Kedesh
Slide06
THE THINGS WHICH ARE!
Revelation 1:19, "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;"
The second division of the book of Revelation that John was ordered to write is "the things, which are". This is referring to the letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor.
These Churches are actual places found at the time of John. The description of the Churches, even though greatly representative of the Church today, also reflect the descriptions of the Churches to whom they were distributed and for whom they were written.
THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS
THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA
THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM
THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS
THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA
THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA
THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS
Description of Jesus:
Revelation 2:1, "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;"
Description of the Church:
Revelation 2:2-6, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."
Reward to him who overcomes:
Revelation 2:7, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
The church at Ephesus represents "the busy church" of today. Industrious and diligently labouring with a multitude of various activities and building programs. Just as in the case of Martha in the following verse when Jesus came to their home, Luke 10:38-42 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His Word.But Martha was encumbered with much serving, and came to Him and said, "Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me." And Jesus answered and said unto her, "Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." The Church at Ephesus is so caught up in things to do that they have forgotten for whom they are doing the work.
THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA
Description of Jesus
Revelation 2:8, "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;"
Description of the Church.
Revelation 2:9-10, "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 2:11, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
The church in Smyrna represents "the persecuted church" of today. It is difficult for many Christians to conceive of people being thrown in prison, tortured or even killed just because they are Christians. Open your eyes! Look to North Africa, the Middle East, China and Indonesia. In these places being a Christian can carry the death sentence. There are literally thousands of people every year that are murdered for no other reason than their decision to follow the Lord Jesus.
THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM
Description of Jesus.
Revelation 2:12, "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;"
Description of the Church.
Revelation 2:13-16, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 2:17, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 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."
The church in Pergamum represents "the compromising church" of today. This is a church that is situated in the middle of a satanic stronghold. For example, churches in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Utah, Mecca, Moscow and Tokyo are all in centres of great demonic activity. Many will come into the church who have not wholly given their lives to Jesus; or worse, that seek to destroy the church. They bring with them all sorts of perverse practices and ideas. The church is quick to welcome them in because of their desire for greater numbers and in so doing they lower the standard of the high calling in Christ Jesus. The compromising church is also susceptible to Satan's most cunning attack. This is the lie that is 99% truth. The truth has been twisted just a little so that in the end it leads to destruction for those who believe it. Of course in the beginning the lie is accepted with open arms. After it has been accepted it can do it's work to altar the lives of those who believe it just enough to make them miss the mark.
THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA
Description of Jesus.
Revelation 2:18, "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;"
Description of the church.
Revelation 2:19-25, "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 2:26-29, "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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The church in Thyatira is the church with "corrupted leadership". We all know of examples of this church because Satan takes great glee in exposing the failings of the church. This churches leaders claim to be prophets or prophetesses. They use their positions of power to lead their churches into error, sexual vice and Idolatry. The Lord will give this church a time of growth so that the leadership might repent. But unless he or she repents the leader will fall and in so doing take a good portion of the church with them. Any of the good works that may have taken place despite the poor leadership at this church will come to a sudden and abrupt stop. The rest of the church who do not hold to the false teachings of the now deposed leadership will go on ministering, but the church will be like Zerubbabel's temple as compared to Solomon's temple. They will be but a shadow of their former glory.
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS
Description of Jesus.
Revelation 3:1a, "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars;…"
Description of the church.
Revelation 3:1b-4, " … I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember 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. Thou 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."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 3:5-6, "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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The church at Sardis is the "complacent church". In this church almost all spiritual growth has stopped. Those who attend are Christian in name only. They have become lethargic, content to eat the rotting manna of yesterday. They do not want to be roused out of their slumber. Being introverted, they do not wish to attend the needs of their fellow man. There may be one or two of their number who are not asleep, but their strength is too small to rouse this sleeping giant.
THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA
Description of Jesus
Revelation 3:7, "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;"
Description of the church.
Revelation 3:8-11, "I 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. 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. 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. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
3:12-13 Reward to him who overcomes.
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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The church at Philadelphia is the "faithful servant church". They have been faithful while they had little and the Lord is opening the door to greater blessings for them. The Lord will cause their enemies to bow before them and acknowledge Christ's love for them. They will (as well as the faithful in the other churches) be kept safe through the great tribulation. This does not mean that they will go through the Great Tribulation, but they will be brought to a place of safety where the Great Tribulation will not affect them.
THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA
Description of Jesus
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;"
Description of the church.
Revelation 3:15-20, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 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: 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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 3:21-22, "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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The church at Laodicea is the "I've arrived" church. It's members sit comfortably in their carved pews. Their church is beautiful and they believe that because of their affluence and wealth they do not need any more help from the Lord. Their statement of faith includes, "The Lord helps those who help themselves" and they do not recognise that they are indeed wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked. They have lost all spiritual zeal and have no drive to expand God's kingdom. — at www.apocalypsetheunveiling.com.
Slide06
THE THINGS WHICH ARE!
Revelation 1:19, "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;"
The second division of the book of Revelation that John was ordered to write is "the things, which are". This is referring to the letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor.
These Churches are actual places found at the time of John. The description of the Churches, even though greatly representative of the Church today, also reflect the descriptions of the Churches to whom they were distributed and for whom they were written.
THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS
THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA
THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM
THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS
THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA
THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA
THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS
Description of Jesus:
Revelation 2:1, "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;"
Description of the Church:
Revelation 2:2-6, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."
Reward to him who overcomes:
Revelation 2:7, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
The church at Ephesus represents "the busy church" of today. Industrious and diligently labouring with a multitude of various activities and building programs. Just as in the case of Martha in the following verse when Jesus came to their home, Luke 10:38-42 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His Word.But Martha was encumbered with much serving, and came to Him and said, "Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me." And Jesus answered and said unto her, "Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." The Church at Ephesus is so caught up in things to do that they have forgotten for whom they are doing the work.
THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA
Description of Jesus
Revelation 2:8, "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;"
Description of the Church.
Revelation 2:9-10, "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 2:11, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
The church in Smyrna represents "the persecuted church" of today. It is difficult for many Christians to conceive of people being thrown in prison, tortured or even killed just because they are Christians. Open your eyes! Look to North Africa, the Middle East, China and Indonesia. In these places being a Christian can carry the death sentence. There are literally thousands of people every year that are murdered for no other reason than their decision to follow the Lord Jesus.
THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM
Description of Jesus.
Revelation 2:12, "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;"
Description of the Church.
Revelation 2:13-16, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 2:17, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 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."
The church in Pergamum represents "the compromising church" of today. This is a church that is situated in the middle of a satanic stronghold. For example, churches in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Utah, Mecca, Moscow and Tokyo are all in centres of great demonic activity. Many will come into the church who have not wholly given their lives to Jesus; or worse, that seek to destroy the church. They bring with them all sorts of perverse practices and ideas. The church is quick to welcome them in because of their desire for greater numbers and in so doing they lower the standard of the high calling in Christ Jesus. The compromising church is also susceptible to Satan's most cunning attack. This is the lie that is 99% truth. The truth has been twisted just a little so that in the end it leads to destruction for those who believe it. Of course in the beginning the lie is accepted with open arms. After it has been accepted it can do it's work to altar the lives of those who believe it just enough to make them miss the mark.
THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA
Description of Jesus.
Revelation 2:18, "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;"
Description of the church.
Revelation 2:19-25, "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 2:26-29, "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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The church in Thyatira is the church with "corrupted leadership". We all know of examples of this church because Satan takes great glee in exposing the failings of the church. This churches leaders claim to be prophets or prophetesses. They use their positions of power to lead their churches into error, sexual vice and Idolatry. The Lord will give this church a time of growth so that the leadership might repent. But unless he or she repents the leader will fall and in so doing take a good portion of the church with them. Any of the good works that may have taken place despite the poor leadership at this church will come to a sudden and abrupt stop. The rest of the church who do not hold to the false teachings of the now deposed leadership will go on ministering, but the church will be like Zerubbabel's temple as compared to Solomon's temple. They will be but a shadow of their former glory.
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS
Description of Jesus.
Revelation 3:1a, "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars;…"
Description of the church.
Revelation 3:1b-4, " … I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember 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. Thou 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."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 3:5-6, "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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The church at Sardis is the "complacent church". In this church almost all spiritual growth has stopped. Those who attend are Christian in name only. They have become lethargic, content to eat the rotting manna of yesterday. They do not want to be roused out of their slumber. Being introverted, they do not wish to attend the needs of their fellow man. There may be one or two of their number who are not asleep, but their strength is too small to rouse this sleeping giant.
THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA
Description of Jesus
Revelation 3:7, "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;"
Description of the church.
Revelation 3:8-11, "I 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. 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. 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. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
3:12-13 Reward to him who overcomes.
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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The church at Philadelphia is the "faithful servant church". They have been faithful while they had little and the Lord is opening the door to greater blessings for them. The Lord will cause their enemies to bow before them and acknowledge Christ's love for them. They will (as well as the faithful in the other churches) be kept safe through the great tribulation. This does not mean that they will go through the Great Tribulation, but they will be brought to a place of safety where the Great Tribulation will not affect them.
THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA
Description of Jesus
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;"
Description of the church.
Revelation 3:15-20, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 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: 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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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."
Reward to him who overcomes.
Revelation 3:21-22, "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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The church at Laodicea is the "I've arrived" church. It's members sit comfortably in their carved pews. Their church is beautiful and they believe that because of their affluence and wealth they do not need any more help from the Lord. Their statement of faith includes, "The Lord helps those who help themselves" and they do not recognise that they are indeed wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked. They have lost all spiritual zeal and have no drive to expand God's kingdom. — at www.apocalypsetheunveiling.com.