A MESSAGE TO THE

SEVEN CHURCHES

END-TIME DANGERS YOU MUST OVERCOME

MORRIS CERULLO

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form

without the written permission of Morris Cerullo World

Evangelism.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the

King James version of the Bible.

Scripture references marked TAB are from The Amplified Bible

version Copyright © 1965 by Zondervan Publishing House.

Scripture references marked NIV are from the New International

version of the Bible, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by the

International Bible Society.

Scripture references marked NAS are from the New American

Standard version of the Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968,

1971, 1972, 1975, 1977 by the Lockman Foundation.

Scripture references marked TLB are from the Living Bible.

Copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton,

Illinois 60187. All rights reserved.

Published by Morris Cerullo World Evangelism

Copyright © 2000 San Diego, California

Printed in the United States of America

Morris Cerullo World Evangelism

P. O. Box 85277 San Diego, CA 92186-5277

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Morris Cerullo World Evangelism

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Cover artwork is used by permission.

It is from a series of illustrations by Pat Marvenko Smith ©1982,

1992 on the Book of Revelation, available as art prints and visual

teaching aids.

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Table of Contents

Introduction. .............................................................................5

Chapter 1

Applying the Messages to the Churches. ..............................7

Chapter 2

The Seven Churches of Asia. .................................................11

Chapter 3

Ephesus: The Danger of Diminishing Love. .......................13

Chapter 4

Smyrna: The Danger of Fearing Suffering. ..........................19

Chapter 5

Pergamos: The Danger of Doctrinal Compromise. ............23

Chapter 6

Thyatira: The Danger of Moral Compromise. ....................27

Chapter 7

Sardis: The Danger of Spiritual Death. ................................31

Chapter 8

Philadelphia: The Danger of Failing to Advance. ..............35

Chapter 9

Laodicea: The Danger of Lukewarmness. ...........................39

Chapter 10

The Final Call. .........................................................................41

Chapter 11

Nine Promises to Overcomers. .............................................43

Chapter 12

Our Yea and Amen. ................................................................47

Introduction

This is the second in a series of twelve studies on the Book of

Revelation. In the first study, entitled The Spirit of Prophecy, we

learned God placed His Spirit within us to give us supernatural

knowledge of things to come:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will

guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but

whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew

you things to come. (John 16:13)

In Revelation chapter one, John was commanded to...

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things

which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. (Revelation

1:19)

These three divisions provide important spiritual keys to

unlocking the meaning of the Book of Revelation. It is the major

outline of all that follows and provides the broad framework for

our studies:

1. The things which were: The things John saw—all

that was revealed to him through the different

visions.

2. The things which are: The condition of the

churches in Asia Minor at the time.

3. The things which were to come: The events which

would happen in the future as God fulfilled His

end-time plan.

Our last study closed with John's awesome vision of

Jesus Christ, in His glorified state of majesty and power,

standing in the midst of His Church:

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my

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A Message to the Seven Churches

right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars

are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven

candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

(Revelation 1:20)

The seven candlesticks represent the seven churches in Asia

and the stars in Christ's hand represent the angels of the seven

churches.

6

Chapter 1

Applying the Messages to the

1

Churches

As we begin our study on the seven churches of Asia in

Revelation chapters 2-3, it is important to realize that there is a

four-fold application to this message:

1. The message applies to the seven churches to which it

was originally addressed. These churches actually

existed in Asia at the time of this revelation. It is

commonly believed that the angels referred to in John's

vision of Christ are not heavenly beings, but are

representative of the pastors and ministers who had

authority over the various churches addressed in

Revelation chapters 2-3. There were other churches in

Asia at the time, but those selected are representative of

the spiritual conditions existing at the time.

2. The message can be applied historically. History reveals

that the church has passed through eras similar to those

described in each of these seven churches. Historians

recognize the following stages:

Churches

Represent... Dates

Ephesus:

The apostolic church, 30-100 a.d.

Smyrna:

The persecuted church, 100-313 a.d.

Pergamos:

The state church, 313-590 a.d.

Thyatira:

The papal church, 590-1517 a.d.

Sardis:

The reformed church, 1517-1790 a.d.

Philadelphia:

The missionary church, 1790-1900 a.d.

Laodicea:

The apostate church, 1900-? a.d.

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A Message to the Seven Churches

3. The message can be applied corporately to the modem

Church. Although these special messages were written

to specific churches in Asia, the same strengths and

weaknesses can also be found within the Body of Christ

today.

4. The message can be applied individually. Ask the Holy

Spirit to search your own heart for evidence of the

dangers addressed in these messages. How do you

measure up individually?

In this study, we will focus our attention upon corporate and

individual application of the messages to these churches. Each

one of these churches represents a danger that we must avoid

corporately and individually in these end times. In our study, we

will provide practical strategies for avoiding these dangers:

The church at Ephesus:

The danger of diminishing love.

The church at Smyrna:

The danger of fearing suffering.

The church at Pergamos:

The danger of doctrinal

compromise.

The church at Thyatira:

The danger of moral compromise.

The church at Sardis:

The danger of spiritual death.

The church at Philadelphia: The danger of failing to advance.

The church at Laodicea:

The danger of lukewarmness.

As we begin our study, I want you to fix these truths deep in

your spirit...

... Hear the call of the Spirit warning you against these seven

dangers.

... Picture Jesus standing as a mighty conqueror in the midst

of His Church.

... Understand that Jesus stands ready to reveal Himself to

you as He did to John. It is only when you see Him with your

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Applying the Messages to the Churches

spiritual eyes—as He really is—that you will see yourself as John

did—a king and priest unto God (Revelation 1:6).

When you really grasp these truths, you will be able to

receive these warnings to the church into your spirit, rise up to

overcome the enemy, and assume your rightful position of

authority and dominion upon the earth in these closing days of

time!

9

Chapter 2

The Seven Churches of Asia

2

The time was 95 A.D. The Church of Jesus Christ was only

about sixty-six years old and had experienced tremendous

growth in spite of intense persecution. Under the rule of the iron

fist of Rome, historical records reveal that over forty-thousand

Christians were slain. Many were crucified, thrown to wild

beasts, and burned to death. In addition to the intense

persecution, there were also signs of growing corruption within

the Church.

At the time when John wrote the message received from

Christ in Revelation 2-3, many believers were weary, afraid, and

uncertain about the future.

Will I be able to endure persecution?

Will I be strong enough to stand in the face of adversity?

What is going to happen in the future?

These were probably some of the questions they wrestled

with, the same ones that you may be wrestling with today.

It was to these battle-weary Christians that Jesus unveiled

His end-time plan...

... These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his

right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden

candlesticks... (Revelation 2:1)

The seven candlesticks in this verse were actually seven

separate lampstands holding oil-burning lamps, representing

seven specific churches in Asia. John was commissioned to write

what he saw in a book and send it to the seven churches in Asia

(Revelation 1:11). The entire Book of Revelation, including the

special messages to the seven churches, was dispatched to these

churches and a blessing was pronounced upon all those who

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A Message to the Seven Churches

would read, hear, and keep the words contained in this

prophecy (Revelation 1:3).

Jesus wanted believers to know that He knew exactly where

they were. He saw their good works—their faithfulness and

patience in the face of persecution. He also saw the bad—their

compromise, apostasy, indifference, and lukewarmness. He

wanted them to know that despite persecution from without and

corruption from within, He stood in their midst as a mighty

conqueror and that through Him, they, too, could overcome.

Christ's purpose in sending these messages to the seven

churches was to empower believers to overcome the enemy. His

purpose was to raise up His people in victory, to make them

strong and mighty conquerors.

When we take the mask off, we see that the Church—in its

present condition—is not ready for Christ's return. That is why

Christ is again walking in the midst of His people preparing His

Bride for His coming. By His Spirit, He is stirring us out of our

complacency. He is revealing and reproving sin, calling us to

repentance, bringing us to a new, stronger position of dedication

and commitment, and releasing a fresh anointing of His Spirit

upon us.

As Jesus walks in our midst, He knows our individual and

corporate strengths and weaknesses. His message to us today is

the same as it was to the seven churches in Asia ... "He that hath

an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches...."

(Revelation 2:7).

As we study the messages given to each of these churches,

open your spirit to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you.

Ask God to reveal any problems that need to be dealt within

your life. Yield yourself fully to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to

purge anything from your life that is displeasing to Him.

12

Chapter 3

Ephesus: The Danger of

3

Diminishing Love

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; 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. 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. (Revelation 2:1-7)

Ephesus was located in modern-day Turkey and was once

considered the wealthiest and greatest city in all Asia,

flourishing as an important commercial and export center. It was

located on the western coast of Asia Minor with highways

connecting it to the most important cities in every direction.

This affluent city also housed one of the Seven Wonders of

the World, the magnificent Temple of Artemis, which was built

for the goddess Diana. Idol worship was actually an industry in

this city. Thousands of priests and priestesses served the goddess

Diana in the temple.

The church at Ephesus was over forty years old when Christ

directed John to write this message to them. A new generation of

13

A Message to the Seven Churches

believers had arisen who did not have the same fervency of love

and devotion as those who first received the Gospel when the

Church was established.

Believers in this Church performed many good works,

persevered patiently, endured hardship, and exhibited

discernment in identifying false teachers (Revelation 2:2). But

Jesus—the One with eyes as a flame of fire—sees beyond the

outward appearance to discern the true condition of this church.

Nothing is hidden from Him. He knows the spiritual climate of

every church and each individual within that church.

Within the Church today, we see the outward appearance of

a strong, healthy, productive Body—large congregations of

professing believers, great cathedrals, organizations, and

denominations raising up. But our Lord is looking beyond these

things, revealing our true condition: many of us have left our

first love. We have replaced our love for God with our work for

God.

Jesus told the believers at Ephesus and each of the churches,

"I know thy works." They were involved in good works and

outwardly appeared to be a thriving church. But, something was

drastically wrong. Jesus told them, "I have somewhat against thee,

because thou has left thy first love" (Revelation 2:4). Jesus did not

say they had "forgotten" their first love or that they had "lost" it,

but that they had "left" it. The Greek word used for "left" is

aphiemi, which means "to let go" or "to forsake." This church still

loved the Lord, but had lost the fervency and intensity of their

love. They continued doing good works, but their works were no

longer motivated and fueled by their love for Christ. They were

caught up in a routine of doing things—"dead works."

This is one of the most serious spiritual problems in our

church today. Without a passionate love for Christ, our works

are worthless. The Apostle Paul said:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have

not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If

I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and

all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains

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Ephesus: The Danger of Diminishing Love

but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the

poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I

gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, NIV)

There is no substitute for undivided, fervent, undying love

for Jesus Christ.

Jesus warned the church at Ephesus to "repent, and do the first

works; or else, I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove the

candlestick, out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). He

warned that if they did not repent, judgment would fall. They

would no longer be a true light and witness to the world. How

many of our churches today are lifeless, dull, and mechanical?

How many lack the light and witness of Christ and His power?

The condition in this church—and in our churches and

individual lives—did not happen overnight. It was a gradual

process whereby believers left their "first" love—their passionate

"bridal" love—for Christ. The "first love" to which Christ called

the church in Ephesus to return can be compared with the

"bridal" love in a marriage relationship.

A new bride is so in love with her husband that he is the

central focus of her life. When she takes her wedding vows, she

promises to forsake all others and give herself solely to him. She

eagerly anticipates his desires and lovingly tries to meet all his

needs. She spends every possible moment with him.

In this "bridal love" relationship, there is a special intimacy

that develops between the bride and her bridegroom. She longs

to know everything possible about him. She opens her heart to

him, revealing her innermost secrets and desires. While they are

apart from one another, she longs for him and eagerly

anticipates when she will be with him once again. Because of her

love, the bride puts her bridegroom first, before all else,

including her own needs, desires, and ambitions.

It is this type of pure, fervent, self-sacrificing "bridal love" for

Christ that made the disciples willing to give themselves one-

hundred percent for the cause of Christ. It was this type of love

that burned up their own selfish desires, motivated them to

serve Christ with single-hearted devotion, and made them

15

A Message to the Seven Churches

willing to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ.

It is this type of love that we must have burning within us to

enable us to fulfill the purposes of God in these final moments of

time before Christ's return. Just as Christ called the church in

Ephesus to return to their first love, He is walking among us

today, calling us to repent and return to our first love.

Here are seven warning signs that signal that a church or

individual has left their first love:

1. Christ is no longer the central focus of your life. When

the passionate fire of your love for Jesus is burning, you

have a deep hunger and thirst within your spirit to know

Him better, to be more like Him, and to be in His

Presence. When other desires take preeminence, it is an

indication that you have left your first love. David

demonstrated this kind of passionate love for God when

he cried out, "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee:

my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry

land, where no water is" (Psalm 63:1).

2. You neglect your relationship with the Lord and spend

less time in prayer, worship, and the Word. There are

many believers—including pastors and Christian leaders

—who are so busy in the work of the Lord that they

neglect spending time alone with God, seeking and

worshiping Him, and allowing Him to speak to them.

"First love" will motivate you to do whatever is

necessary to be able to have time alone with the Lord.

You will look forward to daily communion with Him

where you can pour out your heart and allow Him to

speak to you.

3. You allow—family, friends, job and your own desires

—to come between you and your relationship with

God. A sure sign that you have left your first love is

when you continually place your career, family, friends,

and plans above your relationship with God. The fervent

"first love" Christ expects is to love Him more than

anything and anyone else. Jesus said:

16

Ephesus: The Danger of Diminishing Love

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is

not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more

than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take

his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his

life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find

it. (Matthew 10:37-39, NIV)

4. There is a loss of intimacy in your relationship with

God. You find it difficult to hear Him when He speaks to

you.

5. You are caught in a cycle of dead works. Your work for

God becomes a drudgery or business-like. Instead of

being motivated by love, it is form and ritual.

6. You are more tolerant of sin. One of the major signs that

a person has left his first love is an indifference towards

sin. You are no longer concerned about doing things that

please God. The true test of love for the Lord is

obedience. John wrote, "For this is the love of God, that we

keep his commandments: and his commandments are not

grievous" (1 John 5:3). Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my

commandments" (John 14:15).

7. You will no longer have a burning passion for the lost.

It was their strong fervent love for Christ that motivated

members of the first Church to share the Gospel

everywhere they went. Their great love for the lost was

manifested to the extent that they were willing to lay

down their lives to birth souls into the Kingdom of God.

Beloved, take time right now to examine your love

relationship with the Lord. Are any of these seven major

indicators present?

If so, do what Jesus commanded the Ephesian church to do:

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and

repent, and do the first works.... (Revelation 2:5).

Reflect back on when you first came to know the Lord and

your love for Him burned fervently with unbridled passion.

17

A Message to the Seven Churches

Your works were motivated by intense love and devotion to

the Lord. Compare your love for the Lord today with what it

was then. Has your love grown deeper or has it lost its fervency?

Are your works motivated by a passionate love for God or are

you doing them merely out of a sense of duty? Ask the Lord to

forgive you for leaving your first love. Begin to do your first

works again. Make a new commitment to the basics of prayer,

worship, and the Word. Fan the flame of the dying embers of

your first love through renewed communion with the Lord.

This fervent love is required of all those who belong to the

Lord. Jesus called this the first and great commandment:

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and

with all they soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and

great commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38)

The church in Ephesus is a solemn reminder of the

seriousness of Christ's warning to repent, " or else I will come unto

thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except

thou repent" (Revelation 2:5). A few years later, the Ephesian

church ceased to exist.

18

Chapter 4

Smyrna: The Danger of Fearing

4

Suffering

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These

things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is

alive; 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. 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. (Revelation

2:8-11)

Located about thirty-five miles north of Ephesus, Smyrna

was a rich and beautiful commercial city in Asia Minor and was

recognized by Rome as its loyal ally and a center of emperor

worship.

In His message to this church, the Lord again commended

their good works—" I know your works, tribulation, and poverty"

(Revelation 2:9). These believers were persecuted and often lost

their means of livelihood as a result of their commitment to the

Lord. Making a public confession of their faith meant poverty,

hunger, imprisonment, and sometimes death.

The word "tribulation" used here paints a picture of a huge

rock crushing whatever lies beneath it. The word conveys

intense and constant pressure. Can you identify with that? Many

of you are experiencing "intense and constant pressure." You

aren't forgotten! Jesus sees and knows.

There are many in the Church today who are facing intense

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A Message to the Seven Churches

persecution and even death for the sake of Jesus Christ. Here are

just a few examples:

• In China, believers in underground churches are being

beaten, fined, sentenced to prison and even death because

of their commitment to Christ and the preaching of the

Gospel.

• In North Korea, many churches have been burned to the

ground and thousands of Christians are ostracized,

committed to prisons, and mental institutions, or brutally

executed at the hands of Communists.

• In many Muslim nations, people who convert from Islam

are beaten, ostracized, fired from their jobs, and their

homes are destroyed.

Even in America—in the recent carnage at Columbine High

School in Colorado—two young women died for their faith after

confessing, "Yes, I believe in Jesus!"

The Word of God is clear, "... All that will live godly in Christ

Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus also said, "...

The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep

yours also" (John 15:20).

In His message to believers at Smyrna, Jesus commended

them for being spiritually rich. These people knew how to draw

upon the deepest resources of the Lord Himself to appropriate

the strength needed to persevere during a time of great

persecution.

Jesus warned them, "The devil shall cast some of you into

prison, that ye may he tried" (Revelation 2:10). The meaning of

Christ's words to this church, that they would have tribulation

for "ten days," may refer to the fact that the Early Church

suffered ten major persecutions under Nero, Domitian, Trajan,

Marcus Aurelius, Severus, Maximum, Decius, Valerian,

Aurelian, and Diocletian. There were also some notable

persecutions in the local Smyrna Church which lasted "ten days"

(One day often is reckoned as one year in biblical prophecy).

20

Smyrna: The Danger of Fearing Suffering

How could these believers face persecution without fear?

How can you face tribulation, problems, and persecution

without fear? There are three keys given in this passage:

1. Identify the real enemy.

Don't blame God for your difficulties. Revelation 2:10 reveals

the real source of persecution and suffering is Satan.

2. Do not fear.

Jesus told believers at Smyrna, "Fear none of those things

which thou shalt suffer" (Revelation 2:10). Fear paralyzes. It

torments and binds. It renders you ineffective for God. But how

could they not fear in the face of such tribulation?

How can you not fear the things you are facing?

Because the Conqueror of death, hell, and the grave was

standing in the midst of the church with power to sustain and

give them victory! "The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last,

which was dead, and is alive" promised them, "Be thou faithful unto

death, and I will give you a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).

Beloved, Christ's message to you today—in the midst of your

pain, suffering, persecution, and testing—is "FEAR NOT!" No

matter what you are facing—sickness, disease, family problems,

or even the possibility of death—do not fear because "God hath

not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound

mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

3. Remain faithful in difficult times.

God told believers at Smyrna to remain faithful. If you

remain faithful—even unto death—you will receive a crown of

life and live forever.

21

Chapter 5

Pergamos: The Danger of

5

Doctrinal Compromise

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These

things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 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. 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. (Revelation 2:12-17)

About sixty miles north of Smyrna is Pergamos, which at one

time was the official Asian center for the imperial cult. It was

also the center of worship for four of the most important pagan

cults of the day: Zeus, Athene, Dionysos and Asklepios. The

gigantic altar erected to Zeus (one-hundred feet square and fifty

feet high) still stands today as one of the Seven Wonders of the

World.

It is difficult for us to comprehend the severe persecution

and opposition faced by believers at Pergamos, but Jesus

reassured them: "I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even

where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not

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A Message to the Seven Churches

denied my faith...." (Revelation 2:13)

They were not forgotten. Jesus recognized their faithfulness

despite the satanic environment in which they lived. In the

original Greek, the words, "holdest fast" means "to hold onto

desperately with all of one's power." These Christians were

holding onto their faith with everything they had and Jesus

commended them for their faithfulness.

But the Lord also reproved them for allowing members who

practiced the "doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans” to remain

within their congregation (Revelation 2:14-15). To understand

what this means we must look back to the Old Testament.

Take a few minutes to read Numbers 22-24 in your Bible.

Balaam was a prophet who compromised God's Word. Balak,

king of the Moabites, wanted Balaam to go with him to

pronounce a curse upon the Israelites. God clearly told Balaam,

"Thou shall not go with them" (Numbers 22:12), but he stubbornly

insisted until God allowed him to go (Numbers 22:15-20). God

was angry with Balaam because of his willingness to

compromise and make an alliance with Israel's enemies, so He

sent an angel to let Balaam know that what he was doing was

wrong (Numbers 22:32). Balaam refused to accept the warning

and continued on his way. Although he did not curse the

Israelites, Balaam was responsible for deceiving Israel into

compromising with the Moabites by committing fornication with

their women and worshiping their god, Baalpeor (Numbers 25:3;

31:16).

In His message to Pergamos, Jesus compares the conduct of

some of these believers with the actions of the Israelites who

compromised with the Moabites. He also condemned them for

allowing the doctrine of the Nicolaitans to remain in their midst.

The word "Nicolaitane" comes from two Greek words, one

meaning "to conquer" and the other meaning "the laity." It is

symbolic of the development of a priestly order which ruled over

the laity in contrast to Christ's command regarding serving one

another given in Matthew 23:8-9. The headship of Christ had

been set aside in favor of an ecclesiastical hierarchy.

24

Pergamos: The Danger of Doctrinal Compromise

Jesus issued a stern warning to the church at Pergamos:

Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and

I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.

(Revelation 2:16, NAS)

Although the majority of the church at Pergamos were not

deceived and were not following the doctrine of the Balaamites

and the Nicolaitans, they were guilty of indifference toward the

sin within their church. Although they were victorious in

keeping their faith during persecution, they opened the door to

spiritual destruction when they compromised with the world.

Compromise is blending two ideas together. The dictionary

says it is "to lay open to danger." In spiritual matters, any

position of compromise opens you up to danger and corruption.

Compromise is rampant throughout the Body of Christ and the

Spirit of God is calling us to allow the "sword of the Spirit"—the

Word of God—to expose and remove compromise just as a

surgeon removes a cancerous growth. God cannot tolerate

compromise! He hates it (Revelation 2:15).

Even the smallest compromise opens the doors to additional

compromise, which leads to even greater compromise and

eventually, spiritual death.

If you have compromised in any area of your life, you must

do what Jesus told believers at Pergamos:

1. Repent.

Repent of your sin of doctrinal compromise. When you truly

repent, God promises...

They also that erred in spirit shall come to

understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine

(Isaiah 29:24).

2. Listen to what God is saying.

The believers at Pergamos were admonished to hear what

the Spirit was saying to them. You, too, must reject false

prophets and teachers and listen only to the Spirit judge. Every

doctrine must be based on God's Word:

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A Message to the Seven Churches

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other

gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,

let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)

3. Immerse yourself in God's Word.

You must become spiritually mature and move from the

"milk" to the "meat" of the Word so you will be able to recognize

doctrinal compromise:

Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he

make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the

milk, and drawn from the breasts. (Isaiah 28:9)

4. Walk in obedience to the Word.

Jesus said,

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,

whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17)

26

Chapter 6

Thyatira: The Danger of Moral

6

Compromise

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; 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. 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. (Revelation 2:18-29)

The city of Thyatira was a vital commerce and trade center

located about forty miles southeast of Pergamos. Jesus

commended the church here at Thyatira for its good works. He

said: " 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"

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A Message to the Seven Churches

(Revelation 2:19).

But once again, Jesus sees beyond this outward display of

good works and exposes a stronghold of Satan right in the midst

of the church. The church of Pergamos was allowing a woman

who called herself a prophetess to teach others that it was all

right to mix pagan religions with Christianity. She was teaching

and seducing people to commit fornication and compromise

morally. Throughout the Old Testament, this union of that which

is holy with that which is impure is considered by God as

spiritual adultery. It was an abomination in His sight!

This false teacher is referred to as "Jezebel," which may or

may not have actually been her name, but certainly refers to her

spirit. It references Jezebel in the Old Testament, who was the

wife of King Ahab. She was an idolatrous woman with

unscrupulous methods, to perpetuate her power.

Jesus warned the church of Thyatira of coming judgment to

this false teacher and all those who commit spiritual adultery by

moral compromise. This "Jezebel" was given time to repent, but

refused (Revelation 2:21). Now, those who had been deceived by

her teaching were given the choice to repent or face severe

judgment.

In the Church today most believers are not tempted to

worship pagan idols of wood or stone, but they worship other

idols...

... The idols of material possessions.

... The idols of recreation and entertainment.

... The idols of career and selfish ambition.

Many Christians are not aware that they are worshiping

idols. Some are so full of pride and self-deception that their

spiritual eyes are blinded from seeing the areas of their lives

where they have refused to let Jesus reign as Lord.

Many believers today have made moral compromises. They

no longer hold high standards of integrity. If you are guilty of

moral compromise—spiritual adultery—then you must do what

Jesus told these believers to do: Repent and then hold fast! Hold

28

Thyatira: The Danger of Moral Compromise

on to your integrity. Guard your Godly standards. Don't fall

prey to moral compromise.

29

Chapter 7

Sardis: The Danger of Spiritual

7

Death

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; 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. 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. (Revelation 3:1-6)

Sardis is located thirty-three miles south east of Thyatira. It

was the capital of Lydia and was once a portrait of strength,

fertility, and wealth. Idolatry and immorality were it's

reputation.

The church at Sardis had "a name," a good reputation, and it

appeared to be alive. But in reality, there was nothing but

inward deadness. Their deadness was at least partially due to

some type of defilement because the Word says there were only

"a few" which had not been defiled (Revelation 3:4).

These people desperately needed the ministry of the Holy

Spirit. The mention of the "seven Spirits of God" is a reference to

the sevenfold ministry of the Spirit found in Isaiah 11:2: "And the

spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and

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A Message to the Seven Churches

understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge

and of the fear of the LORD."

This church needed the ministry of the Holy Spirit in these

areas. If you are spiritually dead, you need these ministries also:

• The Spirit of wisdom: A lifeless dying church or

individual needs to seek the wisdom of God.

• The Spirit of understanding: A lifeless dying church or

individual needs a true understanding of their condition

so they can correct it.

• The Spirit of counsel: A lifeless dying church or

individual needs to heed the counsel of God.

• The Spirit of might: A lifeless dying church or individual

needs new strength to enter into its lifeless body

• The Spirit of knowledge: A lifeless dying church or

individual needs to flow in renewed revelation

knowledge.

• The Spirit of fear of the Lord: A lifeless dying church or

individual needs to have their fear of the Lord rekindled.

If you feel spiritually dead or your church is dying

corporately, then you must follow the five-fold plan that the

Spirit gave to the church at Sardis in Revelation 3:3:

1. Be watchful:

The Amplified Bible says to "Rouse yourself and keep awake." It

is time for us to wake up, become alert to the signs of the time,

and be active for God as never before.

2. Strengthen:

Take hold of the things that remain and are ready to die in

your life and strengthen them through prayer and the Word.

3. Remember:

Reflect back on the promises of God—what you have

received and heard in times past.

4. Hold Fast:

32

Sardis: The Danger of Spiritual Death

Hold fast to your faith and God's Word.

5. Repent:

Repent—so you will be ready for the return of Christ and not

caught unaware.

33

Chapter 8

Philadelphia: The Danger of Failing

8

to Advance

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; 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.

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. (Revelation 3:7-13)

The city of Philadelphia lay twenty-five miles south east of

Sardis on an eight-hundred foot rise. To this church—which

Christ says has a little strength—the Lord comes to open an

avenue of opportunity that no force in Hell can shut. "Possessing

the key of David" means that He has the authority to open this

supernatural door.

The reference to those who "say they are Jews and are not”

refers to all who reject Jesus Christ. Romans 2:28-29 explains

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A Message to the Seven Churches

what constitutes a true Jew:

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is

that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a

Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the

heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of

men, but of God. (Romans 2:28-29)

God promises these believers that He will keep them from

the hour of temptation which will come upon all the world. Note

that the event spoken of...

... Is a definite time period—"the hour."

... Is a period of trial.

... Was future from the time of John's writing.

... Was to be worldwide.

... The promise—in Greek—was to "keep thee out of" the hour.

These facts make it evident that the event refers to the Great

Tribulation described in Matthew 24:15-22, which is the subject

of volume six in this series of prophetic books.

These believers at Philadelphia who have only a "little

strength” have nevertheless kept God's Word and have not

denied His Name. God promises that they will become pillars in

the temple of God (Revelation 3:12). This church may have been

small in number or in material resources, but God was going to

make them strong.

They are promised an open door. In Scripture, an open door

refers to Christ (John 10:7), an opening to preach the Gospel

(Acts 5:19-20), and the rapture of the Church (Revelation 4:1).

Each of these may be interpreted as the "open door" promised to

this church, even as each can be applied to the Church today.

In these end times, God is opening many tremendous doors

of opportunity and there is always an inherent danger of failing

to advance at Christ's command. You may feel you have only a

little strength, but God can make you a strong and mighty pillar

in His Kingdom—a spiritual warrior who is able to walk through

every door He opens.

36

Philadelphia: The Danger of Failing to Advance

Let me ask you: What is holding you back from fulfilling

God's call for your life?

... Fear?

... Your finances?

... Your health?

... Your relationships with others?

God has set before you an open door which no man can shut.

All the demons in hell cannot shut it. Jesus is the way. All you

must do is walk through those doors in the almighty power of

God!

37

Chapter 9

Laodicea: The Danger of

9

Lukewarmness

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; 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. (Revelation 3:14-18)

Traveling forty-five miles southeast from Philadelphia, one

would arrive at the fortified city of Laodicea where several major

roads converge. Medicine, production of eye ointment, wool

distribution, manufacturing, and banking brought fame to this

city.

It is interesting to note how Christ related His message to

these qualities of the city in verses 17-18. The people of Laodicea

felt they needed nothing. They boasted of their riches, yet they

were spiritually poor. Although they were famous for their eye

salve, they were spiritually blind. They were known for their fine

wool, but they were spiritually naked.

How do you know if you are lukewarm? Ask yourself these

questions:

... Are you committed to evangelism and missions?

... Are you committed to living a holy life?

39

A Message to the Seven Churches

... Are you committed to your local church fellowship?

... Are you committed to spending time in prayer, worship,

and the Word?

... Are you committed to other believers in the Body of

Christ?

... Are you actively supporting God's work with your

finances?

The people at Laodicea were spiritually lukewarm and

Christ said their condition must be remedied. He commanded

them to do three things which we also must do if we want to

eradicate our lukewarmness:

1. "Buy of me gold, tried in the fire."

Gold is refined by the fire. Let the Word of God refine you

spiritually and burn away lukewarmness in your life:

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a

furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)

2. "Buy of me white raiment.”

Allow God to change you by making a renewed

commitment to righteous living:

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is

created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24)

3. "Anoint your eyes so you can see."

Receive the powerful revelation of God through Jesus Christ

which will open your blinded eyes and effect true change in your

life:

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 4:6)

40

Chapter 10

The Final Call

10

In the closing appeal of these messages to the churches, Jesus

issues a final call:

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. 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. (Revelation 3:19-22)

Because Christ loves us, He rebukes us. Because He cares for

us, He warns us of specific dangers in these closing days of

time...

... The danger of diminishing love (Represented by the

church at Ephesus)

... The danger of fearing suffering (Represented by the

church at Smyrna)

... The danger of doctrinal compromise (Represented by the

church at Pergamos)

... The danger of moral compromise (Represented by the

church at Thyatira)

... The danger of spiritual death (Represented by the church

at Sardis)

... The danger of failing to advance (Represented by the

church at Philadelphia)

... The danger of lukewarmness (Represented by the church

at Laodicea)

In this closing passage we see a picture of...

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A Message to the Seven Churches

... The standing Christ, symbolizing His readiness to enter

our individual lives and corporate church fellowships to correct

every deficiency.

... The knocking Christ, who seeks us unceasingly... He keeps

on knocking.

... The pleading Christ, continually speaking to us, wooing us

to a more intimate relationship with Him.

... The penetrating Christ, who, as we open the door of our

lives to Him enters in.

... The companion Christ, enjoying sweet fellowship and

communion with us, preparing and equipping us for His soon

return.

Be sure to obtain your copy of the next book in this powerful

New Millennium 2000 Prophetic Series, The Rapture of the Church.

42

Chapter 11

Nine Promises to Overcomers

11

Jesus is not returning for a weak, anemic, defeated Church.

He is returning for a mighty, powerful Church composed of men

and women who have learned to overcome.

In each of His messages to the seven churches, Jesus gave a

specific promise to those who overcome:

1. Overcomers will eat of the tree of life.

"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" (Revelation 2:7). Those

who overcome will inherit eternal life. They will live forever!

2. Overcomers will not be hurt by the second death.

"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" (Revelation 2:11). Those who overcome

have their names written in the Book of Life and are part

of the first resurrection. The "second death" is identified

in Revelation 20:14 as the lake of fire. The second death

has no power over the righteous who are part of the first

resurrection: "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the

first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but

they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with

him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).

3. Overcomers will eat of the hidden manna.

"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.... " (Revelation 2:17). The "hidden manna" refers to Christ

because He is the Bread of Life (John 6:33-35). Jesus, in all His

fullness, will be manifested to those who overcome and they will

43

A Message to the Seven Churches

partake of all that He is and has!

4. Those who overcome will be given a new name.

"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 3:12). To "write the name upon something" is a

common Hebrew expression used to indicate taking absolute

possession of something. Christ will write His Name upon the

foreheads of those who overcome, forever identifying them as

His own possession.

5. Overcomers will be given power over the nations.

"And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to

him will I give power over the nations." (Revelation 2:26).

Overcomers will reign with Christ and sit in judgment over the

nations (Revelation 20:4).

6. Overcomers will be clothed in white garments.

"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 3:5).

The white garments that overcomers will wear represents the

righteousness of the saints: "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" (Revelation 19:8). John saw the redeemed

standing before the throne of God, clothed in white robes with

palms in their hands (Revelation 7:9).

7. Overcomers will be a pillar in the temple in the New

Jerusalem.

"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 3:12). A pillar is

permanent, so Christ's promise to those who overcome means

He will give them a permanent place in the New Jerusalem.

Absolutely nothing will be able to remove them from their place

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Nine Promises to Overcomers

in heavenly Jerusalem!

8. Overcomers will sit with Christ on His throne.

"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 3:21). Those who overcome will sit with

Christ on His throne and reign with Him forever!

9. Overcomers will inherit all things.

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God,

and he shall be my son" (Revelation 21:7). This promise is the

summation of all the blessings God can bestow. Like a son taking

possession of his inheritance, those who overcome will take

possession of all their Heavenly Father has prepared for them.

You Are Called to Overcome!

Beloved, these promises do not belong to half-hearted,

uncommitted, compromising, fearful, unfaithful believers, but to

those who overcome!

The word "overcome" in these verses is translated from the

Greek word, " nikao", which means "to conquer." When Christ

calls us to overcome, He is calling us to conquer by locating our

enemy, engaging him in combat, and defeating him!

... We are called to OVERCOME and CONQUER the flesh!

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, (for us, for you), arm

yourselves with the same thought and purpose (patiently to

suffer rather than fail to please God). For whoever has suffered

in the flesh (having the mind of Christ) has done with

(intentional) sin has stopped pleasing himself and the world,

and pleases God. So that he can no longer spend the rest of his

natural life living by (his) human appetites and desires, but

(he lives) for what God wills. (1 Peter 4:1-2, TAB)

... We are called to OVERCOME and CONQUER the world!

Jesus said: "In the world you have tribulation and trials

and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer—take

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A Message to the Seven Churches

courage, be confident, certain, undaunted -for I have overcome

the world I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered

it (for you.)." (John 16:33)

... We are called to OVERCOME and CONQUER sin!

For sin shall not have dominion over you. (Romans 6:14)

... We are called to OVERCOME and CONQUER Satan!

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the

world. (1 John 4:4)

Christ has overcome, and, by His Spirit living within us, we

are able to do the same:

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the

victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes

that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5, NIV)

You do not overcome because of who you are. It is not

because of any merit of your own—your good works, your

strength, or anything else you possess. You are able to overcome

the flesh, the world, sin, Satan and his evil principalities because

of Jesus Christ who lives within you!

In the Spirit, John glimpsed the great victory that belongs to

God's people and declared, "And they overcame him by the blood of

the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their

lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11).

Beloved, you are an overcomer and more than a conqueror

through Him who loved you (Romans 8:37). Your victory is

sealed with the assurance of the blood of Jesus Christ!

46

Chapter 12

Our Yea and Amen

12

The last great anointing that will fall on this earth prior to

the return of Jesus Christ is the prayer anointing. In Revelation

3:14, there is an often neglected, yet beautiful picture of Jesus'

role as your prayer partner.

Jesus declares, "These things saith the Amen...." meaning He is

the "Amen." The Hebrew rendering of Isaiah 65:16 also calls God

"the God of Amen." What does this mean?

The original meaning of the verb "to amen" is used to affirm

that someone is reliable, trustworthy, and truthful. It is used in

the Old Testament in two ways:

1. It echoes a leader's prayer or praise. It means "Yes,

indeed" or "may it be so in very truth." (For examples,

see Psalms 41:13; 72:19; 106:48; 1 Chronicles 16:36; and

Nehemiah 8:6. )

2. It is used as the assent of a listener to a royal decree or

purpose. (For examples, see 1 Kings 1:36 and Jeremiah

11:5.)

When Scripture declares that Jesus is the "Amen," it means

that He is the divine "Yes" to the prayers of God's people

whenever they are made in accord with God's will:

For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their

Yes answer in Him [Christ], For this reason, we also utter the

Amen (so be it) to God through Him (in His Person and by

His agency) to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20, TAV)

Picture this: Jesus is seated at the Father's side. As you enter

the throne room in prayer to intercede according to the will of

God aided by the Spirit indwelling you, Jesus joins His almighty

intercession with yours, then He turns to the Father and seals it

47

A Message to the Seven Churches

with His "Yes and Amen!" The "Amen"—so be it—is uttered to

the Father through Christ as we claim God's promises in prayer!

48

Document Outline

- A Message to the Seven Churches

- Table of Contents

- Introduction

- 1 Applying the Messages to the Churches

- 2 The Seven Churches of Asia

- 3 Ephesus: The Danger of Diminishing Love

- 4 Smyrna: The Danger of Fearing Suffering

- 5 Pergamos: The Danger of Doctrinal Compromise

- 6 Thyatira: The Danger of Moral Compromise

- 7 Sardis: The Danger of Spiritual Death

- 8 Philadelphia: The Danger of Failing to Advance

- 9 Laodicea: The Danger of Lukewarmness

- 10 The Final Call

- 11 Nine Promises to Overcomers

- You Are Called to Overcome!

- 12 Our Yea and Amen

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Applying the Messages to the Churches.

The Seven Churches of Asia.

Ephesus: The Danger of Diminishing Love.

Smyrna: The Danger of Fearing Suffering.

Pergamos: The Danger of Doctrinal Compromise.

Thyatira: The Danger of Moral Compromise.

Sardis: The Danger of Spiritual Death.

Philadelphia: The Danger of Failing to Advance.

Laodicea: The Danger of Lukewarmness.

The Final Call.

Nine Promises to Overcomers.

Our Yea and Amen.

A Message to the Seven Churches

Table of Contents

You Are Called to Overcome!