Revelation ch. 3

We are getting the explanation of the 7 churches straight from the Lords mouth so there can be no confusion in it. We have seen that only 1 church so far has been doing the correct thing. The other churches have seemed to be ok but fall short by going after anti-Christ. It will be unfortunate that many will be a Christian there whole life but fall short at the end, that is why it is important to follow what God would say over traditions of men.

Ch.3

3:1 you are either in Christ (alive) or are dead (spiritually) with Satan. This place Sardis was rampant with commerce and had a temple to Cyble (mother of all gods).

3:2 (compare: Matt 24:42). We as Christians are to be watchman and on guard against that deception.

3:3 hour: this is the hour of temptation. He will come upon them as a thief because they won’t know when He appears; they have no knowledge of the word and are biblically illiterate (compare: 1 Thess 5:2-3).  

3:4 worthy G 514; deserving, due reward. They served Christ and worked for Him (righteous acts = white linen).

3:5 overcome G 3528; to subdue, conquer, get the victory.  Blot out G 1813; to smear out, obliterate, wipe away. (Compare: Matt 10:32-33). This is what all Christians should greatly desire for! God judges us fairly and according to what we have done. The white raiment is the righteous acts you do for the Father. Those that do not overcome will be blotted out to never be again.

3:6 we must have understanding; your eternal life is at stake. The Lord tells us over and over again to have understanding!

3:7 key of David: to have this key is to know the true Messiah and the difference between the fake (compare: Isa 22:22). This church has that key. The Lord is in control of all situations; He opens the doors and closes them for our benefit.

3:8 open door: understanding.  Many will not keep His word and will take part in the great apostasy, as we have seen from the Lord’s dealings with the other churches. They have not denied the Lord to follow the fake. This church has the key to open the scripture so to tell the difference between the true and fake Messiah; this key will not allow you to be deceived!

3:9 (compare: Matt 13:35-43, John 8:44, 2 Thess 2:1-17). This is speaking of the Kenites (sons of Cain), the same subject the church of Smyrna was teaching about. Your church better be teaching along the same lines or there could be trouble. The 2 churches that the Lord found worthy (Smyrna, Philadelphia) were teaching the same subject. Satan will come first before the true Christ appears; don’t be deceived, do you have eyes to see and ears to hear?

3:10 hour of temptation: when anti-Christ appears on the earth. Temptation G 3986; a putting to proof, temptation, trial.  Satan comes to tempt the whole world, will not find Satan tempting for we know who he is and when he comes. They kept His word until the return of Christ. There will be no flying away because the whole world will have to experience this.

3:11 don’t let someone steal your crown. Keep hold of truth without waver.

3:12 (compare: Isa 62:2-4, Ezek 16:60-63, Rev 21:22,Rev 14:1,Rev 22:4, Ezek 44:28). We become a pillar (support to hold up) that temple in heaven. New name: Hephzibah (my delight is in her). Land: Beulah (married). We must follow the word of God to partake in this wonderful time!

3:13 yet again the Lord asks us to have understanding in His word. This is the second church to be found worthy, and they teach the same thing.

3:14 (compare: Prov 8:22-31, Col 1:15-19). This is the one we are to follow! Amen G 281; verily, that’s that.

3:15 we should stand for something!

3:16 not a good place to be with God, if He is doing this to you. One of the least liked churches by the Lord.

3:17 if you are poor in heaven then it matters not what wealth you possess here on earth.

3:18 eyesalve: truth. This is counsel from Almighty God; it doesn’t get better than that. White raiment comes from doing work for God (Rev 19:7-8); that white raiment will make up our clothing in heaven. Can our spiritual deeds stand up to God’s refinement? We must take on the truth so we can see (understand).

3:19 God corrects those whom He loves, as a father corrects their children out of love. If we do something wrong repent and move on.

3:20 sup: spiritual food. We must take action and open the door, He will not beg us.

3:21 what an awesome promise we have for those that overcome (remember we will become pillars).

3:22 yet again, do we understand? He is speaking to us, have we been saturated too long in myths and traditions brought on by men that we no longer can hear what God would say to us? Follow the word of God and let it guide you.

Revelation ch 2:18-end

We are here with John being instructed by Jesus concerning the 7 churches (7 means spiritual completeness in biblical numeric). Remember the names mean very little to us, it is the content of their teachings that matters. What we are to get out of this is that only 2 churches will be found teaching what is pleasing to Christ and if your church is not teaching as the 2 good ones were then you could be in some trouble. It is important to remember that John was taken to the millennium to be shown things before, during and after that time.

Ch. 2:18-29

2:18 (compare: Malachi 4:3, Rev 19:13-15). This is Christ in His purified body. We have another church here.

2:19 charity G 26; love. This church would seem to have many good qualities about them. Let’s see what Christ thinks about them. They have many works to show.

2:20 fornication G 4203; to act the harlot, to practice idolatry. Seduce G 4105; deceive, go astray. She calls herself a preacher or inspired speaker of God but is leading many to follow after the false Christ to come (compare: Mark 13:6). This is not speaking of the Jezebel of old but the one spoken of in Revelation 17 who draws many away from the true Christ; and teaches false doctrines of rapture and many other false traditions of men (compare: Ezekiel 18).

2:21 they were given time in order to repent of their wrong doings but did not. They kept teaching the same old traditions and falsehoods.

2:22 tribulation G 2347; persecution, trouble, burdens. (Compare: Romans 2:8-9, Romans 2:16, 2 Thess 2:8-12).  Remember Christ is coming back for a virgin bride, not one who is in bed (committing adultery) with the false Christ. To do this is the great apostasy.

2:23 this is speaking of a spiritual death for those who will not repent and follow after the true Christ. You will get what you deserve from the Lord, for He is fair.

2:24 (compare: 2 Cor 2:11). Do you know the depths of Satan? Do you know who his children are? (Compare: John 8:44, Matt 13:36-43). For those that don’t partake in the false doctrine, God will not burden them any farther.

2:25 hold fast to the truth you have and keep it undefiled; and don’t follow the deception which leads to anti-Christ.

2:26-27 power G 1849; strength. Nation G 1484; gentile. (Compare: Matt 24:13, Psalm 2:7-9). Christ is coming back as the King of kings and Lord of lords. There is correction coming for those who deserve it.

2:28 (compare: Num 24:17, false star: Isa 14:12). We will have the true Morning Star and not the fake star which is Lucifer. We will be given the truth to comprehend between the two.

2:29 do we understand the word of God? Listen to Christ and not men.

Revelation Ch 2:1-17

We ended the last chapter with Jesus telling us that the 7 candlesticks are the 7 churches and the 7 stars are the angels of the 7 churches. This chapter will deal with those 7 churches. These churches geographically made a circle. The names are not that important, rather the teachings are what matter. Within these teachings you will see an overall view of the teachings in today’s churches. Remember verse 10/19 of the first chapter. John was taken to the Lord’s Day to show us what is to happen on, before and after that day. The look at the churches is from the Lords Day and back to our time now (not 96 A.D.).

Ch. 2

2:1 Ephesus is the first church the Lord tells us about. As we learned in chapter 1, Jesus is the one who holds these things in His hand.

2:2 works G 2041; toil, effort, act, deed, labor. Labour G 2873; toil. Patience G 5281; cheerful (or hopeful endurance. Tried G 3985; to test, examine. Apostle G 652; a delegate or ambassador of the Gospel or Christ. Liars G 5571; untrue, false. So far this church has patience, work and can spot a false prophet with ease.

2:3 they have endured much work and patience for the Lords sake. So far this church would appear to be doing well.

2:4 first love: this is Jesus. Remember we are on the Lords Day and looking back. If a church that would seem to be doing well falls away from their first love, who did they leave Him for? Remember anti-Christ comes back claiming to be Christ and deceives many. They were deceived by the many false doctrines and traditions of men.

2:5 repent G 3340; to think differently afterward, change of heart. This is a serious charge against this church. The deception is coming so be ready, don’t leave your first love!

2:6 they hate the deeds of these (probably Baal worship).

2:7 (compare: John 16:33, Gen 2). Do you have an ear to understand; many will not and will be deceived. The Tree of Life is Christ (first love). These have left the Tree of Life for the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Satan).

2:8 first and last: Jesus. We have another church here.

2:9 tribulation G 2347; trouble, affliction. Poverty G 4432; poor. The Lord doesn’t care about earthly wealth. This is a church that Jesus finds no fault with. Does your church teach who those are that claim to be Jews but are not and are of the synagogue of Satan. These Jesus is speaking of are Kenites, the sons of Cain. (Compare: John 8:42-44, 1 Chron 2:55). The Kenites were scribes for Judah in the beginning. This is where the false Christ will come from. We must have knowledge in this area!

2:10 (compare: Heb 2:14, Mark 13:9-11). Fear G 5399; to frighten, to be alarmed, afraid. We must be delivered up before Satan to give a witness and testimony for God. Don’t fear anything, for God is with us! 10 days is all we have to endure and we will receive that crown of life. This is 10 days of individual trying (the hour of temptation), when we are delivered up before the devil/death (as the anti-Christ) to give a witness and allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us.

2:11 the second death is the death of the soul (compare: Rev 20:6/14, Rev 21:8). Those that overcome will have their spot in heaven for eternity with God. This church did well and found favor with God.

2:12 (compare: Rev 1:16, Eph 6:17, John 1:1). That sword is the word of God. We have another church here.

2:13 (compare: 2 Thess 2:4-6, Mal 4:6). Satan’s seat will be established on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. This church has work and dwell where Satan is. Remember we are looking back in time to when this will happen. Antipas G 493/473/3962; anti father. He was against Satan and stood for God at that time. They would seem to be doing well.

2:14 (compare: Numbers 22). They followed after Baalam who taught for money and monetary gain. They also fell short in other areas.

2:15-16 they also went after idols as the church of Ephesus did. You do not want the Lord to fight against you, for you are guaranteed to be on the losing side! Stick to the word of God. We must separate the true from the false when it comes to the word of God (compare: 2 John 1:10-11).

2:17 (compare: Isa 62:2, Isa 65:15, Acts 15:17, John 6:57-58, Zech 3:9, Zech 4).  Do you have ears to understand what God says? If you do then you will partake in the hidden manna (Bread of Life/word), and receive a new name which the Lord will give you. Have you received that new name, do you have eyes to see and ears to hear or are you deceived by Satan and his tricks. Stone G 5586; a pebble (as worn smooth over time). This has a deeper truth to it. We are to identify the enemy by the word and understand who and what he is (compare: Rev 13:18).

Revelation Chapter 1

The word revelation is the Greek word 601 in the Strong’s concordance which means to take off the covering or reveal. There is no reason for people to not understand this book or be confused to its meaning and purpose. The book was written by John (the apostle for whom Jesus loved) on the island of Patmos in the year 96 A.D. John was in prison upon the island due to persecution against the Christian community.

Ch. 1

1:1 (compare: Daniel 2:29). Revelation G 602/601; the revealing, to take off the covering. God gave this to John to be revealed not hidden.

1:2 (compare: John 1:7). This was given to his servants so they will know the truth.

1:3 blessed G 3107; happy. Keep G 5083; to guard (from loss or injury). We are to understand this book and keep its sayings.

1:4 which was and is and is to come: this is Jesus Christ. The seven churches geographically made a circle. The names are not particularly important; rather what they taught was the important thing.

1:5 (compare: Isa 55:4, Hebrews 2:14, Revelation 3:14). He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He paid that price upon the cross and defeated death. His words are faithful and true.

1:6 (compare: Ezekiel 40:46). In the millennium temple we who serve God will fill this role.

1:7 kindred G 5443; race, clan, tribe. (Compare: 1 Thess 4:17, Zech 12:10). This is the way Christ comes back when He shall reign. He only comes back once, not a couple of times (there is no secret rapture). Every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

1:8 (compare: John 1:1). Alpha: the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega: the last letter in the Greek alphabet. He is the all-encompassing. He is the Almighty, all knowing, Omnipotent God. Christ was in the beginning with God.

1:9 John was also a partaker in the trials and hardships that come about. John was in jail not for stealing or anything bad but for teaching the word and doing the work of God. He was there to give a testimony and witness for God.

1:10 the Lords day: the millennium. (Compare: 1 Thess 5:2, 2 Thess 2:2, 2 Peter 3:10). It is important to understand where John was taken. Remember one day with the Lord is a thousand years and a thousand years with the Lord is as one day (2 Peter 3:8). John was taken to the first day of the millennium to be shown things that will happen during, before and after this time. For trumpet compare Zephaniah 1:14-16.

1:11 book: this would be the bible. The number seven means spiritual perfection. It is important to understand what these churches were teaching, for in them you will see an overall view of what and how many of the churches teach and do today.

1:12 candlestick G 3087; lamp stands. These are the seven churches. The Lord will tell us this info in verse 20.

1:13 pap’s G 3149; breast. This was the Son of Man in the middle of the churches. This is Christ on the day He returns.

1:14-15 (compare: Daniel 7:9, 10:6, Ezekiel 43:2). White signifies purity (pureness). Flame of fire is God’s presence, the Shekinah Glory (compare: Hebrews 12:29).

1:16 the seven stars are the seven angels of the seven churches (see verse 20). Two-edged sword: this is the Word of God (compare: Ephesians 6:17, Isaiah 11:4 2 Thess 2:8, Hebrews 4:12). The weapon we fight with is the Word of God. This is why we will find out later we will not need the sun anymore for the brightness of Jesus will be with us in heaven (compare: Revelation 21:23).

1:17 I AM: the sacred name of God used, YHVH (I AM THAT I AM).

1:18 Christ was crucified and killed then rose again defeating death and is the way of eternal life. He holds the key to release you from death and hell.

1:19 John is told to write what he will see on the day, after the day and before the day of the millennium. There should be no mystery as long as we stick to what God says and not traditions of men.

1:20 angels G 32; messengers. Allow God to clarify things for you. All answers are written within His word, we just need to put the time in to seek them out.

Christ our Example

Christ came to us in the flesh for an example of how we should live our lives. It is important that we focus on that example He gave us and follow it. Our Father sent us that Chief Cornerstone, the corner stone that brings all things together. That Chief Cornerstone is Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:6-9/15-25

2:6 Sion: Zion. Confounded G 2617; to shame. (Compare cornerstone: Eph 2:20, Isa 28:16). If you believe upon that Cornerstone then you are going to listen and absorb His word. And believing upon His word will never leave us shamed.

2:7-8 disallowed G 593; to disapprove, reject. (Compare: Psalm 118:22, Isa 8:14). It is sad that many false shepherds lead Gods people astray. These false shepherds are leading people to follow after the false Christ who will appear. The shepherds were to teach the word but stumble at it and lead many astray.

2:9 we don’t stumble at His word, rather follow it the best we can.

2:15 Truth dispels ignorance and foolishness. We must do well and not partake in what those that don’t believe do. Follow the word of God and not the traditions of men.

2:16 liberty G 1657; freedom. We are free because we have accepted that gift of salvation, which is Jesus Christ. The gift of salvation does not give us the freedom to sin and do evil to others.

2:17-18 brotherhood G 81; the Christian fraternity. Froward G 4646; crooked, perverse. Don’t tear people down, rather build them up. We can still plant seeds with people who may be disobedient and perverse. That seed could change their lives for the better. We as Christians are to be examples for the unbelievers as Christ is our example!

2:19-20 buffeted G 2852; chastened. We as Christians should be more mature than those who are living in the world. This is because we have the gift of salvation and are able to ask forgiveness of our sins. We all receive exactly what we deserve rom God.

2:21 follow Christ’s example He set forth. You can be assured you are doing the will of God if you follow His example.

2:22-23 reviled G 486; to rail in reply.  Even through all the abuse Christ took, He did not open His mouth in defense. He did it for us! He trusted in God, who judges righteously. Do we trust in God? Any time you think you are suffering more than you can bare, think about how much Christ suffered for you on the cross.

2:24-25 bishop G 1985; overseer. Jesus Christ took the stripes and we receive the healing. Don’t ever forget the awesome price He paid to give us that healing. Jesus is our Shepherd and example to follow.

Ezekiel 34:1-16

34:1-2 Jesus, our true Shepherd feeds His flock with perfection. Unfortunately these false shepherds (who were supposed to follow the example of God) do not follow His example.

34:3 the sheep are symbolic of God’s children. They kill the ones who know the truth and feed not the others.

34:4 The false shepherds don’t teach the sheep that Jesus took the stripes so we can receive the healing. These tear people down and don’t build them up. They don’t teach them how to repent and find true forgiveness from our Father.

34:5-6 our goal is to help lead the lost sheep back to the true Shepherd. Many are lost and wonder today looking for something that will help and heal them. They jump from church to church, pastor to pastor never able to find it. We know where to find it, it’s in Jesus!

34:7-8 God keeps track of the things done. These were not doing their jobs!

34:9-10 today the false shepherds are leading many to worship the false Christ (Satan), with their lies and traditions rather than following the word of God.

34:11-12 the cloudy and dark day is now; it is the time of the gentiles. Although others may be lost in the clouds and darkness we have the Light! The Light is Jesus Christ; He shows us the way by His example. He knows where His sheep are and will find them, Praise God He found me!

34:13 He will gather and bring His own home!

34:14 they will be fed the word of God and not starved, as many are fed today the truth and not lies.

34:15-16 strong H 2389; usually in a bad sense.  Fat H 8082; lusty. The false shepherds will answer for their deeds. The true Shepherd will take care of His own, never fear!

John 13:12-17

13:12 when Jesus walked the earth people wore sandals and their feet got dirty. Jesus used this example to show us that when we walk this earth, we are going to get dirt on us. Spiritually speaking Jesus is how we get rid of the dirt of this world.

13:13-14 be a blessing to a brother or sister who is lost. Show them how to get rid of the dirt their sins bring on.

13:15-16 don’t ever forget who is in charge! Many false shepherds set themselves up as the great ones doing mighty things, be careful and follow God.

13:17 if you follow the example Christ set forth you will be happy. You will be richly blessed by our Father for following the example set forth by Christ. Following His example will ensure you are doing the will of God!