Why will it all happen? Part 1: The Overcoming Church & the 7's

“The Overcoming Church”

7 Churches: 

7 letters, 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 vials, 7 angels, 7 plagues, 7 heads 

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7 

The number that represents a perfect scenario (and sound of) achieving what it was set out to achieve, or bring forth: and we will see this number again, and again, and again— in the book of the prophecy of the Revelation of Jesus that John brought forth— unto the last generation.

There is a reason it will play out like it will: it is the only way to redeem as many as will be redeemed: remember this as we go forward: and let us learn and heed what we are called to hear and respond to— by the Spirit of the Lord.

There is a rhyme and reason to it all— and it is to seek and to save that which is lost— of those that were willing, and known from before the foundation, in he who is the beginning, and he who is the end: and time for this is upon us.

[video link: https://youtu.be/0XXxoE7XIIs ]

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He said to me:  “It’s less about the ‘what’ will happen, and the ‘when’ will it happen, and more about— Do we know WHY it’s to happen?  And are the people of the earth (and my house) ready to meet their Maker?” 

• The end time revelation of Christ Jesus and the weighing and testing of the people/churches (the making of a people), as he separates— wheat and tares, his bride, sons, and saints— from the worldly population.

Are his people (saints) prepared to meet him— and by the standard of reformation he has set and established— in Jesus Christ?

• what God is saying to me, right now:

“Janet, it is like the little book, and it must come forth.  We must speak to the people and explain WHY all of this is coming to be— BEFORE IT COMES TO BE— in hopes that some shall repent, and turn to me once again.

We will detail out the cross referencing, we will explain and expound, we will plead and we will pray, we will intercede and we will work the priesthood, we will prophecy to them, and we will warn them with everything we’ve got— every bit of everything we’ve got.  

And then— it is up to each man.

But if we warn them, now, perhaps, some will repent, some will turn back to me, some will share the teaching— and some will be saved.  I have hope in my servants and our efforts: many have forsaken their mandates and calling, as I sent them forth in the earth; but others— have picked up the slack and are pulling double duty: it will all get done, and I am very grateful to the faithful.

I am coming soon, Janet, and tell them— with me, comes my reward.  I am faithful and true— and I take care of mine, and I bless those that bless me, with requited love for both myself and the brethren, who work the mission field with me in the earth.

These things are set out perfectly to accomplish the best, and just, results of what man has sown: we work mercy and grace, but we work justice and godly judgment as well; and in this— some will be saved, albeit, by fire.”

—Your Creator, Maker, and Savior

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Revelation 2:7

“He that has an ear— let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes I will give him [grant him] to eat of the tree of life— which is in the midst of the paradise [a park, an Eden] of God.”

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The Lord has been speaking to me about how men and women (the human race) desire to know ‘what’ will happen, and ‘when’ it will happen; but truly have need, moreso, to know— ‘why’ it will happen, and are they ‘prepared’ to meet their God.

Human nature (based in the flesh nature) desires to have knowledge of things (know things), this is the fall into the tree of knowledge where we think that because we have information— we are thereby safer, or powerful with knowledge.  But I have found that it is oftentimes a self-sufficient safety and power that comes from thinking that if we have the knowledge— we will ‘be’ safe or powerful: but it is in Christ we are safe, and he is the powerful one— not us, alone, in the tree of knowledge.

Men and women are also working in fear when desiring to know the ‘what and the when,’ more so than the ‘why, and are we prepared,’ because— fear says: if you know what is coming, and when it’s coming, you have power in that knowledge, and you can plan ahead and find safety in your planning.

The safety is not in the knowledge of knowing what is coming (and he does inform us of this, anyhow), but the safety is in the Lord God, his might, his power to save, and his love for us, with his nature and faithfulness.

The power is not in the knowledge of what is coming or when; the power is in turning toward God, serving him, exalting him, letting him do his workmanship inside of us (even calming us, and leading us), listening to his headship, leaning into and upon him (faith reliance), and knowing we are his— he has paid for us with his life— and he will take care of his own possessions.

Knowledge alone (knowing what and when) will not save us or give us power: awareness of God (knowledge of God) is the only power to save, and coupling with him— brings this salvation in.

We have much more need to know ‘why’ what is coming is coming; and whether we are a building built and furnished by the making of God inside, mature, and authentically walking in the paths of righteousness, and in the ways of the Lord in his attributes— erect inside of us, with his headship leading in authority in us, and obediently loving him as he asked us to… or not.

He has tasked me in this life with showing his people the way back to ‘first love,’ which is him; but it’s also how to do life with him, and what kind of relationship he is desiring with us: and that is one where he’s in the parent role, we are a submissive loving child learning of him; and we are succeeding at this with his attributes (born of his interior renovating going on by the work and influence of his Holy Spirit as we bow to him) —his attributes being erected inside of us, and we giving reverence to his his character and ways inside of us, as he is in the leadership role— as we become what he is, with him, as one spirit inside: two— becoming one in spirit and truth (authenticity of inner man— as Christ is, we are to be).

He will tell us of things to come, he is a good God, Creator, and Father; but we have more need to be PREPARED for it all, and prepared for our Lord’s return to not only receive a people made ready (in time), but also to be prepared for the preparatory period of testing that will come upon the inhabitants of the earth, in the hour of testing.

We can only be ready or prepared, if we have gleaned from the scripture (of all the stories, really, the entirety of the bible, but mostly) of the 7 churches, and their failures or shortcomings, sin (missing the mark) and idolatry (demonic ways being enacted), and their successes with God and his Spirit, as the counselor/teacher/leader of them in what they actually aligned with Christ in/on: and taking all of the lessons ‘into’ ourselves, and APPLYING the value of them to our own lives: we are gleaning from other people’s fields (lives), or are supposed to, anyway.

This is what he means when he says…

“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

He’s calling us to take heed to the lessons of the churches (the people who are claiming him, and called to be separate from the world spirit and ways, and being led of the Spirit of God).  And he’s calling us to listen with spiritual ears of understanding, as his Spirit details out to us the ‘why’ is what is going to happen in John’s revelation of Jesus Christ, his people, and the world— going to happen.

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And why will some be overcomers, and some will not?

Why will some be saved, and some will not (lord, lord, in that day)?

And of those who will endure to the end to be saved, why/how will they?

Why is there a war with the Dragon and God and his people, anyway?

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All these questions and more— can be answered in the study of the churches: for who is it that has given heed to the Dragon, and why is the Dragon dealing with the church and remnant of God’s seed in the first place?

Because it was said in the genesis, the beginning:  

Genesis 3:15 – “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; It shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

The war was never over anything other than the satanic minds (born of satan and his headship/leadership) facing off with those who are born of the ‘Seed’ of God (those led of God, in godliness, and under God, and in union with God; which was supposed to be all of mankind, but has become only a tiny remnant of humanity).

There is a ‘seed of satan’ that is not only the carnal nature— but the intermingling of the fallen angels with the human race— and the results of that union (Nephilim, and the other races of giants, as well as the fallen technology of interfacing A.I. consciousness {demons} with mankind): contaminated flesh, and union with unclean spirits.

The spiritual war, that leads to terrestrial war (earthly), is because of, and pertaining to, those who have Christ’s Spirit erect inside in a leadership role and union with him; against those who have satan’s spirit still erect inside of them (and union with him— through the carnal nature and ways) ruling and reigning their vessels: the spiritual entities backing both of these categories of people (Christ in and with his people, and his holy angels and warring host, or satan and his people and demonic and fallen entities of his army) —is why the warring in the book (and world, in time) of the revealing of Christ Jesus and his bride, saints, and sons takes place (the book of Revelation, or Apocalypse): two kingdoms at war through men and their affiliated spirits.

But take note— the revealing of Christ and his people, and their ultimate victory is what the Apocalypse of Christ (revelation of Christ and his Kingdom) is all about: trials, tests, tribulations, judgments, repentance, refinement, wars, and woe— but it all leads to the overcomers, and the King of them— winning conquests against the darkness and forces of, with the troops of God’s Kingdom, and bringing the ultimate culmination of the Spirit of God coming down and destroying all evil, once and for all.  

And this all leading to the revealing of the King of kings and the Lord of lords, his full victory with his people realized in time and space (in heaven and earth, and under the earth); as well as the melting of the elements, the restoration of all of creation, and the final blow dealing and eradicating darkness and evil once and for all: bearing the New World, bringing forth the New People— the New Ones of Jerusalem— after the final battle and blows have been dealt, and the war that has been already won— plays out to its completion.

It’s time to find out what part each of us plays in this end time battle.

Because he is coming to reveal himself in his people, coming once again into the earth; and by these people in whom he rules and reigns, where his Seed took, and the Son of God is erect in the son of man once again, and the powers that be in the worldly paradigm are set out to go head-to-head with the church of God (through earthly men puppeted by spiritual entities); our Lord comes to do battle, directly, himself, through his people— and for his people (and to offer last chances to turn and repent, and come to the Lord).

In the end, in the culmination of all things— 

God and his people win.

But not without much loss, much devastation, much warring, and much judgment of the wicked, and separation of wheat and tares (with opportunity, usually upon the death bed, but hopefully before— to repent, to turn to him again, authentically, and humbly).

So much more important, from what he has said and shown to me, is to make sure we are under God, reformed to his image— the image of the Son once again— and loving God and brethren the way he said to; so that we are prepared to meet our God (definitely later, but preferably meeting him now inside, and reconciling with him there in his righteousness).

We have been warned already of what is to come, many times, and we have the book to go over it; in fact— we have many books that cross reference this telling of the things to come.  

We have much more need for teaching, preaching, expounding, defining, and warning of being prepared inside: not only for what is to come— but to be on sure ground that we are with God now, united to him now, gaining his attributes resurrected inside of us now— with his character and integrity of, intact; to be people prepared for the Lord, by the Lord/of the Lord and his work inside, by the Word of his Truth, and by the workmanship of his hand— so that we are prepared to be received of him when he arrives.

Luke 18:7-8

“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bears long with them?  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man comes— shall he find faith on the earth?”

Luke 1:16-17

“And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.  And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers —to the children, and the disobedient— to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Revelation 19:7

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come— and his bride has made herself ready.”

Those marrying themselves in covenant to God holy, righteous, and true— have a reasonable service to do: make ourselves ready for our bridegroom to receive us: as in— be ye holy as I am holy, sanctify yourselves by the word— as I sanctified myself for your sake, and be ye humble as I am humble, meek, and lowly: we are to be conformed to the image of Son once again, a workmanship of God; but we do— need to surrender to this work, and collaborate with him to bring this workmanship to fruition in the earth (vessel): it’s a partnership.

Our faith— is in living works, coupling with the Spirit of God in our daily lives; or else— like a body without a spirit is dead, so is our faith: we are to be working with God in the earth (vessel, and amongst men in time and space).

These verses are far more important to understand, and those about the churches— than only the ‘what’ is coming, and ‘when’ is it coming: we have need to be reformed, submissive, serving God and being about our Father’s business— so that when our Savior returns to receive us, he will find us ready to be received.

That is not a desire to be received— it is a standard lived, and with a person in the headship role of us that we have been found to be in partnership with, in an authentic relationship, where truth and righteousness are exalted within, along with God— when he comes to gather us all together.

And for those reasons— he has asked me to go into detail (as he has thus far taught me) about the 7 churches (and the lessons to learn and apply to our lives); and the correlation of things to come (and 7 seals to be opened) upon the earth— because of the showdown between God and his true church, and that of the apostate or impostor church— and satan who is behind them.

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The 7 Churches

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1. Church of Ephesus:

The book of Ephesians is about the church at Ephesus, and it outlines how believers should live out their reconciliation with God and with each other. The most information of all the churches mentioned in the book of Revelation, is in regards to the church of Ephesus, because we have the book of Ephesians, as well in scripture— the church of Ephesus; and it encourages believers to speak the truth in love, separate from pagan influences, and be subject to one another. 

The book of Ephesians also discusses the spiritual warfare that Christians face, and the armor they can use to defeat the enemy, and this armor is PRIESTLY armour: which means— authentic life lived following Jesus Christ, interiorly, and through his Holy Spirit’s resurrection of the New Man in us (in attributes and actions). 

This armor includes the truth lived from our center (belt), the righteousness of Christ walked out in our hearts/center most of us (breastplate), the gospel of peace walked out (on our feet, shod, shoes) in our lives/lived, faith walked out (which is true reliance upon Christ, but also the truth, and fidelity of) and that faith lived and walked out is a spiritual shield to us– that quenches the fiery darts/arrows of the enemy’s attacks toward us, and our salvation (relationship with God restored inside of our minds, his headship— and minding him, united with him again through the blood of the Lamb’s life given— protects our heads (he is the head, we the body), and the sword that defends us— is the Spirit himself as he goes before us, and behind us as our rear guard. Praying always with supplications for the brethren.

Ephesians 1:10

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; in him.”

So…..

• One thing we are to gather with learning from the Ephesians is that Christ was declaring through Paul and his epistle— that we are to be gathered together in oneness, in Christ Jesus: all of heaven and earth.

• And in verse 17 and 18 of chapter 1 we are to learn that we are to be gaining wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (awarenesses/knowing) of Christ Jesus.

“...the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened.”

• And in verses 22 and 23 of chapter 1 we learn that we are to have him as a headship over us, the church.

“gave him to be the head over all things to the church— 

Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.”

• In chapter 2 of Ephesians, in verses 10 and 20-22, we learn that we were once children of wrath, or better described in the Strong’s definition— children of passions (as wrath is described as passion), children led of desires (carnal and fleshly), but that we have been given Christ and his Spirit to indwell us, and are now to be ‘his workmanship,’ or made of him now— unto good works/deeds that come from the interior of our inner man; that we are now children of the Spirit of God, holiness, and righteousness; and we need to be given to the Spirit of God now, and walk therein, led of him, and in union to him.  

He broke down the wall of partition between us (we and him), and we are now reconciled to him, and all he is— slaying the enmity between us: and becoming all in one, and one in all, and one for all, and all for one.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the Lord:  In whom you also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.”

• And in Ephesians 3, verses 14-19, we see that we are to be strengthened in our inner man with might, and that comes by interaction with his Spirit (this deals with fear, and with weakness— for he is with us, and in us, and he is the Almighty): he is to be dwelling in our hearts, literally (spiritually literally), in side of us in our deepest inner man.  We are to be rooted (meaning it’s growing and flourishing in us, erect) —in love.

We are to KNOW the love of CHRIST, which goes beyond head knowledge of the scriptures, it is to know him personally (the plumbline the scriptures, the launching pad— the scriptures): and in this the secret— that is how you are FILLED WITH THE FULLNESS OF GOD.

Not having a knowledge basis only— but KNOWING him, personally, inside, in the heart, the mind, the sound-whole of us: this knowing of God surpasses knowledge alone: it brings us into experiential knowledge, which is to not hear of someone— but to engage that someone.

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ— Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named;  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might— by his Spirit— in the inner man;  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you— being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height (of that love, and of Christ);  And to know the love of Christ— which passes knowledge— that you might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

• Chapter 4 begins with telling us we are to walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus. That is saying we are to be authentic, and people of follow through with God, from the depths of our inner man: walking the walk we talk, or have learned of.  Where head knowledge becomes heart knowledge, lived: becoming the word incarnate— as YahShua demonstrated, and leads us into. 

And we learn that we are to be coming into unity, so oneness with one another is emphasized to be learned and applied; and with that oneness of reliance upon Christ Jesus and the truth itself— we are to be getting to know Christ Jesus and coming into the perfect man himself (and he in us, bringing us into his image again), and unto a MATURE STATURE, of the fulness of Christ: which means— we are to come into the full knowledge of his person and his image, all the way into maturity of ‘as he is,’ so shall we be.

And we are not to walk as other Gentiles walk, being alienated from the life of God (verse 18), and in blindness of heart: that means— we are to know our hearts/souls/inner man, and be acquainted well with the Spirit of God in them, taking inventory of them.

And instructed to not give place to the devil inside our hearts or minds (verse 27).

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.

Do not give place to the devil.”

• In Ephesians 5, verse 8 we are called now light in the Lord, and instructed to walk in the light.  And verse 10 tells us that we will be required to prove we are children of the Light.  We are called to walk circumspectly, for the days are evil (the culture and generation— be ye separate), in verses 15 and 16— redeeming the time: we are not to be lazy, but actively working in redemption (not wasting time).  In verse 17 it tells us we are to understand the will of the Lord, personally, and directly.  We are to sing melody to the Lord and give thanks in all things, and submit one to another in the ‘fear of’ God: this is first love.

And in verses 26 and 27 we learn that we are to be sanctified (washed and cleansed) by the word, in order to be presented to him as a glorious church— not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing— holy and without blemish: and it goes on to say, because we are joined to him as one flesh, like husband and wife— and this is a mystery of God, or rather a reason we are to be clean and sanctified inside by and with him, for we are joined to him; and we are not be harlots any longer, like Gomer; but instead we are to be Esthers— purified and cleansed, prepared for her King.  

“... you are now light in the Lord: so walk as children of light.  

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise— redeeming the time— because the days are evil.  ….understanding what the will of the Lord is.  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word— That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

• In chapter 6, verses 1-7 discuss children (us) being obedient to parents (God), and servants (us) to their masters (God, especially as priests in the order of Melchizedek): but also to be doing with the right heart posture, as we do the will of God, with pleasure.  And then discusses the priestly understanding of the armor of God (addressed elsewhere in this work).  

“But as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.”

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Ephesus, in the book of the revealing of Jesus Christ, 

his Kingdom, and people— given to John: Revelation.

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Revelation 2:1-6

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know your works, and your labour, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil: and you have tried them who say they are apostles [delegate– sent out on a mission with authority, commissioned– sent out on authority of a specific person (in this case it would be Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit), ambassadors– sent out messenger] — and are not— and have found them liars:  And have borne, and have patience— and for my name's sake— have laboured, and have not fainted.

Nevertheless I have somewhat against you— because you have left your first love.

Remember therefore from whence you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent.

But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes— which I also hate.”

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So they did patient work/labor, and cannot bear or cannot stand evil, tried (tested out) the apostles (discerned) and found apostate or impostors (speaking things— not living authentically or reverently), they hated the ways of the Nicolatians (sexual immorality and idolatrous worship— and indifference to it), and they did not faint in all of this: they did not waver, but continued steadfast in these things.

But in all the ministry— in all the ‘doing of duties or things,’ they left their main mission— life with God; and they fell away from God and loving him first and foremost, and receiving his love.

He then tells us how to overcome this, or what to do about these things if we find we too have left our first love, and we are convicted of our inner man caring about all kinds of actions (but lost sight of God and intimacy with him, and submission to him in the process):  repent and do again what we did in the beginning— honor God, righteousness, our real identity, and reverence God in our lives again in an intimate and submissive relationship to him; not a life lived of good works alone— whilst completely being led of self to do them, not God, and missing the main point: the reyoking to him as he leads us, and reforms us, and we do love requited (obedience to him) unto him.

The candlestick he will remove— is the lampstand that houses the seven spirits of God:

His presence, his knowledge, his understanding of his knowledge, his counsel of his knowledge, and his wisdom that teaches all he is of his knowledge (his awares, and of himself), his understanding of these things, and the teacher himself counseling us in his ways (this is parenting of us, raising us up in the way, each day, situation, and issue at a time). 

His might to do this, and all whilst reverencing him in the fear of the Lord (knowing him in his awe inspiring, holy knock-you-to-your-knees understanding of how truly unlike anyone else he is, in his crazy-strong power of his person, in his righteous presence that he is.

All that… All that person of God— removed from our inner man, removed from engaging with him in these ways; all of his person being detailed to us in his fullness of who he is— will be removed from us.  

That’s a HORRIFYING understanding; and all because we fell into religion— and not relationship: this is why the homework to rectify this is— REPENT and DO THE BRING INTO REMEMBRANCE WHERE YOU FELL FROM (intimate, reverent, authentic union with God Almighty, requited love— obedient to him, not self leadership, again), and DO THE FORMER THINGS.

The Ephesians became apathetic, indifferent or— as defined— having no particular interest or concern of either good or bad, no partiality for or against— not differing: lukewarm, complacent, and allowing idolatry.

We cannot do this either.  We cannot compromise, we must stay reverent to our Lord, and obedient with fidelity— to our relationship to the Lord, and his righteousness.

Many excuse the things (meaning— continue in them) that the Nicolatians did: sexual immorality, and self exaltation (yoking with devils) —becoming idolatrous (having other gods, or spirits that lead one inside).

We cannot be as they are— and claim we are of the narrow pathways of Christ and his righteousness (right living in and with him, reformed person inside into the image of the Son once again).

The church of Ephesus is commended in the Bible for their hard work, dedication to testing false teachers, and intolerance of evil, but they are criticized for losing their "first love" and allowing their zeal for good works to overshadow genuine love and compassion towards others; essentially, they were doing the right things but with the wrong motivation, lacking a deep personal relationship with Christ. 

Things done right  

Active ministry:  They were a very active church, actively working to spread the gospel and were not afraid to confront false teachings and practices. 

Discernment of false teachers: The Ephesians were vigilant in identifying and rejecting false apostles and doctrines, demonstrating a strong commitment to doctrinal purity. 

Perseverance and toil: They were known for their hard work and dedication to the Christian faith, not shying away from difficult tasks. 

Things done wrong

Loss of "first love": Despite their outward actions, Jesus criticized them for losing their initial passion and love for him, suggesting their focus on works had overshadowed their personal relationship with God, as detailed out in chapter 2 of the book of Revelation. 

Lack of compassion: Their zeal for righteousness might have come across as harsh or judgmental, potentially neglecting the element of love and grace in their interactions with others. 

Potential for spiritual complacency: By focusing so much on outward activities, they really may have become complacent in their spiritual growth and personal relationship with Christ.

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2. The Church of Smyrna: 

Revelation 2:11

“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

Revelation 2:8-11

“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 your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them who say they are Jews, and are not— but are the synagogue of Satan.

Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be faithful unto death— and I will give you a crown of life.

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.”

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The church of Smyrna is primarily praised in the Bible for enduring intense persecution with unwavering faith, refusing to compromise their beliefs even in the face of death, and remaining steadfast in their commitment to Christ despite significant suffering; essentially, they did ‘everything right’ by staying faithful under extreme pressure, while there is no recorded instance of them doing anything significantly wrong, as the text only highlights their resilience in the face of hardship. 

Key points about Smyrna

Unwavering faith: They refused to worship the Roman emperor or participate in pagan practices, even when it meant facing severe persecution and martyrdom.

Enduring suffering: The church in Smyrna endured significant hardship and tribulation without wavering in their Christian beliefs.

Public witness: Despite the opposition, they openly proclaimed their faith in Jesus Christ.

Spiritual richness: Jesus commends them for their spiritual wealth despite their outward poverty.

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3. The church of Pergamum: rev 1 & 2

Revelation 2:17

“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

Revelation 2:12-17

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write— These things saith he which has the sharp sword with two edges; I know your works, and where you dwell— even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith— even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

But I have a few things against you, because you have there, those 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 have you also those that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, that which I hate.

Repent; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them (you) with the sword of my mouth.

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes I will 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 knows saving he that receives it.”

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The church of Pergamum is commended in the Bible for remaining steadfast in their faith despite intense persecution and a surrounding culture heavily influenced by paganism; but they are criticized for tolerating false teachings and immoral practices within the church, failing to exercise proper church discipline against those who followed the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, and essentially compromising their beliefs by not actively addressing these issues within their community; this is often summarized as ‘holding fast to Christ's name, while allowing sinful behavior to persist.’

Things done right

Maintaining faith under persecution: The church at Pergamum is praised for not denying their faith despite living in a place where Satan's influence was strong. 

Martyrdom: The example of Antipas, a believer who was martyred for his faith, is mentioned as a positive attribute of the church. 

Things done wrong

Tolerating false teachings: The church allowed individuals to follow the teachings of Balaam, which promoted idolatry and immorality, without actively confronting or disciplining them. 

Nicolaitan influence: The church also tolerated the Nicolaitans, a group known for promoting sexual immorality and participation in pagan practices. 

Lack of church discipline: The major criticism of the Pergamum church is that they— failed to actively address and discipline members engaging in sinful behavior— essentially condoning it, by not taking action.

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4. The church of Thyatira: 

Revelation 3:29

“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

Revelation 3:18-29

“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write— These things saith the Son of God, who has his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;  I know your works— and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience— and your works; and the last to be more than the first.

Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer (tolerate, let) that woman Jezebel— who calls 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 those 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 who searches 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 you have already, hold fast— till I come.

And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end— to him I will 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 has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

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The church of Thyatira, according to the Book of Revelation, is commended for their good works, love, faith, service, and patient endurance; however, their major downfall was allowing a false prophetess, referred to as ‘Jezebel,’ to lead members into immorality and idolatry, essentially tolerating serious sin within the church despite their positive qualities. 

Things done right

Strong commitment to good works: The church at Thyatira was praised for their active demonstration of love, faith, service, and perseverance.

Positive character traits: Jesus acknowledged their dedication to good deeds and their display of genuine love within the community. 

Things done wrong

Tolerating false teaching: The church allowed a woman, identified as ‘Jezebel,’ to spread immoral teachings and lead people into idolatry, which Jesus strongly condemned.

Compromise with evil: By not actively confronting and addressing the influence of ‘Jezebel,’ the church essentially condoned her actions and teachings. 

Key takeaway: While the church at Thyatira exhibited commendable qualities— their failure to stand against serious sin and false teaching within their community became a major point of criticism from Jesus.

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5. The church of Sardis: 

Revelation 3:6

“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit 

saith unto the churches.”

Revelation 3:1-5

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write— These things saith he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that (claims) you live— but are dead.

Be watchful [awake and vigilant], and strengthen [set fast to, confirm and establish] the things which remain [the remaining residue], that are ready to die [die off]: for I have not found your works to be perfect [leveled up, furnished, finished, verified, coinciding with, accomplished, completed] before God.

Remember therefore how [in what manner, what way] you have received and heard— and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch [awaken and be vigilant] —I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you.

You have a few names (people) in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

He that overcomes— 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.”

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The church of Sardis is primarily criticized in the Bible for being spiritually dead despite having a reputation for being alive, meaning they appeared outwardly Christian but lacked genuine faith and practice; however, the positive aspect is that even within this "dead" church, a small group of faithful individuals remained who were commended for keeping their garments pure, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to Christ. 

Things done right by a few in Sardis

Remaining faithful: A small group within the church stayed true to their Christian convictions and maintained a pure faith, represented by the imagery of "unstained garments." 

Commitment to Christ: These faithful individuals demonstrated genuine devotion to Jesus despite the surrounding spiritual apathy. 

Key takeaway: While the church of Sardis is largely viewed as a cautionary tale about complacency and spiritual decline, the message also highlights the importance of individual faithfulness even when a broader community may be struggling.

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6. The church of Philadelphia: 

Revelation 3:13

“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit 

saith unto the churches.”

Revelation 3:7-12

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write— These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, that no man opens;  I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have 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 come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you 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 fast that which you have, so that no man takes your crown.

Him that overcomes 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 comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”

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According to the Bible, the church of Philadelphia is commended for their unwavering faithfulness to Christ, never denying His name, and remaining obedient to His word, even in the face of persecution; essentially, they did ‘nothing wrong’ in the eyes of Jesus, making them one of the only churches in the Book of Revelation without rebuke. 

What the church of Philadelphia did right

Unwavering faith: They remained steadfast in their belief in Jesus despite potential opposition. 

Keeping Jesus' name: They never denied Jesus' identity or teachings. 

Obedience to God's word: They followed the Bible faithfully and consistently. 

Enduring persecution: They persevered through hardship without compromising their beliefs. 

Strength from God: They drew their power and resilience from their relationship with God. 

Overall, the church of Philadelphia is presented as a model of Christian faithfulness, demonstrating the importance of staying true to one's convictions— even when facing challenges.

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7. The church of Laodicea: 

Revelation 3:22

“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit 

saith unto the churches.”

Revelation 3:14-21

“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 your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would that you were cold or hot.

So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot— I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and I have need of nothing; and you do not know that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  I counsel you to buy of me gold— tried in the fire— that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear; and to anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see.

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 hears my voice, and opens the door— I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

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The church of Laodicea in the Bible is primarily criticized for being complacent, spiritually proud, and overly focused on material wealth, essentially believing they were ‘rich and needed nothing’ despite their spiritual poverty, leading to a lukewarm and apathetic attitude towards their faith; Jesus rebukes them for this lack of genuine commitment and urges them to repent and seek true riches in God. 

Key points about Laodicea

Materialistic mindset: Laodicea was a wealthy city, and the church members seemed to prioritize their material possessions and financial success over their spiritual life, leading to a sense of self-sufficiency and complacency. 

Spiritual lukewarmness: Jesus describes their condition as ‘lukewarm,’ meaning they were neither fully devoted to God nor actively opposing him, but rather— indifferent and lacking passion in their faith. 

Pride and self-deception: The church members were blind to their own spiritual shortcomings, believing they were rich and needed nothing— when in reality— they were spiritually poor and naked. 

Lack of repentance: The message to Laodicea emphasizes the need for repentance and a change of heart, to turn away from their worldly priorities and seek a genuine relationship with God. 

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Summation of the 7 churches: 

Both the good and the bad

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Some things of note, interest, that the Lord said to the people of the churches as he addressed them, and what they mean to take note of: and he is constantly reiterating that we are to ‘have an ear’ unto the Lord, and ‘hear what the Spirit is saying.’

1. He begins by making note that he holds the seven stars in his right hand— it is he who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.  

The seven stars are the angels over the churches— watching, recording, and reporting; and the seven candles(sticks) are the seven spirits of God: he notes this with Ephesus— because they had forgotten God is watching and walking up and down in them, and recording all things, and justly so; as well as his reminding that because of heart posture he can withdraw his holy Spirit, or flourish it in a house (church member or congregation, it’s a reverence thing).  

So we see God is making emphasis that some of the reason things will go astray in the earth (vessels, as well as the whole of the church and humanity) is because people have forgotten he has supervision over us, and scribes detailing everything out (powers that be), and he is desiring to engage us with his Holy Spirit, and seven spirits of God; but if we will not have it— they will be removed.

2. To Smyrna he emphasizes— he that is the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.  This is his desire to speak to the church going through much persecution— even unto death or imprisonment— that he has the final say, and the last foe overcome is death: even he was dead— but yet, eternally, lives.  This is the love and comfort of God extended to the church enduring hard trials of their faith and fidelity to God, and the truth lived in authenticity within them.

3. In the church (culture in the people, lived) he says— he who has the sharp sword with two edges: this is emphasising the truth by which he weighs all things in his holiness and justice.  This church had issues with upholding idolatry and fornication: and people upholding the lifestyle of the Nicolations (fornication of sexual immorality, and idolatry— devilish ways upheld, and devils affiliated with).

He also speaks of coming to deal with them directly— with the sword of his mouth (the truth weighed against them, and having terrestrial consequences, life and death consequences for what they are exemplifying to others, and upholding).  

He also says— To him that overcomes— which means there is a truth to be lived, and sanctification to be had, and a consecrated life to be upheld, and to endure till the end: if a man will do this— he will give them of the hidden manna (truth and sustenance), and will give him a white stone (purity/white, stone/chip off the old block in reformed image assumed once again, as like Jesus), and the stone will bring forth a new name (which speaks to a New Man brought forth, via truth lived).

4. To Thyatira he says— I am the Son of God, who has his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass: this speaks to his Lamb role with the blood that is to make atonement and union once again to wayward man— and righteousness in union with God again; but also speaks into his Kingship, as the ultimate authority figure over the house of God now.  He has eyes of fire— this speaks of holiness and righteousness, and the power behind him in it; and feet that are like fine brass— this speaks of the refined life lived and reflecting all that God is at his foundation, and the need for man to be living the same.

This church culture was working ‘good religious works,’ but suffered Jezebel (pride and perversion) — and kept her and her ways around without doing anything about them/her, as she led men astray and perverted the temple/vessels. They were lazy and complacent with idolatry and evil.  They walked in disrespect toward his holiness (set apart) and his righteousness (character and ways from above) —and their foundation was a mess because of exaltation of satan, instead of God, in the inner man, and in the congregation:  separation unto God was an issue.

He also states— I am he who searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.  This speaks of justly giving to a man what he is truthfully choosing from his heart, and sow and reap taking place: reins— our ability to be led of him— he the headship for real over us, not us as little gods; and trying of the hearts speaks of seeing the truth that is erect inside a man (darkness or light, like God or satan): and the results of the spiritual law of sow and reap will take place.

He is warning the church of the consequences of their hearts, ability to be turnabout by him (or satan), and the need to understand he has a standard of holiness and righteousness that is to be upheld and walked in; as much as a foundation of it with him, that is to be founded in a man’s life (inner man, heart).  

And to those doing this— he will add no other burden to them to endure— but such as they are already enduring (compassion and gratitude expressed of him).

He also states— he who overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: this speaks of walking the walk, enduring the trials, living the truth, sowing and reaping of that type of walk— will bring forth a oneness with Jesus that will rule over other people (or have authority over others), and walk in power under the holy God: why?

Because they are erected in holiness and righteousness, and have the proper foundation erected upon their walk in the earth (their brass feet, those of oneness with God, and submission to him).  These are they who will overcome the darkness within, eradicating it, and will walk in the righteousness of Christ (meaning— abide in those ways inside, where Christ dwells, and in what he brings forth— being conformed into his image inside): in these— authority will be given in the earth as they uphold the holy God.  And the enemy against them— will be utterly broken, and brought to nought before these sons (offspring).

And this will be done— because Jesus himself will go with them: the Morning Star.

5. In Sardis, once again, he mentions— that he is the one who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: speaking of the need for the fullness of God (given when one is ready to study under God, reverently: the 7 spirits, tutors of him), and the stars or angels over the churches— this speaking of the record keeping, and analysis of the people, and the coupling with heaven and God’s kingdom (and angels of holiness), or not.

They didn’t have good works toward God and his ways, and they were called to repent.  Some— he said have not soiled themselves, and he calls them worthy.  To the others he extends an invitation to repent and overcome darkness within them— and in doing so gain white raiment (purity), and have their names written in the book of life, and not have it blotted out, but confessed before the Father and angels.

This is all speaking of the need to couple with God’s Spirit, walk in righteousness, and couple with the forces of heaven that he has given to accomplish this work: if one will— then the works will become good works, perfect works, for the foundation is sure.  It will also enable them in clean white garments of purity (coming out of darkness and into the light), and their names will be written in the book of life, and confessed before God and angels:  because they will have lived before God and angels (recording, as well) in authenticity and purity of heart and actions.

6. With the church of Philadelphia he writes as an address— saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens.  

Which speaks to the fact that the people of Philadelphia were walking in holiness, truth, and moving in the key of David: firstly— proper heart posture unto God, his righteousness, and his headship over them; but also speaks to giving them the ability to walk in authority with God because of their walk— and doing things no other men will do: accessing the gates of heaven, and in the souls of men, and dealing with spiritual matters in the heavens and earth: these are one with Jesus and his priestly AND kingly position: these are priests and kings under him, and in authority with him in the heavens and earth: the Order of Melchizedek.

This is why he states to them— Behold (look, listen up), I come quickly (to you), so hold fast to that in which you have (are walking in, and the relationship they have established with God), and let no man take your crown (authority, given— because of their reverent walk with God, and service unto the crown, and excellent character and works lived, in coupling with the way, the truth, and the life).

And when living this way with God and mankind— these will be made everlasting pillars (staple peoples, foundational peoples) inside the temple of the Lord (holy of holies and throne room) of God, forever: and these will never leave (always abide spiritually) in these places within God and his Kingdom.  And he will write upon these ones— the name of God, and name of the city of God— New Jerusalem (for this is whom they serve, and where they live in spiritual life); and this place, and life, and one they serve— comes down to us from heaven, from God himself: and these will carry the new name.

These— are the loyal ones to God, the Kingdom, the brethren, the way, the truth, and the life we are to be conformed back into— and live out: these are the sons of God, and the maturity of the bride of Christ— alive in the earth, and heaven, simultaneously. 

These— are our example, calling, and mandate to fulfill in life with our Father, King, bridegroom, Savior, Comforter, and High Priest of our confession: as one with the Spirit of God.

7. Laodicea, why does he address them firstly with— this saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God?  

Because he’s drawing focus to the fact that the ‘amen,’ or the ‘so it is,’ is that he is who he says he is, and he is faithful and true (a need the lukewarm have, to reverence him in faithfulness and authenticity, a true witness— not lack of integrity of walk and relationship); and they have need to remember— he is the God of all of creation, he rules, he reigns, he sees all since the beginning, and he is the first born of many brethren to follow— and no one comes back into union with the Father— except those that come through him.

He is stating their half-heartedness, and lack of fidelity to him and the way, and being a false witness for Christ, the way, the truth, and the life we are to live in authenticity with God, and reverence to him: and he is the Almighty Creator of all, since the beginning.  

These statements garner the fear of the Lord in them: and that if they do not change— they will be cast out of him.  

And he begs them— go through sanctification and refinement in the holy fires, in your inner man (gold refined), so that they may be truly, spiritually rich; and so that they will don white raiment (purity of authenticity lived with and in Christ Jesus and his righteousness fulfilled in our hearts, minds, and lives); and so that they will be clothed properly— without spot or wrinkle (prepared people of the Lord for his receival); and so that the shame of their nakedness (immorality, and darkness lived) does not appear anymore; but instead righteousness and the record of Christ alive in them, truthfully, by authentic union with him and his Spirit, accomplishing his workmanship in them, as they walkout fear and trembling salvation in them); and their spiritual vision is new, and anointed, in the healing balm of the Lord with his eye salve— so that they can see.

And he also states to them, as an encouragement of this process and all its trials and sufferings— As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, so be zealous therefore, and repent.

Behold— he states— I stand at the door of your hearts, and I knock: if any man will hear my voice, and open the door of his heart to me, truthfully— I will come in unto him, and will sup with him, and he with me: this is the invitation to TRUE salvation— and here in the lukewarm, it is needed, still yet.

And he states to those that overcome, and receive Christ, and fight the good fight, and live authentically unto him, and with him, in true union to him, his way, truth and life— he will grant to sit with him in his throne, because they have overcome, as even he has overcome; and as he is set down with the Father in his throne, so will this man: a call to do life with him for real, to love him for real, and to engage him and his truth, live the life, for real.

The way he begins an address— sets the tone of his emphasis to each addressee: here— he is emphasizing a need for faithfulness, and to be a true witness of Christ Jesus, remembering he is the Creator (the Almighty) of all things; for, perhaps— they are lukewarm because they have forgotten their first love, and his holiness and power, and have need to bring him into remembrance once again, and revere him.

They have need of integrity, headship over them— and first love regained, self thrown down, and proper position under God resummed: they have a reverence problem that needs rectification in Christ Jesus— the King of all kings, and Lord of all lords. 

All his addresses— come full circle with full understanding, if we look closely into why he says them; and we are to learn from every bit of what he puts forth unto the churches. 

Do we have the ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches (the people of God)?

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Things we are to ‘be,’ or be found engaged with—

in Christ Jesus

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• Number one we are to be reconciled with God— an authentic, reverent, whole hearted relationship with the living God, in union with his Spirit (relationship vs. religious head knowledge of God).

• We are to be believers who speak the truth in love, are separated from pagan influences, and are subject to one another.

• We are to be in priestly armor, the armor of the Lord, engaging in spiritual warfare, and walking in the New Man— inside of Christ Jesus, and the New Man walking inside of us (attributes of God erect, reformation having taken place inside, resuming the image of the Son once again in authenticity of person: for we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us to do so):  Truth, Righteousness, Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, Spirit, Prayer for the saints— erect and in action inside.

• Gathered together in oneness— all as one in Christ, and gaining wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (awarenesses/knowing) of Christ Jesus.

• He is to be the headship over us, the one leading us in our day to day thoughts and actions as our superior in whom we yield to once again: we are his workmanship, we are remade of him now— unto good works/deeds that come from the interior of our inner man.

• We are to be strengthened in our inner man with might, which comes by engagement with the Holy Spirit and his Truth.  He is to be dwelling (living, alive) in our hearts (literally, spiritually), inside the deepest functioning spiritual parts of our souls.  And we are to be rooted and growing in love.

• We are to walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus; we are to be walking the walk we talk, or have learned of; where head knowledge becomes heart knowledge, lived: becoming the word incarnate— as YahShua demonstrated, and leads us into. And not to walk as other Gentiles walk, and not give place to the devil: becoming the mature stature and standard of Christ in us.

• We are instructed to walk in the Light, proving we are children of the Light, and to walk circumspectly— which means to live wisely, morally, and cautiously, to analyze our hearts of the truth of their state; and to give heed to the Spirit of God and his ways inside our hearts— casting down and out everything that is set as opposite or opposition to the Spirit, and becoming one with the Spirit of God.  

• We are also called to redeem time— come around and use time wisely now, and get back what we lost in our walks with God.  We are also called to know the will of God personally and directly in our lives; and we are to give thanks in all things, as we submit one to another under the fear of the Lord.

• We are to be sanctified by the word in order to be presented to him as a glorious church— not having spot or wrinkle: things in order without blemish.  We are joined to him like a spouse is, and thus why we are to be clean and sanctified— for we are directly tied to his Holiness, the King of: no more harlot Gomers, but purified Esthers, prepared for the King.

• We are called to be obedient to our parents (God), and servants (us) to our master (God, especially as priests in the order of Melchizedek).

Things said to Ephesus (specifically):

• We are to labor in patience— abhor evil, and test the spirits— especially of those in leadership roles (like apostles) and judge rightly, and address rightly: and faint not in our good doing or serving.

• Hate the deeds of the Nicolations, and do not partake in them: sexual immorality and idolatry in the hearts and lives of men.

Things said to Smyrna (specifically):

• We are to be active in ministry to spread the gospel, and not afraid to confront false teachings and practices (which means we have to know the authentic teachings of Christ, and his ways/practices).

• We must persevere and toil/labor, not shying away from difficult tasks.

• We are called to endure tribulation and poverty, and persecution (especially of the religious); and our lord tells us to not fear what we will suffer because of all of this, whether we be cast into prison, even, or go all the way to bodily death: Smyrna did this well, and God was pleased with them in this, and promised them a crown of life because of this walk of suffering and obedience.

• Refuse to worship or participate in pagan practices— even in the face of severe persecution or death.

• Be a public witness— in the face of opposition.

• Walk in spiritual richness (spiritual attributes and endeavors).

Things said to Pergamus (specifically):

• Hold fast to the faith and the name of the Lord, even unto martyrdom, and especially in the place where satan dwells in plenty.

• Maintained faith under persecution.

Things said to Thyatira (specifically):

• Doing works of charity/love and service, faith and patience; and last (or least) to be exalted more than the first (or greatest).  And some held to this, as well as did not tolerate Jezebel (pride and power of, and unrighteousness, and irreverence toward God, holiness, and truth— lived).  These are overcomers in the worst situations, and the Lord will have them ruling and reigning with him (the Morning Star), and because they have kept his works to the end, and so will walk in power— breaking the enemy of God and brethren to shivers!

For these, remnant— went not into idolatry, nor immorality, nor suffered evil to persist, and remained in good works unto godliness.

Things said to Sardis (specifically):

• Some in Sardis were walking circumspectly with the Lord, and did not defile their garments, and were found worthy (approved).  These were wearing white garments, with names in the book of life, and confessed before God and angels.  These were surrounded by spiritual apathy— but stayed steadfast unto the Lord.

Things said to Philadelphia (specifically):

• They walked in holiness, truth, and carried the key of David— which was given because of their yoking to Jesus, the way, the truth, and living the life; and were able to carry spiritual authority in heaven and earth.

They lived in an open door heavens with God, in the earth.  They kept his word, did not deny his name, were weary— but retained some strength in all they had walked out with God.

These will rule over dark spirits, and even evil men following unrighteousness will come and worship before their feet— which will speak of the truth, with demonstration of the truth, love, righteousness, and power— to the ungodly; and the ungodly will know that God has loved them: God will debut them, and will place his glory in and upon them— for he himself goes with them, is honored in them, abides and lives in them, and has been given preeminence with them, and sits in the seat of supremacy within their hearts, minds, and wills.

They kept his ‘word of his patience,’ meaning— they endured to the end of their trials, upholding God and his way, headship, and cause in their lives; and so— they will be kept against the ‘hour’ of temptation— which shall come upon the whole world, to try men who dwell upon the earth.

{The “hour of temptation,” means— according to Strong’s— a day, hour, instant, or season, of— putting to proof by experiment of good, or experience of evil, discipline or provocation— implication, adversity.  

That means— there is a time period that will come to be in the earth, where the men alive upon the earth will be put to trial, proving what they are made of, where their loyalty lies, who they are spiritually affiliated with, and the truth of their authenticity or hypocrisy.  

It will be a proving of good or evil in a man, and it will be brought forth to prove discipline (discipleship), or it will provoke and prove one to be an adversary of God, godliness, truth, light, love, the way, and life with Christ Jesus, or an advocate of him, and a disciple of him and his way, and truth, truly living life unto him and with him in the earth.  

It has a job to do— to prove men.  

And the true church, of Philadelphia, (who has already gone through their wilderness at the time of the world’s trials and testing) will be saved from ‘this trying;’ because she has already come through her trying and maturation, loyalty and fidelity, testing and tempering— in her wilderness period of testing: others— have not, and will go through it, bidding them to the same life lived with God holy, in authenticity; and they will be tested in the truth of their hearts (as Philadelphia has already been).}

• Philadelphia, the mature church— has a crown of authority, because of her fidelity to God-holy.  And they are pillars, staple people in the building of the Lord, in his household, and they shall remain there with him— in his place of intimacy— forever.  They will have ‘his name’ written on them, as well as New Jerusalem imprinted upon them, and they will be the heaven dwellers, hailing from the Kingdom of God— alive— in the earth: true ambassadors of heaven, and emissaries of God in the earth.

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There is a sound that The Overcoming Church puts forth into the heavens and the earth: it is love, it is truth, it is individual toward God— and it is corporate toward all: it is the sound of the Law fulfilled in Christ Jesus, the Spirit of the Law of Life— in him, erect in his people: the called out holy ones: they sing a new song, and they make a new sound come forth.

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Isaiah 42:10-11

“Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock— sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.  Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands.”

Revelation 5:9-10

“They sung a new song, saying— You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God— by your blood— out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;  And have made us unto our God— kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

Psalm 98:1-3

“O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he has done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, has gotten him the victory.  The Lord has made known his salvation: his righteousness he has openly shown in the sight of the heathen.  He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”

Psalm 40:3

“And he has put a new song in my mouth— praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear— and shall trust in the Lord.”

Psalm 96:1

“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”

Psalm 33:3

“Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.”

Psalm 149:1

“Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise— in the congregation of saints.”

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There is a new sound the Overcomer sings of his Lord God, his Savior, his Warrior King— and it is the authentic song of praise and worship.

It is a new song, born of the New Man creation in Christ Jesus that praises him from one end of their earth to the other: their full being.

It is a new song that the inhabitants of heaven shout from the tops of the mountain of the Lord— calling out his glory and honor, dignity and holiness— in their praise.

It is a new song they sing, and a new sound of his worthiness, his perfect life lived— and the perfect blood atonement made.

It is a new song sung, and a new sound made that shouts of our redemption in him; and calls to the truth that he has made us kings and priests with him, and his reign is forever, and with his people.

It is a song being sung unto the Lord God, a new song that speaks to the marvelous works of the right hand of the Lord God, his holy arm, and his victory! 

It is a new song that sings praise to his salvation— come, his righteousness openly shown in the sight of heaven and earth: for he has remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel!  And all of the earth has seen the salvation of our God!

He has put a new song in our mouths— and it is the song of praise to our God, and Maker of us: many shall see this song sung, and hear this sound come forth upon the earth— and the fear of the Lord shall go forth, and many shall come to trust in the Lord.

“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord— all the earth.  Sing unto him a new song— play skilfully with a loud noise.  Praise ye the Lord— Sing unto the Lord a new song, and praise him— in the congregation of saints.”

There is a new song, and a new sound, that comes from a New Man and New Creation (workmanship done) in Christ Jesus: and this is the sound of his mature sons, his mature woman (bride), and the wise, pure, spiritual virgins of the Lord.

May his new song arise in the earth— as it lives in heaven:  

Revelation 4:8-11

“The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:

Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,

Who was and is and is to come!

Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

You are worthy, O Lord,

To receive glory and honor and power;

For You created all things,

And by Your will they exist and were created.”

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Things we are not supposed to ‘be,’ or be found engaged with—

in Christ Jesus

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• In Ephesus we learn that we are not to lose our first love, we are not to place being ‘right,’ or religious activity over our first calling: to be united to God again, and to revere that relationship over all other things and people.  We also see a lack of repentance (fallenness intact) and spiritual priorities out of order.  And because of these things, the implied consequences are a loss of the 7 spirits of God as present and influential over a person’s life— as the candlestick, and loss of, are revealed as dire consequences of loss of first love, reverent relationship with God Almighty, holy and true: the absolute need for repentance, a turning toward God, holiness, and truth once again— authentically, whole-heartedly within that man.

• Ephesus also demonstrated lack of compassion toward fellow man; that is a heart issue, and sanctification and reverence unto God issue, and because they had lost sight of their first love entirely, and thus— could not walk the walk, only talk the talk; and in this became those walking out religious activities, but devoid of the right heart motives: essentially— dead to the way, the truth, and life inside, with Christ Jesus, and displaying the absolute need for whole-heartedness, and authenticity lived toward God first, and then fellow man (the summation of the law, 1 & 2).  The need for a loss of walking in harsh, judgmental ways toward fellow man— neglecting the elements of love and grace in their interactions with others.

• Ephesus also demonstrated spiritual complacency— essentially the place of not really caring either way, a heart posture of neither hot nor cold toward the ways of God, toward God himself, or the attributes of God coupled with and lived, authentically inside: loss of zeal toward God, the way, the truth, and the life of love; and their spiritual growth and personal relationship with God and brethren— suffered because of it, and pained the body.

• The church of Pergamos held 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: had a need for true repentance.

• Pergamos tolerated false teaching, allowed idolatrous practices and teachings, upheld immorality, and did not confront any of it, or deal with any of it, in a disciplined way— or taking disciplinary actions toward any of it in the congregation— and instead condoned it.

• In Thyatira they tolerated false teaching, allowed Jezebel (pride and power of, and unrighteousness) to persist, and walked in immorality and idolatry— and exemplified it to others. They compromised with evil— and did not confront it, but instead condoned it.  

They listened to a false prophetic voice— one who was not one with God, nor godliness, nor righteousness, nor love or truth; and so she remained and seduced more people into her ways, and held the power: and because of this— they were cast into, headlong into— great tribulation for committing adultery (or union with unclean spirits) and cheating on God, whilst claiming his name: and so death passed upon them who would not repent.  And God gave to each man— according to his works.

• In Sardis they were a dead church going through motions of religious activities— claiming they were right with God and keeping to his name— but they were dead: which means— darkness was lived instead of in the light, and hypocrisy abounded instead of authenticity.

They were admonished for still having things present in them, and of their actions— that should die and not be upheld any longer; and the Lord warns of coming upon them when they are not prepared for ‘a visitation.’

They lacked genuine faith and practices of righteousness, love, truth, and light.

Things said to Laodicea (specifically):

• Their works and hearts were lukewarm, they were not a true witness nor faithful to God, godliness, or righteousness— and committed a plethora of idolatry and immorality: and God rejects them because of this.  

They were rich in material things: complacent, spiritually proud, and overly focused on material wealth and thought they had it pretty good in life.  They walked in earthly financial success over their spiritual life or walk, and it led to a sense of self-sufficiency.

They were never fully devoted to God, but rather— indifferent and lacking passion for God, in their faith.

Pride and self-deception:  They thought they were doing good, but God, instead, says to them— You are wretched, and miserable, and poor (in godliness), and spiritually blind, and naked (not clothed in his righteousness).  

And he says— I counsel you to buy of me gold, which is a need for repentance and reformation to their person, through trials of fire— so that they may be truthfully rich in godliness, and in union with God himself.  

That they should desire to attain the white raiment of purity and authenticity lived with God— so that they may be clothed in the proper garments to come in (no other garment worn will come through the gates).  

Because he desires for the shame of their nakedness (darkness lived and affiliated with) to no longer appear, or be manifest in them; they have need of the Great Physician to anoint their eyes with eye-salve— that they may see clearly— to come into this with God: removing the reprobate mind to penetrate the heart.

He states— they need rebuke and chastening; and they have need to be zealous in repentance (turning around, completely, within).

They have need for true repentance, and true salvation— and he tells the lukewarm church fiery trials are coming unto them to achieve this opportunity to repent, be rebuked, chastened, and to come into true salvation, life, and union, with God holy, for real.  

He is bidding them, knocking on the doors of their hearts to open up to him for real, and let him in— so he can bring his food in unto them (the truth).

And to those who will— he will grant them to be seated with him in his throne (this speaks of joint life in God, and God in us, within heaven and earth); as then they will be overcomers of darkness and estrangement (death, and death ways— sin), and will be seated with the Father, as the Son is.

• The old sound, and old song we have sung for eons in our flesh natures— that we were born into— needs to die; and the new sound needs to come forth, via the new song we are singing, of the newly renewed authentic relationship we are living with the Lord God, Most High and Holy God.

And that new sound and song will come forth with our sanctification (being washed and conformed to the word of God, and the truth lived— once again), and by our consecration (living the called out life unto him, and out of the world and its affiliations) unto him, as we move in true love, from our authentic and true identities: all found in reunion and yoking to the Spirit of the Holy, and Living God, once again.

May the NEW SOUND, and NEW SONG SUNG— come forth on the lips, and from the hearts of your people— Lord Jesus: by the yoking oneness with your Holy Spirit.

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The culmination of these things to be learned, regarding the book of Revelation is that we are to be attaining the ‘things right,’ and loosing and eradicating the ‘the things wrong,’ learning from all the lessons in the scriptures.

And when we will not— we will not see a result in the world, or a result in our lives, based in sow and reap— that we desire to see, or experience.  But one thing can be sure— all that God will set in motion— is to save a man: at whatever cost and cause he deems appropriate to assist in this; and it will be all ‘just.’

The things that will come upon the earth, that will cause men’s hearts to fail them for looking at the things that come to be— is because it is what man has coupled with (by far and large in society), and so it shall be.

But— he also is just, he is not mocked or diminished in his justice— what a man sows, he will also reap; and God has a remnant of true sons and daughters who will come on the scene at the same time that the world goes into chaos and fiery trials; and these mature children of his will bring in the light, and many will come to their light.

Isaiah 60:3 “And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

There is a rhyme and reason to all God does, and he is just, and he is merciful; and his merciful and just ones will come on the scene— when the world is in its darkest hour.

There is a correlation between the letters to the 7 churches, or the perfection of the situation of the status of the state of the church (all the facets), and the 7 seals and what is released.

{Revelation 6:1–17 and 8:1–5}

The events that occur: The opening of the seals releases a series of events, including:  The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, The cries of martyrs, Plagues, storms, and other cataclysmic events, Seven angels blowing trumpets to announce seven end-time events. 

The meaning of the seals: The seals are some of the most notable apocalyptic symbols in the book of Revelation. The purpose of the seals is to show what will happen in the future and that God's plan of salvation will be fulfilled.

The seals also reveal things about the church; and they correlate to the church (the authentic happenings within the people of the house of God).

Each seal opened— will deal with issues.

After the chapters of Revelation that speak about the churches, chapter 4 speaks of the Lord God himself, in all his majesty and awe, power and glory: right before we start to speak about him opening seals of judgement.

So— we have the issues with the churches (or combined, the church itself in its various paradigms worldwide), and then we have an introduction to the Almighty; and then— the introduction of his just judgments.

Revelation 4:11

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.“

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There are seven seals on a scroll that mark the beginning of the apocalypse of Jesus Christ; the scroll contains the judgments of God with seals keeping it closed until the appointed time of revelation.

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Revelation 6

“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying— Come and see.

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say— Come and see.

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say— Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say— A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say— Come and see.

And I looked, and behold, a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;  and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

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Let’s see this correlation in a fuller way, in part 2 of:  The Overcoming Church, and the 7’s— as we break down the churches thoroughly; and we come into the understanding that we are in need of being a prepared for, and by, the Lord kind of people— for the return of the Lord, unto his people.