Revelation 1:10-20

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John was banned to the Island of Patmos and was given a vision in which he was told to write what he saw. Part of the revelation given him related to local churches to which John ministered before being incarcerated. Each one of the churches has an associated city name, and the name identifies the character of that church. It’s fascinating how these names were given to those cities just so that they would reflect those churches at the right time in history. Additionally, John puts them in a particular order, beginning with Ephesus, so that he can reveal to us the progress of the Church through the ages. I don’t think anyone would question we are living in the Laodicean age which was a lukewarm church as judged by Jesus in the vision. The next video will cover those churches (Revelation Chapters two and three.)

What would you do if you heard the voice of a trumpet behind you? You would do what John did in Revelation 1:12, namely, “turn to see the voice that spoke with me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, but the seven golden lampstands are pictures of the churches I saw.” The lampstands John sees are not “under a basket” but lights to the world. John also sees “one like the Son of Man” in the midst of the lights. Why would John say it that way? Well, he knew “the Son of Man” well, didn’t he? While Christ was on this earth, who was the closest disciple to Him? John knew him better than anyone else. The phrase “Son of Man” also harkens to Daniel Chapter seven, where you’ll remember Daniel saw the “Ancient of Days” seated on the throne. That was God, the Father, and “one like the Son of Man.”

John sees Jesus Christ clothed with a garment “down to His feet, and He is girded about the chest with a golden band.” Now, in the ancient world, the higher your rank, the wider your belt. The widest belt or golden band from your waist up to the chest speaks of His deity and authority. His head and his hair were white which connotes purity, and the holiness of God. His eyes “a flame of fire” speaks of judgment. He is coming to judge those who belong to Him. Those who walk in fellowship with him have nothing to fear. His eyes were a flame of fire and notice His feet were like, fine brass. An Old Testament idea of burnished bronze was judgment as it had been purified through fire. You’ll remember Peter talks to us about the fact that, “our faith being more precious than gold tried with fire, may be found onto praise, honor and glory of a Lord Jesus Christ.” So, our faith has to go through the refining furnace, just like gold or here as burnished bronze or brass.

John heard “His voice was the sound of many waters.” If you’ve been in Niagara or Victoria Falls, you know that thundering sound. “He had in His right hand, seven stars, and out of His mouth went a two-edged sword.” There are two kinds of swords mentioned in Scripture. The Roman short sword measured from the elbow to the fingertip a broadsword which measured which could be 6 feet long. “His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last.’” That’s what Jesus would say to you and me, “Do not be afraid.” We have nothing to fear from our Savior. “I am He who lives and was dead. And behold, I am alive forevermore.” This speaks of His humanity. “I have the keys of Hades and death.” Why the keys of hell and death? He can open the “door to death” behind which you are locked and set you free. Or he can take the keys to hell and lock you in there for eternity. Jesus Christ alone has the power of life! One more note from this passage. “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” The word “angel” means messenger. I take then that an angel of a church is the pastor, the messenger in that church. So the seven stars are the pastors of the churches and the seven lamp stands are the seven churches. John has made this easy for us because he has explained the meaning of the signs that he saw.

This world seems to be hurtling in the direction of the tribulation period. How important it is that we understand this book and know and apply it to our lives considering the nearness of the coming of our Lord. We should be challenged to do everything we can to bring other people who are saving knowledge of Christ and be faithful to His word in these perilous times.

Gene Cunningham - December 16, 2022

Revelation 3:1-22 "He that has an ear" (Part Two)

II. Sardis—Revelation 3:1–6 The word “Sardis” means “remnant” or “those who escape.” This church has a name that it is “alive” but God says it is spiritually dead. The challenge is to “wake up” as in Ephesians 5:14. This wakening pictures a remnant of true believers, even in Sardis. This “awakening” returns to the Word of God that had been “received and heard.” Those who overcome are clothed in the white garments of imputed righteousness (Rom. 4:3–5; 2 Cor. 5:21). The book of life contains the names of those who trust in Christ alone (Rev. 20:12). Historically, Sardis pictures the Reformation Church of 1500–1700 A.D. The awakening of men like John Huss, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, and others brought a return to the Word of God as the only authority of faith and the truth of salvation by faith in Christ alone. Also, the individual priesthood of every believer (1 Pet. 2:5–9) delivered them from the tyranny of the Roman priesthood. Note: 1. An active church from the program’s standpoint, but dead through lack of doctrinal instruction and spirituality. 2. Warned to remember what they received and heard (i.e., John’s teaching). 3. There were, however, a few faithful in Sardis. VI. Philadelphia—Revelation 3:7–13 “Philadelphia” means “brotherly love.” This church reflected the biblical teaching of John 13:34–35. The Christ who holds the “keys” of history sets before this church an “open door” of service (cf., 1 Cor. 16:9; Col. 4:3). This missionary-minded church would have victory over the “synagogue of Satan,” and because of faithful perseverance would be kept from the “hour [time] of trial.” The overcomer is promised a permanent place of service in God’s eternal temple—bearing the name of God. Historically, Philadelphia represents church history of 1700–1900 A.D. During this time, we have the great mission outreach of the Wesleys, Taylors, and Careys, among others. China, India, and Africa became centers of great evangelistic work. This missionary zeal will continue until the Rapture removes the true Church from Tribulation. This is verified in 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10; 4:13–18; 5:9, as well as Rev. 1:19 and Rev. 4:1. In addition, the word “church” is mentioned all the way up to Rev. 4:1 (a picture of the Rapture), and from here, Israel becomes the focus. The reason for this is that the Tribulation is the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7) to refine and regenerate the nation of Israel. Note: 1. The missionary church—having the “open door” of evangelism. 2. The key regarding Philadelphia is the recurrence of the words “kept My word” in Rev. 3:8–11. 3. They were small, yet mighty through doctrine. VII. Laodicea—Revelation 3:14–22 Here, we have the final of the seven churches. The name comes from laos (“the people”) and kike (“rights”)—thus the “human-rights” church. The apostasy of this church is found in that it was “lukewarm.” The cooling of love for Christ begun in Ephesus has now become total apostasy and indifference. This church prided itself on its wealth, riches, programs, and buildings; but Christ was completely left out (Rev. 3:20). Jesus Christ vomits this apostate organization from His mouth (Rev. 3:16). Yet still the offer of grace was extended to anyone who will receive it (Rev. 3:18, 20. Interestingly, Laodicea was home of an eye salve of the ancient world. As the “Amen,” the faithful witness, Christ is the source of light from the Word. He promises those who would come out of this apostasy, fellowship (breaking the bread of life together) and ultimate exaltation in His throne (Rev. 3:20–22). Historically, Laodicea represents the “modernistic” church. Whatever the name or designation, it places a premium on riches, programs, buildings and, above all, “human rights.” The social church has become man-centered and has pushed Christ out of His rightful place “in the midst of the churches.” In this age of complacency, Christ continues to call His people out from apostasy and into the true riches of His grace and fellowship. Note: 1. Lukewarm: apathetic to Christ, His Word, and the plan of God. 2. A very large, wealthy local church. They had buildings, finances and crowds but divine viewpoint calls them “naked, wretched, miserable, poor and blind” (Rev. 3:17). 3. They are believers (Rev. 3:19) but apathetic. The solution is positive volition to fellowship with Christ around His Word. May we all, by His grace, return to the purity of faith in Smyrna, a fragrant aroma to God. May we regain that “lost love” for Him and reach out with the missionary zeal of Philadelphia. The door is still open!

Scripture References: Revelation 3:1-22