7 CHURCHES 7 LESSONS

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(NKJV)

18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

(NKJV)

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

1. Introduction: “The things which you have seen” (1:1-20)

(NKJV)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

The New King James Version Chapter 25

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

A. Prologue (1:1-3)

In we see the Christ Jesus appears to John on the isle of Patmos.

Analyze 1:7-8

In we see the Christ Jesus appears to John on the isle of Patmos.

(NKJV)

In we see the Christ Jesus appears to John on the isle of Patmos.

(NKJV)

B. Salutation and Doxology (1;4-8)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

1. The Christ announces who/what He is

32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Analyze 1:7-8

Judgement of the Gentiles

C. The Son of Man and the churches (1:9-20)

1. The Christ announces who & what He is

Analyze 1:7-8

2. He directs John to write down what he sees

In we see the Christ Jesus appears to John on the isle of Patmos.

1. The Christ announces who & what He is

2. He directs John to write down what he sees

1. The Christ announces who & what He is

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

3. He directs John to give it to the 7 churches of Asia

Analyze 1:7-8

2. He directs John to write down what he sees

Blessed is he who hears & keeps these words of this prophecy.

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

3. He directs John to give it to the 7 churches of Asia

2. He directs John to write down what he sees

1. The Christ announces who & what He is

The ball example points:

3. He directs John to give it to the 7 churches of Asia

41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

The ball example points:

1. We cannot see all the ball no matter what we do

2. He directs John to write down what he sees

The ball example points:

But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

1. We cannot see all the ball no matter what we do

3. He directs John to give it to the 7 churches of Asia

2. Jesus Christ can see all the ball at all times

1. We cannot see all the ball at the same time no matter what we do

2. Jesus Christ can see all the ball at all times

1. We cannot see all the ball at the same time no matter what we do

The ball example points:

a) He sees our deeds

“And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”

2. Jesus Christ can see all the ball at all times

a) He sees our heart

1. We cannot see all the ball no matter what we do

b) He sees our possible choices

b) He sees our deeds

3. We are that ball

The reading of this prophecy carries with a promise of blessing. The reading in view is not just mental. The reader must also keep (take to heart and apply) what is written. This is the first of seven significant “blessed” statements or beatitudes in the book of Revelation (14:13; 16:15;19:9; 20.6; 22:7,14) Seven the number of perfection, will recur throughout this book.

c) He sees the infinite outcomes from each possible choice we could make in any situation

2. Jesus Christ can see all the ball at all times

c) He sees all of our possible choices

The Prophecy must be kept (as to take to heart and apply) that is written.

a) He sees our heart

d) He sees how our each possible choice will affect ourselves

a) He sees our heart

b) He sees our deeds

d) He sees the infinite outcomes from each possible choice we could make in any situation

b) He sees our deeds

e) He sees how those directly involved and each person down the line from now to the end of the world will be affected

e) He sees how our each possible choice will affect ourselves

c) He sees all of our possible choices

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”

c) He sees all of our possible choices

f) And finally he sees the choice we made

f) He sees how those directly involved and each person down the line from now to the end of the world will be affected

d) He sees the infinite outcomes from each possible choice we could make in any situation

Now I want you to understand, the choices you make will not alter the end result of God’s plan for the reconciliation of His children with Him.

d) He sees the infinite outcomes from each possible choice we could make in any situation

e) He sees how our each possible choice will affect ourselves

15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

e) He sees how our each possible choice will affect ourselves

g) And finally he sees the choice we made

What your choices do affect is whether or not you and others you come into contact with will be included in the reconciliation.

e) He sees how our each possible choice will affect ourselves

f) He sees how those directly involved and each person down the line from now to the end of the world will be affected

*Now I want you to understand, the choices you make will not alter the end result of God’s plan for the reconciliation of His children with Him.

f) He sees how those directly involved and each person down the line from now to the end of the world will be affected

The first church addressed, the church of Ephesus, starts in chapter 2:1

g) And finally he sees the choice we made

*What your choices do affect is whether or not you and others you come into contact with will be included in the reconciliation...

9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

g) And finally he sees the choice we made

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THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS

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*Now I want you to understand, the choices you make will not alter the end result of God’s plan for the reconciliation of His children with Him.

6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

The first church addressed, the church of Ephesus, starts in chapter 2:1

*Now I want you to understand, the choices you make will not alter the end result of God’s plan for the reconciliation of His children with Him.

*What your choices do affect is whether or not you and others you come into contact with will be included in the reconciliation...

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Church of Ephesus

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS

(NKJV)

THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS

The first church addressed, the church of Ephesus, starts in chapter 2:1

2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

The first church addressed, the church of Ephesus, starts in chapter 2:1

(NKJV)

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

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said the greatest of all the commandments was to LOVE GOD with all your heart, nothing in your life should be put before your love for God.

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2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

(NKJV)

Greeting the Seven Churches

The church of Ephesus had lost the greatest of all commandments.

(NKJV)

said the greatest of all the commandments was to LOVE GOD with all your heart, nothing in you life should be put before your love for God.

2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

The church of Ephesus had a few things going their way with God.

2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:

1. They worked ()

Grace to you and peace from Him 1A who is and 2A who was and who is to come, 3A and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, 4A the faithful 5A witness, the firstborn from the dead, and 6 the ruler over the kings of the earth.

said the greatest of all the commandments was to LOVE GOD with all your heart, nothing in your life should be put before your love for God.

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.”

The church of Ephesus had lost the greatest of all commandments.

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has 1A made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

2. They were patient ()

The church of Ephesus had lost the greatest of all commandments.

The church of Ephesus had a few things going their way with God.

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and 2A every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

The church of Ephesus had a few things going their way with God.

3. Did not bear evil ()

1. They worked ()

4. They tested the people for false doctrine ()

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

1. They worked ()

2. They were patient ()

1A.

5. They persevered ()

3. Did not bear evil ()

Though the church of Ephesus was serving God in several ways correctly they had lost the most important thing – The purpose behind service.

3. Did not bear evil ()

14 God said to Moses, “aI AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

3. Did not bear evil ()

4. They tested the people for false doctrine ()

C. S. Lewis said it best:

2A.

5. They persevered ()

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

“Joy is the serious busy of Heaven.”

Though the church of Ephesus was serving God in several ways correctly they had lost the most important thing – The purpose behind service.

3A.

The church of Ephesus was too busy with the business of church and not the serious business of joy through worshiping God. ()

Though the church of Ephesus was serving God in several ways correctly they had lost the most important thing – The purpose behind service.

C. S. Lewis said it best:

THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him,

“Joy is the serious busy of Heaven.”

(NKJV)

“Joy is the serious busy of Heaven.”

The spirit of wisdom and understanding,

The church of Ephesus was too busy with the business of church and not the serious business of joy through worshiping God. ()

The spirit of counsel and strength,

9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

The church of Smyrna is in a great spiritual battle.

THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA

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1. They are doing great works

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2. They are also in a great battle with those of the coward Satan

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9 ‘For behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave an inscription on it,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

(NKJV)

9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

3. And to add insult to injury – they are poor financially

9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The church of Smyrna is in a great spiritual battle.

But the Christ tells John, I know these things that are happening even unto death but don’t fear.

1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

The church of Smyrna is in a great spiritual battle.

He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

1. They are doing great works

87 years ago and the time in American history we call “The Great Depression”, our country had reached its lowest depth since the inception of our independence in 1776. Few people will remember the details of Roosevelt’s first inaugural address in 1933. But, even today most people can quote one sentence verbatim from the first paragraph of his speech: “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself…”

2. They are also in a great battle with those of the coward Satan

Why do you think Christ tells the church of Smyrna, “do not fear”.

5 Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God;

3. And to add insult to injury – they are poor financially

Why do you think Roosevelt told the Americans in 1933, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”?

3. And to add insult to injury – they are poor financially

But the Christ tell Smyrna, I know the things that are happening even unto death but don’t fear.

The 3 most common reactions to fear are:

87 years ago and the time in American history we call “The Great Depression”, our country had reached its lowest depth since the inception of our independence in 1776. Few people will remember the details of Roosevelt’s first inaugural address in 1933. But, even today most people can quote one sentence verbatim from the first paragraph of his speech: “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself…”

1. Fleeing

6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.

Why does Christ tell the church of Smyrna, “do not fear”.

2. Hiding

4A.

Why does Roosevelt told the Americans in 1933, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”?

3. Freezing

14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.

Why does Roosevelt told the Americans in 1933, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”?

You cannot persevere if you’re fleeing the scene,

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The 3 most common reactions to fear are:

You cannot rebuild if you’re hiding from the devastation,

4 “Behold, I have made him a witness to the peoples,

The 3 most common reactions to fear are:

You cannot grow if you’re frozen in place.

1. Fleeing

A leader and commander for the peoples.

2. Hiding

The church, the body, of Smyrna HAD to stand strong - even unto death so that thousands, hundreds of thousands of people would have a path Salvation as they did.

5 A trustworthy witness will not lie,

3. Freezing

THE CHURCH OF PERGAMOS

But a false witness cutters lies.

(NKJV)

You cannot persevere if you’re fleeing the scene,

13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

You cannot rebuild if you’re hiding from the devastation,

1A

You cannot grow if you’re frozen in place.

The church of Pergamos was very much in a Pagan culture. Basically the Pergamos body of believers lived and functioned daily surrounded by their enemy. And yet the held to the teaching of Jesus and are faithful in troubling times.

5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

The church, the body, of Smyrna HAD to stand strong - even unto death so that thousands, hundreds of thousands of people would have a path to Salvation as they did.

1. The church of Pergamos held to the teachings of Jesus

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

2. They did not loose faith when their bishop Antipas was martyred

THE CHURCH OF PERGAMOS

Remora (re-mor-ah), also called sharksucker or suckerfish, noted for attaching themselves to, and riding about on, sharks, other large marine animals, and oceangoing ships.

(NKJV)

V. 4-5

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Jesus Christ the Alpha & Omega,

Horse bots are honey bee-sized flies that dart around and glue their tiny eggs or nits to body hairs of horses, donkeys and mules. The fast movements of these flies frighten animals. Horses also can injure themselves as they attempt to relieve the irritation from burrowing activities of newly hatched bots. In addition, most of the larval or bot stage of the fly is spent as an internal parasite where it can cause serious problems.

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The ruler over all kings of the earth.

Life Cycle

13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

There are three species of horse bots. Their life cycles are very similar, except in where they attach their yellow to gray eggs to the host. Common horse bot eggs most often are attached to hairs on the fore legs but can be found on the outside of the legs, the mane and on the flanks. Throat bot eggs are attached to the long hairs beneath the jaws. Nose bot eggs are stuck to hairs on the upper and lower lips. It is easy to see how horses can be spooked by flies buzzing at these areas and may injure themselves or people working or riding them at the time. Depending on the species, females deposit from a few hundred to 1,000 eggs during their life time.

V.5-6

The church of Pergamos was very much in a Pagan culture. Basically the Pergamos body of believers lived and functioned daily surrounded by their enemy. And yet the held to the teaching of Jesus and are faithful in troubling times.

Eggs of the common horse bot hatch after a 2- to 5-day incubation period, often stimulated by warmth and moisture from the animal's tongue. Eggs of the other species may hatch without stimulation. Newly hatched bot larvae enter or are taken into the mouth. They spend about 3 weeks in soft tissue of the lips, gums, or tongue. The bots then migrate to the stomach or small intestine where they use sharp mouth hooks to attach to the lining of the organ. Bots can damage the lining of the stomach or small intestine, interfere with the passage of food, or cause other gastrointestinal disorders. They spend about 7 months there before passing out in the feces. The mature larvae enter the soil below the dung pile and pupate. In 2 weeks to 2 months, depending upon the season, they emerge as adults.

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Cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The adults do not have functional mouthparts so they cannot feed. Females go to horses only to lay their eggs. Most of the egg-laying is done during August and September but may continue until the first hard frost.

1. The church of Pergamos held to the teachings of Jesus

Christ has made the path and communication direct to Him, the priesthood of the believer.

1. The church of Pergamos held to the teachings of Jesus

2. They did not loose faith when their bishop Antipas was martyred

The issues with Pergamos was some of the body still had wicked doctrines from the coward Satan hanging to their church.

2. They did not loose faith when their bishop Antipas was martyred

V.7

The Balaam (Bay-lem) as the Nicolaitan doctrines, both encourage sexual immorality. The Balaam doctrine also, encourage eating things sacrificed to idols.

Anyone who has ever owned a horse bot is. Horse bots are honey bee-sized flies that dart around and glue their tiny eggs or nits to body hairs of horses, donkeys and mules.

All who have died and are alive will see Him and from any part of the earth at the same time.

Possible use the sphere example here.

In both cases the doctrines are encouraging infidelity or a betrayal in the personal relationship with God.

Depending on the species, females deposit from a 100+ to 1,000 eggs during their life time.

Eggs of the common horse bot hatch after a 2- to 5-day incubation period, often stimulated by warmth and moisture from the animal's tongue. Newly hatched bot larvae enter or are taken into the mouth. They spend about 3 weeks in soft tissue of the lips, gums, or tongue. The bots then migrate to the stomach or small intestine where they use sharp mouth hooks to attach to the lining of the organ. Bots can damage the lining of the stomach or small intestine, interfere with the passage of food, or cause other gastrointestinal disorders. They spend about 7 months there before passing.

THE CHURCH OF THYATIRA

Vision of the Son of Man

Eggs of the common horse bot hatch after a 2- to 5-day incubation period, often stimulated by warmth and moisture from the animal's tongue. Newly hatched bot larvae enter or are taken into the mouth. They spend about 3 weeks in soft tissue of the lips, gums, or tongue. The bots then migrate to the stomach or small intestine where they use sharp mouth hooks to attach to the lining of the organ. Bots can damage the lining of the stomach or small intestine, interfere with the passage of food, or cause other gastrointestinal disorders. They spend about 7 months there before passing.

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience (steadfast endurance) of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

The issues with Pergamos was similar to having the horse bots in the gastral tract. Some of the wicked doctrines from Balaam and the Nicolaitans was entrenched in their church body.

(NKJV)

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12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.”

Similar to the church of Pergamos, Thyatira had some good works.

The Balaam (Bay-lem) as the Nicolaitan doctrines, both encourage sexual immorality. The Balaam doctrine also, encourage eating things sacrificed to idols.

In both cases the doctrines are encouraging infidelity or a betrayal between the church body and God.

1. Love

THE CHURCH OF THYATIRA

2. Service

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3. Faith

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4. Patience

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19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.”

But the church of Thyatira was much more accepting of false doctrines based on idolatry of sexual immorality and other gods.

19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.”

THE CHURCH OF SARDIS

Similar to the church of Pergamos, Thyatira had some good works.

(NKJV)

1. Love

To the church of Sardis:

2. Service

3. Faith

“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”

3. Faith

4. Patience

Muscles that are not exercised, gradually decline in effectiveness even to the point of complete debilitation due to underuse or neglect.

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At one-point damage to the muscle cannot be correct, in all aspects it is essentially dead.

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But the church of Thyatira was much more accepting of false doctrines based on idolatry of sexual immorality and other gods.

The church of Sardis had a reputation for being alive and well.

Once they were opened up and view from within, most were found to be spiritually dead.

THE CHURCH OF SARDIS

(NKJV)

Sardis was comfortable. They ate well, lived and slept in nice homes, basically a middle to middle upper-class neighborhood.

(NKJV)

They used their selfish, self-centered muscles daily, while all the time their spiritual muscles were dying.

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To the church of Sardis:

For some they were so fleshly comfortable that a spiritual death occurred, they were buried with their putrefied spirit.

To the church of Sardis:

“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”

To comfortable, too long.

Muscles that are not exercised, gradually decline in effectiveness even to the point of complete debilitation due to underuse or neglect.

THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS

(NKJV)

At one-point damage to the muscle cannot be corrected, in all aspects it is essentially dead.

To the church of the Laodiceans:

The church of Sardis had a reputation for being alive and well.

Once they were opened up and viewed from within, most were found to be spiritually dead.

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…”

Sardis was comfortable. They ate well, lived and slept in nice homes, basically what you might see in a middle to middle upper-class neighborhood.

The Laodiceans were much like the church of Sardis, except for one detail – they were not dead yet!

Sardis was comfortable. They ate well, lived and slept in nice homes, basically what you might see in a middle to middle upper-class neighborhood.

They used their selfish, self-centered muscles daily, while all the time their spiritual muscles were dying.

The still had a chance to push away from their comfortable middle of the road lives and stand-up in service to God.

They used their selfish, self-centered muscles daily, while all the time their spiritual muscles were dying.

For some they were so fleshly comfortable that a spiritual death occurred and they were buried with their putrefied spirit.

THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA

Is it pot luck day?

(NKJV)

To comfortable, too long.

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

To comfortable, too long.

THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS

13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS

As a church today what should we learn from the 7 churches of Asia?

(NKJV)

To the church of the Laodiceans:

1. Keep the love for God first in all we do. ()

2. Do not fear the world. ()

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3. Serve only one God. ()

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…”

The Laodiceans were much like the church of Sardis, except for one detail – they were not dead yet!

4. Do not allow spiritual atrophy. (Hebrew 10:24-25)

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(NKJV)

18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

They still had a chance to escape the certain death from their comfortable middle of the road lives and stand-up in serve God – as they should.

THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA

(NKJV)

The church of Philadelphia, now these guys had it right.

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‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David (Christ’s authority in the household of God) , He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

As a church today what should we learn from the 7 churches of Asia?

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1. Ephesus - Keep the love for God first in all we do. ()

1. Keep the love for God first in all we do. ()

2. Smyrna - Do not fear the world. ()

2. Do not fear the world. ()

3. Pergamos - Serve only one God. ()

3. Serve only one God. ()

4. Do not allow spiritual atrophy. (Hebrew 10:24-25)

4. Thyatira - Repent and be cleansed. ()

5. Sardis - Do not allow spiritual atrophy. (Hebrew 10:24-25)

What will Christ do if we do as he commands?

6. Laodiceans - It’s not too late to change your ways. ()

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7. Philadelphia - Keep His commandment. ()

1. Those who liars and brought corruption in the church will be made to “worship at you feet”

What will Christ do if we do as he commands?

2. He will protect you from the hour of trial that comes upon the rest of the world

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3. He will make you a pillar (make a permanent home) in the temple of God

1. Those who liars and brought corruption in the church will be made to “worship at your feet”

4. He will be marked as a child of the Most-High God and His city

5. And you will receive your eternal name from God

2. He will protect you from the hour of trial that comes upon the rest of the world

3. He will make you a pillar (make a permanent home) in the temple of God

(NKJV)

4. He will be marked as a child of the Most-High God and His city

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

5. And you will receive your eternal name from God

(NKJV)

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.