need to do is ask for the free gift of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” 

 

 

• 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. 

 

3V21: Overcometh = Those that remain faithful to God and to His doctrines while going through persecution.

 

Revelation 2:7 says, “…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 2:11 says, “…He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

 

Revelation 2:17 says, “…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.”

 

Revelation 2:26-28 says, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 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. And I will give him the morning star.”

 

Revelation 3:5 says, “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.”

 

Revelation 3:12 says, “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.”

 

Revelation 3:21 says, “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.”

 

Revelation 21:7 says, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

 

These verses are promises from God to give us a new name, to give us an inheritance, to keep our names in the book of life, to give us access to the tree of life, and to rule and sit with God on the throne which are all wonderful promises for His people if they remain faithful until the end. God’s people have been persecuted in throughout history, are currently being persecuted around the world and will definitely be persecuted in the end time, but God’s people must remain faithful even during troubling times.

 

In 1 John 5:4-5 it says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

 

2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

 

Philippians 1:29 says, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake…”

 

1 Peter 3:14-15 says, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…”

 

1 Peter 4:12-17 says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

 

Matthew 5:10-12 says, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

 

These verses show that as a Christian we will suffer persecution, but we are to rejoice and praise God and we are told to focus on heaven and spiritual things (those things we cannot see right now) and not to focus on worldly things (those things we can see right now). We must keep our eyes and focus on Jesus and He will get us through persecution. 

 

 

• Revelation 3:22, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

3V22: Let him hear = This statement is directed to those that have an open heart and mind to receive the truth from God. These are those that hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to them and directing them in their lives, 1 Kings 19:11-12. “Not in mighty manifestations of divine power, but by “a still small voice,” did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant. Not by eloquence or logic are men’s hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character.” (Ellen White, PK, pages 168-169) 

 

These are also those that are obedient to God and choose to listen and take to heart what they hear and read. They choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to do what they have been commanded by God. These messages to the churches were specifically for those living in those times and they were to hear what God was telling them through His prophet. But, these messages also apply to those living throughout the ages (the last two thousand years). There are concepts, truths and admonitions from God that apply to everyone in the church today. See the description in the overview for chapter two which discusses the literal, prophetic and personal application of the messages to the churches.

 

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END OF CHAPTER BIBLE STUDIES:

Bible Study: An Example of the Need to Understand the Old Testament.17

Things written in OT were for our admonition (1 Corinthians 10:11); the seven churches also parallel books of the Bible or stories within the Bible;

 

First church (Ephesus) = The loveless church; Genesis (Adam and Eve); the pure church but they lost their first love and caused the fall of mankind and the world.

 

Second church (Smyrna) = The persecuted church; Exodus is the story of a persecuted people the Israelites, 400 years in captivity in Egypt; this parallels a persecuted church in the Smyrna timeframe of 100-313 AD.

 

Third church (Pergamos) = A compromising church; Israel in the desert and then enters the promised land; the Israelites compromised their beliefs throughout this experience such as the golden calf incident; Israel also chose a king to protect them; the early church in the Pergamos timeframe chose to follow Emperor Constantine’s edicts; books of Exodus to Samuel. 

 

Fourth church (Thyatira) = The corrupt church; Israel is led into apostasy by literal Jezebel and is eventually led into captivity by the Babylonian Empire; Thyatira is the beginning of the corrupt church called Mystery Babylon; books of Kings and Chronicles.

 

Fifth church (Sardis) = The dead church; A decree by Cyrus to set the captives free to begin the work of rebuilding the house of the Lord; Israelites were building their houses while the house of the Lord was not being rebuilt; parallels the timeframe of the church of Sardis because the reformation followers stopped where they were at when their leader died or was martyred and this caused the development of separate denominations and the fragmentation of the church, churches starting building their own houses (churches); book of Ezra; also Israelites were escaping Babylon like the reformers were escaping spiritual Babylon (the Roman Catholic Church).

 

Sixth church (Philadelphia) = The faithful church; Nehemiah called to finish the work and rebuild the temple; he gathers the people together to finish the work; Isaiah 58, repairers of the breach; Nehemiah 7:64, almost like a work of judgment, verses 67-68 - about 50,000 people were a part of the movement; during the timeframe of the church of Philadelphia there were about 50,000 people involved in the Millerite movement; Nehemiah 10, a sealing occurs; a sealing work takes precedence in the end time church.

 

Seventh church (Laodicea) = The lukewarm church; After Nehemiah they are waiting for the first coming or the arrival of the Messiah. The church of Laodicea represents the second coming of Christ and the condition of the church right before that event. During the first coming of Christ the church (Israel) was lukewarm and thought they had no need of God and didn’t want anything to do with Him (Jesus). Israelites put stock in the fact that they were God’s chosen people and became lukewarm; the Adventist church today is doing the same thing, they “brag” about being 3rd generation or 4th generation, but God doesn’t care about our spiritual history. The wise men understood the first coming of Christ and Israel didn’t; In this time, wise men who are not in the church may understand the second coming of Christ better than those that are in the church. Israelites misunderstood the first coming (thought Jesus was coming as a Lion); Current church misunderstands the second coming (think Jesus is coming as a Lamb in a secret rapture, but He’s coming as a Lion).

 

 

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Chapter 3 Resources and Notes

1.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

2.  Pastor John Bradshaw, It Is Written Ministry television episode called, What I Like About My Church, Can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndehUX3hEsQ.

 

3.  History.com Staff (2009), Martin Luther and the 95 Theses, A&E Networks, can be accessed here: https://www.history.com/topics/martin-luther-and-the-95-theses. 

 

4.  Pastor Geoff Youlden, Youlden World Report Ministry video, Why so Many Denominations?, Can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQGdMISOock&index=29&list=LLKO2xoRkM9qvNAYKW_D4-xA&t=0s.

 

5.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

6.  Ibid.

 

7.  Original source is unknown. 

 

8.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

9.  Article from bibleinfo.com titled, What are the names of God?, can be accessed here: http://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/names-of-god.

 

10.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

11.  Pastor John Bradshaw, It Is Written Ministry television episode called, What I Like About My Church, Can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndehUX3hEsQ.

 

12.  Anchor Point Films (2017), www.anchorpointfilms.com, video series called, Revelations Seven Churches, it is a two DVD documentary series and can be purchased here, https://www.anchorpointfilms.com/series/60-revelation-s-seven-churches.

 

13.  Pastor Philip Sizemore, Amazing Discoveries video series called, For Every Truth, A Little Leaven, can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSld6Q2hX8o&index=38&list=LLKO2xoRkM9qvNAYKW_D4-xA&t=0s. 

 

14.  Anchor Point Films (2017), www.anchorpointfilms.com, video series called, Revelations Seven Churches, it is a two DVD documentary series and can be purchased here, https://www.anchorpointfilms.com/series/60-revelation-s-seven-churches.

 

15.  Ibid.

 

16.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

17.  Ibid.

 

 

Ellen White references can be found here: https://beta.egwwritings.org.