Conclusion on the Seven Churches

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Jesus closed His remarks to Philadelphia saying, “Hold on to what you have….” These words are crucial when the fires of persecution are hot and you have been isolated from family and friends. Persecution can produce two outcomes.

 

First, if the carnal nature is being persecuted, the carnal nature will rebel and fight to the bitter end of life if the issue at hand is contrary to its will. Lucifer would rather die that give in to God’s authority. Good news: His wish will eventually be granted…

 

On the other hand, if the spiritual nature is being persecuted, enduring persecution and suffering because of principle can be very difficult. It is easy to “just say uncle” and stop the pain. But, those who overcome the adversary by choosing to stand for the right will be rewarded beyond their wildest imagination!

 

You should know that every person who suffers because of principle will be highly elevated in God’s kingdom because this is a pure reflection of His character.

 

When human beings stand firm for their faith in God, our sacrifice brings glory to God because this is how He lives and loves! He did the same for us! This is why Jesus said:

 

Verse12   “….Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it.”

 

The temple of God in the Earth made new will not be a building.

 

Revelation 21:22   “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”

 

The point here is that in the Earth made new, when a temple service convenes, over comers will form a quorum. We all know that when Congress convenes, a quorum is required…. A specific number of members must be present for business will be conducted in His presence!”

 

All over comers will be given a special name tag when they get to Heaven.

Jesus said, “I will write on him:

1.   The name of my God…

2.   The name of the city of my God, and I will also write on him,

3.   My new name.”

 

This name tag will permit its owner to travel anywhere in God’s universe in a stretch-limo with a thousand angels attending. Ok, I may be understating the point a little bit, but you get the idea.

 

Once you receive this name tag, you will be recognized throughout God’s universe as a V.I.P. because YOU were trained to be an over comer through suffering and temptation on Earth for the exalted role that God has given you throughout eternity and remember, the saints will reign with Jesus on His throne!

 

Your victory in overcoming the world makes you very special and unique to God and Jesus wants everyone to know it, thus, the glorious name tag. Can you say,

 

“Hallelujah! Discipleship hurts? Discipleship is killing me?”

 

Laodicea: The last message to the seven churches:

 

Revelation 3:14   “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.

 

Revelation 3:15   I know your deeds that you are neither cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

 

Revelation 3:16   So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

 

Revelation 3:17   You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

 

Revelation 3:18   I counsel you buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and while clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

 

Revelation 3:19   Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

 

Revelation 3:20   Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 

 

Revelation 3:21   To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcome and sat down with my father on his throne.

 

Revelation 3:22   He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

 

Jesus is described:

 

The Amen = True / So be it

The Faithful Witness = Who has fully revealed the Father

The Ruler of God’s Creation = Everything concerning the church has been put under His authority:

 

Matthew 28:18   Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority” in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

 

Matthew 28:19   Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

 

Matthew 29:20   and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

*Note: We know from Ephesians 1:22 “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be the head over everything for the church.” The authority to control the church is not to be confused with universal authority that is given to Jesus in 1798. “And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 1:10) This topic will be closely examined when we study Rev 5.  

 

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