We ask our Father's help as we search our hearts and minds, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.
In chapter 4, pamphlet 9304 we will procede with to our
current 2013 study of the "Revelation of Jesus Christ"
http://www.americanwisdomseries.comPresents the Tell
it like it is! series
of studies:
REVELATION
OF SAINT JOHN THE DIVINE BY JESUS CHRIST
This study begins after the line of red stars ************* below.
"You're going to be gone anyway at that time".
They also say;
"It's not
to be understood yet".
This is odd because the
very word
"Revelation"
means to
"to reveal"
or "unveil" something.
When you unveil anything,
you make it known.
The book of Revelation is a sister book to the book of Daniel in the Old Testament.
Both of these books were written to the people who live in the final generation, of the "latter days".
Daniel was told to, "shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end:" [Daniel 12:4].
He was told by God; "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand: but the wise shall understand." [Daniel 12:10]
The wise are those who study God's word, line upon line, chapter upon chapter, and all these words are wisdom from God.
This is why the wise should understand.
As we study Revelation, let us take a fresh look at the book, and allow God's Word to speak through us. Let's permit the Holy Spirit to allow His words to speak to our hearts which is our minds with understanding.
This chapter covers a time period that most people living on the face of the earth today will live through, and the wise Christian should understand these teachings.
So, be very cautious of any group that would tell you not to study, or to throw away part of God's word. Those are words Satan would use.
Caution to students of God;s Word - Please remember two things when using our American Wisdom Series studies:Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
John 15:26
But when the
Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth,
which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John
16:13-14
[13] 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. [14] He shall glorify me: for
he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you
This
Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
published
at http://www.theseason.org/.
Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.
***********************************************************************************
Now here is our revised study of: Christopherson's Revelation chapter 3
REVELATION
"Revelation to the Seven Churches Continued."
Revelation 3:14 "And unto the angel of the church of the La-od-i-ce'-ans write; These things saith the A-men, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;""The beginning of the creation of God", is badly translated. For it should read, "He that began the creation of God." That identifies Christ, who was with the Father when the creation took place. Christ is God, for there is only one God with three separate offices.
Revelation 3:15 "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot."
This church at Laodicea are in the middle of the road.
They avoid conflict at all cost, and would pervert God's holy Word rather than be at odds with someone.
They are like the fat hog laying in the middle of the troth, that will sop up what ever anyone throws to them. They don't care who, or what enters their church; these good old boys cater to them all, with all their false doctrines.
Revelation 3:16 "So then because thou art neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
These are the ones who will not rock the boat, take sides, or stand on the side of anything.
"Nothing" is what they stand for, and "nothing" is what you get from the sermons.
As a church, the Laodiceans are just "good for nothing". God finds them detestable and wants these people no where around Him.
Revelation 3:17 "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:"
Revelation 3:18 "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, 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."
These miserable creatures don't even know how wretched they are. They think they are rich by worldly standards, but they are blind to God's Word, and spiritually in poverty. God is telling them that He wants their true love. He wants love that is tried like "gold in the fire", which has all the impurities burned away; and that love will stand clean and pure.
God wants you to be rich, but it has to be in God's way. Riches to a righteous man are the blessings of God to a man of God; but other riches are nothing but fools gold.
The "eyesalve" of the anointing, is the truths from the pages of God's Word [your Bible]. God wants the church of Laodicea to see and understand His word, then get hot on fire for Him. If your church is as the church of Laodicea, it is time to start a spiritual fire in your church.
Revelation 3:19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."
Jesus is urging those in this church that want to follow him, to repent, and get into His Word. God will test you, for through your testing you develop patience and your faith grows. From your faith flows your works for the Father.
Revelation 3:20 "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."
You and you alone must open the door for Christ to come into your heart, or He will never come in.
When you open the door to your heart to Christ, He will enter warmly, and in love.
Revelation 3:21 "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."
Just as Jesus ascended to be with the Almighty Father on His throne; As an overcomer, so also will each of us share the throne with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In Christ's Millennium kingdom we will reign as kings and priests with Him. What joy that will be.
Revelation 3:22 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
Do you have a ear to hear, and understand the message Jesus is passing through John's pen to us? There were only two of the seven churches that met with Christ's approval. They knew the true word of God, and equally important, they knew who the Kenites are, where they came from, and could not be deceived by anyone.
"666"
Count = scribe; The Kenites were scribes!
How
can you count the number of the beast if you don't even know who they
are
or where they came from?
Here's
where they came from!
Cain's daddy!-#7000&7007
"Two
Sowers of seed; both the good
and the bad"
Scripture: Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
count
G5585
???????
pse?phizo?
psay-fid'-zo
From G5586; to use pebbles
in enumeration,
that is, (genitive case) to compute: - count.
The Greek word for count has basically the same meaning as the Hebrew word. Both words mean to enumerate as in what a scribe would do,
count
H5608
ספר
sa?phar
saw-far'
A primitive root; properly to score with a mark as a tally or record,
that is, (by implication) to inscribe, and also
to enumerate; intensively to recount, that is,
celebrate: -
commune, (ac-) count,
declare, number,
+ penknife, reckon, scribe,
shew forth,
speak, talk, tell (out), writer
so let's enumerate the number of the beast and his number.
his
G848
???????
hautou
how-too'
Contraction for G1438; self (in some oblique case or reflexive
relation):
- her (own), (of) him (-self), his (own), of it, thee, their
(own), them (-selves),
they.
.
1 Chronicles 2:55 And
the families of the scribeswhich
dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites.
These
are the Kenitesthat
came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.
Kenites H7017
קיני קיני
qe?yni?y qi?yni?y
kay-nee', kee-nee'
Patronymic from H7014; a
Kenite
or member of the tribe of Kajin: - Kenite.
Kenite. H7014
קין
qayin
kah'-yin
The same as H7013 (with a play upon the affinity to H7069); Kajin,the
name of the first child, also of a place in
Palestine, and of
an Oriental tribe: - Cain,
Kenite
(-s).
Matthew 23:1
Then spake Jesus to the multitude,
and to his disciples,
2
Saying, The scribes
and
the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore
whatsoever they bid you observe,
that observe and do; but do not ye
after their works:
for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy
burdens and grievous to
be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not
move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works
they do for to be seen
of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of
their garments,
Please log unto and read pamphlet #1093 for further information.
American Wisdom Series Editor's Note: We are going to stop here in this "Revelation of Jesus Christ" study to review some commentary from verses 14 through 21 in an earlier study we published on the "Revelation of Jesus Christ." I don't believe you will find much difference in the general opinion of these 2 authors, but to read another person's perspective of events that did and will take place may prove helpful in our understanding of Jesus' revelation. Also, our introduction #9300 was taken from this earlier study so keep your eyes open for study tips and rules to help simplify your grasp of Jesus' end time revelation
Before we begin examining the seventh and final church, the church of Laodicea, and in as much as historically it was a type, there are some very interesting points about this church that pretty much tell the story for those with eyes to see.
The following is a direct quote from Smith's Bible Dictionary (the parenthesis are his), those were mine.
Laodice'a, an ancient city on the Lycus, in the valley of the Meander, forty miles east of Ephesus. Its site was on seven hills, which were drained by two brooks, the Asopus and Caprus. The ruins are of a stadium, in very complete preservation, three theatres (one of which was 450 feet in diameter), bridges, aqueducts, and a gymnasium, which testify to its ancient wealth and importance. Its original name was Diospolis (the city of Jupiter) which was changed to Rhoas, under which title it became the largest city in Phrygia (Pliny). Antiochus II gave it the name of his wife Laodice.I thought it would be fascinating to those who are familiar with the great Book of Zechariah, especially the 4th chapter where the two olive trees, standing on either side of the candlestick, empty themselves of oil, i.e. empty into the candlestick, as in filling it up.It became the seat of an archbishop, and in its cathedral church were gathered several councils; in one of which, a system of supplying the villages or small societies in the interior with church services by itinerating presbyters, was adopted (somewhat similar to the Methodist plan now in use), under the direction of the bishop of Laodicea.
The city was utterly destroyed A. D. 1230, since when it has lain in shapeless ruins, only visited for its marble and other materials. Smith's Bible Dictionary, A. J. Holman Company, "The Seven Churches", pg. 277.
Whereas here, Laodicea, along with its candlestick, is being DRAINED by two brooks.
And while they are being drained, beautiful, magnificent stadiums and theatres are being built (no doubt funded by the tax payers).
Then we see a church hierarchy developed and the supplying of "church services" (ceremony and song in substitute for teaching line by line, no doubt). And so another "church system" is born. I would suppose that the birth of the Church Quarterly was instituted here also.
Then notice that Laodicea was destroyed in 1230 A.D. Shall we give each day for a year? Then that's just little short of the 1260 days in Daniel chapter 12. Looks like they didn't make it unto the end. Perhaps they had been drained too much and were a little short on oil.
We also have a quote form Davis' Bible Dictionary on the subject of Laodicea:
It manufactured cloth and garments from the black wool produced by a breed of sheep in its vicinity; and it was the seat of a medical school, whose physicians prepared the Phrygian powder for the cure of opthalmia. It numbered many Jews among its inhabitants (Antiq. xiv. 10,20). Davis Dictionary of the Bible, Baker Book House, pg. 441.Well, it looks there were a bunch of Black Sheep running around the area of Laodicea (black no doubt because they were kept in the dark, if you know what I mean). But no matter, those presbyters sheared those suckers anyway and made merchandise of their hides! Boy, there's nothing new under the sun, is there?
In any event, verse 18 of this chapter will have more meaning by understanding the wealth and products of Laodicea. Enjoy.
The word "Amen" is of Hebrew origin and is a transliteration (a letter for letter conversion from one language to another, in contrast to a translation of the word) from the word "Amen" (Strong's #543). It's the same in English as in Hebrew and it means "truth", "sure", and when we say "amen" we are saying "so be it, truth".Rev. 3:14
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
And obviously, the last phrase of this verse, "the beginning of the creation of God", doesn't mean God created Himself. If you want to unlock scriptures you can't just stick the key in and open up the door and stand there and peek in. You have to go in and look around. If you are not familiar with the original languages then at least check out other translations from credible scholars. Here's how Dr. Moffat translate this verse:
Now back to the KJV and verse 15:Rev. 3:14
Then to the angel of the church at Laodicea write thus: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation. (Moffat Bible)
Maybe we should take a poll. Would you believe that's how some churches go about selecting their ministers? Here's an actual question from one prominent local church that did just that:Rev. 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
As a Christian, how important do you believe it is to study the Bible?
Extremely
Very
Somewhat
Not
too
Not Important
Important
Important
Important
Important
At All
They asked the same type questions about the qualifications of the minister and after spending thousands of dollars in surveys and consulting fees (because they are rich and increased with goods) they concluded that it was more important that the minister be able to comfort and minister unto the sick and elderly, than to know and teach the Word of God. And they got what they wanted. He's a great guy. Everybody likes him.
The Greek word for "spue" is emeo (Strong's #1692), and it means to "VOMIT". Does that tell you what our Father thinks about lukewarm? Either "do it" or get off the pot![16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
This verse is totally self explanatory. It should be read from your window as you look out upon this nation which recently went through a period of unparalleled economic prosperity, which has produced an unparalleled false sense of security.[17] 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:
It's your choice Laodicea! The Lord says "I counsel you to seek "spiritual gold", that has been purified in the fiery furnace whereby the slag of sin has been removed by your seeking His sacrifice... and the pure white raiment of righteous acts, instead of those black wool suits you so covet, so that when the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, returns, you aren't standing there stark naked before Him and the host of heaven He brings with Him, and you're scrambling to find some rocks to hide behind, wishing they'd fall upon you and end the awful shame."[18] 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.
And these "spiritual items" cannot be purchased by cashing in your IRA's & 401 K's, and your inflated Bonds & Mutual Funds, for all the riches of man combined cannot purchase even one soul.
It's your choice Laodicea! Anoint your eyes with a poultice (a soft, usually heated and sometimes medicated mass spread on a cloth and applied to sores or other lesions), that they might open up and now you have "eyes to see".
It's your choice Laodicea!
One thing is for certain. Our Father loves His children very, very much. And if they've got it coming, they're going to get it! It is for their good because He loves them. It's Corporal Punishment and repentance now, or it's Capital Punish at the judgment.[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
It's your choice Laodicea!
Jesus Christ is right there, at the door, right now! Knock, knock! He wishes to invite you to the wedding feast about to take place (Rev. 19). Do you have "ears to hear" Him? If you do then YOU must open the door to your heart and let Him in. YOU must open the door for the LIVING WORD to come in. And YOU must open the Book for the WRITTEN WORD to come in. They are one and the same. It won't open itself.[20] 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.
If you do, He promises to dine with you, and so another thing is for certain. You have "not eaten" until you have tasted the hidden manna that He has prepared for those who love Him AND answer His call, for He is the Master Chef and the meals He prepares are Exquisite!
Want some incentive? What to know "What's in it for me"? Eternal life isn't just a "religious term". The rewards and honor and glory that He will grant, and has already promised in His Testaments, is for real! And guess what? They can all be yours![21]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.
It's your choice Laodicea!
And now, for the Seventh and final time to the churches of today and tomorrow, He who is Spiritually Perfect says:
Seven times Jesus Christ has made this call and soon the Seventh Trump will sound. Are you buying fine white linen and getting dressed for the banquet, or will you be caught stark naked in front of everyone?[22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
It's your choice Laodicea!
In chapter 4 of Revelation where John will be taken to the very throne of Almighty God and we will get to see what lies beyond the veil, into the spiritual dimension, even into heaven itself.
Imagine that! John was taken to heaven and records in detail all that he saw, and yet people run around wondering what heaven is like. Go figure! They visualize people floating around on clouds (I think the clouds are numbered because "cloud nine" seems to be the one to go for) and playing harps.
Perhaps their preacher told them they didn't have to read the Book of Revelation because they weren't going to be here when those awful events take place. That's a great "cop out" because they can't explain it anyway. Their eyes are closed and they cannot see. Isaiah said it best:
Yep, they're sleeping. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz!Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
So, let's understand this. You take the Bible to one that is "learned", whom you will recognize as "learned" because of the title he carries, like PhD or Master of Divinity, and ask him to explain what candlesticks and stars represent in the Book of Revelation. And the "learned" says (as he lowers his glasses to the bulbous portion of his nose and peers ever so intellectually out over the frames), "My child, it is a mystery of God and it can be interpreted many different ways."[11] And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:
He's clueless! Next.
So you ask a lay member of the church, one who has attended at least 35 years or more, and he says "Beats me. You'll have to asked someone who is learned".[12] And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.
Oh boy! You're in trouble now. What to do, what to do! (Suddenly, you realize that you went to school and you know how to read yourself.)
So let's get serious and complete our study of the Seven Churches of Revelation by taking a TEST! I used to hate tests, but in this case I'm giving it, not taking it, and that's not too bad. I get to make up all the questions and it's kind of like playing Jeopardy, start with the answers and then make up the questions.
We are all instructed by our Father, through His servant Timothy, to study ourselves (because obviously asking the "learned" and the unlearned yields the same Babel). Our Father likes us to study His letter, it pleases Him. Yes, it's work. That's why "studiers" are called workman.
One of the reasons we study is obviously to learn, but another reason we study is so that we can remember what we've learned, for then can we help others with answers to their questions. We are "reminded" to "remember" many times in the New Testament.2 Tim. 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We realize that not everyone has the same ability to recall information. For some it is a gift and comes naturally, for some they must study and work hard, and still for others they simply cannot recall very well that which they have learned. But, our Father knows, and so we do that which we are able and try our best.
Multiple Choice
1.) The word "revelation" means to:
a) ignore, while waiting for the rapture2.) The Book of Revelation is the revelation of:
b) uncover, take the lid off
a) John the Revelator3.) John was exiled to the isle of:
b) Jesus Christ
a) Patmos4.) John was taken in spirit to the "day of the Lord" which is:
b) Malta
a) Sunday5.) The sharp twoedged sword is:
b) The Millennium
a) the Word of God6.) John described Christ's feet as being like unto:
b) an actual sword like the one Peter used
a) Iron mixed with miry clay7.) Candlesticks symbolize:
b) Brass
a) Churches8.) The seven stars were in which of Christ's hands?
b) Angels
a) His Left Hand9.) How many of the seven churches did Jesus find no fault with?
b) His Right Hand
a) 510.) The churches Christ found no fault with both taught about:
b) 2
a) those who claim to be of Judah but are not11.) Christ spoke the words "He who hath an ear let him hear" how many times?
b) the Nicolaitanes
a) 512.) The church of Ephesus:
b) 7
a) lost it's first love and are Biblically illiterate13.) The church of Smyrna:
b) are rich and increased with goods
a) is admonished for celebrating Easter14.) The church of Pergamos:
b) Christ finds no fault with
a) has preachers who teach for the money15.) The church of Thyatira:
b) tries those who say they are apostles
a) is about to lose its candlestick16.) The church of Sardis:
b) teaches false doctrines such as rapture
a) is dead (spiritually)17.) The church of Philadelphia:
b) has no one who has not defiled their garments
a) has the key of David18.) The church of Laodicea:
b) holds the doctrine of Balaam
a) is rich an increased with goodsFill in the blanks.
b) Christ finds no fault with
19.) Which two churches did Christ find no fault with?
__________________ & _________________20.) Which of the Seven Churches most resembles the one you attend, and why?
__________________ because _________________________________Bonus Question (Yes or No)
21.) Do you have eyes to see and ears to
hear? NO
_____ YES _____
You can correct your own papers by looking up the answers* in the Word of God. Get used to it! That's where all the answers are. When you have a question, don't run to some "learned" person. Go directly to Jesus Christ, the Living Word. He will answer you in the Written Word.
*Question 20 is a test of honest evaluation and is subjective, subject also to your honesty.
Question 21 is intuitive.
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this section of Revelation concerning Christ's message to the Seven Churches. He obviously thought it was important for us to evaluate what we believe and what our church may be teaching! For that which they teach either aligns with His Word, or they are just following what tradition has laid before them, never waking up from their slumber, never anointing their eyes with the poultice, and thereby robbing the people of their crowns.
The blind leading the blind, the "learned" leading the "unlearned". And so it has continued until we now find ourselves in the midst of the great famine of the end time that Christ warned us about in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. The famine is for hearing the truth of His Word!
Amos 8:11
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
From sea to shining sea they run. They enter into the House of God as hungry sheep in the dark. But they are not fed and the light is not turned on. Instead, they are sheared and left to stand naked without honor. It's a serious matter. It's a matter of eternal life and death.[12] And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
In chapter 4, pamphlet 9304 we will procede with to our
current 2013 study of the "Revelation of Jesus Christ"
Published by:
Rhine
Publishing Co.
E-mail address - americanwisdomseries@verizon.net