We remember a movement from yesteryears that was quite well known as many wore the bracelet WWJD—What Would Jesus Do? That is still a profound question to us in the Body of believers called the Church. As we approach the 2,000 year milestone of the Church Age that was birthed on Pentecost as the Holy Spirit rained down upon believers just as Jesus had promised before His ascension back to heaven—we again ask the question—What Would Jesus Do or Say to us at such a time as this? First, I believe that God is calling us to two major scripture passages one from Hebrews 13:8 that reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus Christ’s unchanging and consistency in character, plan and promises is steadfast and immovable. This understanding provides a foundation for believers to trust in Him and in His promises, finding comfort and hope in His unchanging nature. Secondly, I believe that God is calling us back to a passage from 2 Peter 3: 1-9 that reminds us of important truths concerning the coming day of the Lord’s return: scoffers and doubters will be abundant saying “Where is the promise of His coming?” Peter gives us a revelation or clue regarding the time of Jesus’ return: “with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…but is patient toward you—not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” As we observe God’s eternal plan as outlined in the Bible, many agree that it falls into 7 periods of time called dispensations that indicates that this Age of Grace called the Church is drawing to a close. I believe that Jesus is calling us back to the final words He spoke to the churches in the final book of the Bible—Revelation that concludes God’s Plan of the Ages—from Eternity to Eternity! (Ps. 90: 2) The book of Revelation, written by the apostle John, contains a series of visions and prophecies that describe the end times and the ultimate victory of God over evil.
The first 3 Chapters in Revelation is addressed to the seven communities of believers in Asia and provides a snapshot of the spiritual condition of the early church and offers timeless lessons for believers today. May we personally grasp these opening remarks: “Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, as well as from the seven spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom of priests to His God and Father—to Him be glory and power forever! Amen!” (Rev. 1: 4-6) It is time for us as believers to take these messages to the churches personally as we are near the end of this Age of Grace. We can get excited as that day approaches that we will see Him coming with the clouds—the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end! (Rev. 1: 7-8)
John was given a vision of the glorious Son of Man in 1: 12-20 standing in the midst of seven golden menorahs or seven communities of believers. According to the Hebrew Bible, God commanded the Israelites to create a seven-branched Menorah for the Tabernacle in the wilderness and was later placed in the Temple in Jerusalem where it was lit every evening and cleaned every morning. The light of the Menorah symbolized an eternal flame, representing God’s presence and guidance. The Menorah is the real symbol of Israel representing the nation’s Jewish roots which we see connected to the Son of Man—Yeshua—Messiah. (Note: The present flag of Israel was designed and promoted in 1886 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild a key player in the modern Zionist movement. There is no biblical, archaeological or Jewish evidence that traces this symbol to King David of Israel. Read Amos 5: 26 and Acts 7: 41-43.) The message from Jesus is: “Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the One who lives. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever! Moreover, I hold the keys of death and hell.” Jesus has been given authority by the Father and He holds the keys of judgment. He stands in the midst of the seven communities of believers and knows everything about them as He also knows everything about the churches and each one in the Body today. Each message addressed the particular spiritual condition of the church and urged the believers to overcome their challenges and grow in faith and love.
Ephesus: (Rev. 2: 1-7) The message to the church at Ephesus was mixed. They were commended for persevering and enduring but judged for having forsaken their first love—Jesus. They were instructed to repent and do the deeds they did at the first, and to hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans believed that Christians were free to engage in sexual immorality without moral consequences. They advocated for a license to sin, claiming that freedom in Christ granted them a “blank check” to indulge in sinful behavior. They compromised the Christian faith by incorporating pagan practices and beliefs and encouraged Christians to abandon themselves to pleasure, leading a life of self-indulgence. Their teaching perverted the doctrine of grace, replacing it with lawlessness. They abused the concept of freedom in Christ, using it as an excuse for sinful behavior rather than a motivation for holy living. They were linked to other false teachers, such as Balaam, who promoted similar heresies. Jesus condemned the Nicolaitans’ teachings, calling them an abomination (Rev. 2: 6, 15). The early Christian Church, as represented by the apostles and church leaders, rejected their heresy and sought to protect the faithful from their corrupting influence. The call was to renew their love of God, listen to the Holy Spirit, to overcome the worldly influence so that the Light of Christ would not be removed! The promise for obedience is that they will eat from the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God! That is a right-now message to us today!
Smyrna: (Rev. 2: 8-11) This church had endured great tribulation, poverty, and were slandered by those who say they are Jewish and are not but are of the synagogue of Satan. (Note: This is another warning about the infiltration of so-called Jews that infiltrated and deceived the people.) These believers were commended for their endurance and faithfulness. They were encouraged not to fear as the devil was about to throw some of them into prison, so that they would be tested. They were told that the tribulation or testing would last 10 days. That would compare to today’s threat of being locked down in our homes under a state of emergency for 10 days. They were instructed to be faithful until death and their reward would be the crown of life and would never be harmed by the second death or eternal separation from God.
Pergamum: (Rev. 2: 12-17) Jesus announced that He knows where they live—where Satan’s throne is as god of this world. Jesus encouraged them to hold firm to His Name, not to deny their faith even where Satan resides. There were those there who held to the teaching of Balaam which included sacrifice of children and sexual immorality. According to scripture, Balaam suggested that the Moabite women should seduce the Israelite men by inviting them to participate in idolatrous and immoral feasts (Numbers 25: 1-5) This led to the Israelites committing fornication and idolatry, resulting in thousands of deaths (Numbers 25: 6-8). In essence, the Doctrine of Balaam is about compromising one’s faith and morality by adopting pagan practices and values, often under the guise of convenience, pleasure, or financial gain. This doctrine is condemned in scripture as a form of spiritual adultery, where the church (represented by the Israelites) becomes entangled with the world (represented by the Moabites) and loses its spiritual purity. The call was to repent and have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. The reward promised is hidden manna and a white stone written with a new name known only by the holder.
Thyatira: (Rev. 2: 18-28) They were commended for their love, faith, service and endurance. However, they were condemned for the tolerance of false teachings identified as the spirit of Jezebel. In biblical contexts, the Jezebel spirit is often associated with Queen Jezebel’s influence over King Ahab, leading him to commit evil and idolatry (I Kings 16: 31, 2 Kings 9: 30-37). In Rev. 2:20, Jesus warns the church about a woman who, like Jezebel, leads many into immorality and eating idolatrous food. In modern Christian teachings, the Jezebel spirit is seen as a demonic influence that can operate through individuals, often targeting churches, marriages, and other organizations. It is characterized by manipulation and control; seduction and deception; idolatry and immorality; and refusal to repent. Jesus knows the minds and hearts and is just. A warning is sounded to the believers to avoid the “deep things” of Satan. Interesting as we are hearing warnings about the dangers and evils of the “deep state” today! Jesus commanded them to hold firm to truth and faith until the end. Those who overcome will be given Jesus’ authority! This gives us encouragement as we face similar circumstances today.
Sardis: (Rev. 3: 1-6) Jesus stated that they had a reputation of being alive but in reality were dead! He warns them to “Wake up, and strengthen truth” and to remember what you received and heard—to obey it and repent. They were to wake up and fix their eyes on Jesus, who is coming in an hour that we do not know. There is a remnant that have remained faithful and committed who walk with Jesus and whose name will not be blotted out of the Book of Life; whose name will be confessed before the Father and His angels. Truly our generation can identify with this warning to “wake up” and be “revived” and “walk in faithful obedience” to the task for which we are called—to be about the Father’s business sharing the Good News of Jesus!
Philadelphia: (Rev. 3: 7-13) Jesus announced favor upon those in this church that held to the True Messiah—the Holy One—the True One—to those who have remained faithful to the heir of the Throne of David—and hold to the key to the Door that no one is able to shut. They have kept His word and have not denied His name. In contrast to the faithful ones who endured are those who are mere pretenders of being God’s chosen people but who in reality serve Satan. He promises that those will be humbled and made to bow at their feet and acknowledge that Messiah loves His chosen people. The faithful ones who have kept His word will be kept from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world. They are to be watchful for His return and to hold on to truth, faith and to the hope of the crown for those who overcome. They will have a place in the Temple of God who will never forsake—in the City of God—the New Jerusalem which will come down out of heaven from God with our new name! May it be so for each of us!
Laodicea: (Rev. 3: 14-22) A special declaration is made to this church: “Thus says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.” Jesus does not approve of their deeds as they are neither cold nor hot but lukewarm so that they are repulsive and disapproved! The reason lies with the age-old sin of pride and self-sufficiency. Their focus has been on buildings and followings and lacked purity and were devoid of truth. They were in need of rebuke and discipline to lead them to true repentance and dependence on God. Jesus had ceased to be the focus of their hearts as pictured by Him standing on the outside knocking on the door to come in. Jesus desires fellowship and commitment from His followers as He has prepared a special place for all those who love Him and look for His appearing. Again, the warning to the church is to have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Recently, a book from the last sermon series in 2005 from Dr. Adrain Rogers was published entitled “A Final Charge to the Church”. He says to the Body of Christ—the True Church: “God has no program, no plans, no purposes that do not ultimately center on the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is in all of the Bible, and you will find Him especially in the prophecy…Magnify JESUS through worship and the Word, moving believers in JESUS toward maturity and ministry, and making JESUS known to our neighbors and the nations.” This is the message to the Church today—Even so LORD JESUS come!