Revelation 3:14-22
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LOL!
Yes, the use of the definite article "the" is frequently used in normal language. I wouldn't make a big deal over it, especially when he specifies 7 churches by name in Asia Minor.
And leaves out the churches that were significant enough to comprise some of the Holy Scriptures with? Yeah, I think it rather important to note.
More HOPE for us in Rev 3: 20
20 Here, I'm standing at the door, knocking. If someone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me.
Jesus is standing at our hearts door knocking to come in. Are we listening for the knock? Then the promise that Jesus will come into our hearts and abide with us eating with us and He is feeding us the truth of His word.
Why don't we listen and let Jesus In? He pleads with us everyday to open our hearts and allow Him entry and with Jesus in our hearts we will be AWAKE and ALIVE and WORKING for the CAUSE OF CHRIST.
Let's let Jesus in our hearts and get the message out that HE IS COMING BACK SOON. Continue to spread the gospel and help others find Jesus. There is such HOPE for the last day lukewarm church if we just LISTEN to JESUS and LET HIM IN OUR HEARTS.... HE IS KNOCKING DO YOU HEAR HIM?
20 Here, I'm standing at the door, knocking. If someone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me.
Jesus is standing at our hearts door knocking to come in. Are we listening for the knock? Then the promise that Jesus will come into our hearts and abide with us eating with us and He is feeding us the truth of His word.
Why don't we listen and let Jesus In? He pleads with us everyday to open our hearts and allow Him entry and with Jesus in our hearts we will be AWAKE and ALIVE and WORKING for the CAUSE OF CHRIST.
Let's let Jesus in our hearts and get the message out that HE IS COMING BACK SOON. Continue to spread the gospel and help others find Jesus. There is such HOPE for the last day lukewarm church if we just LISTEN to JESUS and LET HIM IN OUR HEARTS.... HE IS KNOCKING DO YOU HEAR HIM?
What does this have to do with interpretation of the book of Revelation and recognition of it's intended audience?
I agree. It is human nature to point back at history and exempt oneself from ever being like those bad bad people of the past. The human race makes the same errors over and over concerning this truth. It has been said, if we don't learn from history we are bound to make the same mistakes in the future. Throw out the history of the Bible and you will never know how God sees your heart in the present. "Study to shew thyself approved" 2 Timothy 2:15
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Whether one wants to believe the seven churches of Asia written about in the first part of the book of Revelation are symbolizing church ages throughout history or not, anyone with any spiritual insight can see that the description of the church at Laodicea matches the description of churches today – at least in America.
Seven times in the book of Revelation we are told, “ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Speaking of the beast, Revelation 13:7-9 says, “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear.”
The reason the saints will be overcome is because Christians in this Laodicean church age are so complacent, so content with their form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5-7), that they will not be able to distinguish truth from falsehood. They will thus be led astray and overcome. And it will happen because the people have been taught that the measure of one’s spirituality is whether or not one is a good church member – not whether there exists a genuine relationship with God. It will happen because they have been taught that the Holy Spirit will teach them all they need to know and there is no need to do as the Bereans did – study to see if what they are being told is really true. (Acts 17:10).
We, as Christians, must focus on attaining for the first time, or restoring, our spiritual good health. And that brings us right back to having the mind of Christ. It is only going to happen as we, one by one, actively seek God, and depart from the “herd.”
Seven times in the book of Revelation we are told, “ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Speaking of the beast, Revelation 13:7-9 says, “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear.”
The reason the saints will be overcome is because Christians in this Laodicean church age are so complacent, so content with their form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5-7), that they will not be able to distinguish truth from falsehood. They will thus be led astray and overcome. And it will happen because the people have been taught that the measure of one’s spirituality is whether or not one is a good church member – not whether there exists a genuine relationship with God. It will happen because they have been taught that the Holy Spirit will teach them all they need to know and there is no need to do as the Bereans did – study to see if what they are being told is really true. (Acts 17:10).
We, as Christians, must focus on attaining for the first time, or restoring, our spiritual good health. And that brings us right back to having the mind of Christ. It is only going to happen as we, one by one, actively seek God, and depart from the “herd.”
What a shame that technicalities and semantics are pursued to divert the focus of a topic people can learn from. It happens all the time in the forum.
It seems like whenever there is a thread started that bears warning of a situation, such as the Laodiceanism rampant today, or delivers a lesson of the need for Christians to take responsibility in some area of life, the thread is quickly derailed to foolish discussions.
23 But stay away from stupid and ignorant controversies - you know that they lead to fights,
24 and a slave of the Lord shouldn't fight. On the contrary, he should be kind to everyone, a good teacher, and not resentful when mistreated.
25 Also he should be gentle as he corrects his opponents. For God may perhaps grant them the opportunity to turn from their sins, acquire full knowledge of the truth,
26 come to their senses and escape the trap of the Adversary, after having been captured alive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26
It seems like whenever there is a thread started that bears warning of a situation, such as the Laodiceanism rampant today, or delivers a lesson of the need for Christians to take responsibility in some area of life, the thread is quickly derailed to foolish discussions.
23 But stay away from stupid and ignorant controversies - you know that they lead to fights,
24 and a slave of the Lord shouldn't fight. On the contrary, he should be kind to everyone, a good teacher, and not resentful when mistreated.
25 Also he should be gentle as he corrects his opponents. For God may perhaps grant them the opportunity to turn from their sins, acquire full knowledge of the truth,
26 come to their senses and escape the trap of the Adversary, after having been captured alive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26
Whether one understands the seven churches as church eras or all in the first century, this should be noted...
Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;...
Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;...
Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;...
Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;...
Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;...
Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;...
Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
You are right, nice observation friend
No the messages aren't "age related". That is just part of a private doctrine called "Historical progression". I thought that at one time too. The message to the churches are all related to everyone everywhere all the time. The number 7 "spiritual perfection" is indicative of all churches everywhere, not just the ones mentioned. The Minora was where this was taken from, the 7 spirits before the throne in the most Holy Place, that's where it comes from, and it is quite plainly all those who are lit by the Olive Oil Holy Spirit of Christ who look at themselves in light of the messages of warning.
In a book that is prophetic in nature...
Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
And looks all the way down through time past the second coming of Christ...
Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
To the New Heavens and New Earth...
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
On throughout eternity...
Rev 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Rev 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Why would one suppose that two complete chapters (Rev 2 and 3) would be dedicated to events that were current at the time they were written and have no future meaning?
I do indeed believe Revelation is prophetic, that is very obvious from the text. I merely question whether the 7 Letters are in reference to Ages as this is not stated in the text. My thinking is closer to Bride's last post. I believe the events in Revelation will occur suddenly as opposed to progressively.
The events of the vengeance against natural Jerusalem is the "prophecy" of that Revelation, which occurred in AD 70. The scholarly understanding is that the Revelation was delivered to James, Pastor of the New Jerusalem Church in AD 69, the final message of impending doom for the old harlot, so that the New Jerusalem could escape. Jesus takes care of His new fledgling Church
So the book isn't at all difficult to comprehend if we know this. It is a continuation of the Olivet prophecy. It also includes, as always, the finer points of the Gospel being preached as well, which is Timeless in it's scope, until the end.Men of God whom I know also suggest that a duplicate much more massive vengeance will be poured out on Jerusalem more than before, to turn this place into a boiling cauldron of flame. Of that I can easily expect, the wickedness of this place. It has been suggested that since it will be 70 years since the Balfour declaration when the beast rose up out of the sea with it's deadly head wound and has been devouring the saints ever since then with the lies that are rampant now in the doctrines of dispensationalism that puts all the Hope of Israel off into some futuristic setting. Robbing the present application of understanding just leaves a person spiritually vacant, subject to being filled with all sorts of futuristic ideas from the self willed prophets.
"Blessed is He who readeth and understandeth the Words of this Prophecy" is what Jesus said about His Revelation of things "shortly to come to pass". If that isn't what each and every one of us in His "now" is hoping for when reading it, it is a worthless waste of time to read it. Receive it please little children. Don't bother with those who take it from you and place it into the future to some other place, some other time, and some other people. It is for you now, where you are at. Today
Peace!
Well, there are some things to consider here...
Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
G5034
τάχος
tachos
takh'-os
From the same as G5036; a brief space (of time), that is, (with G1722 prefixed) in haste: - + quickly, + shortly, + speedily.
Total KJV occurrences: 8
One can and I believe should read this as events that will occur speedily. In other words, once the events begin to take place, they will occur in a very short time frame.
Another thing to consider is the vantage point of the book. The viewport the book looks through is found here...
Rev 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
This is not for debate, but there are those of us who consider the seven kings as...
five fallen:
1) Justinian 554AD
2) Charlemagne 800AD
3) Otto the Great 962AD
4) Charles V 1520AD
5) Napolean 1805AD
The one that is...
Hitler/Mussolini
One yet to come.
If one views the book with this in mind, the viewport looks backward and forward from the time of Hitler/Mussolini.
Again, not for debate, just one way to look at it.
How does one get the idea that it was delivered to James in 69AD?
James' zeal for Jesus resulted in his being the first of the 12 apostles to be martyred. He was killed with the sword on order of King Herod Agrippa I of Judea, about 44 A.D., in a general persecution of the early church. - The Apostle James Was the First Martyred Apostle
Beside the secular history, there is this...
Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Most all things in the scriptures explain the chronological events of a perfect plan created and initiated by God Almighty through His Son Jesus Christ. This is also true with the allegory of Hagar and Sinai that Paul talks about. (Galatians 4:21-30) We are not to have a closed mind to understand that God works in manifold ways simultaneously in all things. The 7 churches can be historically in the past, yet they can also relate to the progression of events that started with the 1st church and finally end with the spiritual wantonness of the last church of today that is neither hot nor cold. I think both are right, and also include other Spiritual meanings as well as these 2 that I mention.
You do realize that you are reading that INTO the text that it is a history of the "Church" age.
The events of the vengeance against natural Jerusalem is the "prophecy" of that Revelation, which occurred in AD 70. The scholarly understanding is that the Revelation was delivered to James, Pastor of the New Jerusalem Church in AD 69, the final message of impending doom for the old harlot, so that the New Jerusalem could escape. Jesus takes care of His new fledgling Church
Men of God whom I know also suggest that a duplicate much more massive vengeance will be poured out on Jerusalem more than before, to turn this place into a boiling cauldron of flame. Of that I can easily expect, the wickedness of this place. It has been suggested that since it will be 70 years since the Balfour declaration when the beast rose up out of the sea with it's deadly head wound and has been devouring the saints ever since then with the lies that are rampant now in the doctrines of dispensationalism that puts all the Hope of Israel off into some futuristic setting. Robbing the present application of understanding just leaves a person spiritually vacant, subject to being filled with all sorts of futuristic ideas from the self willed prophets.
"Blessed is He who readeth and understandeth the Words of this Prophecy" is what Jesus said about His Revelation of things "shortly to come to pass". If that isn't what each and every one of us in His "now" is hoping for when reading it, it is a worthless waste of time to read it. Receive it please little children. Don't bother with those who take it from you and place it into the future to some other place, some other time, and some other people. It is for you now, where you are at. Today
Peace!
What most MISS is that John mentions the plagues of Egypt,the song of Moses,(Never mind that God told us that the song of Moses was going to be a WITNESS against unbelieving Israel) Part of Revelation is about the curses of Deuteronomy being poured out.