Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the church in Laodicea"

Revelation 3:14 (GW)

“To the messenger of the church in Laodicea, write: The amen, the witness who is Faithful and True, the source of God's creation, says:”

In the seven individual letters, we see the careful logic involved in deciding why each church received the section of the description that it did. Jesus Christ purposefully presented Himself to each of the churches in a way that would be historically and culturally relevant to them. The “self-descriptions” of Jesus Christ are not just general facts about His nature; they are specific pieces of revelation intended to deeply connect with the hearts and situations of these churches.

This is also how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prophecy. In these letters, Jesus Christ delivers His prophecies in a very personal manner. He gives each church a piece of revelation regarding what He is like and who He is that is especially applicable to them in their situation.

Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the Church in Philadelphia"

Revelation 3:7 (NASB)

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is Holy, who is True, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this":

In the seven individual letters, we see the careful logic involved in deciding why each church received the section of the description that it did. Jesus Christ purposefully presented Himself to each of the churches in a way that would be historically and culturally relevant to them. The “self-descriptions” of Jesus Christ are not just general facts about His nature; they are specific pieces of revelation intended to deeply connect with the hearts and situations of these churches.

This is also how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prophecy. In these letters, Jesus Christ delivers His prophecies in a very personal manner. He gives each church a piece of revelation regarding what He is like and who He is that is especially applicable to them in their situation.

Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the Church in Sardis"

Revelation 3:1 (NASB):
“To the angel of the church in Sardis, write: The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says":

In the seven individual letters, we see the careful logic involved in deciding why each church received the section of the description that it did. Jesus Christ purposefully presented Himself to each of the churches in a way that would be historically and culturally relevant to them. The “self-descriptions” of Jesus Christ are not just general facts about His nature; they are specific pieces of revelation intended to deeply connect with the hearts and situations of these churches.

This is also how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prophecy. In these letters, Jesus Christ delivers His prophecies in a very personal manner. He gives each church a piece of revelation regarding what He is like and who He is that is especially applicable to them in their situation.

Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the Church in Thyatira"

Revelation 2:18 (GW):
“To the messenger of the church in Thyatira, write: The Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire and whose feet are like glowing bronze, says: 

In the seven individual letters, we see the careful logic involved in deciding why each church received the section of the description that it did. Jesus Christ purposefully presented Himself to each of the churches in a way that would be historically and culturally relevant to them. The “self-descriptions” of Jesus Christ are not just general facts about His nature; they are specific pieces of revelation intended to deeply connect with the hearts and situations of these churches.

This is also how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prophecy. In these letters, Jesus Christ delivers His prophecies in a very personal manner. He gives each church a piece of revelation regarding what He is like and who He is that is especially applicable to them in their situation.

Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the Church in Pergamum"

Revelation 2:12 (GW):
“To the messenger of the church in Pergamum, write: The one who holds the sharp two-edged sword says": 

In the seven individual letters, we see the careful logic involved in deciding why each church received the section of the description that it did. Jesus Christ purposefully presented Himself to each of the churches in a way that would be historically and culturally relevant to them. The “self-descriptions” of Jesus Christ are not just general facts about His nature; they are specific pieces of revelation intended to deeply connect with the hearts and situations of these churches.

This is also how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prophecy. In these letters, Jesus Christ delivers His prophecies in a very personal manner. He gives each church a piece of revelation regarding what He is like and who He is that is especially applicable to them in their situation.

Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the Church in Smyrna"

Revelation 2:8 (AMP):

"And to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, Who died and came to life again:" 

In the seven individual letters, we see the careful logic involved in deciding why each church received the section of the description that it did. Jesus Christ purposefully presented Himself to each of the churches in a way that would be historically and culturally relevant to them. The “self-descriptions” of Jesus Christ are not just general facts about His nature; they are specific pieces of revelation intended to deeply connect with the hearts and situations of these churches.

This is also how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prophecy. In these letters, Jesus Christ delivers His prophecies in a very personal manner. He gives each church a piece of revelation regarding what He is like and who He is that is especially applicable to them in their situation.

Scriptural Prayer Points: "Based upon the letters to the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation"

Have you ever prayed and were not sure that you were praying the will of God? Have you noticed that despite the fact that you pray so much, only a few of your prayer requests have been answered? Have you been wondering how best you can pray to get better results in your prayers?  Here is the best way to pray in order to get results: praying the scriptures.

The Seven Churches in the book of Revelation had the benefit of receiving a letter from Jesus Christ regarding their local assemblies that included a commendation, a rebuke, an exhortation, and a promise - reward. 

As we have studied the seven churches, the following "prayer points" have been garnered - collected from our study.

Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the Church in Ephesus"

Revelation 2:1 (GW):

“To the messenger of the church in Ephesus, write: The one who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lamp stands, says": 

Jesus Christ Revealed: "To The Seven Churches"

Revelation 1:1-3, 12-20:

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ. God gave it to him to show his servants the things that must happen soon. He sent this revelation through his angel to his servant John. John testified about what he saw: God's word and the testimony about Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads, as well as those who hear the words of this prophecy and pay attention to what is written in it because the time is near. I turned toward the voice which was talking to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lamp stands. There was someone like the Son of Man among the lamp stands. He was wearing a robe that reached his feet. He wore a gold belt around his waist. His head and His hair were white like wool—like snow. His eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like glowing bronze refined in a furnace. His voice was like the sound of raging waters. In His right hand he held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword. His face was like the sun when it shines in all its brightness. When I saw Him, I fell down at His feet like a dead man. When I saw Him, I fell down at His feet like a dead man. Then, He laid His right hand on me and said, “Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last, the Living One. I was dead, but now I am alive forever. I have the keys of death and hell. Therefore, write down what you have seen, what is, and what is going to happen after these things. The hidden meaning of the seven stars that you saw in My right hand and the  seven gold lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the messengers of the seven churches, and the seven lamp stands are the seven churches.”

The Exhortations of Jesus Christ to the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation

Revelation 1:1-8 (NCV):
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him (Jesus), to show His servants what must soon happen. And Jesus sent His angel to show it to His servant John, who has told everything he has seen. It is the word of God; it is the message from Jesus Christ. Happy is the one who reads the words of God’s message, and happy are the people who hear this message and do what is written in it. The time is near when all of this will happen. From John, to the seven churches: Grace and peace to you from the One who is and was and is coming, and from the seven spirits before His throne, and from Jesus Christ. Jesus is the faithful witness, the first among those raised from the dead. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. He is the One who loves us, who made us free from our sins with the blood of His death. He made us to be a kingdom of priests who serve God His Father. To Jesus Christ be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. Look, Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see Him, even those who stabbed Him. And all peoples of the earth will cry loudly because of Him. Yes, this will happen! Amen. The Lord God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the One who is and was and is coming. I am the Almighty.“

BELIEVERS: "Sanctified - Beloved - Preserved - Called!"

Jude 1:1-2 (KJV):
"Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are “sanctified” by God the Father, and “preserved” in Jesus Christ, and “called”: “Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied."

Jude 1:1-2 (NASB):
"Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the “called”, “beloved” in God the Father, and “kept” for Jesus Christ: May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you."

Believers are the "sanctified.” The sanctified person is a person who has turned away from sin and set their life apart to follow God. He or she is set apart unto God; separated from the world and its ungodly pleasures; dedicated to following God, who has given all they are, and all they have to God.

The Greek texts that we have available, give us another context and tense. They use “to love”, instead of “to sanctify.” God’s love for believers, makes them acceptable to Him. God’s love prompts His call; His love will continue now and forever. God’s love never changes. The believers can count on the fact that “they were” and “always will - would be” enfolded - surrounded by God’s love.

Here’s a wonderful partial rendering of the text:

“….to those who by God the Father “have been loved” and are in a state of being the “permanent objects of His love…” God’s love prompted His call; His love will continue now and forever. God’s love never changes. 

All believers can count on the fact that they were and always would be enfolded - surrounded by God’s love.

Believers are "preserved” in Jesus Christ. The word preserved means to be kept; to be guarded and watched after. God keeps the believer, guards, and watches over him or her. 

The believer is a person:

• who is watched over by God.

• who is guided and directed by God day by day.

• who is strengthened by God to walk through all the tests, trials, and temptations of life.

• who is protected from all the enemies of life, even death

• who is to be escorted into heaven quicker than the blink of an eye when the time comes for her or him to leave this world

• who is given life, both abundant and eternal

• who is given assurance of God's presence and love through all of life

• who is strengthened by God to walk through all the trials and temptations of life

The believer is a person who is preserved and kept by God. He or she is a person who is looked after and cared for by God. It’s in Jesus Christ that God keeps a person. The believer is a person who has placed his or her life into Jesus Christ; he or she is a person who is trusting Jesus Christ for salvation. It is the true believer in Jesus Christ whom God preserves.

Believers are the "called.“ This means several things:

a) It means that believers are the persons who have responded to the call of the gospel. God calls man to accept the gospel. God tugs and pulls at the heart strings, convicts and convinces man to accept Jesus Christ as His Son, but man must respond to the call of God. God cannot make the decision for man. The believer is a person who has genuinely accepted the call of God; God summoned him or her, called him or her, and the believer responded. They became a believer, a person who truly believed in Jesus Christ.

b) It means that a believer has been "called" to be a saint, that is, to live a life of holiness. The word "saint“ means holy one or holiness. The believer is called to be holy and pure and righteous just as God is.

c) It means that the believer is “called” to have a heavenly hope; called to an eternal hope, the hope of living forever with God. The believer is called to be perfected and conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ forever.

d) It means that the believer is appointed to a very special task and duty while on earth. He or she is "called" to serve Jesus Christ and witness for Him.

The believer is a person who: 

• Has received the mercy of God
• Has received the peace of God
• Has received the grace of God

SANCTIFICATION: God's Will For Us

Sanctification defined: 

“Being set apart, made holy for God’s use and purpose.”

Sanctification or holiness is what makes us saints (a term for believers used in scripture); God’s holy or sanctified people. Saints, enjoy purification from evil, separateness (not isolation) from the world, fellowship with other saints, and wisdom from God. We enjoy this sanctification from the moment we become believers.

“Sanctified” is not a denominational persuasion or group of people. To be sanctified involves the process whereby the believer puts on the “new man” and puts off the “old man” (old ways and habits). The apostle Paul admonishes the church at Ephesus to “put on your new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. {Ephesians 4:24}

The New Testament teaches us that the covenant of God with man is established through Jesus Christ. However, the requirement for holiness and sanctification first commanded in the Old Testament {Leviticus 11:45} did not change. Through the work of Jesus Christ, the believer is sanctified, however, sanctification must be demonstrated through separation from the world and resisting the ungodly desires of the “old man” – us before salvation!

The believer’s sanctification is a result of “the Word”, “the Blood of Jesus Christ”, and the “Holy Spirit.” 

We have already stated that sanctification is being set apart and made holy for God’s use and purpose. This speaks directly to the believer’s activities. So, the sanctifying work of “the Word”, the “Blood of Jesus Christ”, and the “Holy Spirit” should produce this in the believer - sanctification.

"The Word" sanctifies the believers as they receive it and apply it to their lives. The believer is sanctified through receiving the Word. This is what is meant by Jesus Christ’s words: “now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” {John 15:3}

"The Blood of Jesus Christ" ceremonially (outwardly) and spiritually (inwardly) sanctifies the believer. The Blood of Jesus Christ sanctifies the believer by delivering their conscience from dead works so that they can serve the Lord with their whole mind, heart, and soul. 

"REVIVAL" (Part 3)

Understanding Revival and the importance of Prayer

What is Revival? 

We have defined revival as:

“The work of the Holy Spirit in restoring the people of God to a more vital spiritual life, witness, and work, by prayer and God’s Word, following repentance; the awakening or quickening of God's people to their true nature and purpose; an extraordinary movement of the Holy Spirit producing extraordinary results.”

Revival starts with each of us - individually. We do not need to go someplace to find it. We don’t have to travel across the world to find it. Revival starts in the heart and life of every believer. Revival is filled with both power and obedience.

With any authentic “God-sent” revival, there is an understanding that comes: we are not where we should be. Whether it be in our lifestyle, our effectiveness, or our love relationship with Jesus Christ, we recognize that things need to change and that it needs to begin with us.

"REVIVAL" (Part 2)

 Understanding Revival and the importance of Repentance

Isaiah 57:15: For this is what the high and exalted One says - He who lives forever, whose name is Holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is humble and sorry for their sins, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart – the spirit of those sorry for their sins.

Psalm 85: 6: Will you not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You

Psalm 80:18-19: Then, we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

"REVIVAL" (Part 1)

(Understanding revival and why revival is important)

Hindrances To Effective Prayer

"Unconfessed Sin"
   Unconfessed sin is probably the most common hindrance to effective prayer. Psalm 66:18, “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” When the Scripture talks about regarding wickedness, it’s referring to unconfessed sin. God is perfect and our sin displeases Him. If we knowingly tolerate sin in our lives, it pushes God away from us. As a result, it makes our prayers powerless.

"The Lack of Faith"
   The lack of faith has an incredibly negative impact on a believer’s life. Without faith, prayer has no power. Even Jesus could not perform any miracles in Nazareth because of the community’s lack of faith (Mark 6:1-6). James calls one who doubts “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:6-8). The word double-minded speaks of a condition where a person is emotionally divided, almost as if he had two souls. That condition makes a person unstable and incapable of hearing from God or receiving His gifts.

"Disobedience"

   If we are to grow – mature in our relationship with God and become strong people of prayer, we must learn to obey. Staying free from sin is not enough. Neither is faith. If our mouths say that we believe, but our actions don’t back up that belief with a strong display of obedience, it shows the weakness of our belief. Obedience should be a natural outgrowth of our faith in God. The person that obeys God, trusts Him; the person that trusts God, obeys Him.

"A lack of being candid with others"

   James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed”. James is sharing a truth about God: When we confess our sins to one another, which requires us to be candid, God is able to heal and cleanse us. We experience a spiritual, physical, and emotional restoration. In addition, our candor - openness helps others, because it shows them that they are not alone in their difficulties.

"Unforgiveness"

   Why is forgiveness so important? The answer is found in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Forgiving and being forgiven are inseparable. When a person refuses to forgive another, he or she is hurting their self, because their lack of forgiveness can take hold of them, making them bitter. We cannot enter prayer with bitterness and come out with blessings. Forgiveness allows the heart to be made not only right, but light.

"Having the wrong motives"

   When our motives are not right in prayer, our prayers have no power. James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” Sometimes even knowing our own motives can be difficult. 

"The idols in our lives"

   Ezekiel 14:3 clearly shows the negative effect of anything that comes between a person and God. It says, “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?” God does not even want an idol worshiper to talk to Him. On the other hand, when we remove idols from our lives, we become ripe for a personal revival. One way to know that something in your life is an idol is to ask yourself, “Would I be willing to give this thing up if God asked me to?” Look honestly at your career, possessions, and family. If there are things you wouldn’t release to God, you're blocking your access to Him.

"Our disregard for others"

   Scripture is full of verses supporting God’s desire for unity among all believers–between Christian brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, laypeople and pastors. For example, in John 13:34, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another…” One of the added benefits of prayer is that it helps you learn to love others. It’s impossible to pray for a person to hate or criticize someone they’re praying for. Prayer breeds compassion, not competition.

"A disregard for God’s Sovereignty"

   When Jesus showed the disciples how to pray, the first thing He did was teach them to honor God for who He is, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10). That is a clear acknowledgment that God is in charge, that He is sovereign; it establishes our relationship to Him: a child under the authority of their Father. Anytime we disregard the divine order of things, we’re out of bounds, and we hinder our relationship with our heavenly Father.

"The unsurrendered will"

   A person whose will is surrendered to God has a relationship with Him like the one described in the parable of the vine and the branches. It says, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7). The branch depends on the vine and lives in one accord with it. In return, the vine provides it with everything it needs, and the result is great fruitfulness. There are great benefits of surrendering your will to God. One is that God promises to answer your prayers and grant your requests. Another is that we get to receive the power of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Just as with the vine and the branches, He flows through us, gives us power, and produces fruit.

Love Is The Rule, No Exceptions!!

Effective Prayer

{James 5:16} NHEB
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person is powerfully effective.

{1 John 5:14} Amplified Bible
This is the remarkable degree of confidence which we as believers are entitled to have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, that is, consistent with His plan and purpose He hears us.

Our Attainable Spiritual Goals for 2022

What "attainable spiritual goals" should we have as disciples of Jesus Christ - the Body of Christ? 

We all have goals in our personal and professional lives, and yet our goals as disciples of Jesus Christ are quite different and affect those personal and professional goals. For this study, we will use this definition for the word goal: "an aim or objective that you work toward with effort and determination." The Scriptures have a lot to say about what our goals should be as disciples of Jesus Christ - as the Body of Christ. As we desire - seek a new level of spiritual maturity - to grow spiritually in this "Year of Revival", let's set some "attainable spiritual goals."

(Note: All of our "attainable spiritual goals" have their foundation in the Word of God. These spiritual goals are suitable for every member of our local assembly).

{Matthew 6:33-34}: "But seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

{Matthew 22:37-40}: Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments."

{Romans 12:1-2}: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will.

{Philippians 2:14-15}: Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

{Philippians 3:10-11}: I want to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

{Colossians 1:9-11}: ...that God will make you completely sure of what He wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to God and pleases Him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God; that God will strengthen you with His own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come.

{Titus 2:7-8}: In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

{1 Peter 2:12}: Live such good lives among the pagans (unbelievers) that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good works, and glorify God on the day He visits us. (*The term "good works" encompasses every aspect of our thinking and conduct before God.)